Cat Ba is a rugged island of limestone peaks and hidden coves. Much of it is national park, and the crossing is half the fun. The bus and ferry combination is the cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba. It costs $7.80 (202,000 VND) and takes 4h - 4h 30m. The shared minivan with ferry costs more, and a private transfer costs far more.
Distance from Ninh Binh to CatBa
Ninh Binh and CatBa are about 124 km (77 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 196 km. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h and 6h.
4 ways to travel from Ninh Binh to CatBa
There are four ways to travel from Ninh Binh to CatBa. You can choose between the bus + ferry, ferry + bus, shared minivan + ferry, and private transport. The journey takes 4h – 6h and the quickest way is by bus + ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + ferry with tickets starting at $7.80 (202,000 VND).
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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit CatBa?
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Ninh Binh to CatBa, roughly 124 kilometres (77 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $7.80 (202,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 4h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Ninh Binh to CatBa?
The distance from Ninh Binh to CatBa is 124 kilometres (77 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to CatBa?
Journey times from Ninh Binh to CatBa overlap: bus + ferry 4h - 4h 30m, ferry + bus 4h 30m - 6h, shared minivan + ferry 4h - 4h 30m, private transport 4h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to CatBa?
The cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to CatBa is by bus with ticket costs starting from 202,000 VND.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
