Bus + ferry
Most practical and widely used combination with easy transfers to Cat Ba town
Speedboat
Fast and comfortable sea transfer with fewer steps and scenic views
Private car + ferry
Flexible door-to-door option with possibility to travel at your own pace
Direct transfer without ferry
Not possible as the island requires a ferry or boat connection
Quick answer: If you’re travelling from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, the main options are by speedboat/catamaran, by bus + ferry, or private transfer with taxi and ferry. The direct boat is fastest, the bus + ferry is more budget-friendly. You can book ferry tickets, join tickets or private transfer to Cat Ba easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 40–45 km by sea.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Speedboat / catamaran ~1 hour from Hong Bang/Hồng Bàng port • Bus + ferry ~1.5 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Speedboat / catamaran from ~US$9.50/person (~250,000 VND) • Bus from Hai Phong town + ferry from ~US$6–7/person.
- 🚢 Best for speed: Direct boat/catamaran from Hai Phong port to Cat Ba.
- 🚌 Best for budget: Bus + ferry combination.
- 🚕 Private transfer: It is possible to travel by private car + ferry from Cat Bi Airport
Last updated in March 2026
How do I get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?
1. CATAMARAN from Hai Phong to Cat Ba
👉 Catamaran is the fastest and most convenient way from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want a quick and scenic sea transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour
- ✔️ Price: ~$9.50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern fast catamaran)
- ✅ Best option: Direct catamaran from Hong Bang Port to Cat Ba (Cat Co 3 Beach)
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets early and plan transport to Hong Bang Port.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Sit outside or by the window for the best coastal views.
The fastest way to travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island is by modern catamaran from Hong Bang Port (Cảng Hồng Bàng) in Hai Phong. The port is best reached by taxi from the city center.
The catamaran journey to Cat Ba Island takes only about 1 hour and arrives at Dong Ho Bay Pier near Cat Co 3 Beach. This is one of the fastest and most convenient transport options to Cat Ba.
Tickets cost about $9.50 per person. The schedule is limited, usually with 2 departures daily, so it is recommended to book tickets online in advance.
| Ferry Service | Departs in Hai Phong | Arrival in Cat Ba | Ferry Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Ba Island | 09:00 (Hong Bang Port) | 10:00 | From $9.50 |
| Cat Ba Island | 13:00 (Hong Bang Port) | 14:00 | From $9.50 |
2. BUS + BOAT / FERRY from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
👉 Bus + ferry is the cheapest and most popular way from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and easy organized transfers
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
- ✔️ Price: $6–7 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus + short ferry ride)
- ✅ Best option: Combined bus & ferry ticket via Ben Pha Got to Cat Ba Town
- 💡 Tip: Book combined ticket and confirm departure point at Ben Binh Port.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Avoid peak hours to skip long queues at the ferry terminal.
Traveling by bus and ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island via Bến Phà Got is the most popular low-cost option. The journey includes a bus ride, ferry transfer and another short bus ride to Cat Ba Town.
Most buses depart from Pha Binh Port in Hai Phong and continue over the Tan Vu–Lach Huyen Bridge to the ferry terminal. Ferries arrive at Bến Phà Cái Viềng on Cat Ba Island.
The total travel time to Cat Ba Town is about 1.5 hours and combined tickets cost around $6–7 per person. This option is comfortable, cheap and popular among backpackers and tourists.
| Bus + Ferry Service | Departs in Hai Phong | Arrival in Cat Ba | Ferry Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Ba Island | 06:00 (Phà Bính) | 07:30 | From $5.40 |
| Cat Ba Island | 07:40 (Phà Bính) | 09:10 | From $5.40 |
| Cat Ba Island | 09:00 (Phà Bính) | 10:30 | From $5.40 |
| Cat Ba Island | 12:10 (Phà Bính) | 13:40 | From $5.40 |
| Cat Ba Island | 14:10 (Phà Bính) | 15:40 | From $5.40 |
| Cat Ba Island | 15:50 (Phà Bính) | 17:20 | From $5.40 |
3. TAXI + FERRY from Cat Bi Airport to Cat Ba Island
👉 Private taxi + ferry is the most comfortable way from Cat Bi Airport to Cat Ba Island.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups, and travelers seeking door-to-door convenience
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
- ✔️ Price: $40–140 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private car + ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Ouros Travel, APT Travel Limousine or Saigon DMC
- 💡 Tip: Book early and choose a minivan for better value per person.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Arrange pickup to match ferry times and avoid unnecessary waiting.
Another comfortable way to reach Cat Ba Island is by private taxi or minivan transfer from Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong. This option includes a ferry transfer from Bến Phà Got Port to Cat Ba Island.
Private transfers are offered by companies such as Ouros Travel, APT Travel Limousine or Amazing Vietnam Travel. You can choose from smaller cars, SUVs or modern air-conditioned minivans for groups.
BOOK TAXI / CAR from Cat Bi to Cat Ba ➜
The journey from Cat Bi Airport to Cat Ba Town takes about 1.5–2 hours and prices range from $40–140 per car. This is the most expensive, but also one of the most convenient transport options.
You can also book only a taxi transfer from Cat Bi Airport to Bến Phà Got Port. The drive takes about 40 minutes.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Ouros Travel | 01:30 | From $80.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Ouros Travel | 01:30 | From $90.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Ouros Travel | 01:30 | From $125.00 / Van 9pax |
| Saigon DMC | 01:30 | From $77.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Saigon DMC | 01:30 | From $87.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Saigon DMC | 01:30 | From $120.00 / Van 9pax |
| APT Travel Limousine | 01:30 | From $47.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| APT Travel Limousine | 01:30 | From $55.00 / SUV 5pax |
| APT Travel Limousine | 01:30 | From $94.00 / Limousine 9pax |
| APT Travel Limousine | 01:30 | From $118.00 / Limousine 19pax |
| Amazing Vietnam Travel | 02:00 | From $60.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Amazing Vietnam Travel | 02:00 | From $70.00 / SUV 6pax |
| Amazing Vietnam Travel | 02:00 | From $130.00 / Minibus 15pax |
3. CABLE CAR from Cat Hai to Cat Ba Island
Another interesting way to reach Cat Ba Island is by the Sun World cable car from Cat Hai near Phà Got Port. The cable car runs from Cát Hải Station to Phu Long Station on Cat Ba Island.
The route is about 4 km long and offers nice views of the surrounding area. In the future, the cable car should also connect directly with Cat Ba Town in the south of the island.
A one-way ticket costs around 100,000 VND and can be purchased at the station. The cable car may occasionally close for maintenance, so it is good to check updates on the official Sun World website.
📍 Ha Long Bay / Cat Ba / Quan Lan – Map:
❓ FAQ – Transport Guide from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island:
How to book tickets from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?
You can search and book ferry, boat, catamaran, or bus tickets from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How to book a cruise in Ha Long Bay?
You can easily book cruises, boat tours, and day trips in Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island online with KLOOK.
How long does it take to get to Cat Ba Island?
Travel time from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island is about 1–2 hours, depending on whether you travel by ferry, catamaran, or bus + ferry.
What is the distance from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?
The travel distance from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island is approximately 40 km by ferry or boat transfer.
How much does transport to Cat Ba Island cost?
Transport from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island costs about $5–10/pp, depending on the type of transfer.
Are there other ways to travel to Cat Ba Island?
Yes, you can also travel by boat from Tuan Chau Island near Ha Long City and tourist resorts.
How to travel from Cat Ba Island back to Hai Phong?
You can travel back to Hai Phong by ferry, catamaran, or combined bus + ferry transfer from Cat Ba Island.
Can you travel to Cat Ba Island by cable car?
Yes, you can use the cable car from Cat Hai to Cat Ba Island.
Where to book cruises in Ha Long Bay?
You can compare and book cruises in this guide: 15 Best Ha Long Bay Cruises.
Which islands in Vietnam are worth visiting?
Popular islands in Vietnam include Cat Ba, Quan Lan, Co To, and Phu Quoc. Read more in this guide.
How to travel solo in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a popular destination for solo travelers thanks to affordable transport and tourist services. Read more 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 |
How to travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?
From Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, you can travel by direct catamaran or by bus + ferry via Cai Vieng. The combined bus and ferry transfer is the cheapest and most popular option.
Travel time from Hai Phong to Cat Ba is about 1–1.5 hours. Combined tickets cost around $6–7 per person, while direct catamarans are slightly faster and more comfortable.
Most transfers arrive in Cat Ba Town, the main tourist center on the island. Ferry and catamaran tickets can be searched and booked online in advance, especially during weekends and high season.
From Cat Ba Island, you can continue by bus and boat to Hanoi or visit other places in northern Vietnam.
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for limestone islands, beaches and boat cruises. Cat Ba Island and nearby Lan Ha Bay are popular for kayaking, hiking and relaxing by the sea.
Before your trip, it is recommended to check the weather forecast for Cat Ba Island.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
Traveling from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island is easy thanks to regular ferries, speedboats, catamarans, and combined bus + boat transfers.
- Fastest Option: Direct catamarans are the fastest way to reach Cat Ba Town.
- Cheapest Transfer: Bus + ferry combinations are affordable and popular among tourists.
- Travel Time: The journey from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island takes about 1–1.5 hours.
- Best Departure: Morning departures are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying more time on the island.
- Weather Conditions: Ferry and boat schedules may change during bad weather or strong winds.
- Extra Route: From Cat Ba Island, you can also continue to Hanoi or explore Lan Ha Bay.
Tip: Ferry, boat, and bus tickets to Cat Ba Island can be searched and booked online in advance.