Are you planning a trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island and wondering how to get there? Look no further! In this article, 2 Vietnam’ll cover all the transportation options available, as well as some tips and tricks to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Getting from Hanoi to Hai Phong
If you’ve already had the opportunity to discover the enchanting capital city of Hanoi, why not enhance your journey by venturing from Hanoi to Hai Phong? This captivating destination, located just 100 kilometers away, beckons with its renowned tourist attractions including Cat Ba Island, Do Son Beach, and Lan Ha Bay. Hai Phong, Vietnam, presents an enticing blend of cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, ready to be explored by avid travelers. Read further to unveil the finest travel options connecting these two captivating cities.
The first step in traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba is getting from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Here are some transportation options:
Bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong
Several bus companies offer direct routes from Hanoi to Hai Phong. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and costs around $5 to USD 10 per person. Some popular bus companies include:
- Hoang Long
- Kumho Viet Thanh
- Hai Au
You can see more
Comprehensive Guide
Hai Au Bus is the bus company I choose because of its professionalism, clear schedule, the car does not catch passengers along the way, mineral water is served on the bus. Enthusiastic staff
Hai Au Bus, which works on the Hanoi – Hai Phong route.
- Departure Location: The bus departs from Thuong Ly Bus Station in Hai Phong.
- Arrival Location: The bus arrives at Gia Lam Bus Station in Hanoi.
- Departure Time: The first bus departs at 5:00 AM, and subsequent buses follow approximately every 20 minutes.
- Ticket Price: The ticket price for the journey is around 90,000 VND per person. (~ 5 USD )
- Contact Information: You can reach Hai Au Bus at the phone number (+84)225.3717.717 for any inquiries or further assistance.
You can move to Gia Lam Bus Station (Google Maps). You can take a Grab Bike to the Bus station or take a taxi. If in the Old Quarter, the distance is only 5km. You can completely walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery on Long Bien Bridge. After arriving at the bus station, you go to Hai Au bus office to book a bus ticket to Hai Phong.
You can book tickets online on the website haiaubus.vn or contact us directly at the phone number on the website.
Train
Another option is to take the train from Hanoi to Hai Phong. This journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and costs around $5 to USD 15 per person, depending on the type of ticket you choose. Trains run several times a day, with the first train leaving Hanoi at 5:30 am and the last train leaving at 7:55 pm.
There are two options available for purchasing train tickets: online through the Vietnam Railways website( https://dsvn.vn/#/ ) or in person at Hanoi Railway Station. To reach the station, you have several transportation choices. You can opt for a taxi, ride a motorbike, or conveniently book a Grab bike through the Grab app. These transportation options provide flexibility and ease in getting to the station.
Here are the train details and ticket information for your reference:
LP2: Departs from Hai Phong to Gia Lam Station and Long Bien Station at 6:10 am
SP6: Departs from Hai Phong and stops at Gia Lam Station, Long Bien Station, and Hanoi Station. Departure time is at 09:05 am.
- LP8: Departs from Hai Phong and stops at Gia Lam Station, Long Bien Station, and Hanoi Station. Departure time is at 3:00 pm.
HP2: Departs from Hai Phong to Gia Lam Station and Hanoi Station at 6:45 pm.
The ticket prices for these trains range from 60,000 VND to 90,000 VND per person.
The travel time from Hai Phong to Hanoi or vice versa is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the train and any potential delays.
If you prefer to purchase tickets at Hai Phong Station, you can contact the following hotlines: 0225.7305.305 or 1900.636.212.
Private Transfer
For a more comfortable and convenient option, you can book a private transfer from Hanoi to Hai Phong. This will cost around $80 to USD 100 for a one-way trip and can be arranged through your hotel or a travel agency.
Getting from Hai Phong to Cat Ba
Hai Phong to Cat Ba has 3 main directions
- From Hai Phong Binh wharf go straight to Cat Ba town by hydrofoil speedboat (~70 minutes)
- From the center of Hai Phong, go to Got ferry, then to Cai Vieng ferry, and take a bus to Cat Ba town (~120-160 minutes)
- From Hai Phong center go to Cat Hai cable car and then Phu Long cable car, take a bus to Cat Ba town (~100 minutes)
Hydrofoil speedboat
The most convenient and efficient way to travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba is by hydrofoil speedboat, with a travel time of approximately 70 minutes. This direct route allows you to travel seamlessly from the center of Hai Phong to the center of Cat Ba town.
The speedboat journey from Hai Phong to Cat Ba, specifically from Hai Phong’s Ben Binh to Cat Ba town, takes around 60-70 minutes, depending on the strength of the waves. Two popular speedboat services operating on the Binh – Cat Ba Wharf route are Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa and Mekong Hoang Yen. These speedboats aim to ensure smooth operations and minimize congestion at Got Ferry during peak travel times.
The high-speed train schedule from Ben Binh to Cat Ba is as follows:
- Ben Binh – Cat Ba: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM.
- Cat Ba – Ben Binh: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:10 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM.
Ticket prices for the high-speed train from Hai Phong to Cat Ba range from 180,000 VND to 250,000 VND, depending on the chosen departure time. You can purchase tickets directly at the ticket counter at Ben Binh Wharf. Additionally, there are several ticket agents located outside the station who also sell speedboat tickets. Please exercise caution to avoid purchasing tickets intended for Got Wharf instead of Cat Ba.
Ensure that you verify the departure times, ticket prices, and the correct destination when purchasing your speedboat tickets, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey from Hai Phong to Cat Ba.
Ferry
If you are traveling from Hai Phong to Cat Ba in the direction of Got Ferry, you have three options for transportation:
- Car Rental from Hai Phong to Cat Ba: Renting a car is a convenient option, especially if you are coming from another province or neighboring area and flying into Hai Phong. The driver can pick you up at the airport or your hotel and take you directly to Cat Ba. Renting a tourist car is ideal for larger groups with luggage and no means of transportation. You can book a tour from Travel agencies.
- Motorbike from Hai Phong to Cat Ba: Traveling from Hai Phong to Cat Ba by motorbike is a cost-effective and convenient option. From the city center, you can ride your motorbike to Got Ferry station, purchase tickets, and board the ferry. The fares are as follows:
- Passengers: 12,000 VND per person, per way.
- Motorbike: 45,000 VND per way.
The ferry schedule from Got Wharf to Cai Vieng Wharf operates from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with a frequency of 30 minutes per turn. After arriving at Cai Vieng Ferry, follow the designated route to Cat Ba town. At the junction, you can choose to go in the direction of Cat Ba National Park or follow the coastal road.
Thinh Hung Hai Phong Cat Ba Bus
Another option is to take the Thinh Hung Hai Phong Cat Ba bus. To catch the bus, you need to go to Binh Wharf located at 16 Ben Binh, Minh Khai, Hong Bang, Hai Phong. From there, you can purchase combined bus and speedboat tickets to Cat Ba.
The ticket price is approximately 120,000 VND, which includes the bus and speedboat journey. The bus will take you from Binh Wharf to Got Wharf, where you will board the speedboat Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa, which will transport you directly to the center of Cat Ba town.
By choosing any of these options, you can travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba and explore the attractions such as Quan Y Cave or Cat Ba National Park. It is also convenient to have a car where you can leave your belongings or even change clothes when visiting the beach.
Please note that Cannon Fort is currently closed to visitors.
Cable car
Traveling from Hai Phong to Cat Ba by cable car is an alternative option, although it is not the fastest way. Despite the longer travel time of approximately 100 minutes, this choice offers a unique and enjoyable experience. You will have the opportunity to ride the cable car, which features the world’s highest cable pole (214.8 m) recognized by UNESCO. From the cable car, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of Cat Ba, similar to the panoramic views offered at Vinpearl in Ha Long, Quang Ninh.
The Cat Hai – Phu Long cable car route spans a total length of 3,955m and has 60 cabins, with each cabin accommodating 30 guests. On weekdays, the cable car operates continuously, providing a suggestion for avoiding congestion at the Cat Ba ferry.
To reach the Cat Hai cable car station, you can take a bus, rent a car, or hire a taxi. Once you arrive at the Phu Long station, you can continue to the tourist area in Cat Ba town by bus or, if you have previously rented a private car, the car will take the ferry to the Phu Long station and wait for you there.
Cat Ba cable car baggage regulations Passengers are allowed to bring 1 hand luggage with the specified dimensions as follows:
- Height < 80cm
- Length < 60cm
- Width < 30cm
- Gross weight: no more than 30 kg
- No banned goods, drugs, alcohol
- Knives and weapons (including toys)
- Chemicals, paints, aerosols, compressed air
- Flammable materials
- Glass bottles and utensils
- Refrigerator, ice or ice pack
- Drinks are opened, food may be spilled or watery
- Cooked food, heavily flavored or frozen food Animals, pets
- Motorcycles, mopeds, any means of transportation
- Special luggage carried on
Cat Ba cable car requires inspection and has an additional charge
- Bicycle Luggage size >80cm
- Luggage with a weight >30kg
- Commercial goods or in large quantities
- Fresh and frozen foods…
- Cat Ba cable car baggage regulations Cat Ba cable car baggage regulations
Conclusion
Traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is relatively easy. There are several transportation options available, depending on your budget and preferences. Whether you choose to take the bus, train, speedboat, or ferry, you’re sure to enjoy the stunning scenery and laid-back atmosphere of Cat Ba Island.
