Shuttle bus / limousine
Door-to-door, best balance of comfort and price
Private car/taxi
Direct transfer, flexible, no waiting
Local bus
Lowest cost, less comfortable, no hotel pickup
Seaplane
Luxury experience, very high price
Quick answer: Traveling from Halong Bay to Hanoi is easy and affordable. Most travelers choose a tourist bus or limousine minivan because they are fast, comfortable and operate frequently. Private cars offer the fastest and most convenient transfer option.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 180–200 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan 2.5–4.5 hours | Train 6–7 hours | Private car 2–4 hours.
- 💰 Prices: Bus from US$5/pp | Train from US$3.50/pp | Private car from US$45/car.
- 🚍 Best option: Tourist bus or limousine minivan.
- 🚆 Train: Cheapest but slowest transport option.
- ✈️ Flights: No regular direct flights available.
- 🚕 Private transfer: Best for groups, families or travelers with luggage.
Last updated in August 2026
Ha Long to Hanoi: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Bus / minivan | 2.5–4 h | $5–23 / person | ★★★★★ | Most travelers |
| 🚕 Private car / taxi | 2–4 h | $45–160 / car | ★★★★★ | Groups & privacy |
| 🚆 Train via Hai Phong | 2–2.5 h* | $3–6 / person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| ⛴️ Boat + bus from Cat Ba | 3.5–5 h | $8–17 / person | ★★★★☆ | Cat Ba travelers |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Travel from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi is possible by tourist bus, limousine minivan, private car, train via Hai Phong or a combined boat + bus transfer from Cat Ba. For most travelers, a bus or limousine minivan is the easiest option, while a private car offers the most comfort and flexibility.
* Train time refers to the Hai Phong–Hanoi train journey; additional time is needed to travel from Ha Long to Hai Phong.
How do I get from Halong Bay to Hanoi?
1. BUS / VAN from Halong Bay to Hanoi
👉 Budget-friendly and flexible bus or minivan from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers, solo travelers, and small groups
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–4 hours
- ✔️ Price: $5–23 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (classic buses or more comfortable minivans/limousines)
- ✅ Best option: Modern minivan/limousine services by companies like Arirang Travel, Kumho Viet Thanh or Cat Ba Express
- 💡 Tip: Choose a minivan for faster and more comfortable travel.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Sit in the front for a smoother ride—roads can be bumpy in some sections.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Ha Long to Hanoi is by bus, minivan or minibus. Many companies operate on this route, such as Phuc Xuyen, Techbus VN, Cat Ba Express, Duy Khanh, Grouptour or Kumho Viet Thanh.
Travel companies offer modern buses with seats as well as faster and more comfortable minivans. Because Ha Long Bay is one of the most visited places in Vietnam, there are many departures every day.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
Bus tickets from Ha Long to Hanoi cost about $5–23/pp depending on the vehicle type. Minivans are usually more comfortable and faster than larger tourist buses.
The buses and minivans depart from Ha Long City, Bai Chai, Tuan Chau or Ha Long International Cruise Port and arrive at different places in Hanoi or at Noi Bai Airport.
Travel time from Ha Long to Hanoi is about 2.5–4 hours. Tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
| Bus Company | Departs in Ha Long | Arrival in Hanoi | Bus Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 03:20 | 07:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 04:20 | 08:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 05:20 | 09:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 06:20 | 10:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 07:20 | 11:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 08:20 | 12:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 09:20 | 13:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 10:20 | 14:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 11:20 | 15:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 12:20 | 16:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 13:20 | 17:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 14:20 | 18:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 15:20 | 19:00 | From $12.00 |
| Phuc Xuyen (Van) | 16:20 | 20:00 | From $12.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 03:45 | 06:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 04:45 | 07:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 05:45 | 08:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 06:45 | 09:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 07:45 | 10:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 08:45 | 11:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 09:45 | 12:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 10:45 | 13:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 11:45 | 14:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 12:45 | 15:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 13:45 | 16:45 | From $15.00 |
| Van Don Xanh | 14:45 | 17:45 | From $15.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 05:00 | 08:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 06:00 | 09:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 07:00 | 10:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 08:00 | 11:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 09:00 | 12:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 10:00 | 13:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 11:00 | 14:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 12:00 | 15:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 13:00 | 16:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 14:00 | 17:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 15:00 | 18:00 | From $13.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 06:45 | 09:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 06:45 | 09:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 07:45 | 10:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 08:45 | 11:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 09:45 | 12:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 10:45 | 13:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 11:45 | 14:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 12:45 | 15:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 13:45 | 16:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 14:45 | 17:15 | From $12.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 15:45 | 18:15 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 08:00 | 11:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 09:00 | 12:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 10:00 | 13:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 11:00 | 14:35 | From $8.00 |
| Techbus VN | 12:00 | 15:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 13:00 | 16:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 14:00 | 17:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 15:00 | 18:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 16:00 | 19:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 17:00 | 20:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 18:00 | 21:30 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 19:00 | 22:30 | From $12.00 |
2. TRAIN from Hai Phong (Ha Long) to Hanoi
👉 Cheapest but less direct train option from Hai Phong to Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those coming from Cat Ba Island
- ✔️ Duration: ~2–2.5 hours (train only, extra time needed to reach Hai Phong)
- ✔️ Price: $3–4 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (basic Vietnam Railways seat trains)
- ✅ Best option: Train from Hai Phong Railway Station to Hanoi with Vietnam Railways
- 💡 Tip: Consider total time including transfer from Ha Long to Hai Phong.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Sit by the window for views of rural landscapes and rice fields.
Traveling by train is another affordable way to reach Hanoi, but there is no convenient direct railway from Ha Long Bay. Trains from Ha Long travel via Kép Railway Station, making the journey to Hanoi take up to 7 hours. A better option is to travel from Hai Phong to Hanoi by train.
From Ha Long Bay, you first need to travel about 45 km to Hai Phong by local bus or taxi. Vietnam Railways operates about 4 trains daily from Hai Phong to Hanoi, with a journey time of 2–2.5 hours and ticket prices from $3–6/pp.
TRAIN TICKETS – Hai Phong to Hanoi ➜
Trains depart from Hai Phong Railway Station in the city center and arrive at Hanoi Railway Station, with some services also stopping at Gia Lam and Long Bien. You can book tickets online in advance, and regular trains accept mobile e-tickets.
3. TAXI / CAR from Halong Bay to Hanoi
👉 Most comfortable but more expensive private car or taxi from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: groups, families, or travelers seeking comfort and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Duration: ~2–4 hours
- ✔️ Price: $45–160 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Ouros Travel, Dichung Taxi or Tiim Group
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a minivan to make it more affordable.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Ask for a stop at a local roadside café or viewpoint along the way.
Traveling by private car or taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to get from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi. The journey takes about 2–4 hours, with prices ranging from $45–160/vehicle depending on the car type and group size.
Private transfers are operated by companies such as Cat Ba Express, Dichung Taxi, Ouros Travel, Tim Charter and Booking Car. Modern cars, SUVs and minivans are available with pickup from Tuan Chau, Bai Chay or Ha Long City, and transfers can also go directly to Noi Bai Airport.
Private transfers can be booked online in advance and are an excellent choice for families or groups, as the total fare can be shared between passengers.
| Taxi Provider | Departs | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi with VTS | Any time | 02:30 | From $47.00 |
| Taxi with VTS | Any time | 02:30 | From $51.00 |
| Taxi with VTS | Any time | 02:30 | From $86.00 |
| Mui Ne Sky Travel | Any time | 03:10 | From $62.00 |
| Mui Ne Sky Travel | Any time | 03:10 | From $71.00 |
| Mui Ne Sky Travel | Any time | 03:10 | From $120.00 |
| Ouros Travel | Any time | 02:00 | From $45.00 |
| Ouros Travel | Any time | 02:00 | From $85.00 |
| Ouros Travel | Any time | 02:00 | From $111.00 |
| Saigon DMC | Any time | 02:00 | From $46.00 |
| Saigon DMC | Any time | 02:00 | From $84.00 |
| Saigon DMC | Any time | 02:00 | From $109.00 |
| Cat Ba Express | Any time | 04:00 | From $89.00 |
| Cat Ba Express | Any time | 04:00 | From $105.00 |
| Hai Van Transport | Any time | 03:30 | From $142.00 |
| Hai Van Transport | Any time | 03:30 | From $168.00 |
| Grouptour | Any time | 04:00 | From $93.00 |
| Grouptour | Any time | 04:00 | From $120.00 |
| Grouptour | Any time | 03:30 | From $137.00 |
| Tiim Group | Any time | 04:00 | From $146.00 |
| Tiim Group | Any time | 04:00 | From $176.00 |
| Tiim Group | Any time | 05:00 | From $148.00 |
4. BOAT + BUS from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi
👉 Convenient combined boat and bus transfer from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers staying on Cat Ba Island looking for an easy transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~3.5–5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $8–17 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (combination of ferry/boat and bus or minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Combined tickets with companies like Cat Ba Express, Good Morning Cat Ba or Techbus VN
- 💡 Tip: Check reviews and confirm departure point on Cat Ba.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Keep essentials in a small bag—luggage is handled separately during transfers.
If you are staying on Cat Ba Island, you can travel to Hanoi by a combined bus and ferry transfer. Most services depart from Cat Ba Town, cross by ferry from Cai Vieng Port to Got Pier, and then continue by bus to Hanoi.
The combined journey takes about 3.5–5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $8–17/pp. Services are operated by companies such as Cat Ba Express, Grouptour, Techbus VN, Good Morning Cat Ba and Luxury Van Limousine.
BOOK TICKETS – Cat Ba to Hanoi ➜
You can book combined ferry and bus tickets online in advance. Read more in this guide: How to travel from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi?
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Halong Bay to Hanoi:
How long does it take to travel from Halong Bay to Hanoi?
Travel by bus or minivan takes about 2.5–4.5 hours. Private car transfer takes about 2–4 hours.
How much does transport from Halong Bay to Hanoi cost?
Bus or minivan tickets cost about $5–23/pp. Private taxi transfer costs about $45–160/car.
What is the distance from Halong Bay to Hanoi?
The travel distance from Halong Bay to Hanoi is about 180–200 km by road.
Is there a flight from Halong Bay to Hanoi?
There are sightseeing seaplane flights operated by Hai Au Aviation.
Is there a train from Hai Phong to Hanoi?
Yes, you can also travel by train from Hai Phong to Hanoi. Read: How to go from Hai Phong to Hanoi?
What is the best transport option?
The most popular option is to travel by tourist bus or limousine minivan because it is fast, cheap and comfortable.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Hanoi?
The cheapest option is a tourist bus or minivan. The lowest ticket prices start from about $5/pp.
Where can you travel from Hanoi?
From Hanoi you can travel to Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang or Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
From Ha Long Bay to Hanoi you can travel by bus, train or private taxi.
Travel from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi covers about 180 km. The most popular option is a tourist bus or minivan, taking about 2.5–4 hours with ticket prices from $4.50–23/pp. Buses depart from Hon Gai, Bai Chay and Tuan Chau.
Private taxis and cars offer the fastest and most comfortable transfer, while Vietnam Railways trains travel via Kép Station in about 6–7 hours. There are no regular direct flights, although scenic seaplane flights between Tuan Chau and Hanoi are available. Before your trip, check the weather in Hanoi.
From Hanoi you can continue to Cat Ba Island, Da Lat or Hoi An. Another rail option is to travel from Hai Phong to Hanoi by train.
Practical Travel Tips for Ha Long Bay to Hanoi
Traveling from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi is one of the most popular routes in northern Vietnam. You can travel by tourist bus, limousine van, train via Hai Phong or private car.
- Best Option: Tourist buses and limousine vans are the fastest and most popular choices.
- Travel Time: The journey to Hanoi usually takes about 2.5–4.5 hours by road.
- Choose Drop-Off Carefully: Some buses stop near Hanoi Old Quarter, others at bus stations.
- Traffic Near Hanoi: Travel times may increase during busy afternoon hours.
- Bring Essentials: Carry water, snacks and a light jacket for air-conditioned buses.
- Book Early: Tickets can sell out quickly during weekends and holidays.
Tip: Bus, shuttle and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.