Flight via Hanoi / Hai Phong
~1–2h flight + transfer
Train + bus
Sleeper, scenic, 2-step journey
Sleeper bus
Cheapest, ~16–19h journey
Motorbike
Very long distance, safety risk
Quick answer: Traveling from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay is easy with several options. By land, the journey is about 800 km and takes 15–19 hours by bus or 16–19 hours by train plus bus. For a faster trip, you can fly to Hai Phong (~1.5 hours) and transfer by bus or taxi (~1 hour). Private cars are also available for a flexible door-to-door journey.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~800 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: 15–19 hours (bus), 16–19 hours (train + bus), 5-7 hours (flight + transfer)
- 💰 Price range: $26–$800
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper tourist bus (e.g., Grouptour, Duy Khanh Transport, New Way Travel…)
- 🚆 Train option: Train to Hanoi + bus/taxi to Ha Long Bay
- ✈️ Fastest option: Flight to Hai Phong + transfer to Ha Long Bay
- 🚗 Private car: Direct transfer (~16–18 hours)
Last updated in March 2026
From Da Nang to Halong Bay you can travel by plane, train + bus or sleeper bus.
The travel distance from Da Nang to Halong Bay is about 800 km. The fastest option is a direct flight to Hai Phong, followed by a short transfer to Ha Long. Sleeper buses are the cheapest choice, while trains require a transfer in Hanoi or Ninh Binh.
From Hai Phong you can continue by ferry to Cat Ba Island. Tourist buses also connect Hanoi and Ninh Binh with Halong Bay throughout the day.
From Halong Bay you can continue to Cao Bang, Hanoi, or Sapa. Before your trip, it is also worth checking the weather in Halong Bay.
| Transfer Mode – Da Nang to Halong Bay | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus (via Hanoi) | 23 hours | $30+ |
| Plane (direct flight to Hai Phong) | 1.5 hours | $60–$150 |
| Sleeper Bus (or bus + van via Hanoi) | 15–19 hours | $26–$50 |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver (via Hanoi) | 16–18 hours | $400-800/car |
How do I get from Da Nang to Halong Bay?
1. TRAIN + BUS from Da Nang to Ha Long (via Hanoi)
👉 Budget-friendly option with a train and bus transfer from Da Nang to Ha Long via Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: low-cost travelers and those who don’t mind longer travel with transfers
- ✔️ Duration: ~18–22 hours total (train 15–18h + bus 2.5–3.5h)
- ✔️ Price: $27–98 per person (train $22–75 + bus $5–23)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (seats or sleeper trains; better comfort with tourist sleeper cabins)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper train to Hanoi + minivan/bus to Ha Long
- 💡 Tip: Choose a 4-berth tourist sleeper for better comfort and consider stopping in Ninh Binh or Hanoi to break up the long journey.
A) Train from Da Nang to Hanoi
You can travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay by train and bus via Hanoi. Vietnam Railways operates several daily trains on this route, including tourist sleeper trains. The journey to Hanoi takes about 15–18 hours, with tickets costing $22–45 per person on regular trains or $60–75 on tourist sleeper trains.
Trains arrive at Hanoi Railway Station, close to the Old Quarter, where you can easily continue by bus to Halong Bay.
B) Bus / Minivan from Hanoi to Ha Long
The second step is a bus or minivan from Hanoi to Ha Long. The journey takes about 2.5–3.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $5–23 per person.
Buses depart from several locations in Hanoi and arrive in Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, Van Don, and other areas around Halong Bay. You can also leave the train earlier in Ninh Binh and continue to Halong Bay by bus.
2. FLIGHT + FERRY from Da Nang to Cat Ba Island
👉 Fast and comfortable option with a flight and ferry transfer from Da Nang to Cat Ba Island.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and reach Cat Ba Island quickly
- ✔️ Duration: ~4–6 hours total (flight 1.5h + transfer and ferry)
- ✔️ Price: $66–157 per person (flight $60–150 + ferry/bus $6–7)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + convenient transfer options)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight to Hai Phong + transfer to Bến Phà Got Port + ferry to Cat Ba
- 💡 Tip: Book a combined bus + ferry ticket from Hai Phong to Cat Ba for an easier and cheaper transfer.
The fastest way to travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay is a direct flight to Hai Phong. VietJet Air operates this route in about 1.5 hours, with fares starting at around $60–150 per person. You can also check the Vietnam Airports Map before your trip.
Cat Bi Airport is about 27 km from Ben Pha Got Port, where ferries depart for Cat Ba Island. You can reach the port by taxi or continue to Ha Long City by bus or private transfer.
Another option is the combined bus and ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs around $6–7 per person.
3. SLEEPER BUS from Da Nang to Ha Long
👉 Cheap long-distance option with a sleeper bus from Da Nang to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who are okay with very long overnight journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~13–19 hours
- ✔️ Price: $30–45 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern sleeper buses, but can be tiring for long distances)
- ✅ Best option: Direct sleeper bus or combined transfer via Hanoi with companies like Grouptour or Duy Khanh Transport
- 💡 Tip: Consider splitting the trip (e.g. stop in Phong Nha or Vinh) if you want a more comfortable journey.
The sleeper bus is the cheapest way to travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay. The journey takes about 13–19 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $30–45 per person. Modern sleeper buses offer a comfortable alternative for budget travelers.
Companies such as Grouptour, Duy Khanh Transport, New Way Travel, Sapa Discovery Travel, Vietnam Easy Go Travel, and Vietnam Luxury Travel operate on this route. Some services include a transfer in Hanoi before continuing to Halong Bay by minivan or bus.
If you prefer shorter travel segments, you can also stop in Phong Nha or Vinh and continue to Halong Bay by another bus.
| Bus Company | Departs | Arrives | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cua Ong | 14:45 | 08:30 | From $26.00/pp |
| Duy Khanh | 14:00 | 07:30 | From $37.00/pp |
| Duy Khanh | 17:00 | 10:30 | From $37.00/pp |
| Duy Khanh | 05:00 | 22:30 | From $37.00/pp |
| Luxury Van Lim. | 17:00 | 08:30 | From $39.00/pp |
| New Way Travel | 14:00 | 09:00 | From $30.00/pp |
| New Way Travel | 15:30 | 10:30 | From $30.00/pp |
| Green Bus | 14:00 | 07:00 | From $33.00/pp |
| Green Bus | 15:30 | 08:30 | From $33.00/pp |
| Sapa Discovery Travel | 20:45 | 11:00 | From $41.00/pp |
| Sapa Discovery Travel | 17:00 | 09:30 | From $42.00/pp |
| Vietnam Easy Go | 17:00 | 11:00 | From $51.00/pp |
4. TAXI / CAR from Da Nang to Ha Long (via Hanoi)
👉 Most comfortable but very expensive option with a private car transfer to Ha Long via Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: groups or travelers seeking maximum comfort and flexibility
- ✔️ Duration: ~16–18 hours total (2 transfers)
- ✔️ Price: $400–800 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern AC cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer (Da Nang → Hanoi → Ha Long) with companies like Taxigo or Ouros Travel
- 💡 Tip: Split costs and consider a stop in Hanoi for better comfort.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable but also the most expensive way to travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay. As there are no direct private transfers, the journey is usually arranged in two parts via Hanoi and takes about 16–18 hours.
Companies such as Taxigo VN and Hue Happy Travel operate the route to Hanoi, while Saigon DMC, Hanoi VIP Transfer, OUROS Travel, Halong Transportation, Mui Ne Sky Travel, Grouptour, and others provide transfers from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Prices range from $400–800 per car, depending on the vehicle type.
Private transfers include flexible pickup and drop-off locations and are ideal for families or small groups. Modern cars, SUVs, and spacious minivans are available for different group sizes.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay:
How to book tickets or flights from Da Nang to Halong Bay?
You can book tickets and flights online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Da Nang to Halong Bay?
Train + bus transfers via Hanoi take about 23 hours. Sleeper buses take about 15–19 hours and direct flights to Hai Phong about 1.5 hours.
How much does transport from Da Nang to Halong Bay cost?
Bus tickets cost about $26–50/pp, train + bus transfers from $30/pp and flights about $60–150/pp.
What is the travel distance from Da Nang to Halong Bay?
The travel distance is about 800 km by land.
What is the fastest way to get to Halong Bay?
The fastest option is a direct flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong and then a bus or ferry transfer.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually a sleeper bus, but travel time is long.
How to travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?
You can travel by ferry or speedboat. Read: How to travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba?
How to travel from Tuan Chau Island to Cat Ba Island?
You can travel by local ferry or boat from Tuan Chau Island to Cat Ba Island.
How to travel from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay?
The best option is a private minivan, bus or taxi transfer from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay.
What other places can you visit on this route?
You can also visit Hue, Hanoi or Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
You are searching for a cruise in Halong Bay or Cat Ba Island?
Carefully consider a selection and book the best boat cruise.
| ⭐ 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 Da Nang to Ha Long Bay
Traveling from Da Nang to Ha Long Bay is a long journey across Vietnam. You can travel by sleeper bus, train + bus or plane.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights to Hai Phong are the quickest way to reach Ha Long Bay.
- Cheapest Option: Sleeper buses are budget-friendly but travel time is very long.
- Comfortable Travel: Train + bus transfers via Hanoi offer a more comfortable overland option.
- Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, chargers and a neck pillow for long journeys.
- Offline Maps: Save maps and tickets before departure in case of weaker mobile signal.
- Book Early: Flights, trains and buses can sell out during weekends and holidays.
Tip: Bus, train and flight tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.