Getting to Hue
Hue has a charming little airport (named Phu Bai); its sole terminal is inspired by the imperial city's architecture. It has multiple flights daily to both Hanoi (HN) and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), as well as selected other cities in Vietnam, but no international flights. Booked early, a one-way ticket to or from HN or HCMC ranges between 1,000,000 - 2,000,000VND ($40 - 80).
Da Nang airport is about 2.5hrs by car from Hue with multiple international flights from around the region, and dozens daily from HN/HCMC. If you're coming from Southeast Asia or stopping by Hoi An before or after the wedding, it's a good option. Not many long-haul options though.
Domestically, Vietnam Airlines is your best bet but budget VietJet Air is perfectly safe (if often late). Other options are Pacific Airlines and Vietravel Airlines.
For those traveling from outside Southeast Asia, HN or HCMC will be your best inbound destinations. Vietnam Airlines flies direct from both cities to a handful of European capitals; Qatar, Emirates, etc also have daily flights.
If you're coming from the US, we prefer the North Asia route (ANA/United via Japan; Korea Airlines/ASIANA/American via Seoul), but going via Qatar or Dubai also straightforward. Via Taiwan, Singapore, HK, and Mainland China are also options.
From Airport to Town
If you're flying into Phu Bai International Airport in Hue and need transportation to downtown, there are several convenient options.
Taxis are clearly marked at the airport are budget-friendly. Most of them will not allow card payment, though, so do remember to get cash or ask in advance. We recommend checking out Green Taxi (actually in blue livery, Taxi Xanh SM), Taxi Thành Công, Taxi Vàng, or Taxi Mai Linh.
The fare from the airport to the bustling central business district (CBD) of Hue should cost approximately $12-15.
Airport transfers should also be offered by your hotel, with different range of price and vehicle types.
The airport shuttle bus is available every 30 or 60 minutes depending on time of day. The ticket is 50,000VND ($2) per person, which you can buy at the arrival counter. You will be dropped off at city center on 20 Hà Nội street or if you let the driver know your hotel address in advance, he may be able to drop you at the door.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also find your way to downtown on the public bus, route numbers 2, 7, 10 and 11. The ticket is 7,000VND ($0.30) per trip.
Getting Around Hue
Hue is also among Vietnam's most walkable cities and most of the hotels we suggest are located centrally. That said, the distances can add up and it's never exactly cool in Hue. It's a 30 min walk all the way across town from La Residence to the nightlife area of Pham Ngu Lao.
Given this, you're going to probably want to download Grab, Vietnam's Uber. Easiest way to get around (by car or bike taxi) as well as food ordering if you need it. Suggest also getting a Vietnamese SIM card at the airport to make this as easy as possible.
Cyclos, a traditional mode of transport in Vietnam also remain very popular in Hue. While you may feel ridiculous in one, they are a great (and unique) way to experience the city. Fare for cyclos depend on the distance traveled and can range from VND 30,000 to VND 50,000. Agree on the fare before getting on to avoid surprises and consider negotiating the return trip as well.
Scooter/ motorbike rental is possible and great fun, but we strongly recommend only doing this if you have experience on a bike. Hue, while quieter than Hanoi, is not a place for a first-times rider.
Rentals can cost as little as VND 50,000-60,000 per hour or VND 120,000-200,000 for a full day. Look for rental shops on Hung Vuong, Nguyen Tri Phuong, or Le Loi streets, or inquire at your hotel if they offer rentals at negotiable prices. If you're looking for a 'big bike' let us know....we can point you in the right direction!