HANOI to TUAN CHAU — Transport Options ☀️

How to get from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island
How to get from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island? You can travel by bus / minivan, private taxi / car or plane.
  1. Bus/Van to Tuan Chau
  2. Taxi/Car to Tuan Chau
  3. Flight to Tuan Chau
  4. Cruises in Halong Bay
  5. Book a Tour Online 🎫
  6. Book Ticket Online 🎫
Best comfort

Private car/taxi

Door-to-door, flexible

Best price

Shuttle bus

Budget option, more stops

Avoid

Motorbike

Heavy traffic, less comfortable

Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island is easy by bus, minivan, private car/taxi or seaplane. Buses and minivans are the cheapest and most popular options, private transfers offer more comfort and flexibility, while seaplane flights provide scenic views of Ha Long Bay. Tickets and private transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.

At a glance:

  • 📍 Distance: approx. 170 km from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island.
  • ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Minivan ~2.5–4 hours | Private Car/Taxi ~2–4 hours.
  • 💰 Price range: Bus/Minivan US$ 5–18 pp | Private Car/Taxi US$ 45–180 per vehicle.
  • 🚍 Bus/Minivan: Regular services from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island
  • 🚕 Private Car/Taxi: Direct transfer from your departure point in Hanoi to your arrival point on Tuan Chau Island — ideal for groups or with heavy luggage.

Last updated in March 2026


From Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island you can travel by bus, minivan, taxi or seaplane.

  • Travel distance from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island is about 170 km. The most popular option is a tourist bus or minivan, with travel time of about 2.5–4 hours and tickets from $5–18/pp.
  • You can also travel by private taxi, luxury car or seaplane with Hai Au Aviation. Seaplane flights take about 1 hour and offer scenic views of Halong Bay.
  • There is also a train from Hanoi to Ha Long town, but buses and minivans are faster and more practical. Tickets and private transfers can be booked online on Baolau or 12go.asia.
  • Tuan Chau Island is a modern tourist area near Ha Long City and an important gateway to Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. From Tuan Chau you can join cruises, boat trips or ferries to nearby islands.
Transfer Modes from Hanoi to Tuan Chau
Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Tuan Chau: Travel Time Cost Range
Bus / Minivan 2.5–4 hours $5 – $18
Private Taxi/Car 2–4 hours $45 – $180 (car)

How do I get from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island?


1. BUS / MINIVAN from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island

👉 Best value option with a bus or minivan transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island.

  • ✔️ Good for: all travelers looking for a cheap and easy transfer
  • ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–4 hours
  • ✔️ Price: $5–18 per person
  • ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (classic buses or modern minivans)
  • ✅ Best option: Minivan transfer directly to Tuan Chau hotels with companies like Techbus VN or Sapa Express
  • 💡 Tip: Check departure and drop-off points carefully; some buses go from Noi Bai Airport.

The most used and cheap way of transport from Hanoi to Tuan Chau is by bus or smaller, comfortable minivan or minibus. Since Tuan Chau is a top tourist spot, there are a number of different minivans and/or classic buses running between Hanoi and this place.

Different companies operate connections from different places in Hanoi, and in Tuan Chau they also arrive, for example, to specific hotels. Some of the companies that operate these buses and minivans on Tuan Chau are Techbus VN, Sapa Express, Ha Long Travel, Sapa Dragon Express, Grouptour, Rosa Eco Bus, GreenLion Bus, Luxury Transport, Sapa Discovery Travel, Duc Duong, To Vietnam Travel, Duy Khanh Transport and others.

BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia

Most of these companies will offer you modern and fast minivans that are for smaller groups of passengers. Some of these companies also operate services from Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport to Tuan Chau Island, which is an advantage for those flying in and wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

The journey time by bus or minivan from Hanoi to Tuan Chau is approximately 2.5-4 hours, depending on where you start from and what route the given company has. Ticket prices also vary depending on the route, but on average, a bus/minivan transfer to Tuan Chau from Hanoi costs approximately $5-18/pp.

You will have a cheaper transfer with a classic larger bus, if you want to go by minivan, then this transfer is usually a little more expensive. You can easily search and buy these tickets from Hanoi to Tuan Chau online even in advance.

Read carefully where the buses depart from and what their destination station is in Tuan Chau to avoid any complications. The bus transfer is the best transportation option to Tuan Chau Island in terms of price and speed and is suitable for all types of travelers visiting Halong Bay in northern Vietnam.

🚍 Bus from Hanoi to Tuan Chau (Bai Chay) – Bus Schedule + Bus Tickets:
Bus Company Departs in Hanoi Arrival in Tuan Chau (or Ha Long) Bus Ticket
Techbus VN 05:00 08:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 06:00 09:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 07:00 10:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 08:00 11:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 09:00 12:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 10:00 13:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 11:00 14:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 12:00 15:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 13:00 16:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 14:00 17:20 From $12.00
Techbus VN 15:00 18:20 From $12.00
Duy Khanh 05:00 08:00 From $13.00
Duy Khanh 06:00 09:00 From $13.00
Duy Khanh 07:00 10:00 From $13.00
Duy Khanh 08:00 11:00 From $13.00
Duy Khanh 09:00 12:00 From $13.00
Duy Khanh 10:00 13:00 From $13.00
Duy Khanh 11:00 14:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 05:00 08:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 06:00 09:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 07:00 10:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 08:00 11:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 09:00 12:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 10:00 13:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 11:00 14:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 12:00 15:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 13:00 16:00 From $13.00
To Vietnam Travel 14:00 17:00 From $13.00
Grouptour 05:10 07:40 From $12.00
Grouptour 06:10 09:10 From $15.00
Grouptour 07:10 10:10 From $15.00
Grouptour 08:10 11:10 From $15.00
Grouptour 09:10 12:10 From $15.00
Grouptour 10:10 13:10 From $15.00
Grouptour 11:10 14:10 From $15.00
Sapa Discovery 06:30 08:30 From $12.00
Sapa Discovery 06:30 08:30 From $12.00
Sapa Discovery 07:30 09:30 From $12.00
Sapa Discovery 08:30 09:30 From $12.00
Sapa Discovery 09:30 10:30 From $12.00
Sapa Discovery 10:30 11:30 From $12.00
Sapa Discovery 11:30 12:30 From $12.00
Sapa Discovery 12:30 13:30 From $12.00
Sapa Discovery 13:30 14:30 From $12.00

BOOK BUS TICKETS on Baolau

bus-minivan-hanoi-to-tuan-chau
From Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island you can travel by bus or van/minivan (photo: 12go.asia).

2. TAXI / CAR from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island

👉 Most convenient option with a private car or taxi from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island.

  • ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and flexible timing
  • ✔️ Duration: ~2–4 hours
  • ✔️ Price: $45–180 per car
  • ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
  • ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Dichung Taxi or Ouros Travel
  • 💡 Tip: Ideal for groups—split the cost and choose exact pickup/drop-off points.

The most convenient but more expensive transfer option to Tuan Chau Island from Hanoi is by private car/taxi with a driver. It is a suitable option for those who are looking for privacy during the transfer, do not have a limited travel budget and are looking for comfort and a hassle-free journey and want to save their time.

If you are among such travelers, use private car/taxi transportation. Various companies operate private cars on this route from Hanoi to Tuan Chau, including Dichung Taxi, Ouros Travel, Tim Group, Booking Car, Saigon DMC, Packn Go, GoAir Travel, Mui Ne Private Car, Hanoi VIP Transfer, Muine Express, Linh Chau Transport and others. These private companies will offer you modern classic smaller cars, SUVs and even minivans for groups of travelers.

BOOK PRIVATE TAXI to Tuan Chau

You can also use some companies for a transfer from Noi Bai airport and you can go to Ha Long city with them. The advantage is, of course, the possibility of choosing your departure point in Hanoi and your arrival point in Tuan Chau. Driving time by private car/taxi from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island is approximately 2-4 hours and the fare ranges from $45-180 (vehicle).

Car prices depend on the type of car you choose and how many of you will be traveling, but usually smaller cars are cheaper than larger minivans. You can search and book your private car with driver easily online and well in advance. Companies may have different transfer conditions, so read everything carefully before booking a car.

🚕 Taxi Schedule / Timetable – Hanoi to Tuan Chau + Prices:
Taxi Service Departs Travel Time Price (Car)
Cat Ba Express Any time 04:00 From $95.00
Cat Ba Express Any time 04:00 From $113.00
Sapa Dragon Express Any time 03:00 From $86.00
Booking Car Any time 02:00 From $129.00
Booking Car Any time 02:00 From $141.00
Booking Car Any time 02:00 From $176.00
Tiim Group Any time 04:00 From $121.00
Tiim Group Any time 04:00 From $146.00
Saigon DMC Any time 02:00 From $52.00
Saigon DMC Any time 02:00 From $47.00
Saigon DMC Any time 02:00 From $46.00
Ouros Travel Any time 02:15 From $50.00
Ouros Travel Any time 02:15 From $54.00
Ouros Travel Any time 02:15 From $91.00
Packn Go Any time 02:30 From $76.00
Packn Go Any time 02:30 From $81.00
Packn Go Any time 02:30 From $112.00
Taxi with VTS Any time 02:30 From $50.00
Taxi with VTS Any time 02:30 From $92.00
Mui Ne Private Car Any time 02:00 From $59.00
Mui Ne Private Car Any time 02:00 From $47.00
GoAir Travel Any time 03:30 (Airport) From $57.00
GoAir Travel Any time 03:30 (Airport) From $62.00

private-taxi-car-hanoi-to-tuan-chau
From Hanoi (+Noi Bai Airport) to Tuan Chau you can travel by private car or taxi (photo: Saigon DMC, 12go.asia).

3. FLIGHT from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island (Seaplane)

👉 Unique scenic option with a seaplane flight from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island.

  • ✔️ Good for: travelers looking for a premium experience and aerial views of Ha Long Bay
  • ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour
  • ✔️ Price: ~$80–90+ per person (higher for charter flights)
  • ✔️ Comfort: very high (small aircraft with great views)
  • ✅ Best option: Seaplane flight with Hai Au Aviation (Noi Bai Airport → Tuan Chau Marina)
  • 💡 Tip: Book a flight with a sightseeing loop over Ha Long Bay for the best experience.

A very interesting and attractive transfer option from Hanoi to Tuan Chau is an air connection with a sightseeing flight over Ha Long Bay. Traveling with seaplanes gives you a totally unique experience compared to any other types of transportation. This option is offered by Hai Au Aviation and they operate the flight with a small Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX aircraft, which is designed for a limited number of passengers.

It can be said that it is actually an attraction, because the flight can also include a sightseeing flight over Ha Long Bay. Hai Au Aviation’s Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX flight time from Hanoi to Tuan Chau is approximately 1 hour. These flights are operated from Noi Bai Airport to Tuan Chau Marina. For the current prices of these flights and more information, check the official website of Hai Au Aviation.

A sightseeing flight over Ha Long Bay alone costs around 80-90 USD, charter flights are more expensive. You can also book this flight as a one-way flight, so it’s actually also one of the transport options to Tuan Chau. Flight reservations can be made through the company’s official website.

hai-au-aviation-tuan-chau
Plane of Hai Au Aviation from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island in Ha Long Bay.

❓ FAQ – Travel from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island:

How to book tickets from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island?

You can book tickets online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.

How to book a cruise in Ha Long Bay?

You can search and book cruises or tours in Tuan Chau with KLOOK ➜.

What is the travel time from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island?

Bus or minivan travel takes about 2.5–4 hours, private taxi about 2–4 hours and Hai Au seaplane flights about 1 hour.

How much does it cost to travel to Tuan Chau Island?

Bus or minivan tickets cost about $5–18/pp and private taxi transfers about $45–180/car.

What is the distance from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island?

The travel distance is about 160 km by road.

Is there a train from Hanoi to Tuan Chau?

There is no direct train to Tuan Chau Island. You can travel by train from Hanoi to Ha Long via Kep Railway Station.

Where to store luggage in Hanoi?

You can use Radical Storage in Hanoi city center.

How far is Tuan Chau from Bai Chay bus station?

Tuan Chau Island is about 10 km from Bai Chay bus station in Ha Long.

How to get from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba Island?

You can travel by boat from Tuan Chau Port to Cat Ba Island. The boat trip takes about 40 minutes.

How to travel from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay?

The most comfortable option is a direct minivan, bus or private taxi from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay.

What other islands can you visit in Quang Ninh?

You can also visit Quan Lan Island or Co To Island by ferry from Cai Rong Port.

Where can you travel from Tuan Chau or Ha Long?

You can travel to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh by bus or minivan in about 3–4.5 hours.

How to travel solo in Vietnam?

Read this guide about solo travel in Vietnam with useful tips and travel inspiration.


⭐ The Best Rated Cruises in Ha Long Bay:⭐
➡️ Signature Halong Cruise ➡️ Alise Cruise Halong
➡️ Victory Star Cruise ➡️ Halong Athena Cruise
➡️ La Regina Legend Cruise ➡️ Era Cruises Halong
➡️ Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise ➡️ Victory Cruise
➡️ Halong Sapphire Cruise ➡️ Santa Maria Cruise
➡️ Royal Palace Cruise ➡️ Peony Cruise

Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island

Traveling from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island is easy by bus, minivan, taxi or seaplane. The route is popular for travelers visiting Ha Long Bay cruises and beaches.

  • Start Early: Morning departures help avoid traffic leaving Hanoi and give you more time in Ha Long Bay.
  • Check Drop-Off Point: Some buses stop in Ha Long City, while others continue directly to Tuan Chau Island.
  • Pack for the Coast: Bring sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses and light clothing for beach activities.
  • Weather Matters: Coastal weather can change quickly, especially during rainy season or storms.
  • Book Cruises Early: Popular Ha Long Bay cruises from Tuan Chau can sell out during weekends and holidays.
  • Bring Essentials: Carry water, snacks, chargers and cash for small local services.

Tip: Bus, private transfer and seaplane tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.


🎫 Book your bus tickets / car from Hanoi to Tuan Chau:

(You can also search another route, e.g. Hanoi > Cat Ba, Hanoi > Ha Long…)

Halong Bay to Hanoi ➔

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About the author:
Hi, my name is Milan and I’m from the Czech Republic. I’m an independent traveler and the creator of this guide about northern Vietnam. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this beautiful region — especially its mountains, nature, and ethnic culture. This website was born from my personal travel experiences, and I regularly update it with new tips and information to help fellow travelers. Follow our Facebook page for updates. This site was built with passion ❤️. Read more about the author
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