Flight + bus/taxi
Fastest and most convenient way to Ha Long Bay
Train + bus
Comfortable overnight train with onward transfer
Private car/taxi
Flexible route with door-to-door service
Sleeper bus
Very long journey with limited comfort
Quick answer: Traveling from Hue to Ha Long Bay can be done by sleeper bus, flight + bus, private car, or train + bus via Ninh Binh. Buses are budget-friendly, flights via Hanoi are fastest, and private cars offer the most comfort. All routes require transfers, as there is no direct connection. There are flight from Hue to Hanoi and various buses from Hanoi to Ha Long.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 850 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: Sleeper Bus ~15–17 hours • Flight + Bus ~7–10 hours • Private Car ~12–15 hours • Train + Bus via Ninh Binh ~15–20 hours
- 💰 Price range: Sleeper Bus $23–40 • Flight + Bus $70–130 • Private Car $300–700 • Train + Bus via Ninh Binh $30+
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper Bus or Train + Bus via Ninh Binh
- ✈️ Best for speed: Flight + Bus via Hanoi
- 🚙 Best for comfort: Private Car
Last updated in March 2026
Travel distance from Hue to Ha Long Bay is about 850 km by land.
The journey from Hue to Ha Long Bay can be made by plane, train, bus or a combination of these transport options. The fastest route is a flight to Hanoi, followed by a bus or private transfer to Ha Long Bay.
You can also travel by train from Hue to Hanoi or Ninh Binh and continue by bus to Ha Long. There is no direct train to Ha Long Bay, so a transfer is always required.
Another fast option is a flight from Da Nang Airport, about 100 km from Hue, to Hai Phong, located roughly 45 km from Ha Long Bay.
Tickets and flights from Hue to Ha Long Bay can be searched and booked online in advance. Before your trip, check the weather in Ha Long Bay. From Ha Long Bay, you can continue to Cao Bang, Hanoi or Sapa.
| Transfer Mode – Huê to Ha Long Bay | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus (via Ninh Binh) to Ha Long | 15-20 hours | $30+ per person |
| Sleeper Bus to Ha Long | 15-17 hours | $23-40 per person |
| Plane + Bus (via Hanoi) to Ha Long | 7-10 hours | $70-130 per person |
| Private taxi/car via Hanoi | 12-15 hours | $300-700 per vehicle |
How do I get from Hue to Ha Long Bay?
1. TRAIN + BUS from Hue to Ha Long (via Ninh Binh)
👉 Train + bus via Ninh Binh is a cheap and scenic way from Hue to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who want to visit Ninh Binh
- ✔️ Duration: ~14–17 hours (train + bus transfer)
- ✔️ Price: $20–85 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium–high (sleeper train + bus/minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper train Hue → Ninh Binh + bus to Ha Long
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online; consider a stop in Ninh Binh.
A popular and affordable way to travel from Hue to Ha Long Bay is by train and bus via Ninh Binh. This route is often preferred over Hanoi because it is slightly faster and gives you the chance to visit one of northern Vietnam’s most scenic destinations.
The first step is a train journey from Hue to Ninh Binh. Vietnam Railways operates regular trains with seats and sleeper berths, while tourist sleeper trains offer higher comfort at a higher price.
Train travel time from Hue to Ninh Binh is about 11-12.5 hours. Regular train tickets cost approximately $15-45 per person, while tourist sleeper trains cost around $60-85 per person. For this overnight journey, a sleeper berth is recommended.
Ninh Binh Railway Station is close to the popular Tam Coc area, making it easy to stay for a few days before continuing north.
The second step is a bus or minivan transfer from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island. Several companies operate daily services between these destinations.
The journey takes about 2.5-4 hours and tickets cost around $5-20 per person. Buses depart from various locations in Ninh Binh and arrive at different points in Ha Long Bay.
Bus tickets from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay can be searched and booked online in advance.
2. FLIGHT + BUS from Hue to Ha Long (via Hanoi)
👉 Flight + bus via Hanoi is the fastest and most convenient way from Hue to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel comfortably
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–8 hours (flight + bus transfer)
- ✔️ Price: $70–160 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + modern bus/minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight Hue → Hanoi + bus/minivan to Ha Long
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance; choose airport bus to save time.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hue to Ha Long Bay is by flight and bus via Hanoi. This option involves 2 steps and can take as little as 5-8 hours in total.
The first step is a direct flight from Hue (Phu Bai Airport) to Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport). Airlines operating this route include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways.
Flight time is about 1 hour 15 minutes, while airfares usually range from $60-140 per person. Budget travelers can often find the cheapest fares with VietJet Air.
It is recommended to arrive at Phu Bai Airport at least 2 hours before departure. Flights and tickets can be booked online in advance.
The second step is a bus or minivan transfer from Hanoi or Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay, including areas such as Bai Chay, Hon Gai, Tuan Chau or Cat Ba Island.
The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long takes about 2.5-4 hours. Numerous companies operate daily services, including limousine vans, tourist buses and shuttle transfers.
Bus tickets from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay cost approximately $5-20 per person and can be searched and booked online in advance.
3. SLEEPER BUS from Hue to Halong Bay
👉 Sleeper bus is a cheap direct way from Hue to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who prefer a direct route
- ✔️ Duration: ~15–17 hours
- ✔️ Price: $23–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low–medium (long sleeper bus ride, varying quality)
- ✅ Best option: Companies like Grouptour, Duy Khanh or Vietnam Luxury Travel
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance; check reviews and routes.
Another budget-friendly option is a sleeper bus from Hue to Ha Long Bay. While slower and less comfortable than flying, it offers a direct route without train transfers.
Several companies operate sleeper buses on this route, including New Way Travel, Grouptour, Duy Khanh and Vietnam Luxury Travel. Some services may include a transfer to a minivan or shuttle bus along the way.
Travel time from Hue to Ha Long Bay is approximately 15-17 hours and bus tickets cost about $23-40 per person.
Buses depart from different locations in Hue and arrive at various points in Ha Long Bay. You can check departure points, arrival locations and schedules when booking online.
Modern sleeper buses in Vietnam often offer reclining beds, air-conditioning and additional onboard amenities. Bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
This option is best suited for budget travelers who prefer a direct overnight journey.
4. TAXI / CAR from Hue to Halong Bay
👉 Private taxi/car via Hanoi is the most comfortable but most expensive way from Hue to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking maximum comfort and flexibility
- ✔️ Duration: ~12–15 hours (with transfer in Hanoi)
- ✔️ Price: $300–700 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer Hue → Hanoi + car to Ha Long
- 💡 Tip: Book online in advance; split the cost in a group.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable but also the most expensive way to travel from Hue to Ha Long Bay. This option usually requires 2 transfers, first from Hue to Hanoi and then from Hanoi to Ha Long.
Companies such as Taxigo VN, Hue Happy Travel, Thuan Phat Limousine, Dichung Taxi, Ouros Travel and Booking Car operate private transfers on this route.
Travelers can choose from modern sedans, SUVs and larger minivans for families or groups.
The total travel time from Hue to Ha Long via Hanoi is about 12-15 hours. Private transfers cost approximately $300-700 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle type and number of passengers.
The main advantage is door-to-door service with flexible departure times and pickup locations. You can travel directly from your hotel in Hue to your accommodation in Hanoi or Ha Long Bay.
Private transfers can be searched and booked online in advance for both route sections.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Hue to Ha Long Bay
How to book tickets and flights from Hue to Ha Long Bay?
How long does it take to travel from Hue to Ha Long Bay?
Travel by train + bus takes about 15–20 hours, flight + bus 5–8 hours, sleeper bus 15–17 hours and private car about 12–15 hours.
How much does it cost to get from Hue to Ha Long Bay?
Train + bus costs from $30/pp, flight + bus $70–130/pp, sleeper bus $23–40/pp and private car about $300–700 per vehicle.
What is the travel distance from Hue to Ha Long Bay?
The travel distance from Hue to Ha Long Bay is approximately 850 km by land.
What is the best way to get from Hue to Ha Long Bay?
The best option is a direct flight to Hanoi followed by a bus or limousine transfer to Ha Long Bay.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually a sleeper bus, with fares starting from about $23 per person.
Are there alternative routes to Ha Long Bay?
Yes, you can travel via Ninh Binh by train and bus, or fly from Da Nang to Hai Phong and continue to Ha Long Bay.
What other places can you visit near Ha Long Bay?
You can visit Quan Lan Island, Co To Island or Cat Ba Island.
How do you get from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay?
The easiest option is a direct limousine, shuttle bus or private taxi from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay.
When is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is usually cooler and drier.
Do you want to choose and book a cruise in Ha Long Bay?
Take a look on these best reviewed Ha Long Bay cruises:
| ⭐ 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 Hue to Ha Long Bay
Traveling from Hue to Ha Long Bay covers about 850 km and usually involves a flight, train or long-distance bus journey.
- Choose Flights for Speed: A flight to Hanoi and onward bus is the fastest option.
- Consider Ninh Binh Stopover: Train travel via Ninh Binh is a good choice if you want to visit another destination on the way.
- Use Sleeper Trains: Overnight trains save time and are more comfortable than long bus journeys.
- Book Early: Flights, sleeper berths and limousine buses can sell out during holidays.
- Know Your Arrival Point: Ha Long Bay buses may stop in Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, Hon Gai or Cat Ba Island.
- Pack for Long Transfers: Bring water, snacks, chargers and a travel pillow.
- Allow Transfer Time: Leave enough time between flights, trains and buses, especially in Hanoi.
Tip: Train, bus and flight tickets from Hue to Ha Long Bay can be searched and booked online in advance.