Hanoi to Cat Ba Island (and back): Your 2025 Transport Guide

Welcome to Cat Ba, the jewel island of the Gulf of Tonkin! To reach this destination from Hanoi, you will combine several means of transport. Common choices include a bus, a limousine van, or even a train to the nearby city of Hai Phong, followed by a speedboat or a ferry to get to the island. Here are the 4 main options on "How to Get from Hanoi to Cat Ba", explained simply so you can visualize each step and choose the one that suits you best.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 07-08-2025

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Table of contents

How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba?
Option 1: Take a Bus and Ferry (Most Economical)
Option 2: Take the Train and Ferry (Scenic Route)
Option 3: Travel by Private Car and Boat (Most Flexible)
Option 4: Ride a Motorbike and Take the Ferry (For the Adventurous)
How to Get Around the Island?
Suggested Hanoi to Cat Ba Island Tour Itinerary
2-Day, 1-Night: Cát Bà & Lan Hạ Bay Discovery
3-Day, 2-Night: The Ultimate Cát Bà Experience
Key Tips and Things to Know for Your Cat Ba Trip
Bonus: Why Visit Cat Ba?

How to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba?

The journey to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi is about 75 miles (120 km), and you can expect the trip to last roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. The most common route is to take a bus or a plush limousine van from Hanoi straight to the ferry terminal, typically traveling via the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway (National Route 5B). From there, it's a short ferry or speedboat ride to the island itself. Below are detailed transportation options based on your needs!

Map from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island — *Location of Hanoi and Cat Ba Island*

Option 1: Take a Bus and Ferry (Most Economical)

If you're traveling on a tight budget, a coach bus plus ferry is your best choice. It’s the most affordable way to travel, allowing you to save money for adventures on the island!

How it works?

You’ll board a coach bus (with standard seats and air conditioning) from one of Hanoi’s main bus stations, such as Nuoc Ngam or Gia Lam. These buses travel along the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway to the pier in Hai Phong (most commonly Got Pier). From there, a ferry will take you to Cat Ba Island.

Details:

Total Journey Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and the wait time for the ferry.
Total Cost: Expect to pay around $10 to $15 per person, which often includes the bus ticket and the ferry fare. The comfort level is basic, but it's reliable and gets the job done.

Why choose this?

This route is ideal for saving money and experiencing travel like a local. The journey takes place during the day, so you can relax on the bus and enjoy the views of the countryside. A word of advice: be sure to pack a sweater (the air conditioning can be chilly!) and bring some snacks for the ride.

How to Book?

You can easily book bus tickets online through reputable platforms.

Cat Ba Express: A popular and reliable choice with direct services.
VeXeRe: A comprehensive booking platform for bus tickets across Vietnam.

Option 2: Take the Train and Ferry (Scenic Route)

Craving a more landscape view? Hop on a classic train from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Then continue your trip with a bus and ferry ride to Cat Ba Island. It’s a scenic and memorable adventure that gives you a real taste of local life, perfect for families or curious travelers.

How it works?

Catch a train (tickets go for about 3 to 4 USD) from Hanoi Railway Station. After a 2.5-hour ride through the Red River Delta, a taxi or bus will get you to the pier (most commonly Got Pier), where you’ll hop on a ferry to Cat Ba Island. You can either use the public ferries or book a private speedboat through local companies like Cat Ba Express or Good Morning Cat Ba. The whole trip takes between 4 and 5 hours, with a total cost of around 10 to 15 USD per person.

Why choose this route?

It’s a comfortable and wallet-friendly option that gives you a chance to see the lush countryside and enjoy a truly local travel experience. While the journey takes longer than a direct limousine van, the experience itself is unforgettable.

How to Book?

You can easily buy train tickets online or at the station.

Vietnam Railways: The official booking site for Vietnam's national railway.
Baolau: A convenient third-party platform for booking train, bus, and ferry tickets in Southeast Asia.

>>> My advice: Train tickets often sell out fast on weekends. It’s a good idea to book in advance. For the best views, try to snag a window seat and enjoy the scenery!

Option 3: Travel by Private Car and Boat (Most Flexible)

Got a group or family you're traveling with? If you're looking for a comfortable and easy trip, a private limousine van is the way to go. It’s a super flexible and convenient option that makes for a totally stress-free journey.

How it works?

A professional driver will pick you up right from your hotel in Hanoi and drive you straight to the pier (usually Got Pier). From there, you'll just hop on a ferry or speedboat to the island. All in all, the trip is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. You're looking at about $100 to $150 for the van, plus another $3 to $5 per person for the ferry ticket

Why go this route?

First off, it’s perfect for groups or families who want comfort, speed, and total control over their schedule. The door-to-door service is a huge bonus: it saves you a ton of time and hassle. While it costs a bit more for smaller groups, most people agree the convenience is definitely worth it. Just so you know, drivers are also usually cool with stopping for restroom breaks, so don't hesitate to ask!

Limousine from Hanoi to Cat Ba — *Limousine is the most suitable choice for your family*

How to Book?

Booking a private transfer is simple and can be done through a number of reliable companies.

Cat Ba Express: Offers a variety of direct limousine van services.
Good Morning Cat Ba: Another well-regarded provider with door-to-door service.

>>> My advice: It's always a good idea to book this in advance, especially to secure the exact vehicle and time you want.

Option 4: Ride a Motorbike and Take the Ferry (For the Adventurous)

For the adventurous traveler, riding a motorbike from Hanoi is a thrilling way to get to Cat Ba Island, offering stunning views and a chance to truly explore at your own pace.

How it works?
You'll ride your motorbike from Hanoi, typically via the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway (National Route 5B), all the way to Got Pier in Hai Phong. From there, you'll simply ride your bike directly onto the ferry that crosses over to Cat Ba Island. The entire journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours of riding time, plus the ferry crossing. The total cost is extremely low, covering only petrol and the ferry ticket for yourself and the bike (around $5 to $10 total).

Why choose this route?
It’s the most flexible and exciting option, giving you the freedom to stop wherever you want along the way. What's more, being able to take your motorbike on the ferry and use it directly on the island saves you a lot of money on renting a scooter or taking taxis. You can discover lesser-known spots and enjoy the journey as much as the destination itself. It's the perfect choice for experienced riders and solo explorers.

How to Book?

You can rent a motorbike from one of the many reputable shops in Hanoi.

Tigit Motorbikes: A well-known rental company with good reviews.
Rentabikevn: Another trusted option for bike rentals in Hanoi.

How to Get Around the Island?

The main spots on the island are not too far from each other, and the roads are generally easy to navigate. To get around Cat Ba, you have several good options to choose from.

Rent a motorbike: This is definitely the most popular choice. Most hotels make it very easy to rent one. You just need to ask at the front desk. Prices typically range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. This option gives you the freedom to explore places that are harder to reach by car.
Bicycle: A great choice for short distances and a more relaxed pace.
Taxi: A convenient option for groups or for those who prefer not to drive.

*Personally, I always go with a motorbike because it allows me to explore hidden gems and fully enjoy the adventure.

>>> My advice: Before you rent, be sure to check the brakes and tires to make sure everything is in good condition for a safe ride.

Suggested Hanoi to Cat Ba Island Tour Itinerary

2-Day, 1-Night: Cát Bà & Lan Hạ Bay Discovery

Day 1: Island Arrival & Coastal Charm

Morning: Arrive on Cát Bà Island. Check in to your hotel and have lunch with a taste of local cuisine.
Afternoon: Relax and swim at the stunning Cát Cò Beaches. Their clear turquoise waters and white sand are the perfect welcome to the island.
Evening: Enjoy a fresh seafood feast for dinner. Spend the evening exploring the lively town, grabbing a drink at a beachfront bar, or Browse the local market.

Day 2: Lan Hạ Bay Adventure & Return

Morning: Board a traditional boat for a cruise through the spectacular Lan Hạ Bay. Marvel at the majestic limestone karsts and pass by the floating Cái Bèo Fishing Village, one of Vietnam's oldest.
Afternoon: Experience the bay up close with a kayaking session, paddling through hidden lagoons and exploring small caves. After the adventure, the boat returns to the port.
End tour: Begin your journey back to Hanoi/Hai Phong, with unforgettable memories of the bay.

3-Day, 2-Night: The Ultimate Cát Bà Experience

Day 1: Nature & History Immersion

Morning: Arrive on Cát Bà Island. Check in and have lunch.
Afternoon: Trek through the lush Cát Bà National Park. You can hike to the panoramic viewpoint of Ngự Lâm Peak for breathtaking island views or explore fascinating historical sites like Hospital Cave, a secret field hospital from the Vietnam War.
Evening: Head to Cannon Fort for a magnificent sunset over Lan Hạ Bay. Enjoy dinner, then take some time to explore the town's vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Bay Cruising, Local Life & Island Fun

Morning: Take a cruise through the breathtaking Lan Hạ Bay, visiting the floating Cái Bèo Fishing Village and admiring the unique rock formations.
Afternoon: Discover the tranquil life of Việt Hải Village by bike or electric car. Later, swim and relax on Monkey Island (Cát Dứa Island), a small beach paradise.
Evening: Enjoy another delicious local dinner and a free evening to enjoy the island atmosphere.

Day 3: Leisure & Departure

Morning: Relax on the beach or take one last dip in the ocean. This is also a great time to visit the local market to buy fresh seafood and unique souvenirs.
Lunch: Check out of your hotel and have a final meal on the island.
End Tour: Depart from Cát Bà, heading back to Hanoi/Hai Phong.

Key Tips and Things to Know for Your Cat Ba Trip

Here are some important tips and notes that only experienced travelers know, to help you avoid unnecessary trouble and have a smooth trip.

Avoid peak ferry times: During peak tourism season (May - July), the ferry terminals are often very crowded. To avoid a long wait, you should travel early in the morning or on weekdays.
Cable car operating hours: The Cat Hai - Phu Long cable car is a fast option, but it's often closed on Tuesdays for maintenance. This is a small but crucial detail to avoid disrupting your plans.
Luggage: If you're taking a tour bus, pay attention to your luggage. While there is usually space for luggage, you should keep your valuables with you.

Bonus: Why Visit Cat Ba?

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: This stunning island offers a mix of natural beauty, from lush national parks to breathtaking bays.
Gateway to Lan Hạ & Hạ Long Bay: Cát Bà is the perfect base for exploring the iconic limestone karsts, floating fishing villages, and hidden lagoons of Lan Hạ and Hạ Long Bay via boat tours or kayaking.
Nature & Adventure: Trek through Cát Bà National Park to spot wildlife and enjoy panoramic views.
Relaxing Beaches: Enjoy the peaceful, clear waters of popular beaches like Cát Cò and Tùng Thu.
Spectacular Views: Don't miss the stunning sunset from Cannon Fort, a historic viewpoint offering incredible vistas of the island and bay.

Conclusion

Getting from Hanoi to Cát Bà island is easier than it seems. Want to be on the beach in a few hours? Opt for a private limousine van. Prefer to save up for more cocktails on the island? Opt for a bus and ferry combination. Looking for an adventure? The scenic train and ferry is for you.

Note: Prices and schedules are based on August 2025 and may vary. Always check on the websites of the transport companies, airlines, or contact us at Kampá Tour before booking.