Why Take the Train from Da Nang to Hue?
A Scenic Journey Like No Other
The Train from Da Nang to Hue offers travelers front-row seats to some of the most awe-inspiring views in Vietnam. As the train Da Nang to Hue glides slowly along the coastline, you’ll witness the emerald waters of Lang Co Bay, the shimmering Lap An Lagoon, and the cloud-wrapped peaks of the Hai Van Pass. The track weaves through tunnels and cliffs, revealing landscapes you won’t see from the highway. This is not just travel — this is a heritage train journey you’ll remember for a lifetime.
A Rich Cultural Experience
Unlike modern roads, the railway between Da Nang to Hue was built during the French colonial era. Riding this historic route gives you the chance to connect with Vietnam’s past. The train from Da Nang to Hue runs along tracks that have witnessed over a century of history, from colonial transport to today’s cultural connection between two UNESCO heritage cities.
Relaxing, Comfortable & Eco-Friendly
Why deal with traffic, winding roads, or motion sickness? The train Da Nang Hue lets you relax, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery in total comfort. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice — trains produce far less pollution than private cars or buses. Whether you’re heading Hue to Danang or Danang to Hue, you’re traveling light on nature, heavy on experience.
Perfect for Photography & Memory-Making
This route is a dream for photography lovers. With views of mountains, beaches, fishing villages, and lagoons, it’s packed with perfect photos to show friends and family back home. The train schedule Da Nang to Hue even lets you choose the best time of day for natural lighting — morning light for calm bays, afternoon sun for mountain peaks.
Train from Da Nang to Hue (Sours: klook)
Train Types and Classes: Which One to Choose?
Reunification Express (SE Trains): Affordable and Flexible
The SE Trains — including SE2, SE4, SE6, and SE8 — are part of Vietnam’s national rail network. These options run daily and offer a range of travel times and classes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Pros: Affordable prices, many time slots, reliable service.
- Cons: Basic service and limited scenic extras.
- Best for: Budget travelers, solo backpackers, locals, students.
Want ocean views of the Hai Van Pass? Choose SE4 or SE2, which pass through this stunning section around midday — perfect for those magical photos to show later!
Reunification Express (Sours: lonelyplanet)
Heritage Trains (HD1–HD4): A Cultural Experience on Rails
If you’re searching for the most immersive experience on the Train from Da Nang to Hue, look no further than the heritage train — with codes HD1, HD2, HD3, and HD4.
- Pros: Cultural ambiance, music shows, local food onboard, panoramic views.
- Cons: Slightly higher ticket prices, fewer daily departures.
- Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, families, senior travelers.
These trains include a community coach where passengers can enjoy Hue-style performances and sample regional snacks. Plus, they make a special 10-minute stop at Lang Co Station — ideal for a quick photo break overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
For optimal lighting and views on the Danang to Hue route, HD2 (morning) and HD4 (afternoon) are fantastic options. Both depart from the scenic Da Nang railway station and arrive just in time for lunch or sunset in Hue.
Heritage Trains (Sours: danangfantasticity)
Seating & Sleeping Options: Choose Your Comfort
Here’s a breakdown of available classes on the train Da Nang Hue:
- Hard seat: Cheapest option, no-frills, basic benches (only on SE trains).
- Soft seat (Air-conditioned): Comfortable for daytime travel — ideal for mid-range travelers.
- Hard berth (6-berth cabin): Shared cabin with simple bunk beds — great for overnight or quiet rest.
- Soft berth (4-berth cabin): More private and cushioned — perfect for families or elderly passengers.
- VIP cabin (SE2): A premium 2-berth space offering privacy and extra comfort — great for couples or upscale explorers.
Seating & Sleeping Options (Sours: localvietnam)
Train Schedule from Da Nang to Hue (and Return)
From Da Nang to Hue – Daily Departures
Train Code
|
Departure – Da Nang
|
Arrival – Hue
|
Duration
|
Best For
|
SE8
|
00:56 AM
|
03:28 AM
|
~2h 32m
|
Budget night travelers
|
SE6
|
10:30 AM
|
01:38 PM
|
~3h 08m
|
Scenic ride in daylight
|
SE4
|
12:57 PM
|
03:27 PM
|
~2h 30m
|
Great lighting for photography
|
SE2
|
01:55 PM
|
04:19 PM
|
~2h 24m
|
Midday views over Hai Van Pass
|
HD2 (Heritage)
|
07:50 AM
|
11:05 AM
|
~3h 15m
|
Cultural experience + nature
|
HD4 (Heritage)
|
03:00 PM
|
05:45 PM
|
~2h 45m
|
Golden hour views, local music
|
From Hue to Da Nang – Return Journey
Train Code
|
Departure – Hue
|
Arrival – Da Nang
|
Duration
|
Best For
|
SE5
|
05:39 AM
|
08:30 AM
|
~2h 51m
|
Early birds, great for day trips
|
SE3
|
08:45 AM
|
11:14 AM
|
~2h 29m
|
Bright daylight, excellent scenery
|
SE1
|
10:04 AM
|
12:32 PM
|
~2h 28m
|
Mid-morning trip, very popular
|
HD1 (Heritage)
|
07:45 AM
|
10:35 AM
|
~2h 50m
|
Cultural journey with Lang Co stop
|
HD3 (Heritage)
|
02:25 PM
|
05:40 PM
|
~3h 15m
|
Perfect for sunset travelers
|
Best Trains for Scenic Views & Photography
For unbeatable views of the Hai Van Pass, sparkling coastline, and lush jungle cliffs:
- SE2 and SE4 pass through the most scenic areas during midday – excellent for lighting and visibility.
- HD2 and HD4, as heritage train services, offer large windows, a slower pace, and a special stop at Lang Co Bay – a dream for photographers!
- The train Da Nang to Hue in the afternoon (HD4 or SE2) often delivers golden-hour light — ideal for your most stunning photos to show.
Hai Van Pass (Sours: vietnamtourism)
Ticket Prices and Booking Tips
Price Breakdown by Class (Updated 2025)
Seat/Berth Type
|
SE Trains (VND)
|
USD (Approx.)
|
Heritage Train (HD)
|
Hard Seat
|
50,000 – 70,000
|
$2 – $3
|
Not available
|
Soft Seat (A/C)
|
80,000 – 120,000
|
$3 – $5
|
150,000 – 180,000 VND
|
Hard Berth (6 beds)
|
130,000 – 150,000
|
$5 – $6
|
Not available
|
Soft Berth (4 beds)
|
150,000 – 170,000
|
$6 – $7
|
Not available
|
VIP Cabin (SE2 only)
|
339,000
|
~$13–14
|
Not available
|
Note: Heritage trains HD2 and HD4 include onboard cultural experiences and local food (extra charge), making them a true heritage train journey along the Hai Van Pass — well worth the price!
Who Gets a Discount?
Vietnam Railway offers discounts for:
- Children under 5: Free (if sharing seat/bed with an adult)
- Children aged 5–9: 50% off
- Vietnamese seniors (60+): 20% off
- Disabled persons: 25% off
- Vietnamese Heroic Mothers: 90% off
Ticket (Sours: vietnambudgetcarrental)
Best Seats for Ocean Views
Which Side of the Train Has the Best View?
For the Da Nang to Hue train, always choose a seat on the left-hand side (facing forward in the direction of travel). This side opens up to sweeping vistas of the South China Sea, with fishing boats dancing in the waves, lush green mountains rising behind you, and the iconic curve of Lang Co Bay below.
On the return journey — Hue to Danang — go for the right-hand side to enjoy the same ocean-facing panorama in reverse.
Whether you’re on a heritage train or a Reunification Express, the magic is the same — the scenery unfolds dramatically on one side. That’s the side where you’ll capture your best photos to show.
How to Choose or Request the Best Window Seat
If you’re booking online through trusted platforms like dsvn.vn, Vexere, or the VNPAY App, look for the seat map feature to pick your spot. Opt for odd-numbered seats or those specifically marked as left-side (for Danang to Hue) or right-side (for Hue to Danang).
Booking at the Da Nang railway station in person? Ask the staff directly for a window seat on the left side if you’re heading north to Hue. They know the route well and will usually accommodate your request if available.
Bonus tip: Sit in the middle cars of the train for a smoother ride and fewer obstructions when photographing through the window.
Best Timing for Scenic Views by Train Type
Not all train Da Nang Hue schedules are created equal — and timing plays a huge role in what you’ll see:
Train Code
|
Departure Time
|
Best For
|
HD2
|
07:50 AM
|
Clear skies, soft morning light over the coast
|
SE4
|
12:57 PM
|
Midday brilliance, perfect clarity for photos
|
SE2
|
01:55 PM
|
Warm tones, great for capturing the Hai Van Pass
|
HD4
|
03:00 PM
|
Golden hour begins – magical light on the mountains
|
Onboard Experience: What to Expect
Food & Drinks Onboard
Hungry on the rails? No worries! Staff members regularly roll carts down the aisle offering:
- Vietnamese lunch boxes (if traveling between 11 AM – 1 PM)
- Sticky rice with pork, boiled eggs, or chicken
- Instant noodles, coffee, tea, and bottled water
Toilets: What to Expect
Let’s keep it real — toilets on Vietnamese trains are basic. You’ll find both squat-style and Western-style units, but:
- Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Carry a small mask (yes, sometimes it’s needed!)
- Go early in the ride — facilities tend to be cleaner at the start
Air Conditioning, Outlets & Wi-Fi
Onboard facilities vary by train type:
- SE Trains: All cars are air-conditioned, especially in soft seat and sleeper cabins. Some cars have power outlets near the window or under the seats (ask the staff).
- Heritage Train (HD): You’ll enjoy well-maintained air-conditioning, and select seats offer USB charging ports.
- Wi-Fi: Generally not available — but honestly, with those photos to show waiting outside the window, who needs it?
Quiet vs. Social Cars
Want peace and quiet? Go for the soft seat or sleeper cabin on SE trains — ideal for relaxing, reading, or simply watching the sea roll by.
Craving connection? Ride the heritage train and explore the community car — the heart of onboard culture! This space features:
- Live traditional music
- Local snacks and drink
- Cultural displays and crafts
- A warm, social vibe that turns fellow passengers into travel companions
Vietnamese lunch boxes (Sours: feedthepudge)
Conclusion
The Train from Da Nang to Hue is more than a scenic ride — it’s a soul-stirring journey through Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural heartbeat. From the sweeping views of the Hai Van Pass to the charm of the heritage train, every moment is worth savoring. So, grab your camera, check the train schedule Da Nang to Hue, and head to Da Nang railway station — your unforgettable adventure from Danang to Hue awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Train from Da Nang to Hue
How long is the train ride from Da Nang to Hue?
The Train from Da Nang to Hue typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the train type and number of stops. SE2 and SE4 are among the fastest, while the heritage train (HD2 or HD4) is a bit slower — but that’s a good thing! These slower journeys let you truly savor the views over the hai van pass, Lang Co Bay, and emerald rice fields. Always check the train schedule Da Nang to hue to choose the departure time that fits your itinerary.
Is the train from Da Nang to Hue worth it?
Absolutely — a thousand times yes! The Da Nang to hue train is widely regarded as Vietnam’s most scenic rail journey. From the moment you depart Da Nang railway station, the landscape transforms into a rolling postcard of cliffs, lagoons, fishing villages, and coastal curves. Add in the cultural charm of the heritage train, and you’ve got one of the best travel experiences in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a local explorer or international traveler, the train from Da Nang to Hue is a journey worth taking.
How do I get from Da Nang to Hue?
There are a few ways to travel between Da Nang to Hue — bus, motorbike, private car — but nothing compares to the train from Da Nang to Hue for scenery and serenity. Begin your trip at Da Nang railway station, easily reached by taxi, Grab, or shuttle. From there, hop on one of the SE trains or the heritage train, sit back, and enjoy the coast unfold before you.
Is the train from Hue to Da Nang scenic?
Oh yes — incredible! Whether you’re going from Hue to Da Nang or the reverse, the route offers the same dramatic views. You’ll still wind through the Hai Van Pass, glide past the peaceful waters of Lap An Lagoon, and see the sea sparkle from your window. Be sure to sit on the right side when departing Hue for those coastal photos to show — and check the return portion of the train schedule, Da Nang to Hue, to find a daylight ride.