How to Get from Hanoi to Halong ?

Halong Bay is a natural world heritage site and one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. It is the top tourist destination in Northern Vietnam and has several major transportation routes. The distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is 170km, and there are multiple routes you can take. Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay using National Road No. 5 takes approximately 3 hours, and you can choose from various means of transportation.

1. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by local bus
2. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by tourist bus
3. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by motorbike
4. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by taxi
5. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by train
6. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by seaplane
7. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by private car

1. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by Local Bus

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong by local bus has gained popularity and drawn the interest of many travelers. Opting for local buses saves costs and provides a unique travel experience that connects you closely with the local culture. Local buses start from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus station and end at Bai Chay Bus Station, Halong City, and Cam Pha City.

Travel route: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Hai Phong – Ha Long.
Time schedule: From 5 AM to 18.30. Every 30 minutes
Travel time: 4 hours
Price: 100.000 – 180.000 VND
Advantages: Low cost, local experience.
Disadvantages: You need to take a taxi to the bus station in Hanoi and then another taxi from the bus station in Halong City to your hotel or the Halong pier. Additionally, there may be a communication barrier with the taxi drivers regarding the correct drop-off bus station. If you get off at the wrong station, it could be challenging to find your way.

It's not recommended to take the local bus for the Hanoi to Halong Bay day trip as you may miss the check-in time for the cruise.

Reference to book the local bus ticket at Vexere.com or directly at the bus station.
Some local bus companies: Kumho Viet Thanh, Phuc Xuyen, Ka Long.

from hanoi to halong by local bus

2. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by tourist Bus

2.1 High-quality bus from Hanoi to Halong

In contrast to local buses, tourist buses offer greater convenience and comfort. These buses are owned by a travel agency and focus on meeting the needs of foreign visitors. The route starts from the Old Quarter or a central shutter point in the center of Hanoi. Passengers can easily take a taxi to the pick-up point.

Price: Depending on the services, it would be around 13 – 15 USD/pax
Travel time: 4 hours by old highway and 3 hours by new highway
Advantages: good clean bus, pick up and drop off at one place. It is rare to encounter trouble on the way. If any, the bus companies will immediately have alternative solutions.
Disadvantages: If you have only one day for Halong, please consider starting before 8 AM. This guarantees you enough time to enjoy Halong Bay before returning to Hanoi. Please note the drop-off point in Halong for your transfer to the Halong pier to check in for your cruise in time.

Reference for the booking bus services:

    Cat Ba Express Bus
    Add: 106 Tran Nhat Duat, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Tel: 097 695 1999
    Web: catbaexpress.com
    Price: 380.000 VND/pax
    Time schedule: 8 AM
    Pick up place in Hanoi: All hotels in the city center – Hoan Kiem dist
    Drop off place: Tuan Chau area

   Green Lion Bus
    Add: 05 Gia Ngu Street, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi
    Hot line: +84 098 470 9669 / +84 98 132 5533
    Web: greenlionbus.com
    Price: 250.000 – 300.000 VND/pax
    Time schedule: From 8.30 AM daily.
    Pick up place: Hanoi City Center
    Drop off place: Tuan Chau and Bai Chay area

2.2 Tourist bus of Halong Bay cruise companies
When booking a Halong Cruise package, it's important to note that some cruises include bus services while others do not. If you require this service, you may be charged an additional fee for it. We recommend booking the cruise bus when you book the cruise package, as it offers certain benefits, such as pick-up and drop-off at a hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. By doing so, you won't have to find the cruise's dock or waiting lounge in Halong, as the bus will be fully staffed to take care of your needs. Additionally, you'll save time and won't have to move around too much between different points.

Price: 15 – 27 USD/pax
Travel time: 3.30 – 4.00 hours

from hanoi to halong by cruise's bus

>>> You may have some reference about Halong cruise’ bus ticket and cruise package

3. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by motorbike

This is the choice for most of the tourists. However, it is good for those who are interested in adventure.

Price: 12 – 15 USD/motorbike/day. Not including gasoline.
Travel time: 4 hours
Advantages: Proactive in time, adventure experience
Disadvantages: For amateurs, it is dangerous to drive a motorbike, to be sure you understand the routes well and are ready to face the risks.

from hanoi to halong by motorbike

Reference information to rent motorbikes
Flamingo Travel:
Add: 66 Dao Duy Tu str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: +84.912.214.554
Web: https://flamingotravel.com.vn/

4. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by taxi

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong by taxi is a convenient option, but it may not be the most recommended one. A taxi ride typically costs between 2,000,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND, similar to hiring a private car. However, a taxi driver may not be as skilled as a private car driver and there's a risk of getting an unlicensed taxi at a much higher cost. As a result, not many people prefer this mode of transportation. The travel time by taxi usually takes around 4 hours.

5. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by train

This is a popular method of public transportation favored by locals. Taking the train allows travelers to appreciate the stunning scenery at both ends of the railway. However, the train service from Hanoi to Halong is currently unavailable due to decreased demand. People opt for more convenient means of transportation instead of trains.

from hanoi to halong by train

6. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by seaplane

Seaplane is another luxurious transportation method that you should try at an affordable price.

Travel time: 60 minutes including 15 minutes enjoying Halong from above (1 way)
Schedule: Noi Bai airport to Tuan Chau and Vice versa
Price: 210 USD/pax
Advantages: You can save time and enjoy the panoramic view of Halong Bay. It suits those who do not want to sit in the car for too long.
Disadvantages: It is expensive, and the time required to enjoy Halong Bay from above is short. Tourists have to take a taxi to Noi Bai Airport to use this service. The flight may be canceled in bad weather.

Reference for seaplane services.

from hanoi to halong by seaplane

7. Transfer from Hanoi to Halong by private car

Traveling in a private car for 3 hours will be the best choice for those with kids, luggage, or a large group who need private space.

Travel time: 2,5 – 3 hours
Price: 2.200.000 VND – 2.500.000 VND (Sedan or SUV)
Advantages: Proactive in time, safe, and the route is guaranteed, more private space, No waiting time.
Disadvantages: High cost compared to other public transportation.

from hanoi to halong by private car