How to get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi

Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is one of the most popular journeys for visitors exploring northern Vietnam. Located about 156 km southeast of Hanoi, Cat Ba offers stunning beaches, Lan Ha Bay cruises, and vibrant island life.

To reach the island, travelers can take a bus, a private car, a motorbike, a train, or a combination of cable car, ferry, and speedboat. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best and most up-to-date options.

How to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

From Hanoi to Cat Ba is about 156 km with 3 main routes:

1. National Way 5: This road is suitable for motorcyclists.
2. Highway 5B: This road is reserved for high-speed cars and goes much faster.
3. Train: Take the train from Hanoi to Hai Phong, then choose a bus, motorbike, taxi, or bicycle to get to Cat Ba.

Recommend: Book Lan Ha Bay day tour from Hanoi (pick-up 7:00-7:30) → Click to book.

1. Get to Cat Ba by On Motorbike/ Private Car from Hanoi

If you love flexibility, riding a private car or motorbike is an exciting way to enjoy the road from Hanoi to Hai Phong, and then continue to Cat Ba.

Motorbike riders should take National Highway 5 to reach Hai Phong city (105 km – 3 hours), while car travelers should use Highway 5B.

Highway 5B is longer, but there's no traffic since only cars can access it. Hanoi to Hai Phong National-way 5 → view map

Hanoi to Hai Phong High-way 5B → view map

From Hai Phong City:

From Hai Phong City, you can take a speedboat or a direct bus from Binh Wharf to Cat Ba Island - a quick and convenient option for travelers.

Alternatively, you can drive across Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge to Cat Hai Island, then continue by Dong Bai Ferry, Dong Bai Pier Speedboat, or the Cat Hai Cable Car to reach Cat Ba.

Option 1: by Speedboat

You can take a speedboat from the Binh ferry terminal to Cat Ba Island (~250,000 VND – 60 mins). It’s fast but quite expensive.

Timeline of Binh Speedboat

The speedboat will temporarily stop operating from September to April next year.

Option 2: by Bus

You can easily book a bus from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island.

Bus ticket booking office.

1. Cat Ba Transport Travel Company: 16 Ben Binh Street, Minh Khai Ward, Hong Bang District, Hai Phong → view map
2. Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa Company: 41 Ben Binh Street, Minh Khai Ward, Hong Bang District, Hai Phong →​ view map
3. Contact +84976951999 (Mr Hien - WhatsApp/ Call).

Bus Price

Timeline of the bus

Option 3: Go to Cat Ba by Ferry

Or you can go to the flyover called Tan Vu – Lach Huyen, which connects the mainland to Cat Hai Island.

There’s a parking lot at the Dong Bai ferry terminal where you can park your motorbike or car. → view Dong Bai Pier map

If you want, you can bring your motorbike/car to the island with an additional fee for your vehicle.

Tour the amazing road on Cat Ba Island with your motorbike. It will take 4 - 5 hours to go from Hanoi to the center of Cat Ba.

Dong Bai Ferry price

Dong Bai ferry every 30 minutes from 5 AM to 6:30 PM - duration: 30 mins.

Or a speedboat at Dong Bai pier (80,000 VND – duration: 8 mins) to Cat Ba. (read more Cat Ba Speedboat) You must leave your vehicle there if you take the speedboat at Dong Bai Pier.

Read more about how to get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island → here

Option 4: Cat Ba Cable Car

Looking for a unique way to start your island journey? The Cat Ba Cable Car connects Cat Hai Island and Phu Long Station on Cat Ba, offering panoramic views of the bay, fishing villages, and limestone karsts below.

It’s a fantastic choice for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a truly memorable experience.

2. By Direct Bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island – Simple and Comfortable

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of a motorbike, heat, and traffic, simply book a bus ticket that conveniently includes a speedboat from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island for $13, then relax.

You'll get to the center of town after 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Book a bus to Cat Ba

1. Hanoi to Cat Ba bus
2. Cat Ba to Hanoi bus
3. Bus Hanoi - Cat Ba round-trip

Cat Ba Express buses will drop off guests at hotels in Cat Ba town center and locations as close to the hotel as possible.

Read more:

1. How to get to Cat Ba from Hanoi
2. How to get to Cat Ba from Ninh Binh
3. How to get to Ninh Binh from Cat Ba Island
4. How to get to Cat Ba from Ha Giang
5. How to get to Ha Giang from Cat Ba Island

3. By Train from Hanoi

The train from Hanoi to Hai Phong has 4 daily trips: 6:00 am, 9:20 am, 3:15 pm, and 6:10 pm. The train departs from Long Bien Station. → Google map (at Hanoi Old Quarter)

To book train tickets, you can book directly at the website of Vietnam Railway Company dsvn.vn or reputable ticket providers like 12go.com.

After arriving in Hai Phong, you need a vehicle from Hai Phong to Cat Ba. You can learn more about how to get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba → here.

4. Choose the Lan Ha Bay tour from Hanoi

For travelers short on time, a Lan Ha Bay day tour from Hanoi is a perfect choice.

You’ll be picked up from Hanoi, transferred to Cat Ba by expressway and ferry, and enjoy kayaking, swimming, and lunch onboard — all in one day.

• Departure: 6:00 or 7:30 AM
• Return: 8:20 PM
• Included: transfers, lunch, boat tour, and guide

This is a comfortable and time-saving option if you want to experience Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay without staying overnight.

Recommend → Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay full-day tour from Hanoi (pick-up 7:00 - 7:30 am) or Lan Ha Bay day tour from Hanoi (pick-up at 6:00 am) at a more economical price.

​How to book?

1. Book online here. We will confirm your booking immediately
2. Book in our office at No. 214 Tran Quan Khai Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
3. Call our hotline to book: +84 84 824 4999 (WhatsApp is available)
4. Send your request to info@catbaexpress.com

Whether you go by bus, train, or private transfer, the route from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is smooth and scenic.

Choose the option that fits your style - comfort with a direct bus, adventure on a motorbike, or leisure with a Lan Ha Bay cruise - and enjoy one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal destinations.

FAQs – How to Get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi

1. How long does it take from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island?

The total travel time from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island ranges from 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the type of transport you choose.

If you take a direct tourist bus, it usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, including a short ferry transfer from Hai Phong to the island.

Traveling by train plus ferry takes a little longer — around 4.5 to 5 hours — but the journey is more relaxing and scenic, passing through the peaceful countryside before you reach the coast.

Private cars are slightly faster because they go directly via the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway (5B) and catch an early ferry or speedboat at Got Pier.

2. Can I travel directly from Hanoi to Cat Ba without changing vehicles?

Yes, absolutely. Several companies offer direct Hanoi to Cat Ba bus services that include all necessary connections — from the highway ride to the ferry crossing and the final drop-off in Cat Ba Town.

Companies like Cat Ba Express, Good Morning Cat Ba, and InterBus Lines provide door-to-door service, picking you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and dropping you off near your accommodation in Cat Ba.

The vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and include Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, so you can relax during the trip without worrying about any transfers or ticket changes along the way.

3. How much does it cost to go from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island?

The cost depends on your travel style and vehicle type.

• Direct bus (most popular): Around $11–$15 per person, including speedboat and hotel drop-off.
• Train + ferry combination: Roughly $10–$12 per person, slightly cheaper but slower.
• Private car transfer: From $70–$90 per vehicle (up to 4 people), ideal for families or groups.
• Lan Ha Bay day tour from Hanoi: Starts from $45 per person, including transport, meals, and a cruise.

Most tourists prefer the direct bus option for its convenience and good balance between comfort and price. Tickets can be booked online or at travel agencies in Hanoi Old Quarter.

4. Is it safe to ride a motorbike to Cat Ba from Hanoi?

Yes, it’s generally safe to travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by motorbike, but only if you have experience riding long distances.

The route passes through National Highway 5 (for bikes) and Tan Vu–Lach Huyen Bridge, which leads to Cat Hai Island before the ferry crossing.

Roads are well-paved, but traffic can be heavy near Hai Phong, especially during rush hours. You’ll need to take the Dong Bai Ferry to reach Cat Ba Island.

Make sure your motorbike is in good condition, wear protective gear, and check ferry schedules in advance (first ferry at 5 AM, last at 6:30 PM). If possible, start early in the morning to avoid congestion and arrive before sunset.

5. Can I bring my motorbike or car to the island?

Yes, you can. The Dong Bai Ferry accepts both motorbikes and cars for an additional fee.

Prices are approximately 45,000 VND per motorbike and 190,000–330,000 VND per car, depending on size. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and the crossing takes around 25–30 minutes.

It’s recommended to arrive at the terminal early, especially on weekends or public holidays, as queues can be long.

Bringing your own vehicle is a great option if you want to explore the island’s beaches, national park, and viewpoints at your own pace.

6. What’s the best season to visit Cat Ba Island?

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island is from April to October, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for water activities.

During this period, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, snorkeling, and trekking in Cat Ba National Park.

July and August are peak months, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel prices.

If you prefer quieter travel, visit between April and June or September and October — the weather is still pleasant, and you can experience Cat Ba with fewer tourists.

From November to March, the island is cooler and occasionally foggy, but it is still a great time for sightseeing and photography.

7. Are there night buses from Hanoi to Cat Ba?

Currently, no true overnight buses are running directly from Hanoi to Cat Ba, as ferries do not operate late at night.

However, some companies have late-afternoon departures (around 2:00–3:00 PM), allowing you to reach the island by early evening.

If you prefer to travel later, you can take a night bus or train to Hai Phong, stay overnight in the city, and catch the first ferry or speedboat to Cat Ba the next morning.

This option works well for travelers who want to avoid Hanoi traffic or plan a smooth morning arrival on the island.

8. What’s the most scenic way to travel?

If you love beautiful landscapes, the most scenic route from Hanoi to Cat Ba combines a train ride and a speedboat transfer.

Take the morning train from Hanoi’s Long Bien Station to Hai Phong — the route passes through lush rice fields, small towns, and the Red River Delta.

From Hai Phong, continue by speedboat across Lan Ha Bay, a spectacular area of emerald water and limestone cliffs.

This option offers the best photo opportunities and a calm, enjoyable journey — ideal for couples, photographers, or anyone who prefers a slower, more immersive travel experience.

You can even combine it with an overnight Lan Ha Bay cruise departing from Cat Ba to make the most of your trip.

Read more →

1. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam - an unforgettable holiday
2. The top 15 hotels in Cat Ba Island
3. Lan Ha Bay – the forgotten paradise