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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 150 kilometre distance from Hanoi to CatBa. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 5 ways to get from Hanoi to CatBa. You can choose between the organised tour, bus, train , limo van, private transport. The most affordable option is by organised tour, starting from $3. The fastest route is by private transport (2h ).
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2h
$110
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2h 30m
$16
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3h
$11
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3h 29m
$12
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$3
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Are you also planning to visit Halong Bay from Hanoi? If yes, you can join a group tour that will take you not just from Hanoi to CatBa Island, but to Halong Bay as well.
With this option, you will travel from Hanoi and enjoy the first day cruising around the limestone islands of Halong Bay. Here, you will spend the night in your luxurious cruise accommodation.
The next day, you will proceed to CatBa Island and visit the CatBa National Park. You will spend the 2nd night on a 3-star hotel on the island.
Throughout the tour, you will have a chance to go kayaking, swimming, and squid fishing. Onboard the cruise ship, you will also learn how to make spring rolls and taste the so-called three-kiss wine, a specialty of Halong fishermen.
All these for per person when you book with Klook.
Taking a combined bus and ferry from Hanoi to CatBa is very convenient. With this option, you’ll only need to book a combined ticket and your tour operator will take care of everything for you.
Your itinerary will look like this:
We recommend travelling with Good Morning Cat Ba as they not only have the cheapest rates, but they also offer free hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Combined ticket prices start from 275,000 VND and the journey takes around 3h - 4h 30m.
We recommend booking with a company that already offers free hotel pick-up and drop-off. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding your way to and from the designated bus stations.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Cat Ba is a biodiverse island along Vietnam’s northeast coast. The largest of the islands in Halong Bay, Cat Ba boasts a rugged karst landscape dotted with spectacular limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, lakes, grottoes, and waterfalls.
Popular activities include kayaking and rock climbing, but you can also just lounge by the beach and wait for the sunset at Cannon Fort. The island rose in popularity in recent years, but we love that most areas remain untouched in Cat Ba.
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It is really more convenient to just take a combined bus/limo van and ferry from Hanoi to CatBa. These save you the hassle of booking ferry tickets and finding your way to ferry ports.
But if you still prefer to take the train, know that you’ll have to make several transfers. You are to take the train from Hanoi to Hai Phong, hop on a taxi to Pha Binh Harbour, and then transfer to a ferry bound for CatBa Island.
Looking for a more comfortable way to get from Hanoi to CatBa? Limo vans operating this route are very spacious and luxurious. Apart from plush seats, some also offer charging ports and blankets for the ride. But of course, those perks come with an extra cost.
Rates for a combined limo van and ferry ride from Hanoi to CatBa start from . Travel time is around .
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Hanoi to CatBa.
Rates start from $110 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about per person. Travel time is around 2h.
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Carbon Footprint
This 150 km journey produces approximately 13 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
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Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Popular budget resort with pool, located on Sairee Beach. Walking distance to dive shops and restaurants.
800 THB/night ($24)
Beachfront bungalows with balconies overlooking Sairee Beach. On-site restaurant and dive center.
2,200 THB/night ($66)
Luxury resort with private beach, infinity pool, and spa. Perfect for couples wanting extra comfort.
6,500 THB/night ($195)
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