Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island by Ferry, Speedboat and Bus
Being one of Vietnam’s largest islands in close proximity to Halong Bay, Cat Ba island is a favorite destination for many visitors and is usually combined with a cruise vacation on Halong Bay. The island is located in the Cat Hai district, Hai Phong City. It is easily accessible by speedboat, ferry, or bus from Halong Bay.
- Speedboat is the fastest way to get to Cat Ba island from Halong bay.
- Ferry is a less expensive option with 5-10 daily departures (both ways) carrying about 2-3000 passengers/day.
- Bus is a relaxing, less crowded, and more convenient option as the driver will take you directly from Halong city to the center of Cat Ba island.
This post will provide you with essential information about taking a ferry or bus from Halong to Cat Ba island in terms of schedules, prices, booking methods, and the pros and cons of each transfer method. As of now, the only options available for traveling from Halong to Cat Ba island are by ferry and bus.
1. Trip overview
Route map:
Trip information:
Route |
Distance |
Travel time |
Price |
Halong Bay (Tuan Chau) - Cat Ba island |
14 km (8.7 miles) |
40 - 50 minutes (by ferry) |
VND 90,000/pax (non-vehicle) |
Halong city - Cat Ba island |
50 km (31 miles) (from Halong city to Cat Hai town) |
2 hours (by bus) |
VND 200,000/pax/one way |
2. Ferry (Popular Choice)
Taking the ferry is a widely used option to get to Cat Ba island. The Tuan Chau ferry terminal is conveniently located on Ngoc Chau Street, Tuan Chau ward, Halong city, and has been in operation since 2009. This terminal is the primary ferry connection to Cat Ba island from Quang Ninh province.
Ferries operate daily from the Tuan Chau terminal with a frequency of approximately 5 - 7 trips, taking around 40 to 50 minutes to reach Gia Luan port. Additionally, the ferry can accommodate vehicles alongside passengers. To access the center of Cat Ba Island, a further 30-minute transfer is required.
The ride offers scenic views of the bay, and baggage is included in the ticket price, which ranges from VND 90,000 to VND 100,000.
Schedule and price
Route |
Terminal |
Schedule |
Duration |
|
Low season (1st October - 29th April) |
Peak season (30th April - 30th September) |
|||
Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island |
Tuan Chau ferry terminal - Gia Luan port |
7:30, 11:30, 15:00 |
7:30, 9:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00 |
50 minutes |
Cat Ba Island - Halong Bay |
Gia Luan port - Tuan Chau ferry terminal |
9:00, 13:00, 16:00 |
9:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00 |
50 minutes |
How to book:
To book your ticket, you can contact the ferry operator directly through the following means:
- Tel: 0203 3842134
- Hotline: 0934 367 555
- Email: tapdoantuanchau@tuanchauhalong.vn
- Website: tuanchau-halong.com.vn
Overall, the ferry offers comfortable seating, onboard toilets, and a bar with food options, making it a pleasant way to travel.
3. Bus
Taking a bus is another feasible option for enjoying a scenic journey from Halong city to Cat Ba island. The total transfer time is approximately 2.5 hours. Bus services will take you through Quang Yen, Ha Nam, and Cat Hai town before arriving at the center of Cat Ba island.
How to book
One recommended bus service is Son Tung, which specializes in the Halong Bay to Cat Ba island route. The ticket price is approximately VND 200,000/pax/one way.
Route |
Schedule |
Contact |
Halong - Cat Ba island |
13:00 |
02253 688 699 |
Cat Ba island - Halong |
7:00 |
0979 495 496 |
4. Compare Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island Modes of Transport
Modes of transportation |
Pros |
Cons |
Price |
Ferry |
|
|
VND 90,000 - 100,000/pax without vehicle |
Bus |
|
|
VND 200,000/pax/one way |
5. The reverse route: Cat Ba island to Halong Bay
By ferry
The Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry offers a reverse schedule from Cat Ba island to Halong city at 9:00, 13:00, and 16:00 during low season (1st October - 29th April) and additional trips at 11:30 and 13:00 during peak season (30th April - 30th September).
For booking, you can contact:
- Tel: 0203 3842134
- Hotline: 0934 367 555
- Email: tapdoantuanchau@tuanchauhalong.vn
- Website: tuanchau-halong.com.vn
By bus
Son Tung bus operates two daily buses between Cat Ba island and Halong city. The bus from Cat Ba to Halong departs at 7:00 from Ben Beo port, passing through Cat Ba center, Cat Hai, Ha Nam, and Quang Yen before reaching Halong city. To book, please contact their hotline at 0979 495 496 or 02253 688 699 or via email at taxisontung@gmail.com.
