From Hanoi to Cat Ba
Traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba is a great way to experience the beauty of Northern Vietnam. Cat Ba Island offers stunning natural scenery, including picturesque beaches, limestone cliffs, and lush forests. Additionally, you can enjoy delicious seafood, explore local fishing villages, and go on scenic boat tours in the surrounding bay.
Bus
Private car
Tour
How to get From Hanoi to Cat Ba
Your options for traveling From Hanoi to Cat Ba
Bus
One popular option is to take a combination of bus and ferry, which typically takes around 4-5 hours.
Bus and ferry: This is the most common way to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. You can catch a bus from Hanoi's Luong Yen or My Dinh bus station to Hai Phong City, which takes around 2-2.5 hours. From there, you can take a ferry from the Ben Binh terminal in Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, which takes around 45-60 minutes. The ferry runs regularly throughout the day and costs around 200,000-250,000 VND (around $9-11 USD) per person.
- Affordability: Taking the bus and ferry is the most affordable option for traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, with tickets costing around $9-11 USD per person.
- Flexibility: There are multiple departure times for both the bus and ferry, so you can choose a schedule that works best for you.
- Scenic ferry ride: The ferry ride from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island offers beautiful views of the bay and surrounding islands.
- Longer travel time: The bus ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes around 2-2.5 hours, and the ferry ride from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island takes another 45-60 minutes. This means that the total travel time can be around 4-5 hours.
- Crowded buses and ferries: The buses and ferries can be quite crowded, especially during peak travel seasons, which can make for a less comfortable journey.
- Inconvenient luggage storage: You may need to store your luggage on the bus or ferry, which can be inconvenient and leave your belongings vulnerable to theft or damage.
Private car
Another option is to book a private transfer, which may be more convenient and comfortable but also more expensive.
If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, you can book a private transfer from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. This can include a private car or minivan and a private speedboat to take you directly to Cat Ba Island. This option is more expensive than taking the bus and ferry, but it allows you to avoid the hassle of public transportation and can be more flexible with your schedule.
- Convenience: With a private transfer, you can enjoy door-to-door service, meaning that a driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and take you directly to your accommodation on Cat Ba Island.
- Comfort: Private transfers typically offer more comfort and space than public transportation, with air conditioning, comfortable seats, and space for luggage.
- Flexibility: Private transfers offer more flexibility than public transportation, as you can choose your departure time and travel at your own pace.
- Time-saving: Private transfers can save you time, as you don't need to worry about waiting for public transportation or making multiple transfers.
- Higher cost: Private transfers are more expensive than public transportation, with prices ranging from around $80-100 USD per vehicle depending on the type of transfer and the number of passengers.
- Traffic and road conditions: Traffic and road conditions in Vietnam can be unpredictable, especially during peak travel seasons, which can cause delays and affect your travel time.
- Limited availability: Private transfers may not be available at all times or in all locations, so you may need to book in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
