Flight + Bus (via Da Nang → Hanoi)
Fastest and most practical
Flight + private transfer
Smoothest journey with fewer hassles
Sleeper bus
Cheapest but very long (18–20h)
Train combo
Too many transfers, very time-consuming
Quick answer: If you’re traveling from Hoi An to Halong Bay, the fastest option is a flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong, followed by a short bus or taxi transfer. Another popular choice is a train from Da Nang to Hanoi and then a bus or minivan to Halong Bay. Budget travelers can also use long-distance sleeper buses. Bus, train and flight tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: Approximately 920 km overland
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight + bus 4–5 hours | Train + bus 22–26 hours | Tourist bus 20–25 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight + bus $25–$50 | Train + bus $35–$70 | Tourist bus $27–$40
- ✈️ Best for speed: Flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong
- 🚆 Best for comfort: Train from Da Nang to Hanoi/Ninh Binh, then bus to Halong Bay
- 🚌 Best for budget: Tourist bus with sightseeing included
Last updated in March 2026
From Hoi An to Ha Long Bay you can travel by plane, train, bus + van or private car.
The distance from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is about 920 km. The fastest option is a flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong, followed by a bus or taxi to Ha Long. This is the most convenient way to travel.
You can also travel by train from Da Nang to Hanoi or Ninh Binh and continue by bus or minivan to Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island. Travel by train and bus takes about 22–25 hours and costs around $35–70/pp. Sleeper buses are available as well, but they are less comfortable for such a long route.
Tickets and flights can be searched and booked online in advance. From Ha Long Bay, you can also travel to Hanoi or Sapa.
Ha Long Bay is one of the most visited places in northern Vietnam, famous for its cruises, limestone islands and scenic landscapes.
| Transfer Mode – Hoi An to Halong Bay | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus (via Da Nang, Hanoi) | 22-26 hours | $35-70 per person |
| Plane (Da Nang to Hai Phong) | 1.5 hours | $25-50 per person |
| Tourist Bus (via Ninh Binh) | 20-25 hours | $27-40 per person |
| Train (Da Nang to Hai Phong) | 20 hours | Varies |
How do I get from Hoi An to Halong Bay?
1. BUS + TRAIN from Hoi An to Ha Long (via Hanoi)
👉 Bus + train via Da Nang and Hanoi is the cheapest way from Hoi An to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who want to experience train travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–24+ hours total
- ✔️ Price: $26–70 per person (more with tourist sleeper trains)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (best with sleeper train for long distance)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Da Nang + Vietnam Railways sleeper train to Hanoi + minivan to Ha Long
- 💡 Tip: Choose sleeper berth and consider break in Hanoi for rest.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Book connections with buffer time to avoid missed transfers.
The most popular low-cost way to travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is by bus and train via Da Nang and Hanoi. This route has 3 steps and takes about 22–25 hours in total.
The first step is a bus or minivan from Hoi An to Da Nang. The journey takes about 1–1.5 hours and tickets cost around $2–17/pp. Many companies operate this route, and some services go directly to Da Nang Railway Station.
The second step is a train from Da Nang to Hanoi. Travel time is about 15–18 hours. Regular Vietnam Railways trains offer seats and sleeper berths, while tourist sleeper trains provide higher comfort. Train tickets cost about $20–50/pp, while tourist sleeper trains range from $65–135/pp.
The final step is a bus or minivan from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. The journey takes about 2–4.5 hours and tickets cost $4–20/pp. Buses serve popular destinations such as Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, Hon Gai and Cat Ba Island.
You can search and book all bus and train tickets online in advance, making this the cheapest way to reach Ha Long Bay from Hoi An.
2. FLIGHT + BUS from Da Nang to Cat Ba Island
👉 Flight + bus/ferry via Hai Phong is the fastest way from Da Nang to Cat Ba Island.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers short on time and those heading to Cat Ba Island
- ✔️ Duration: ~3–5 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $66–157 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + easy transfer by bus and ferry)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight (VietJet Air) to Hai Phong + combined bus & ferry transfer to Cat Ba
- 💡 Tip: Book a combined ticket from Hai Phong to Cat Ba to simplify the transfer and check limited flight schedules in advance.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is by flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong, followed by a bus, ferry or taxi transfer. Hai Phong is about 50 km from Ha Long City and also serves as the main gateway to Cat Ba Island.
The first step is a direct flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong. Flights operate between Da Nang International Airport and Cat Bi Airport (see the Vietnam Airport Map). Flight time is about 1.5 hours and tickets usually cost $60–150/pp. Most flights are operated by VietJet Air.
The second step is a transfer from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island. A combined bus and ferry transfer to Cat Ba Island takes about 1.5 hours and costs around $6–7/pp. You can also travel directly to Ha Long City by local bus, shuttle bus or private taxi.
3. BUS (+MINIVAN) from Da Nang to Ha Long
👉 Sleeper bus (+ minivan) is the cheapest direct way from Da Nang / Hoi An to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who prefer a direct land journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–22 hours
- ✔️ Price: $28–50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (long journey, sometimes with transfers)
- ✅ Best option: Modern sleeper bus with companies like Green Bus Tourist, Vietnam Luxury Travel or Sapa Discovery Travel
- 💡 Tip: Expect delays and consider routes via Ninh Binh for flexibility.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Bring snacks, water, and a power bank for the long trip.
A budget option for traveling from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is by sleeper bus. However, this is a very long journey, taking about 20–22 hours, and some routes may require a transfer to another bus or minivan.
Several companies operate this route, including Sapa Discovery Travel, Cua Ong Limousine, Green Bus Tourist, Vietnam Luxury Travel, New Way Travel and Vietnam Explore Travel. Most services use modern sleeper buses designed for long-distance travel.
You can also travel via Ninh Binh and continue by bus from Ninh Binh to Ha Long. Bus tickets from Hoi An to Ha Long usually cost about $28–50/pp.
Buses depart from various locations in Hoi An or Da Nang and may occasionally be delayed. You can search and book tickets online in advance. Bus travel is mainly suitable for budget and solo travelers.
| Bus Company | Departs in Hoi An | Arrival in Ha Long | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapa Disc. Travel | 20:00 | 10:05 | From $49.00 |
| Cua Ong | 14:00 | 08:30 | From $28.00 |
| Duy Khanh Trans. | 04:30 | 23:00 | From $41.00 |
| Duy Khanh Trans. | 13:00 | 07:30 | From $41.00 |
| Duy Khanh Trans. | 16:00 | 10:30 | From $41.00 |
| New Way Travel | 13:30 | 08:30 | From $42.00 |
| Green Bus Tourist | 13:30 | 07:30 | From $43.00 |
| Vietnam Luxury Travel | 13:30 | 08:30 | From $48.00 |
| Vietnam Luxury Travel | 20:00 | 12:00 | From $45.00 |
4. TAXI / CAR from Hoi An to Ha Long (via Hanoi)
👉 Private taxi/car via Hanoi is the most comfortable but most expensive way from Hoi An to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: groups, families, and travelers seeking maximum comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~18–20 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $500–1000 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern air-conditioned cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Dichung Taxi, Ouros Travel or Booking Car
- 💡 Tip: Split costs in group and consider overnight stop in Hanoi.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Plan multi-day trip to rest and enjoy stops along the route.
The most expensive way to travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay is by private car with a driver via Hanoi. This option requires 2 separate transfers and takes about 18–20 hours in total.
Private transfers are offered by companies such as Hue Happy Travel, Luxury Transport, Phuc Xuyen, Greenlion Bus, Dichung Taxi, Ouros Travel, Booking Car and others. They provide modern air-conditioned cars, SUVs and minivans for 2–10 passengers.
The total cost of a private transfer from Hoi An to Ha Long ranges from $500–1,000 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. Minivans can be a practical option for groups, as the cost can be shared among passengers.
The main advantage is a door-to-door service with flexible departure and arrival points. However, due to the high price, this option is best suited for travelers looking for maximum comfort rather than budget travel.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay:
How to book tickets or flights from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?
What is the travel time from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?
Flights take about 1.5 hours. Train and bus transfers take around 22–26 hours, while sleeper buses take about 20–22 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?
Flights cost about $60–150/pp. Train and bus transfers cost $35–70/pp. Sleeper buses cost $28–50/pp.
What is the travel distance from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?
The distance is about 920 km by land or around 700 km by flight to Hai Phong.
What is the best way to get from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?
A direct flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong is the fastest and most convenient option.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?
A sleeper bus via Ninh Binh or Hanoi is usually the cheapest option.
Is there a direct train from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay?
No. You need to travel via Da Nang and Hanoi.
Are there airports near Ha Long Bay?
Yes, Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong and Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh.
How many days should you spend in Ha Long Bay?
At least 2–3 days is recommended to enjoy the bay and nearby islands.
How to get from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay?
You can use a shuttle bus, minivan or private taxi from Noi Bai Airport.
What places can you visit on the way to northern Vietnam?
Popular stops include Da Nang, Hue, Phong Nha, Ninh Binh and Hanoi.
Which other islands can you visit in Vietnam?
Phu Quoc is one of the most popular islands in Vietnam.
How to travel solo in Vietnam?
See this guide about solo travel in Vietnam.
| ⭐ The Best Rated Cruises in Ha Long Bay:⭐ | |
|---|---|
| ➡️ Signature Halong Cruise | ➡️ Alise Cruise Halong |
| ➡️ Victory Star Cruise | ➡️ Halong Athena Cruise |
| ➡️ La Regina Legend Cruise | ➡️ Era Cruises Halong |
| ➡️ Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise | ➡️ Victory Cruise |
| ➡️ Halong Sapphire Cruise | ➡️ Santa Maria Cruise |
| ➡️ Royal Palace Cruise | ➡️ Peony Cruise |
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hoi An to Ha Long Bay
Traveling from Hoi An to Ha Long Bay covers about 900 km and usually requires at least one transfer.
- Travel via Da Nang: Start with a bus, van or taxi to Da Nang.
- Fly for Speed: Flights to Hai Phong take about 1.5 hours.
- Use Trains for Comfort: Sleeper trains to Hanoi are more comfortable for long trips.
- Expect Long Bus Rides: Sleeper buses can take 20–25 hours.
- Visit Cat Ba Island: Continue from Hai Phong by bus and ferry.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper berths often sell out first.
- Check Arrival Points: Verify whether you arrive in Tuan Chau, Bai Chay or Cat Ba.
Tip: Flight, train and bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.