Vietnam is long — about 1,650 km from north to south — and that shapes everything about getting around. Rather than describing each type of transport one by one, this guide starts with the question you will actually have: “I need to get from here to there. What is the best way?”
Choose by distance
| Distance | Best option | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 km (in a city) | Walk, ride app (motorbike or car), cyclo for fun | Old Quarter to a museum |
| 10–100 km | Ride app car, private driver, local tour | Hội An → Đà Nẵng airport |
| 100–300 km | Limousine van or private car | Hà Nội → Ninh Bình, Hà Nội → Hạ Long |
| 300–800 km | Overnight sleeper train or sleeper bus | Hà Nội → Huế, Đà Nẵng → Nha Trang |
| 800 km + | Domestic flight | Hà Nội → Sài Gòn, Hà Nội → Đà Nẵng |
In the city
Ride apps
Grab is the most widely used, and there are local alternatives. You see the price before you book, can pay by card, and avoid haggling. A motorbike ride is cheapest and fastest in traffic; a car is better with luggage, in the rain or at night.
Taxis
Metered taxis from well-known companies are fine, but copycat taxis exist. If you take a street taxi, make sure the meter is running.
Cyclos and walking
Cyclos (pedal rickshaws) are a slow, fun way to see an old quarter — agree the total price first. Many city centres are best on foot, as long as you cross roads slowly and steadily.
Between nearby towns: the limousine van
One of the best-kept secrets for visitors is the limousine van (xe limousine): a 9–11 seat van with big reclining seats, often with door-to-door pick-up. They run frequently between cities and nearby destinations, such as Hà Nội and Ninh Bình or Hạ Long. They are faster and more comfortable than a big bus and much cheaper than a private car. Your hotel can usually book one.
Long distances by land
Sleeper train
The north–south railway (often called the Reunification Express) is slow but scenic, especially between Huế and Đà Nẵng. Hà Nội to Đà Nẵng takes around 15–17 hours. Choose a soft sleeper (4-berth cabin) for comfort; the cheaper hard sleeper has 6 berths. Book on the official Vietnam Railways website or through a reputable booking site.
Sleeper bus
Sleeper buses have reclining bunk-style seats and are the cheapest way to cover long distances. They are fine for most people under about 1.75 m; taller travelers may find them cramped. Book with well-reviewed companies, keep valuables with you, and expect a few stops along the way.
Flying
Domestic flights connect all the main cities, often for less than a train ticket if you book a few weeks ahead. Hà Nội to Sài Gòn is about two hours in the air versus well over a day by train. Allow time to get to the airport, and remember that budget fares often charge extra for checked bags.
Renting a motorbike: read this first
Riding through the mountains is a highlight for many travelers, but only do it if you are experienced and legal. Foreign riders need their home licence plus a 1968-convention International Driving Permit with the motorbike category. Without it, you can be fined, and your travel insurance will usually not pay if you crash. If you are not licensed, hire a bike with a local driver (“easy rider”) instead.
How long things really take
| Route | Flight | Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hà Nội → Đà Nẵng | ~1 h 20 min | ~15–17 h | ~12–16 h |
| Hà Nội → Sài Gòn | ~2 h | ~30 h or more | not recommended |
| Đà Nẵng → Sài Gòn | ~1 h 20 min | ~17–19 h | long |
Times are approximate and exclude getting to stations and airports. Always check current timetables when you book.
Tips that save time and stress
- Book long-distance trains and flights early around Tết and in summer holidays.
- Save your destination address in Vietnamese on your phone to show drivers.
- For a route that uses all of this smoothly, see our 10-day Vietnam itinerary.
- Ride-app and transport prices are in our travel cost guide.
BEFORE YOU BOOK TRANSPORT
Is your visa sorted?
Airlines may check your entry documents at check-in. Make sure you know what your passport needs before you fly.
Read our visa guide →