How to get to Cat Ba island from Halong Bay

Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island travel is a short yet scenic journey that connects two of northern Vietnam’s most stunning destinations.

Whether you choose to go by bus, ferry, motorbike, or private transfer, this guide provides all the essential information you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Why travel from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island?

Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island are neighboring destinations, and many travelers combine both in one trip.

While Halong is famous for its limestone karsts and cruises, Cat Ba offers stunning beaches, adventurous trekking routes, and is the gateway to Lan Ha Bay.

The distance from Halong City to Cat Ba Town is about 45 km and involves three main stages: a road transfer, a ferry crossing, and another road transfer on the island.

Luckily, there are several convenient options depending on your budget and travel style.

Book a bus & tour

1. Hanoi to Cat Ba
2. Cat Ba to Hanoi
3. Lan Ha Bay one-day tour
4. Lan Ha Bay full-day tour from Hanoi
5. Cat Ba 2 days 1-night tour
6. Cat Ba 3 days 2 nights tour
7. Cat Ba National Park Tours

Option 1: From Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island by bus

The most hassle-free way is to take a direct bus from Halong to Cat Ba Island. Several companies provide this service, including Son Tung Express, which connects hotels in Halong City with Cat Ba Town. Read more → Bus Halong to Cat Ba Island.

Cat Ba Island to Halong Bay bus schedule.

Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island bus schedule.

In addition, Son Tung Express bus also picks up at Gia Luan ferry terminal (09:00, 12:30, 16:00), and at Cat Ba National Park (09:15, 12:45, 16:15).

Book online: Bus Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island → Click to book and Bus Cat Ba Island to Halong Bay → Click to book.

Option 2: From Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island by Ferry + Private Car

You will get to Cat Ba Island at Gia Luan ferry terminal from Tuan Chau, Halong Bay. You can choose different options when traveling from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island.

1. Stage 1: By 4 - to - 16-seat car from Halong City to Tuan Chau Wharf: 17 - 42 USD / way.
2. Stage 2: By ferry from Tuan Chau Island to Gia Luan port: 3.5 USD / ticket.​
3. Stage 3: By 4 - to - 16-seat car from Gia Luan port to Cat Ba Town: 17 - 42 USD / way.

​Contact Mr Hien at +84976951999 (Call/ Zalo/ WhatsApp) to book a private car.

​

Tuan Chau Wharf

Want to get to Cat Ba Island from other places?

1. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi
2. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Ninh Binh
3. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong
4. How to get to Ninh Binh from Cat Ba Island
5. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Ha Giang
6. How to get to Ha Giang from Cat Ba Island
7. Halong - Lan Ha Bay one day from Tuan Chau

Option 3: Halong to Cat Ba Island by Motorbike + Ferry

Riding a motorbike from Ha Long to Cat Ba is also not a bad choice for tourists who like to experience it. The most popular route is Halong → Tuan Chau Wharf → Ferry → Gia Luan → Cat Ba Town. → view map Tuan Chau Pier.

By taking this route, you can view Ha Long Bay from the ferry and enjoy the scenic drive through Cat Ba Island and Cat Ba National Park.

Ferry schedule Tuan Chau (Ha Long) - Gia Luan (Cat Ba island)

Summer schedule Tuan Chau ferry (30/04 - 30/09)

Tuan Chau – Gia Luan: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00.

Gia Luan – Tuan Chau: 9:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00.

Winter schedule Tuan Chau ferry (01/10 - 29/04)

Tuan Chau – Gia Luan: 07:30, 11:30, 15:00.

Gia Luan – Tuan Chau: 9:00, 13:00, 16:00.

Tuan Chau - Cat Ba ferry ticket price

Tuan Chau Ferry

FAQs about Traveling from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island

1. Is there a direct ferry from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island?

Yes, there is a direct ferry from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island, departing from Tuan Chau Harbor and arriving at Gia Luan Pier on the island's north side.

This Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry runs several times daily and is the most scenic and convenient way to travel between the two destinations.

The ride offers spectacular views of limestone karsts, floating villages, and calm emerald waters — a beautiful transition from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island.

Ferries operate year-round, though schedules may vary slightly between summer and winter seasons.

2. How long does it take to travel from Halong to Cat Ba Island?

The total travel time from Halong to Cat Ba Island is usually around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your mode of transport and the ferry wait time.

If you take the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry, the sea crossing itself takes about 45 minutes. The rest of the time is spent traveling between Halong City and Tuan Chau port, plus the drive from Gia Luan Pier to Cat Ba Town (about 30–40 minutes).

Many travelers find this route ideal for a day trip or as part of a multi-day cruise connecting Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island.

3. What is the cheapest way to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay?

The most budget-friendly way to get from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island is by motorbike and ferry.

You can ride from Halong City to Tuan Chau Pier, buy a ferry ticket for both you and your bike, and then continue from Gia Luan to Cat Ba Town.

Total cost ranges from 150,000–200,000 VND per person (including the ferry).

Alternatively, shared buses are affordable (around 250,000–300,000 VND) and offer a comfortable, direct option if you don’t want to ride.

4. Can I book a direct bus from Halong City to Cat Ba Town?

Yes. Several local transport companies offer direct bus services from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island, including both land and ferry segments.

These combined bus–ferry tickets are convenient since you won’t need to arrange transfers separately. Many operators also provide hotel pick-up in Halong City and drop-off at your accommodation in Cat Ba Town.

Tickets can be booked online, at travel agencies, or directly through hotels. It’s a simple and time-saving way to reach Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay.

5. What is the Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry ticket price?

Here are the current ferry ticket prices for the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan route (subject to change slightly):

• Passenger: 80,000 VND
• Motorbike: 100,000 VND
• Car (under 9 seats): 480,000 VND

The ferry departs multiple times daily, typically from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It’s recommended to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure, especially during weekends and holidays when Halong to Cat Ba Island traffic is higher.

6. Is it better to go from Hai Phong or Halong to Cat Ba Island?

Both routes are excellent, but the Halong to Cat Ba Island route is often more scenic and convenient if you’re already visiting Halong Bay.

From Hai Phong, travelers usually go via the Got Ferry, which is faster (about 45 minutes total) but less picturesque.

Meanwhile, the Halong route lets you enjoy stunning limestone formations and a more relaxed coastal vibe, making it ideal for those who want a complete bay-to-island experience.

7. Can I travel from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island at night?

No, there are no night ferries from Halong to Cat Ba Island. The last ferry from Tuan Chau usually departs around 4:00 PM.

If you miss the final departure, your best option is to stay overnight in Halong City or Hai Phong and continue your journey the next morning.

For a smooth trip, plan to leave Halong before noon, giving you enough time to catch the ferry and reach Cat Ba Town before sunset.

8. How to get to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay for a day trip?

If you’re planning a day trip from Halong Bay, the fastest route is via the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry, followed by a short drive to Cat Ba Town.

You can rent a motorbike or join an organized tour that includes transport, tickets, and sightseeing on Cat Ba.

Some Halong Bay cruises even offer itineraries that end in Cat Ba Island — a great option if you want to combine both destinations seamlessly.

9. Are there private boats from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island?

Yes, you can charter a private boat or speedboat from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island.

Private boats are ideal for small groups or couples who prefer a flexible schedule and want to explore less touristy routes across Lan Ha Bay.

This option costs more (usually from 2–3 million VND), but it’s a unique and luxurious way to travel between Halong and Cat Ba without following fixed ferry times.

10. Can I bring my car to Cat Ba Island from Halong?

Yes, the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry accepts vehicles with under 9 seats.

However, car space is limited, and advance booking is recommended during weekends or public holidays.

Driving on Cat Ba Island is easy, as the main road from Gia Luan to Cat Ba Town is well-paved and scenic. It’s a good option for families or travelers exploring northern Vietnam by car.

Read more →

1. → Cat Ba Island, Vietnam - an unforgettable holiday
2. → Things to do in Lan Ha Bay
3. → Lan Ha Bay – the forgotten paradise