Ride the train to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam! Learn schedules, costs, classes, tips, top attractions, current pricing, and Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Book your scenic rail adventure now!
Hue City, Vietnam’s cultural epicenter, captivates over 2 million visitors annually with its UNESCO-listed Imperial City, tranquil Huong River, and vibrant markets. Located in central Vietnam, Hue’s Phu Hoa and Phu Hoi Wards, featuring the iconic Truong Tien Bridge, are just 1 km from the imperial citadel. The train to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City offers a 18–22 hour scenic ride through diverse landscapes, perfect for enjoying palaces, pagodas, and cuisine upon arrival, with fares $20–$60 (500,000–1,500,000 VND). Essential for rail enthusiasts, history lovers, and eco-conscious travelers, Hue is a must-visit destination.
The Reunification Express provides sustainable, low-carbon travel, aligning with Hue’s “Green City” vision and supported by initiatives like eco-vendors. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism with over 17 years of experience, offers eco-friendly tours starting from Hue Station. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your eco-adventure!
Since 2024, Hue City is a centrally governed city, with the district level abolished in the second half of 2025. Former districts like Phu Xuan are now wards under Hue City’s administration. The train to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City arrives at Hue Station in Phu Hoa Ward, simplifying navigation with ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, crafts eco-friendly tours in Hue City for travelers seeking authentic cultural and natural experiences. Our low-impact tours use electric vehicles or bicycles, guided by English-speaking experts sharing train to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City tips, historical insights, and green practices. Supporting local communities, we align with Hue’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Hue responsibly!
Photograph the historic allure of Hue’s heritage (Source: Internet)The train to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City, primarily the Reunification Express, runs daily with multiple departures, covering ~850 km in 18–22 hours (per 2025 Vietnam Railways data). Scenic views of coast and mountains make it memorable. Here’s a guide to schedules, classes, and tips:
Train Schedules (2025):
SE2: Departs SGN 20:55, arrives Hue 14:13 (17.3 hours); daily.
SE4: Departs SGN 19:00, arrives Hue 12:05 (17 hours); daily.
SE6: Departs SGN 16:00, arrives Hue 10:10 (18.2 hours); daily.
SE8: Departs SGN 06:00, arrives Hue 03:27 (21.5 hours); daily.
Tip: Book via Vietnam Railways app or Baolau.com; early for peak seasons.
Classes & Comfort:
Soft Seat: Basic, air-conditioned ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND).
Hard Sleeper (6 berths): Economical ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND).
Soft Sleeper (4 berths): Comfortable ($45–$60 or 1,125,000–1,500,000 VND); private cabins available.
Deluxe: Luxury with meals ($60+ or 1,500,000 VND+).
Tip: Soft sleeper for overnight; food cart available ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND/meal).
Booking & Tips:
Online: Baolau.com or agents ($2–$5 fee or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Cost: $20–$60 (500,000–1,500,000 VND); children half-price.
Practical: Bring snacks; power outlets in sleepers; eco-tip: reusable bottle.
For Legend Travel Group tours, we coordinate train arrivals with pickups.
Note: Schedules from 2025 Vietnam Railways; confirm as changes possible. Legend Travel Group tours include rail options.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$10, start from Hue Station:
Tour the UNESCO-listed Imperial City in Phu Hoa Ward, best at 8:00 AM, for $5 (125,000 VND).
Cost: $5; free for children under 1.3m.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walk from station (2 km).
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Hue Heritage Tour ($60–$90).
Board a dragon boat at Truong Tien Bridge’s Phu Hoi dock, best at 6:00 PM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-emission boats.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Hue River Eco-Tour ($70–$100).
Visit Dong Ba Market in Phu Hoi Ward, best at 9:00 AM, spending $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND) on snacks.
Cost: Free entry; items $1–$5.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable packaging.
Tip: Short walk from station.
Rent a bike ($2–$4/day or 50,000–100,000 VND) near station, best at 8:00 AM, to Thien Mu Pagoda in Kim Long Ward (free).
Cost: $2–$4; pagoda free.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Zero-emission cycling.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Hue Cycling Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Enjoy bún bò Huế at stalls near Phu Hoi Ward, best at 6:00 PM, for $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Cost: $1–$3.
Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Reusable utensils.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Hue Foodie Tour ($40–$60).
Experience Hue Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)The best time to visit Hue City is November to April (dry season) for sunny days and comfortable exploration. Avoid May to October (rainy) for heavy rains, though cheaper. Tet in January/February adds festivals but crowds. Shoulder months like October or May offer balance.
Hue City, with Phu Bai Airport 15 km from Phu Hoa Ward, is accessible via:
By Air: Fly to Phu Bai from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City ($30–$80 or 750,000–2,000,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours). Airport to city: private car $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND, 20 minutes) or Xanh SM taxi $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).
By Train: Reunification Express from Hanoi (12–14 hours, $20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND) or Ho Chi Minh City (18–22 hours, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND) to Hue Station, 2 km from Phu Hoa Ward.
By Bus: From Hanoi (12–14 hours, $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND) or Ho Chi Minh City (20–24 hours, $20–$35 or 500,000–875,000 VND) to Hue’s central bus station, 4 km from Phu Hoa Ward.
By Private Car: From Da Nang (2 hours, $40–$60 or 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND). Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Bicycle (Local): Rent in Phu Hoa Ward ($2–$4/day) for short trips. Navigation Tip: Save “Imperial City, Phu Hoa, Hue City” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or bicycles minimize emissions.
Train Tip: Scenic choice.
Start your Hue Travel with tranquil vistas (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with apps, offline maps, portable charger ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND); Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Documents: Passport, visa copies; money belt ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks; passport.
Tip: Light luggage for trains.
Train Costs
Soft Seat: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Hard Sleeper: $35–$45 (875,000–1,125,000 VND).
Soft Sleeper: $45–$60 (1,125,000–1,500,000 VND).
Deluxe: $60+ (1,500,000 VND+).
Entry and Activity Fees
Imperial City: $5 (125,000 VND).
Thien Mu Pagoda: Free.
Dong Ba Market Items: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Street Food: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Dragon Boat Ride: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).
Local Drinks: $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs: $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Post-Arrival)
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, street food, bike rental).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (taxi, dragon boat, guided tour).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium tour, market buys).
Tip: Train $20–$60; activities $1–$10; eco-tours include value.
Learn Hue’s cultural legacy with expert insights (Source: Internet)Booking: Online via Vietnam Railways; early for sleepers.
Classes: Soft sleeper for comfort; food on board ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Schedules: Daily; SE2/SE4 recommended.
Sustainability: Train low-carbon.
Navigation: Station to center $2 taxi (50,000 VND).
Weather: Dry for views.
Cultural Note: Chat with locals.
Legend Tours: Pickup from station.
Our eco-friendly tours start from Hue arrival:
Hue Heritage Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Private car to Imperial City, dragon boat ride, Dong Ba Market, with lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, rail tips.
Hue River Eco-Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Dragon boat cruise, Thien Mu Pagoda, Truong Tien Bridge walk, eco-lunch. Includes guide, arrival support.
Hue & Hoi An Explorer ($200–$350/person, 3 days): Hue sites, Hoi An’s town, with homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links!
Hue City, with its imperial citadel and train to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City via Reunification Express (18–22 hours, $20–$60 or 500,000–1,500,000 VND), welcomes over 2 million visitors yearly, where the scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views before immersing in Hue’s heritage. Choosing classes like soft sleeper enhances comfort. Legend Travel Group’s Hue Tours offer eco-friendly, rail-integrated experiences in Hue City, blending green practices with local support. Whether arriving by train to Hue or other means, Hue City promises an enriching, well-connected adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready for the train to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a scenic, imperial adventure!
Author Bio: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback.
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