Bus + flight
Fastest and most practical way via Hai Phong or Hanoi
Bus + train
Comfortable journey with sleeper trains and more space
Sleeper bus
Direct tourist buses with simple booking and lower cost
Private car
Very expensive for such a long-distance journey
Quick answer: You can travel from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An by sleeper bus, train, flight or private car. The fastest option is a bus and flight via Hai Phong or Hanoi, while a sleeper train offers more comfort for overland travel. Direct sleeper buses are usually the cheapest choice.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 880 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus + Flight 7–9 hrs | Train + Bus 23 hrs | Sleeper Bus 20–22 hrs | Private Car 20–22 hrs
- 💰 Price: Bus + Flight $60–90 | Train + Bus $35–80 | Sleeper Bus $29–64 | Private Car $570–1000
- ✈️ Fastest option: Bus + flight via Hai Phong or Hanoi
- 🚆 Most comfortable: Train with sleeper berth
- 🚌 Cheapest option: Tourist sleeper bus
- 🚖 Private transfer: Flexible but very expensive
Last updated in March 2026.
Travel from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An by Bus, Train, Flight or Sleeper Bus
The distance from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An is about 880 km. The fastest option is a bus and flight combination via Hai Phong or Hanoi, followed by a short transfer from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. This journey takes about 7–9 hours.
Another popular option is traveling by bus to Ninh Binh and then by sleeper train to Da Nang. The total travel time is around 20–23 hours, but the train offers better comfort for long-distance travel.
Budget travelers can choose a direct tourist sleeper bus from Cat Ba to Hoi An. The journey takes about 20–22 hours and tickets cost around $29–55 per person.
Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful historic towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Hoi An, you can continue to Ho Chi Minh City, Quy Nhon or other destinations in central and southern Vietnam.
| Transfer Mode – Cat Ba Island to Hoi An | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Bus + Train (via Ninh Binh, Da Nang) | 23 hours | $35-80 per person |
| Ferry + Bus + Plane (via Hai Phong, Da Nang) | 7-9 hours | $60-90 per person |
| Ferry + Sleeper Bus | 20-22 hours | $29-64 per person |
| Ferry + Private taxi/car | 20-22 hours | $570-1000 per car |
How do I get from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An?
1. BUS + TRAIN from Cat Ba to Hoi An (via Ninh Binh)
👉 Bus + train via Ninh Binh is a scenic and budget-friendly way from Cat Ba to Hoi An.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those wanting to explore Ninh Binh
- ✔️ Duration: ~18–22 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $30–70 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus + train sleeper + minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Ninh Binh + sleeper train to Da Nang + minivan to Hoi An
- 💡 Tip: Break trip in Ninh Binh and book tickets early.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Choose night train to save time and accommodation.
A popular and comfortable low-cost option from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An is traveling by bus and train via Ninh Binh. This route includes a short ferry crossing from Cat Ba to the mainland and offers more comfort than a long sleeper bus journey.
First, travel by bus and ferry from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh. The journey takes about 3–5 hours and costs around $9–20 per person. Buses usually arrive in Tam Coc, Trang An or Ninh Binh City.
From Ninh Binh, continue by train to Da Nang. The train journey takes about 13–15 hours and tickets cost around $20–50 per person, while tourist sleeper trains offer additional comfort.
The final step is a transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An by bus, minivan or taxi. This short trip takes about 1–1.5 hours and tickets start at around $2 per person.
2. BUS + FLIGHT from Cat Ba to Hoi An (via Hai Phong)
👉 Bus + flight via Hai Phong is the fastest way from Cat Ba to Hoi An.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–7 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $60–145 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + bus/minivan transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Hai Phong + direct flight to Da Nang + minivan to Hoi An
- 💡 Tip: Book early and allow time for airport transfer and check-in.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Choose earlier flights to reduce risk of delays.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An is by bus and flight via Hai Phong and Da Nang. This option includes three steps and can save many hours compared to traveling by train or sleeper bus.
First, travel from Cat Ba to Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong. The journey takes about 1–1.5 hours and includes a short ferry transfer from the island to the mainland.
The second step is a direct flight from Hai Phong to Da Nang. Flights take about 1 hour 15 minutes and cost around $50–130 per person. Most flights are operated by VietJet Air from Cat Bi Airport to Da Nang International Airport (see the Vietnam Airport Map).
After arriving in Da Nang, continue by bus, minivan or taxi from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. The journey takes about 1–1.5 hours and costs around $5–15 per person.
Tickets for flights and airport transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.
3. SLEEPER BUS from Cat Ba to Hoi An
👉 Sleeper intercity bus is the cheapest direct way from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and direct long-distance travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–22 hours
- ✔️ Price: $29–64 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (long-distance sleeper buses)
- ✅ Best option: Modern sleeper bus with companies like Full Moon Party Tour
- 💡 Tip: Book early and consider train for better comfort.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Bring snacks, water, and a neck pillow for the long journey.
A direct sleeper bus is the cheapest way to travel from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An. The journey takes about 20–22 hours, so it is best suited for budget travelers who do not mind long travel times.
Several companies operate this route, including Full Moon Party Tour, The Long Travel, Cat Ba Go Easy Limousine and Duy Khanh Transport. Most offer sleeper buses, with some newer and more comfortable than others.
Bus tickets cost about $29–64 per person and can be booked online in advance. Buses may arrive in Hoi An or nearby Da Nang, depending on the operator.
If comfort is a priority, consider traveling via Ninh Binh and continuing by sleeper train to Da Nang. For the bus journey, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
| Bus Company | Departs in Cat Ba | Arrival in Hoi An | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duc Duong | 15:30 | 09:30 | From $35.00 |
| The Long Travel | 16:00 | 10:10 | From $48.00 |
| The Long Travel | 12:30 | 06:30 | From $48.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 05:30 | 00:30 | From $45.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 14:30 | 09:30 | From $45.00 |
| Sapa Disc. Travel | 12:30 | 07:00 | From $49.00 |
| Sapa Disc. Travel | 15:45 | 10:15 | From $49.00 |
| Full Moon Travel | 12:20 | 10:20 | From $29.00 |
| Vietnam Luxury Travel | 12:30 | 08:30 | From $41.00 |
| Cat Ba Easy Go | 16:00 | 10:00 | From $57.00 |
| Cat Ba Panorama | 12:30 | 08:00 | From $30.00 |
| Cat Ba Panorama | 15:30 | 11:00 | From $30.00 |
4. TAXI / CAR from Cat Ba to Hoi An (via Hanoi)
👉 Private taxi/car via Hanoi is the most flexible but most expensive way from Cat Ba to Hoi An.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking full comfort and flexibility
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–22 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $570–1000 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer Cat Ba → Hanoi + Hanoi → Hoi An
- 💡 Tip: Split costs in a group and plan rest stops.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Break journey in Hanoi or central Vietnam for better comfort.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable transport option from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An, but also the most expensive. This route is usually completed in two steps: first from Cat Ba to Hanoi and then from Hanoi to Hoi An.
Companies such as Ouros Travel, Good Morning Cat Ba, Taxigo VN, Cat Ba Express or Hue Happy Travel offer modern air-conditioned cars, SUVs and minivans for groups.
The total travel time is about 20–22 hours, depending on your route and stopovers. Prices range from approximately $570–1000 per vehicle, with larger minivans costing more than standard cars.
The main advantage is a door-to-door transfer with flexible departure times and no need to arrange additional connections. This option is best suited for families, small groups or travelers looking for maximum comfort.
2. BOOK TAXI / CAR to Hoi An ➜
❓ FAQ – Travel from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An:
How to book tickets or flights from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An?
How long does it take to travel from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An?
Travel by bus and flight via Hai Phong takes about 7–9 hours, while buses and trains via Ninh Binh take about 20–23 hours.
What is the travel distance from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An?
The distance from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An is approximately 880 km when traveling overland via Ninh Binh and Da Nang.
How much does it cost to travel from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An?
Bus and train transfers cost about $35–80, flights via Hai Phong about $60–90 and sleeper buses about $29–64 per person.
What is the best way to get from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An?
The fastest and most convenient option is to travel to Hai Phong and take a direct flight to Da Nang, followed by a short transfer to Hoi An.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest way is usually a sleeper tourist bus via Ninh Binh, with fares starting from about $29 per person.
Are there tourist sleeper trains to Da Nang?
Yes, you can travel from Hanoi to Da Nang on tourist trains such as Lotus Train, Laman Express, Violette Train or New Livitrans Express.
Where can you travel from Hoi An?
How do you get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An?
Shuttle buses, minivans and taxis connect Da Nang Airport with Hoi An in about 45–60 minutes. Read more: Da Nang Airport to Hoi An.
Is there a direct train from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An?
No, there is no direct train. You need to travel to Hanoi or Hai Phong first and continue by train to Da Nang.
Which beaches can you visit near Hoi An?
Popular beaches near Hoi An include An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach and My Khe Beach in Da Nang.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to August, when the weather is mostly sunny and rainfall is relatively low.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Cat Ba Island to Hoi An
Traveling from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An covers about 880 km and can be done by flight, train or sleeper bus.
- Fly for the Fastest Journey: Travel to Hai Phong and take a direct flight to Da Nang.
- Use Ninh Binh for Transfers: Many travelers continue by train or sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Da Nang.
- Expect a Long Overland Trip: Bus and train journeys take about 20–23 hours.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper berths can sell out during holidays and weekends.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers and a power bank.
- Plan Your Arrival: Hoi An is only 30–45 minutes from Da Nang by shuttle bus or taxi.
Tip: Flights, ferry, train and bus tickets from Cat Ba Island to Hoi An can be searched and booked online in advance.