Bus (via Hanoi)
Most common route, budget-friendly, requires transfer in Hanoi
Private car
Door-to-door, flexible, fastest road option
Bus + bus combination
Multiple routes via Ninh Binh or Hanoi, longer but flexible
Train
No railway connection to Cao Bang
Quick answer: Traveling from Halong Bay to Cao Bang (including Ban Gioc Waterfall) is possible by tourist bus, private car, or a combination of train and bus. The bus is the most affordable, the private car offers comfort and flexibility, and the train + bus route is a scenic alternative.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 440 km via Hanoi
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~10–15 hours • Private Car ~13–15 hours • Train + Bus ~12–16 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus ~$20–45 per person • Private Car from ~$110 per vehicle • Train + Bus ~$20–25 per person
- 🚍 Best for budget: Bus via Hanoi
- 🚙 Best for comfort: Private car
- 🚆 Scenic option: Train from Hai Phong to Hanoi, then bus to Cao Bang
Last updated in October 2026
Ha Long Bay to Cao Bang: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Bus / minivan via Hanoi | 10–15 h | $20–45 / person | ★★★★☆ | Most travelers |
| 🚕 Private car / taxi | 8–14 h | $110–520 / car | ★★★★★ | Groups & comfort |
| 🚆 Train + bus via Hanoi | 8–11 h | $19–28 / person | ★★★☆☆ | Cat Ba / Hai Phong travelers |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Travel from Ha Long Bay to Cao Bang is possible by bus or minivan via Hanoi, private car or train + bus via Hai Phong and Hanoi. For most travelers, the bus is the best-value option, while a private car offers the most comfort and flexibility. The train combination is mainly useful for travelers starting from Cat Ba or Hai Phong.
How do I get from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
1. BUS from Ha Long to Cao Bang (via Hanoi)
👉 Cheapest and most common option: bus/minivan from Ha Long to Cao Bang via Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those comfortable with transfers
- ✔️ Duration: ~8–12 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $21–46 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (minivans or sleeper buses)
- ✅ Best option: Minivan from Ha Long to Hanoi + sleeper or limousine bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang
- 💡 Tip: Check connections in advance to minimize waiting time in Hanoi and consider a minivan for a faster journey.
The cheapest and most popular way to travel from Ha Long to Cao Bang is by bus or minivan via Hanoi. This transfer has 2 steps – from Ha Long to Hanoi and then by another bus to Cao Bang.
The journey by bus or minivan from Ha Long city to Hanoi takes about 2.5-4 hours. Companies on this route include Arirang Travel, Kumho Viet Thanh, Grouptour, Cat Ba Express or Techbus VN. Bus tickets from Ha Long to Hanoi cost about $5-23/pp.
The second step is another bus or minivan from Hanoi to Cao Bang or Ban Gioc Waterfall. Popular companies include Khanh Hoan, Thanh Ly, Duc Duong Bus, Techbus VN or Grouptour. The journey by bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang takes about 5.5-8 hours and tickets cost about $16-23/pp.
Buses depart from various places in Ha Long, Hanoi or Cat Ba Island and arrive at different stops in Cao Bang city. Bus tickets from Ha Long to Hanoi and from Hanoi to Cao Bang can be searched and booked online in advance.
2. TAXI / CAR from Ha Long to Cao Bang / Ban Gioc (via Hanoi)
👉 Most comfortable but expensive option: private car/taxi from Ha Long to Cao Bang (via Hanoi).
- ✔️ Good for: groups or travelers seeking maximum comfort, flexibility, and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Duration: ~8–14 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $110–520 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer split into 2 routes (Ha Long → Hanoi → Cao Bang / Ban Gioc)
- 💡 Tip: Travel in a group and split the cost of a minivan, and consider a short stop in Hanoi.
The most comfortable and fastest option from Ha Long to Cao Bang is a private car or taxi with a driver. This transfer has 2 steps – first from Ha Long to Hanoi and then from Hanoi to Cao Bang or Ban Gioc Waterfalls.
Private cars from Ha Long to Hanoi are operated by companies such as Saigon DMC, Taxi with VTS, Halong Transportation, Cat Ba Express or Ouros Travel. Transfer by car from Ha Long to Hanoi takes about 2.5-4 hours and prices range from $45-170/car.
The second step is another private transfer from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfalls or Cao Bang city. Travel time is about 5.5-10 hours and private cars cost about $160-350/vehicle.
Private minivans are suitable for groups of travelers and some cars also depart from Noi Bai Airport. Private cars and taxis to Cao Bang can be searched and booked online in advance.
3. TRAIN + BUS from Hai Phong to Cao Bang (via Hanoi)
👉 Alternative option: train + bus from Hai Phong to Cao Bang via Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers from Cat Ba / Hai Phong who prefer partial train travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~8–11 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $19–28 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (train seats + bus/minivan transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Train from Hai Phong to Hanoi + sleeper or minivan bus to Cao Bang
- 💡 Tip: This route makes sense mainly if starting from Cat Ba/Hai Phong—otherwise direct bus via Hanoi is simpler.
Traveling from Ha Long to Cao Bang fully by train is not possible, because there is no railway to Cao Bang province. However, you can travel first by train from Hai Phong to Hanoi and then continue by bus to Cao Bang. This option makes sense mainly for travelers coming from Cat Ba Island.
From Cat Ba Island you can travel by boat and bus to Hai Phong, where the railway station is located in the city center. Vietnam Railways trains from Hai Phong to Hanoi are cheap, comfortable and the journey takes about 2-2.5 hours. Train tickets cost about $3-5/pp and can be booked online in advance.
From Hanoi you have to continue by sleeper bus or minivan to Cao Bang, because no railway exists further north. Companies such as Khanh Hoan, Thanh Ly, Duc Duong Bus or Techbus VN operate this route. Bus travel from Hanoi to Cao Bang takes about 5.5-8 hours and tickets cost about $16-23/pp.
Buses arrive at different places in Cao Bang city, so it is good to check arrival points before booking tickets online.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Halong Bay to Cao Bang
How long does it usually take to travel from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
Bus travel via Hanoi takes about 10–15 hours. A private car to Ban Gioc Waterfall usually takes around 13–15 hours.
How much does it usually cost to travel from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
Bus tickets via Hanoi cost about $22–45/pp. Private cars to Ban Gioc Waterfall usually cost from about $110/car.
What is the approximate travel distance from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
The travel distance from Halong Bay to Cao Bang via Hanoi is about 440 km, depending on the route taken.
Is there a direct train from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
No, there is no railway to Cao Bang. You can travel by train only to Hanoi or Lang Son, then continue by road.
What is the closest railway station to Cao Bang city?
The closest railway station is in Lang Son, about 125 km from Cao Bang city. You must continue by bus, taxi, or car.
Is there a direct flight from Ha Long to Cao Bang?
No, Cao Bang province has no airport, so there are currently no direct flights from Ha Long or other destinations.
How can you travel from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall?
You can travel from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall by local bus, private taxi, or motorbike via Trung Khanh district.
How can you get from Cao Bang city to Pac Bo Historical Site?
Pac Bo is about 50 km north of Cao Bang city. You can travel there by motorbike, taxi, or private car.
Where is the best place to stay in Cao Bang province?
You can stay in hotels, guesthouses, or local homestays. Search available accommodation here: Accommodation in Cao Bang.
From Ha Long Bay to Cao Bang you can travel by bus, private taxi or motorbike.
Travel from Ha Long Bay to Cao Bang covers about 440 km via Hanoi. The cheapest and most popular option is a tourist bus, taking about 10–15 hours with ticket prices from $20–45/pp. Some buses continue to Trung Khanh or Ban Gioc Waterfall.
You can also travel by private car or taxi, the fastest and most comfortable option. Another alternative is to take a train from Hai Phong to Hanoi and continue by sleeper bus. There are no direct trains or flights between Ha Long Bay and Cao Bang.
Experienced travelers can also make the journey by motorbike. Bus tickets and private transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ha Long Bay to Cao Bang
Traveling from Ha Long Bay to Cao Bang is a long journey through northern Vietnam. You can travel by tourist bus, minivan or private car via Hanoi.
- Start Early: Morning departures are better for long-distance travel and mountain roads.
- Prepare for Longer Travel: Bus travel via Hanoi can take about 10-15 hours depending on transfers and traffic.
- Weather Can Change: Cao Bang highlands are usually cooler than coastal Ha Long Bay, especially in winter.
- Bring Snacks & Water: Some mountain routes have limited refreshment stops.
- Expect Mountain Roads: Roads near Cao Bang are scenic but slower than highways around Hanoi or Ha Long.
- Book Transport Early: Sleeper buses and minivans to Cao Bang can sell out during holidays and weekends.
Tip: Bus, minivan and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.