Shared Shuttle Bus between Hue and Da Nang City

Traveling between Vietnam’s vibrant cities of Hue and Da Nang is a common route, and opting for a shared shuttle bus can be a practical choice. While it’s not a luxury experience, it offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to move comfortably and reliably. We’ve looked into this service offered by Barri Ann Travel to help you understand what to expect and whether it’s worth your time.

What we like about this shuttle service is its affordability at just $13 per person, the air-conditioned comfort during the ride, and the convenient pick-up locations in both cities. The timing options (8:00 or 17:00 from Hue, 8:30 or 17:00 from Da Nang) suit most travelers’ schedules, and the luggage allowance is reasonable for most backpackers and casual travelers.

One possible drawback that comes up is the quality of the bus itself. A review from a past traveler mentioned that the bus was quite uncomfortable and squeaked throughout the journey, which could be a concern if you’re sensitive to road noise or discomfort.

This service is ideal for budget travelers, solo adventurers, or those who prefer a reliable, no-fuss transfer without the hassle of buying tickets on the spot. If you’re looking for luxury or a private experience, this might not be the best fit — but for straightforward transportation, it ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Budget-friendly: At $13, this shuttle provides an economical way to connect Hue and Da Nang.
• Comfortable transport: The air-conditioned 9-11 seater limousine bus offers relief from hot Vietnamese weather.
• Flexible schedules: Multiple departure times give you options to fit your plans.
• Luggage allowance: One 24-inch suitcase and a small personal bag are included, making it suitable for most travelers.
• Group environment: Expect to share the ride with up to 11 people, which can be sociable or sometimes less private.
• Variable quality: Past reviews suggest that vehicle comfort may be an issue, potentially making long trips less enjoyable.

The Itinerary in Detail

This shuttle service mainly focuses on providing a simple, reliable transfer between Hue and Da Nang, with stops in both cities that are easy to access. The pick-up points are conveniently located at 233 Nguyen Van Thoai Street in Da Nang and 37B Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in Hue, near the Mayla Healthy Coffee.

The trip duration is approximately 150 minutes each way, but travelers should be aware that actual times can fluctuate due to traffic, weather, or other external factors. This makes it a good option if you prefer a scheduled, predictable transfer rather than a DIY taxi or ride-share.

What to Expect on the Journey

The bus type is described as a 9-11 seater limousine, which suggests a relatively spacious vehicle, but one reviewer pointed out that the vehicle was quite uncomfortable and squeaky during their trip. If you are sensitive to noise or prefer a smooth ride, this might be worth considering.

The air conditioning is a definite plus, especially during the hotter months, keeping you cool and comfortable during the roughly 2.5 to 3-hour journey.

What’s Included and Not Included

The price covers the transportation itself, including all fees and taxes, but does not extend to travel insurance, tips, personal expenses, drinks, or a tour guide—since this is a straightforward transfer service. The absence of a guide means you won’t get commentary during the trip, but you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Luggage Handling

Travelers can bring one 24-inch suitcase and one small personal bag free of charge, which is quite standard for such services. However, if you have extra luggage, it may be denied or incur extra charges if there’s no space available.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

While the overall rating of this shuttle is modest—just 3 out of 5 based on a single review—it’s worth noting that the review highlighted timeliness and knowledgeable guides for other experiences. The guide in that review was praised for their local knowledge, which is a plus if you’re looking for informative travel.

However, the main issue was the vehicle’s comfort, with one traveler describing the bus as extremely uncomfortable and making squeaking sounds. They acknowledged that the lunch provided was good and that the guide was very knowledgeable about the places they visited, but the discomfort overshadowed those positives.

This suggests that if comfort is your priority, you might want to explore alternatives or prepare for a potentially bumpy ride, especially on the Hai Van Pass, which is a scenic but lengthy stretch.

Is This Transfer Right for You?

This shuttle is best suited for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize reliability and convenience over luxury. If your main goal is to get from Hue to Da Nang without the headache of arranging transport on your own, this service delivers at a reasonable price.

It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with a small group and want to stick to a fixed schedule, or if you’re arriving/departing during the scheduled times. Those who value knowledgeable guides during other parts of their trip will also find benefit in the overall experience, even if the vehicle itself isn’t the most comfortable.

However, if you’re sensitive to noise or prefer a smooth, plush ride, you might want to consider other options or prepare for a less-than-silent journey.

The Sum Up

This shared shuttle bus between Hue and Da Nang offers an affordable and reasonably reliable way to transfer between two of Vietnam’s most popular cities. It’s ideal for budget travelers who don’t mind sharing space and can tolerate the possibility of an uncomfortable ride, especially on longer stretches like the Hai Van Pass.

The convenience of scheduled departures and central pick-up points makes this service a practical choice for many, especially those looking to save money or avoid the hassle of organizing private transport. Knowledgeable guides in other services suggest that, when combined with a tour package, this could be part of a broader, enriching experience.

While vehicle comfort remains a concern due to past reviews, the overall value for the price remains reasonable. Just be prepared for a potentially noisy or bumpy ride, and carry a bit of patience along with your luggage.

FAQs

Is this shuttle service available at multiple times during the day?
Yes, there are two departure times from each city: 8:00 and 16:00 from Hue, and 8:30 and 17:00 from Da Nang, allowing some flexibility with your schedule.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation with air conditioning and all applicable taxes and fees. No additional services like guides or meals are included.

Can I bring more than one suitcase?
No, each passenger is allowed one 24-inch suitcase and a small personal bag for free. Extra luggage may be denied or charged extra depending on vehicle space.

How long does the trip take?
The journey between Hue and Da Nang takes approximately 150 minutes each way, but delays are possible due to traffic or weather conditions.

Where do I meet the shuttle in Da Nang?
You’ll meet at 233 Nguyen Van Thoai Street, Da Nang, which is centrally located and easy to find.

Are seats assigned or do I get to choose?
Seats are randomly assigned and depend on availability at the time of booking, but efforts are made to seat groups together when possible.

Is this service suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Since the maximum group size is 11, solo travelers will join a small, manageable group.

What about traveling with children or extra luggage?
Standard luggage allowances apply; extra luggage might require additional payment or could be refused if space is insufficient.

Is the vehicle comfortable?
Reviews indicate that vehicle comfort can vary. Past travelers found it squeaky and uncomfortable, so expect a basic ride rather than a plush experience.

What should I do if I need to cancel?
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so be sure of your plans before confirming.

This shuttle service offers a straightforward, cost-effective way to connect Hue and Da Nang, especially if you value reliability and location convenience over luxury. With a bit of patience and realistic expectations about vehicle comfort, it can be a smooth part of your Vietnam adventure.