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 ~$200 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 March 2026
From Ha Long to Cao Bang you can travel by bus/van, taxi/car, motorbike.
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- From Ha Long to Cao Bang town it is about 440 km via Hanoi. The most popular and cheapest option is to travel by tourist bus via Hanoi. Bus travel from Ha Long to Cao Bang takes about 10-15 hours and tickets cost about $20-45/pp. Buses travel to Cao Bang city, Trung Khanh or Ban Gioc Waterfall.
- Private car or taxi to Ban Gioc Waterfall is the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. Another way is to travel by train from Hai Phong to Hanoi and from Hanoi by sleeper bus to Cao Bang. There is no direct train or flight from Ha Long to Cao Bang.
- Experienced travelers can also travel by motorbike. Bus tickets and private transfers from Ha Long to Cao Bang can be searched and booked online.
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- Cao Bang Province in northern Vietnam is famous for ethnic villages, mountains and Ban Gioc Waterfall. There is no railway or airport in Cao Bang province, so the best options are tourist bus, private car or train + bus via Hanoi.
| Transfer Mode – Halong Bay to Cao Bang | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Van (via Hanoi) | 10-15 hours | $20-45 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi (via Hanoi) | 13-15 hours | from $200 per vehicle |
| Train + Bus (via Hanoi) | 12-16 hours | $20-25 per person |
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.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Cao Bang ➜
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: $210–520 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.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Cao Bang ➜
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Halong Bay to Cao Bang
How to book bus tickets or taxi from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
What is the travel time from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
Bus travel via Hanoi takes about 10-15 hours. Private car to Ban Gioc Waterfall takes about 13-15 hours.
How much does travel from Halong Bay to Cao Bang cost?
Bus tickets via Hanoi cost about $22-45/pp. Private cars to Ban Gioc cost about $200+/car.
How to explore Cao Bang province?
The best option is to travel by motorbike. You can also rent a motorbike in Hanoi before the trip.
What is the distance from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
The distance from Halong Bay to Cao Bang via Hanoi is about 440 km.
Is there a 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.
What is the closest railway station to Cao Bang?
The closest railway station is in Lang Son, about 125 km from Cao Bang city.
Is there a flight from Ha Long to Cao Bang?
No, Cao Bang province has no airport and there are no direct flights.
How to travel from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall?
You can travel by local bus, private taxi or motorbike via Trung Khanh district.
How to get from Cao Bang city to Pac Bo?
Pac Bo is about 50 km north of Cao Bang city. You can travel by motorbike, taxi or private car.
Where to stay in Cao Bang province?
You can stay in hotels, guesthouses or local homestays. Search accommodation here: Accommodation in Cao Bang.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
💡 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.