How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Easily And Enjoy A Trip?

How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba? Getting from Hanoi to Cat Ba can feel hard if you don’t know the way. Many people get confused with too many transport choices. Some trips take too long, others cost too much. But don’t worry! This guide will help you find the best way – easy, fast, and not expensive. You will know what to do, where to go, and how to enjoy the trip. Read on to discover the best way!

Hanoi to Cat Ba Island Distance

The distance between Hanoi and Cát Bà Island is roughly 130 km by road and about 40 km across the sea. To reach the island, travelers usually drive or take a bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong – covering around 120–130 km on highways – then cross by ferry or speedboat – approximately 40 km over water – to Cát Bà. The entire journey, combining land and sea travel, takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the chosen transport and connection times.

How To Get From Hanoi to Cat Ba?

There are several convenient ways to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, including bus, ferry, cable car, motorbike, train, or private car.

1. Hanoi to Cat Ba Island bus

Traveling by bus + ferry from Hanoi to Cát Bà Island is the most popular and budget-friendly choice. Comfort shuttle buses depart multiple times daily from Hanoi’s Old Quarter with air-conditioning, reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and USB outlets. 

They typically cost between US$11–18 (≈ 250,000–450,000 VND) and include the ferry or speedboat ride to Cát Bà, taking approximately 3 to 3.5 hours in total – bus to ferry terminal, sea crossing, then onward bus or boat to Cat Ba town. 

2. Hanoi to Cat Ba train

Step 1: Train Ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong

Your journey begins with a train ride from Long Bien Station in Hanoi to Hai Phong City, covering a distance of about 102 km. This part of the trip takes around 2.5 hours. There are typically 3 to 4 daily departures, and passengers can choose between hard or soft seats depending on their comfort preference.

Step 2: Taxi from Hai Phong to the Ferry Terminal

Once you reach Hai Phong Station, the next step is to catch a taxi to either Got Port or Dinh Vu Ferry Terminal, the main ferry departure points to Cat Ba Island. This taxi ride is around 30 km and takes approximately 45 minutes, with a fare of about 22 USD.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can go to Pha Binh Terminal, just 4 km away, though the ferry ride from there is longer and not ideal for those prone to seasickness.

Step 3: Ferry or Speedboat to Cat Ba Island

The final leg of the journey is a ferry or speedboat ride to Cat Ba Island, which can take between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the terminal and mode of transport. Ticket prices range from 3 USD for a regular ferry to 12 USD for a faster speedboat.

3. Hanoi to Cat Ba private car

Hiring a private car from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island offers a comfortable, flexible, door‑to‑door journey. You’ll be collected from your hotel or airport in Hanoi and driven along the expressway to Hai Phong or the Got/Ben Got ferry terminal – about 130 km by road in roughly 2–2.5 hours 

Then your vehicle and you board a ferry or speedboat – about 40 km over the sea, taking about 30–45 minutes. After docking on Cát Bà Island, you’re driven to your destination, adding another ~30 minutes. Total travel time is around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules.

4. Limousine bus Hanoi to Cat Ba

To travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by limousine, you can book a comfortable shared limousine van service that includes hotel pick-up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a scenic ferry ride, and drop-off at your accommodation in Cat Ba Town. The journey typically takes around 3.5 hours and is offered by various operators such as Sapa Nomad and Ha Giang Nomad.

These services feature modern 20-seat vans with amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and reclining leather seats. Departure times usually range from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with multiple daily options.

This mode of transport is ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience, especially when traveling with family or heavy luggage.

5. Hanoi to Cat Ba by Motorbike

If you’re looking for an independent and exciting adventure, riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is a great choice. Renting a motorbike usually costs about $9 to $11 per day, and the whole trip takes around 3 to 4 hours. This option is perfect for backpackers and adventure lovers who want the freedom to explore on their own.

Step 1: To prepare for your “phuot” trip, first rent a motorbike in Hanoi, then fill up the tank and get ready to hit the road. You’ll follow National Road No.5 and cross the impressive Tan Vu – Lach Huyen sea bridge, covering about 135 kilometers from Hanoi to Dong Bai Port, which takes roughly 3.5 hours. 

Step 2: From Dong Bai Port, you catch a ferry to Cai Vieng Terminal on Cat Ba Island – it’s a quick 30-minute ride. Once on the island, you’ll need to ride for another 30 minutes to reach Cat Ba town center.

Step 3: For a 2-day round trip, expect to spend around $30 in total. This includes $22 for the motorbike rental, $8 for the ferry tickets (round trip), and about $8 for gasoline. Overall, motorbiking to Cat Ba is a fun, flexible way to see beautiful scenery and enjoy the journey your own way.

6. Hanoi to Cat Ba Tour

Sapa Nomad’s Hanoi to Cat Ba Tour makes exploring Cat Ba Island a breeze! We pick you up right in Hanoi Old Quarter with a comfortable car and follow a well-planned itinerary, so you can fully relax as you travel. 

>>> 1-Day Tour from Da Nang & Hoi An: Cu Lao Cham ISLAND

You’ll transfer by bus and speedboat to reach Cat Ba, then enjoy a full day of adventure in Lan Ha Bay – kayaking, swimming, and discovering hidden caves and lagoons aboard a modern cruise. With their perfect route and reliable transport, all you need to do is show up and soak in the island vibes!

7. Hanoi To Cat Ba By Bus + Cable Car

If you’re looking for a fun, fast, and easy way to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, the bus + cable car combo is a great choice. You’ll start with a comfortable bus ride from Hanoi, then hop on the Cat Ba cable car to glide over the sea straight to the island. It’s not just convenient—it’s also a chance to enjoy amazing views of the Gulf of Tonkin and Cat Ba from above!

The whole trip takes around 2 hours, and the price is super reasonable – about $13 to $16 USD (or 400,000–500,000 VND) per person, one way. It’s perfect for solo travelers, families, or small groups who want a smooth, scenic trip.

The highlight? Definitely the Cat Ba Cable Car, which was relaunched in April 2024. It even holds a Guinness World Record for having the tallest cable car pillar in the world – a whopping 214.8 meters tall!

While you can buy a cable car ticket separately, it’s way easier to book the bus + cable car combo through a travel agency. Everything’s included – bus fare, cable car ticket, fuel, tolls – so you can just pack your bag and enjoy the ride!

Essential Tips Before Traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba

Planning your trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba? These essential travel tips will help you save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free journey.

• ⏰ Be Punctual – Arrive at the Bus Station Early
  Give yourself at least 30 minutes before departure to check in and avoid missing your ride. 
• 🚫 Skip the Crowds – Avoid Peak Travel Season
  Travel between May and July is busy. Choose off-peak months for a more relaxed experience. 
• 🚆 Catch the Morning Train – Don’t Miss the Last Ferry
  Morning trains are limited, and ferries stop by 17:00–18:00. Start early to stay on schedule. 
• 🎟️ Go Easy – Book a Combo Ticket or Tour Package
  Save time and stress by booking transport and ferry tickets through a travel agent. 
• 🕒 Double-Check Ferry Times Before You Go
  Ferry schedules may change due to weather—always confirm in advance to stay on track. 
• 🎒 Travel Light – Pack Smart for Multiple Transfers
  You’ll change vehicles a few times, so pack light and stay flexible for a smooth journey.

Conclusion

To wrap up, how to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba? Getting from Hanoi to Cat Ba is easy and fun. You can take a bus or a train to Ha Long, then catch a boat to the island. The bus is cheap and runs often, so you won’t wait long. The boat ride is nice and gives you a good view of the sea. When you arrive at the island, you can explore and enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature. It’s a simple trip that takes you to a really special place.