Bus + Flight (via Hai Phong / Hanoi)
Fastest option, ferry + transfer to airport, then short flight to Da Nang
Train + bus (via Hanoi / Ninh Binh)
Sleeper train, more comfortable, but multi-step journey
Sleeper bus
Cheapest option, long journey with transfers
Direct travel
No direct route, always requires ferry and transfers
Quick answer: Traveling from Cat Ba Island to Da Nang is possible by a combination of bus, ferry, and flight or train. The fastest option is to take a bus and ferry from Cat Ba to Hanoi, then continue by plane to Da Nang. The journey can take from about 4 to 5 hours by flight (including transfers) or around 17–20 hours by train.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 850–900 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~4–5 hours (bus + flight) or 17–20 hours (bus + train)
- 💰 Price range: from ~800,000 VND to ~2,500,000 VND (depending on transport type)
- ✈️ Fastest option: Bus + flight via Hanoi
- 🚆 Scenic and relaxed: Bus + train from Hanoi to Da Nang
- 🚌 Most economical: Combined bus route (Cat Ba → Hanoi → Da Nang)
Last updated in March 2026
From Cat Ba to Hoi An you can travel by bus + ferry, train, or plane.
The distance from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An is about 900 km via Hai Phong and Da Nang. The fastest option is a combination of bus + ferry and a direct flight from Hai Phong to Da Nang, taking about 6–7 hours with prices from $60–130 per person.
A cheaper alternative is to travel by sleeper bus or by train via Ninh Binh or Hanoi. Train + bus transfers take about 20–26 hours, while sleeper buses take around 17–21 hours. Tickets can be booked online in advance.
Before arriving in Hoi An, you will travel through Da Nang, the largest city in central Vietnam. Before your trip, it is also worth checking the weather in Da Nang.
| Transfer Mode – Cat Ba to Da Nang | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus + Train (via Hanoi) | 20-26 hours | $30-150 per person |
| Tourist bus + Plane (via Hai Phong Airport) | 6-7 hours | $60-130 per person |
| Sleeper Bus | 17-21 hours | $34-45 per person |
How do I get from Cat Ba to Da Nang?
1. BUS + TRAIN from Cat Ba to Da Nang (via Hanoi)
👉 Cheapest long-distance option: bus + train from Cat Ba to Da Nang via Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those comfortable with long journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~19–22 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $28–135 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (bus + sleeper train)
- ✅ Best option: Bus + ferry to Hanoi + overnight sleeper train to Da Nang
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeper berth for the Hanoi → Da Nang route and book tickets online in advance for both legs.
A popular low-cost option is traveling by bus + train via Hanoi. First, take a bus and ferry from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi, then continue by train to Da Nang. This route is ideal for budget travelers who prefer train travel over long-distance buses.
The bus from Cat Ba to Hanoi takes about 3.5–4.5 hours, including the ferry crossing, with tickets from $8–17 per person. From Hanoi, continue by train to Da Nang, a journey of about 15–17 hours. Regular Vietnam Railways trains and tourist sleeper trains are available, with ticket prices from $20–135 per person.
Sleeper berths are recommended for the overnight train to Da Nang. It is advisable to book both bus and train tickets online in advance, especially during holidays and the high tourist season.
2. BUS + FLIGHT from Cat Ba to Da Nang (via Hai Phong)
👉 Fastest option: bus + ferry + flight from Cat Ba to Da Nang via Hai Phong.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and avoid long overland journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~4–6 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $65–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (combined transfer + short flight)
- ✅ Best option: Bus + ferry to Cat Bi Airport + direct flight to Da Nang (e.g. VietJet Air)
- 💡 Tip: Book flights in advance due to limited schedule and plan your transfer to the airport with enough time buffer.
The fastest way to travel from Cat Ba to Da Nang is by bus + ferry to Hai Phong followed by a direct flight. This option takes about 6–7 hours in total and saves many hours compared to traveling by train or sleeper bus.
First, travel by bus and ferry from Cat Ba to Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong. The transfer takes about 2 hours and costs from $14 per person, while private taxis are also available. From Cat Bi Airport, you can take a direct flight to Da Nang, operated mainly by VietJet Air, with a flight time of about 1 hour 15 minutes and fares from $50–130 per person.
Direct flights are limited, so booking in advance is recommended. If flights from Hai Phong are unavailable, you can also travel to Hanoi and fly from Noi Bai Airport to Da Nang.
3. SLEEPER BUS from Cat Ba to Da Nang
👉 Budget long-distance option: sleeper bus from Cat Ba to Da Nang.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who don’t mind very long journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~17–21 hours
- ✔️ Price: $34–45 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleeper buses, some modern)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper bus with companies like Full Moon Party Tour or Vietnam Luxury Travel
- 💡 Tip: Consider splitting the journey with a stop along the way to make the trip more comfortable.
Traveling by sleeper bus is the cheapest direct way to get from Cat Ba to Da Nang. The journey takes about 17–21 hours, so it is best suited for budget travelers who do not mind a long overnight trip.
Several companies operate this route with modern sleeper buses, and ticket prices range from $34–45 per person. The transfer includes a short ferry crossing from Cat Ba Island to the mainland before continuing by bus to Da Nang.
Buses depart from different locations on Cat Ba Island and arrive at various places in Da Nang. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance and carefully read the latest transfer and luggage information before departure.
4. Book a Private Tour / Tickets in Da Nang
-
- It is possible to book a private tour + tickets for tourist attractions in Da Nang + Hoi An
- It is possible to book various types of tourist tours (boat trips, adventure, bicycle tours…)
- These private tours to interesting sites in Da Nang and Hoi An by local tour guides from Vietnam
- You can also book private transfers between Da Nang and Hoi An or Da Nang Airport
- Book a private tour / trip or other tourist activity in Da Nang and Hoi An in central Vietnam online
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Cat Ba Island to Da Nang:
How to book tickets or flights from Cat Ba Island to Da Nang?
Book tickets or flights online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
Where to rent a motorbike or scooter in Da Nang?
You can rent a motorbike or scooter online with Bikesbooking ➜.
What is the travel time from Cat Ba Island to Da Nang?
Bus + plane takes about 6–7 hours, sleeper bus about 17–21 hours and bus + train about 20–26 hours.
How far is Da Nang from Cat Ba Island?
The distance from Cat Ba Island to Da Nang is about 900 km by land.
How much does it cost to travel from Cat Ba Island to Da Nang?
Travel costs about $30–150/pp by train, $60–130/pp by plane and $34–45/pp by sleeper bus.
What is the best way to travel from Cat Ba to Da Nang?
The best option is bus + ferry to Hai Phong and a direct flight to Da Nang.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cat Ba to Da Nang?
The cheapest option is a sleeper tourist bus, but low-cost flights can save time.
Is it possible to travel by luxury tourist train to Da Nang?
Yes, first travel to Hanoi and from there take a tourist sleeper train to Da Nang.
Where can you travel from Da Nang or Hoi An?
You can continue to Nha Trang, Mui Ne or Phu Quoc Island.
How to travel from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An?
You can travel by bus, minivan or taxi. Read more: Da Nang Airport to Hoi An.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Cat Ba Island to Da Nang
Traveling from Cat Ba Island to Da Nang is a long route that combines ferry, bus, train or flight transfers across central Vietnam.
- Plan Ferry Connections: Cat Ba requires a ferry or boat transfer to the mainland before continuing south.
- Start Early: This route can take a full travel day, especially by train or sleeper bus.
- Check Weather Conditions: Coastal weather around Cat Ba may affect ferry schedules during storms or heavy rain.
- Bring Snacks & Water: Long-distance buses and trains may have limited refreshment stops.
- Flights Save Time: The fastest option is transfer to Hai Phong Airport and a direct flight to Da Nang.
- Use Offline Maps: Save accommodation details and maps before departure for easier transfers.
Tip: Ferry, bus, train and flight tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.