Vietnam Transport Guide
Updated April 23, 2026
Domestic flights are the default for long legs — Hanoi–Da Nang and Da Nang–Saigon are both 1-hour $30–60 flights. Sleeper trains and overnight buses still work for Hanoi–Sapa and short inter-city hops. Inside cities, use Grab (ride-hail) for everything.
Best option by route
| Route | Best option | Time | Price | |---|---|---|---| | Hanoi → Sapa | Sleeper bus / limousine | 6 hours | $18–28 | | Hanoi → Ninh Binh | Limousine van | 1h 45 | $10 | | Hanoi → Ha Long | Shuttle + boat transfer | 3h | $25 | | Hanoi → Da Nang | Flight | 1h 20 | $30–60 | | Da Nang → Hoi An | Grab car | 40 min | $12 | | Hue → Da Nang | Train | 2h 30 | $8 | | Da Nang → HCMC | Flight | 1h 30 | $30–60 | | HCMC → Mekong | Shuttle bus | 2h | $15 |
Within cities
Grab (or Be) for everything. Taxis fine if metered (Mai Linh, Vinasun). Avoid unofficial taxis at airports.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to fly or take the train in Vietnam?
Fly for journeys over 6 hours by train (Hanoi–Da Nang, Hanoi–HCMC). Take the train for the beautiful Hue–Da Nang coastal section (2.5 hours) or overnight Hanoi–Sapa.
Is Grab available in Vietnam?
Yes, everywhere — Grab and Be (the local competitor) cover every major city. GrabBike is fastest for short hops in Hanoi and HCMC traffic.
How do I book Vietnamese sleeper buses?
Via 12Go Asia or Baolau online, or at the hotel desk. 'Limousine' buses (9-seat vans) are now more common than traditional sleepers and are a big comfort upgrade.