1. What is the distance from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island?
Cat Ba Island is approximately 140 kilometers away from Hanoi. To travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba, you will need to go to Hai Phong City first. The distance from Hanoi to Hai Phong is about 120 kilometers.
2. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi?
The journey to Cat Ba from Hanoi is divided into two parts: from Hanoi to Hai Phong, and from Hai Phong to Cat Ba, each offering various transport options.
2.1. Part 1: From Hanoi to Hai Phong
Traveling from Hanoi to Hai Phong can be done quickly and conveniently either by coach, train, private car, etc.
- By coach
This is a popular option for many travelers due to its affordability, frequent departures, and relatively fast travel time. However, it requires going to a bus station and sticking to the coach schedule. A coach ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 2 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 90,000 to 130,000 VND. Some well-known operators include Anh Huy, Hai Au, Daiichi Travel, etc.
- By limousine bus
The limousine bus is like a smaller coach with fewer seats, in exchange for better seating and more amenities. The limousine bus is generally more costly than the coach, but the convenience of having more pick-up and drop-off points make up for it. A coach ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 1.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 190,000 to 230,000 VND per person per way. Some well-known operators include Hoang Anh Limousine, Nguyen Gia Limousine, Hai Phong Travel, etc.
- By tourist bus
The tourist bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba is typically a coach that is part of an all-inclusive ride. Instead of dropping passengers off at a bus station in Hai Phong, the tourist bus will take you directly to the ferry terminal, where you can continue the journey with a ferry ride. Ticket prices average 350,000 VND per way. Services often include amenities like free pick-up and drop-off, Wi-Fi, and LCD screens. Some well-known operators include Cat Ba Express, Good Morning Cat Ba, Cat Ba Discovery, and Hoang Long.
- By train
This is the cheapest and safest option for traveling from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Train travel offers scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere, although there are only 3-4 train departures per day. The journey from Hanoi to Hai Phong by train takes nearly 3 hours. Here is some information about the train schedule and ticket pricing for your reference:
Train number | ETD | ETA | Fare (VND) |
HP1 | 6 AM | 8:25 AM | 73,000 – 105,000 |
LP3 | 9:20 AM | 12 PM | 73,000 – 110,000 |
LP5 | 3:15 PM | 6 PM | 73,000 – 110,000 |
LP7 | 6 PM | 8:55 PM | 73,000 – 110,000 |
- By private car
Renting a Hanoi to Cat Ba private car with a driver provides privacy, comfort, and flexibility, ideal for groups. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. However, car rental costs range from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 VND per way, including fuel costs, tolls, and parking fees. Various vehicle types are available, from 4-seater cars to 16-seater vans.
- By car/motorbike
If you are feeling adventurous, riding a motorbike or driving a car by yourself from Hanoi to Hai Phong is a great option. However, it requires a valid driver’s license and adherence to the local traffic laws. You can easily rent a motorbike or car in Hanoi to set off for your journey. Regarding the route, you will typically follow National Road 5 (for motorbikes) or the Hanoi – Hai Phong highway (for cars).
2.2. Part 2: From Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
Now, how to get to Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong? You can choose between the ferry, speedboat, or cable car.
- By ferry: Upon arrival in Hai Phong, you can take a taxi across Tan Vu Bridge to Dong Bai Ferry Terminal. The ferry terminal operates from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily. From there, you take a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Each ferry ride takes up to 3 hours or more. A ferry ticket costs 12,000 VND.
- By speedboat: For a faster journey, you can take a speedboat from Hong Bang Port or Binh Port to Cat Ba Island. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes. Ticket prices average at 250,000 VND.
- By cable car: Make your way to the cable car station in Cat Hai District to take the cable car to Cat Ba Island. Each cable car ride takes only 15 minutes. A cable car ticket costs 100,000 VND. Note that it operates from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM daily (closed on Tuesdays).
3. Useful tips for traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
- Arrive at the bus station, pick-up point, ferry terminal, or cable car station at least 30 minutes early to avoid missing the ride.
- In the peak tourist season, ferries to Cat Ba are often very crowded, leading to long waiting times.
- If you are fond of traveling by train, take a morning train from Hanoi to Hai Phong to ensure punctual arrival to catch the ferry or speedboat to Cat Ba.
- Look for package Hanoi to Cat Ba tours from travel agents to save time and money.
*Note: The information provided is for reference purposes only and is subject to change over time.
While you are in Hai Phong, take the time to explore various attractions here, especially Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen, Vietnam’s first international-standard equestrian academy. Situated on Vinhomes Royal Island, Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen houses some of the rarest horse breeds worldwide, where visitors can learn horse-riding and participate in many horse-related activities.
Book tours to Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen
If you are wondering how to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi, hopefully our guide has covered everything you need to know, from the Hanoi to Cat Ba Island travel time to the most convenient transport options.
Beyond Hai Phong, Vietnam travel is dotted with numerous other breathtaking destinations. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi, the stunning natural beauty of Ha Long, the ancient charm of Hoi An, to the pristine beaches of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, each destination promises a memorable adventure.
In these destinations, you can dive into endless fun at VinWonders – Vietnam’s premier chain of entertainment complexes. VinWonders features all sorts of exhilarating games and colorful festivals, catering to solo thrill-seekers and families alike.
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