Is There an Airport in Hue? Airport Info, Flights, Travel Tips

Is There an Airport in Hue, Vietnam? The answer is Yes, Hue, Vietnam, has its own airport: Phu Bai International Airport (IATA: HUI, ICAO: VVPB) — the convenient gateway to Vietnam's poetic imperial capital, home to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, majestic royal tombs, serene Perfume River cruises, and authentic Hue cuisine that delights every palate.

For international travelers, it's often the smartest choice for quick, direct access when combining with Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City flights — saving hours compared to routing via Da Nang. Below is your in-depth, practical guide packed with tips, plus how Joytime turns your arrival into a joyful, hassle-free start to your timeless Vietnam adventure.

1. Where Exactly Is Phu Bai Airport?

Where Exactly Is Phu Bai Airport?

Phu Bai International Airport is in Phú Bài ward, Hương Thủy town, Thừa Thiên Huế province — just 13–15 km southeast of central Hue (Imperial Citadel area, Dong Ba Market, major hotels like Imperial Hotel or Alba Spa Resort).

• Typical drive time: 25–35 minutes by car (traffic is usually light outside rush hours).

• Why it matters: This short distance means you can check into your hotel, enjoy a riverside coffee, or join an afternoon cyclo tour of the old city the same day you arrive — ideal for 3–5 day Hue itineraries.

Compared to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) (90–120 km north, 2–2.5 hours by private car or scenic Reunification Express train), Phu Bai saves significant time and energy, especially if your focus is Hue's heritage sites.

2. Flight Overview at Phu Bai Airport (2026 Update)

Flight Overview at Phu Bai Airport (2026 Update)

Phu Bai operates from a modern Terminal T2 (opened 2023, handling up to ~5 million passengers annually) with good facilities: free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, and duty-free shops.

• Domestic flights — The core strength for most visitors:

  • Hanoi (Noi Bai - HAN): 4–6+ daily flights (Vietnam Airlines ~2–3, VietJet Air additional). Flight duration: ~1h 10–20 min. Early departures from ~07:00; evening options until ~20:00–21:00.

  • Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat - SGN): Busiest route — 10+ daily (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways). Departures from ~06:00 early morning to late-night ~23:00. Flight duration: ~1h 25–40 min.

  • Other connections: Occasional to Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Nha Trang (check seasonal schedules).

• Booking tip: Domestic fares often start at $40–80 one-way — book 2–4 weeks ahead via airline apps/websites or aggregators like Traveloka/Skyscanner. Tet (Lunar New Year) period sees surges; reserve early!

• International flights — Emerging and promising:

  • Shenzhen, China (SZX): Scheduled/charter operations ongoing since late November 2025 (Donghai Airlines).

  • South Korea (Seoul Incheon ICN / Busan PUS): Heavy promotion by Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) in early 2026 — currently mostly charters or one-stop via Hanoi/SGN; direct scheduled flights anticipated soon (monitor for March+ additions).

  • Broader tip: For Europe, Australia, US, etc., fly into Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh (SGN), or Da Nang (DAD), then connect domestically to HUI.

Weather note for February: Morning fog is common in north-central Vietnam — it can delay early flights or cause diversions. Use apps like Flightradar24 or airline notifications; build in flexibility (e.g., afternoon arrival preferred).

3. Getting from Phu Bai Airport to Hue: Best Options Compared

Getting from Phu Bai Airport to Hue: Best Options Compared

Getting from Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) to Hue city center is straightforward and affordable, with the short 13–15 km distance making most transfers quick (typically 25–35 minutes under normal traffic). Below is a detailed comparison of the main options to help you choose the best fit for your trip.

1. Private Transfer (Top Recommendation for Most Travelers)

   • Comfortable, reliable, door-to-door to your hotel.

   • Features: English-speaking driver, AC vehicle, bottled water, flight tracking (no waiting if delayed).

   • Cost: ~300,000–500,000 VND ($12–20 USD) for sedan (1–3 people); larger vans for groups/families.

   • Joytime's service: 24/7 availability, competitive local rates, no hidden fees.

   • 

     Hue Train Station Transfer Service

     0.0

     From VND 186,000

     Book Now

     

     Private Chartered Car for Hue Sightseeing

     4.6

     From VND 559,000

     Book Now

2. Grab / Be Ride-Hailing Apps

   • Easy via app (download before arrival; use international cards or local SIM).

   • Cost: ~200,000–350,000 VND to city center.

   • Pro: Convenient; con: Potential wait during peaks, language barriers if driver doesn't speak English.

3. Public Airport Shuttle Bus

   • Budget option (~50,000–100,000 VND).

   • Runs to downtown Hue (drop-off near hotels or central points).

   • Less frequent; best for solo/backpackers.

4. Pre-booked Taxi at Airport Counter

   • Fixed rates posted; avoid unofficial touts.

Joytime bonus: Our drivers often share quick local tips en route — like best bún bò Huế spots or evening lantern views — turning transfer time into valuable intro to Hue.

Key Recommendations & Pro Tips for 2026 Travelers

• For most visitors (especially international): Choose private transfer or Grab — they balance comfort, speed, and value. Private is worth the small extra cost if you have luggage, arrive late/early, or want a stress-free welcome.

• JOytime's Private Transfer Edge: As your trusted local expert, JOytime offers 24/7 English-speaking drivers, clean AC vehicles, flight tracking, and personalized service. Rates are competitive (often starting around 300,000 VND for standard sedan), transparent, and no hidden fees. Many guests add on quick stops (e.g., for photos or street food) or bundle with Hue tours — contact us at joytime.vn to customize.

• Luggage & Group Considerations: With medium/large bags or 4+ people, avoid public/shuttle options — go private or premium Grab/van.

• Peak Times : Book transfers 1–2 weeks ahead; expect 10–20% surcharges and higher demand.

• Night/Early Arrivals: Pre-book private/Grab — public options limited after ~21:00–22:00.

• Payment & Prep: Have some VND cash ready (ATMs at airport); international cards work on Grab. Write your hotel address in Vietnamese for drivers.

4. Why Book with Joytime Travel Agency for Your Hue Trip?

Why Book with Joytime Travel Agency for Your Hue Trip?

Joytime is your Vietnam journey's servant expert — delivering authentic, curated experiences at genuine local prices since 2015. We specialize in making travel joyful and timeless, especially in Central Vietnam:

• Hue Transfer Service → Private, safe, English-speaking — start relaxed.

• Best Tours & Experiences → Imperial City guided walks, royal tomb explorations, Perfume River boat rides, countryside villages, authentic Hue cuisine cooking classes.

• Full packages → Bundle transfers + tours + hotel recommendations for savings and ease.

• Multi-services → Travel SIMs, fast-track airport assistance (if needed elsewhere), street food adventures, and more — all via our user-friendly platform.

• Real traveler love → Praised for easy contact, value, and genuine cultural connections (check reviews on Tripadvisor, Facebook, Instagram).

• 

  Phu Bai (Hue) Airport Shuttle Service

  0.0

  From VND 248,000

  Book Now

  

  Day Tour | Explore the Poetic City of Hue with Flexible Departure Points

  4.7

  From VND 1,235,000

  Book Now

  

  Day Tour | Hue City Culinary Walking Adventure

  4.4

  From VND 653,000

  Book Now

Thousands choose Joytime to unlock Vietnam like a local — authentic, affordable, unforgettable.

Download the Joytime App (iOS/Android) for easy booking on the go!