Limousine / shuttle bus + ferry
Best mix of comfort, price, and seamless transfer
Standard bus + ferry
Cheapest option with simple all-in-one ticket
Private car + ferry
Door-to-door travel with flexible schedule
Train + ferry
Multiple transfers via Hai Phong, less convenient
Quick answer: Travelling from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island offers several options including bus + ferry, train + speedboat via Hai Phong, plane to Tuan Chau Island, or taxi + bus + ferry from Noi Bai Airport. Travel times and prices vary, making it easy to choose between budget, speed, or comfort depending on your preferences.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: About 160 km (bus/train + ferry route)
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus + ferry 3.5–5 hours | Train + speedboat 4–5 hours | Taxi + bus + ferry 3.5–4.5 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus + ferry US$11–17 pp | Train + speedboat US$10–15 pp | Taxi + ferry US$145–255 per car
- 🚌 Bus + ferry: Popular and affordable choice with combined ticket for road and ferry.
- 🚆 Train + speedboat: Scenic and relaxing, ideal if you prefer travelling via Hai Phong.
- ✈️ Plane: Fastest way via Hai Au Aviation to Tuan Chau Island, best for saving time.
- 🚕 Taxi + bus + ferry: Convenient for airport transfers and flexible travel plans.
- 🚗 Taxi + ferry: Most comfortable option, good for groups or private travel.
Last updated in March 2026
How do I get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island?
1. BUS + FERRY from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
👉 Most popular and budget-friendly way to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers & direct island transfer
- ✔️ Duration: 3.5–5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $11–17 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus/minivan + ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Combined bus + ferry ticket via Hai Phong or Tuan Chau
- 💡 Tip: Choose a combined ticket that includes ferry transfer for a smoother journey.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Allow extra time during weekends as ferries can be busy.
The most popular way to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is by bus + ferry via Hai Phong or Tuan Chau. This option is ideal for low-cost travelers.
The journey takes about 3.5–5 hours and costs around $11–17 per person, usually including the ferry. The cheapest bus tickets start from about $9–10.
Most routes go via Hai Phong, with a ferry from Bến phà Gót to Cái Viềng, followed by a short bus transfer to Cat Ba town.
BOOK TICKETS to Cat Ba Island ➜
Bus + ferry transfers from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island are operated by many private companies, such as Goodmorning Cat Ba, Cat Ba Express, Grouptour, Techbus VN, InterBus Lines, and others.
Some companies also offer transfers directly from Noi Bai Airport, making this option convenient for arriving travelers.
This combination of bus and boat is a reliable, safe, and affordable way to reach Cat Ba Island.
| Bus Operator | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Cat Ba | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Morning Cat Ba | 07:30 | 11:30 | From $11.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba | 10:30 | 14:30 | From $11.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba | 14:00 | 17:30 | From $11.00 |
| Cat Ba Express | 07:30 | 11:30 | From $14.00 |
| Cat Ba Express | 10:45 | 14:45 | From $14.00 |
| Cat Ba Express | 14:15 | 18:15 | From $14.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 08:00 | 11:30 | From $11.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 10:30 | 14:00 | From $11.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 12:30 | 16:00 | From $11.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 14:30 | 17:00 | From $11.00 |
| Grouptour | 07:45 | 11:45 | From $10.00 |
| Grouptour | 10:15 | 14:15 | From $10.00 |
| Grouptour | 12:15 | 16:15 | From $10.00 |
| Grouptour | 14:15 | 18:15 | From $10.00 |
| Full Moon Party Tour | 07:30 | 11:20 | From $14.00 |
| Full Moon Party Tour | 10:30 | 14:20 | From $14.00 |
| Full Moon Party Tour | 14:00 | 17:50 | From $14.00 |
| Hoang Long | 07:30 | 11:10 | From $14.00 |
| Hoang Long | 10:30 | 14:10 | From $14.00 |
| Hoang Long | 14:00 | 17:40 | From $14.00 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | 07:30 | 11:00 | From $11.00 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | 10:00 | 13:30 | From $11.00 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | 14:00 | 17:30 | From $11.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba (Noi Bai Airport) | 10:00 | 14:40 | From $23.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba (Noi Bai Airport) | 11:00 | 15:40 | From $23.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba (Noi Bai Airport) | 12:00 | 16:40 | From $23.00 |
| Full Moon Party Tour (Noi Bai Airport) | 06:30 | 11:00 | From $23.00 |
| Full Moon Party Tour (Noi Bai Airport) | 08:00 | 12:30 | From $23.00 |
| Full Moon Party Tour (Noi Bai Airport) | 09:00 | 13:30 | From $23.00 |
| Full Moon Party Tour (Noi Bai Airport) | 13:00 | 17:30 | From $23.00 |
| Techbus | 05:30 | 09:00 | From $13.00 |
| Techbus | 07:15 | 11:05 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus | 10:15 | 14:05 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus | 13:30 | 17:00 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus | 15:00 | 18:50 | From $12.00 |
| King Express | 06:00 | 09:30 | From $10.00 |
| King Express | 08:00 | 11:30 | From $10.00 |
| King Express | 10:45 | 14:15 | From $10.00 |
| King Express | 13:00 | 16:30 | From $10.00 |
| King Express | 14:30 | 18:00 | From $10.00 |
| Duc Duong | 07:40 | 11:40 | From $19.00 |
| Duc Duong | 10:40 | 14:40 | From $19.00 |
| Duc Duong | 12:40 | 16:40 | From $19.00 |
| Duc Duong | 14:40 | 18:40 | From $19.00 |
| To Vietnam Travel | 07:00 | 10:30 | From $13.00 |
| To Vietnam Travel | 10:00 | 13:30 | From $13.00 |
| To Vietnam Travel | 12:00 | 15:30 | From $13.00 |
| To Vietnam Travel | 14:00 | 17:30 | From $13.00 |
2. TRAIN + BOAT / FERRY from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
👉 Scenic and cheap way to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island via Hai Phong.
- ✔️ Good for: relaxed travel & exploring Hai Phong
- ✔️ Duration: ~4–5 hours (train + bus/ferry)
- ✔️ Price: ~$3–4 (train) + ~$6 (bus/ferry)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (train seats + ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Train to Hai Phong + combined bus and ferry ticket
- 💡 Tip: Book a combined bus + ferry ticket in advance for an easy transfer from Hai Phong to Cat Ba.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Sit by the window on the train for better views of the countryside.
Step 1 – If you want to get to know the large port city of Hai Phong, you can travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island via this city by a combination of train and ferry. The first step is a peaceful and comfortable train journey from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Trains to Hai Phong depart from Hanoi Railway Station, the journey takes about 2.5 hours and the tickets are cheap, costing about 3-4 USD/person for a comfortable seat.
The train station is in the center of Hai Phong, so everything is within easy reach. From there, you can continue to Hong Bang port, from catamarans leave for Cat Ba Island. Some buses + boats may also depart from Pha Binh Port in Hai Phong (4 Bến Bính), which is in the northern part of the city. You can travel to Bến Phà Got harbor by taxi or you can use a combination of bus and ferry to Cat Ba by booking tickets online.
Step 2 – If you use the bus and ferry trip via the port of Bến Phà Got as the 2nd step, the journey will take approximately 1.5 hours in total, including a transfer to Cat Ba Island. It’s an ideal option and tickets are cheap, with a combined bus and ferry ticket costing around $6 per person.
The bus from Hai Phong departs from the bus stop at 4 Bến Bính Street, goes to Bến Phà Got Port, and from there continues by boat to Cat Ba Island, to Bến Phà Cái Viềng Port. You can take a backpack with a maximum weight of 20 kg on the ferry. You can find and book a combined ticket online in advance.
3. TAXI / CAR + FERRY from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
👉 Fastest and most comfortable transfer from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups & hassle-free travel
- ✔️ Duration: 2–4 hours
- ✔️ Price: $100–340 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private cars, SUVs, minibuses)
- ✅ Best option: Private car with driver + ferry included
- 💡 Tip: Book a door-to-door transfer from hotel or airport for maximum convenience.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Confirm ferry timing with the driver to avoid waiting at the port.
You can also travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by private taxi or car with driver, which is the fastest and most comfortable option, but also the most expensive.
This option takes about 2–4 hours and usually includes a short ferry transfer to Cat Ba town.
Private transfers offer modern cars, minivans, or larger vehicles, making them ideal for travelers who prefer comfort and convenience over price.
Private transfer from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is the most expensive option, costing about $100–340 per car, usually including the ferry transfer. The price depends on the vehicle type and number of passengers.
Various companies operate on this route, such as Booking Car, Grouptour, Cat Ba Express, PacknGo, or Ouros Travel.
The main advantage is direct pickup, even from Noi Bai International Airport, offering maximum comfort and convenience.
| Taxi Operator | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Car (Car) | 02:30 | From $165.00 |
| Booking Car (SUV) | 02:30 | From $198.00 |
| Booking Car (Van) | 02:30 | From $253.00 |
| Cat Ba Express (Minivan) | 04:00 | From $143.00 |
| Cat Ba Express (Van) | 04:00 | From $165.00 |
| Cat Ba Express (Van) | 04:00 | From $176.00 |
| Ouros Travel | 03:20 | From $69.00 |
| Ouros Travel | 03:20 | From $81.00 |
| Saigon DMC (Comfort) | 03:00 | From $112.00 |
| Saigon DMC (SUV) | 03:00 | From $122.00 |
| Saigon DMC (Van) | 03:00 | From $180.00 |
| PacknGo (Standard) | 03:30 | From $115.00 |
| PacknGo (Minivan) | 03:30 | From $130.00 |
| PacknGo (Van) | 03:30 | From $250.00 |
| Cat Ba Express (Minivan 4px) | 04:00 | From $155.00 |
| Cat Ba Express (Van 7px) | 04:00 | From $179.00 |
| Cat Ba Express (Van 16px) | 04:00 | From $191.00 |
4. Travel on a Motorbike to Cat Ba Island
👉 Adventurous way to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by motorbike.
- ✔️ Good for: experienced riders & adventure travelers
- ✔️ Duration: varies (approx. 4–6+ hours including ferry)
- ✔️ Price: low (fuel + small ferry fee)
- ✔️ Comfort: low (long ride, road conditions vary)
- ✅ Best option: Ride to Hai Phong or Tuan Chau + ferry transfer with motorbike
- 💡 Tip: Consider renting a motorbike on Cat Ba Island instead of riding from Hanoi.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Avoid peak traffic hours when leaving Hanoi for a safer ride.
Experienced travelers can also reach Cat Ba Island by motorbike. You can ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong or Ha Long and take a ferry (motorbike transport costs only a few dollars).
This option is not suitable for everyone – road conditions can be challenging, so proper gear and experience are important. An International Driving Permit is required.
For most travelers, it is easier to rent a motorbike directly on Cat Ba Island, where traffic is lighter and better suited for exploring.
5. FLIGHT from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island (Seaplane)
Cat Ba Island has no airport, so direct flights are not available. However, you can enjoy a scenic seaplane flight with Hai Au Aviation from Hanoi to Tuan Chau.
This flight takes about 45–60 minutes and offers stunning views of Ha Long Bay. Departure is from Noi Bai Airport, with arrival at Tuan Chau Marina.
Prices range from $80–450 per person. From Tuan Chau, you can continue by boat to Cat Ba Island.
📍 Cat Ba Island / Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay – Travel Map:
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island:
How to book tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island?
You can book tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba?
Travel by bus + ferry takes about 3.5–5 hours. Train + speedboat via Hai Phong takes about 4–5 hours.
How much does transport from Hanoi to Cat Ba cost?
Bus + ferry tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island cost about $11–17/pp. Private taxi costs about $145–255/car.
What is the distance from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island?
The travel distance from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is about 160 km.
How to book a tour in Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba?
You can search and book cruises or tours in Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay via KLOOK ➜.
From where do buses depart in Hanoi?
Buses depart from different stations in Hanoi. You can check departure points before booking on Baolau or 12go.asia.
Can you travel back from Cat Ba to Hanoi?
Yes, you can travel back by the same bus + ferry connections. Tickets can be booked online in advance.
Where can you store luggage in Hanoi?
You can use Radical Storage ➜ in Hanoi city center for safe luggage storage.
How to explore Cat Ba Island?
The best option is to rent a motorbike, scooter or bicycle in Cat Ba town. Boat trips are also very popular.
Where to stay in Cat Ba Island?
You can book hotels, resorts or guesthouses in Cat Ba town ➜, the main tourist area of the island.
What is the best way to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba?
The most popular option is bus + ferry. It is affordable, comfortable and relatively fast.
How many days should you stay in Cat Ba?
Most travelers stay about 3–5 days to enjoy beaches, boat cruises and island sightseeing.
Which airport is closest to Cat Ba Island?
The closest airport is Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong. There is no airport on Cat Ba Island.
Is there a railway on Cat Ba Island?
No, there is no railway on Cat Ba Island. The nearest railway station is in Hai Phong.
How to travel from Noi Bai Airport to Cat Ba?
You can book a combined taxi + bus + ferry ticket from Hanoi Airport to Cat Ba via 12go.asia.
What is the cheapest way to get to Cat Ba?
The cheapest option is bus + ferry. Tickets start at about $11/pp.
How to get from Cat Ba Island back to Hanoi?
You can travel by bus + ferry back to Hanoi. See also: Cat Ba Island to Hanoi – Bus Schedule.
How to travel from Tuan Chau Island to Cat Ba?
You can travel by ferry or boat from Tuan Chau Island to Gia Luan Pier on Cat Ba Island in about 1 hour.
Is there a cable car to Cat Ba Island?
Which other islands can you visit in Vietnam?
One of the most popular islands is Phu Quoc. Read also: 10 Best Islands 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 |
BOOK your HOTEL in Cat Ba Island ➜
Hanoi to Cat Ba – Transport Options Comparison
Travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island (about 160 km) offers several options depending on your budget and comfort.
Bus + ferry via Hai Phong or Tuan Chau is the most popular and cheapest option (from $11, 4–5 hours). Train + ferry via Hai Phong is an alternative with similar travel time.
Private taxi/car is the fastest and most comfortable option (2–4 hours), but also the most expensive. You can also use a cable car via Cát Hải or speedboats from Hai Phong.
There is no airport on Cat Ba Island, so all routes include a boat or ferry transfer. Choose based on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Before your arrival, acquaint yourself with essential information about the island’s weather through this article: Weather in Cat Ba Island.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
Traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is a popular route in northern Vietnam. You can travel by bus + ferry combo, limousine van or private transfer via Hai Phong.
- Best Departure: Morning departures help avoid heavy traffic in Hanoi.
- Bus + Ferry: Combo tickets are the easiest and most affordable option.
- What to Bring: Bring water, snacks and a light jacket for air-conditioned transport.
- Ferry Crossing: Ferries can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so arrive early.
- Luggage Tips: Smaller backpacks are easier during transfers between buses and ferries.
- Avoid Cheap Tours: Very cheap offers near Hanoi’s Old Quarter may include long waiting times.
Tip: Bus, ferry and private transfer tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island can be searched and booked online in advance.