Heading North from Hoi An to Hue by Private Car

A private car from Hoi An to Hue: the Hai Van tunnel or the pass, and timing your arrival at the hotel

Heading north from Hoi An to Hue is about 130 km and 2.5 hours. The Complex of Hue Monuments was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 11 December 1993, so many guests make this leg to see the monuments in a day or to check in at Hue.

Between the two cities lies the Hai Van Pass, and it is the biggest decision of the leg: the tunnel for a shorter drive, or the pass for the view.

The Hai Van tunnel or the pass

The Hai Van tunnel is 6.28 km long, opened on 5 June 2005 and replaced a stretch of the old pass of about 21 km; the Hai Van Pass is about 500 m high and has the Hai Van Quan gate, built in 1826 at about 496 m. The base table has no separate surcharge for taking the pass; if you want the pass, say so when you send your request so dispatch can confirm the route, the time and any cost for the weather on the day. A closer comparison is in the guide to Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van Pass and the Hai Van Pass scenic drive.

Timing your arrival at the Hue hotel

An illustration, not a fixed schedule: to be at the hotel in Hue at 12:00 the car leaves Hoi An at about 8:45, which leaves about 3 hours 15 minutes for the 2.5 hours plus a buffer and short stops. Opening hours of the Hue monuments change by season, so check at the gate; the details are in the Hue Imperial City and Citadel visitor guide.

The pickup in Hoi An and the drop-off in Hue

For a stay inside the pedestrian zone of the Hoi An old town, vehicles cannot enter at set hours, so meet at a point outside the restricted zone, as in the guide to where to catch your private car in Hoi An at night. In Hue, send the name and address of the hotel; some streets around the Citadel may restrict vehicles at certain hours.

The return and stops

The route rate is one way from Hoi An to Hue; the other direction is covered on its own dedicated route page for a private car from Hue to Hoi An. Stops such as Lang Co or the Lap An Lagoon, waiting time and extra pickups we will quote and confirm separately before the trip.

Not included in the rate

• Not included: monument tickets, personal meals and lodging in Hue; extra stops, waiting time beyond the free allowance in the Trip terms and the return direction are not included automatically and will be clearly itemized in our quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is it from Hoi An to Hue by private car, and how long does it take?

About 130 km and 2.5 hours one way, excluding stops, rush hour and weather. We confirm the time for your travel date and for whether you choose the tunnel or the pass.

Is there an extra charge for taking the Hai Van Pass instead of the tunnel?

The base table has no separate surcharge for taking the pass. Say what you want when you book so dispatch can confirm the route, the time and any cost for the weather on the day.

Can we stop at Lang Co or the Lap An Lagoon on the way?

You can ask. The route price does not include stops, so the stop time and any related cost we will confirm before the trip.

Does the Hoi An to Hue price include the trip back?

No. It is the price for the Hoi An to Hue direction; the return is covered on its own dedicated route page from Hue to Hoi An, and a round trip and waiting time we will quote separately.

What does the Hoi An to Hue price include?

The Hoi An to Hue rate includes a one-way private vehicle, fuel, highway tolls and airport or parking gate fees. Monument tickets, lodging, extra stops and waiting time beyond the free allowance are not included automatically.