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 speedboat, ferry, or bus from Halong to Cat Ba island in terms of schedules, prices, booking methods, and the pros and cons of each way of transfer. However, currently, you can only transfer from Halong to Cat Ba island by ferry and bus due to the closure of the speedboat service.
1. Trip overview
Route map:
Trip information:
Route | Distance | Travel time | Price |
Halong Bay (Tuan Chau) - Cat Ba island | 14km (8.7mil) | 40 - 50 minutes (by ferry) | VND 80.000/pax (non-vehicle) |
Halong city - Cat Ba island | 50km (31mil) (from Halong city to Cat Hai town) | 2 hours (by bus) | VND 180.000/pax/one way |
2. Speedboat (Fastest)
Speedboat is the quickest way to transfer from Tuan Chau terminal (Halong Bay) to Gia Luan port (Cat Ba island). This service is provided by Paradise Express. This newest high-speed boat helps shorten the travel time from 45 minutes to only 15 minutes.
General information about Paradise Express speedboat:
- Number of speedboat: 01
- Number of seats: 198
- Transfer time: 15 minutes
- Estimated price: VND165.000/pax/one way
How to book:
Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket counter or you can book through various ways as below:
- Hotline: 0906 099 606 (Viber, Whatsapp, Zalo)
- Email: info@paradisevietnam.com
- Website: www.paradiseexpresshalong.com
Speedboat at Tuan Chau Harbour to Cat Ba Island (Image: Skytoursvietnam)
Schedule and price
| Route | Tuan Chau to Cat Ba Island (Gia Luan Harbour) | One-way (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Time | 07:15 | 150,000 VND |
| 08:30 | 150,000 VND | |
| 10:30 | 150,000 VND | |
| 13:00 | 150,000 VND | |
| 14:30 | 150,000 VND | |
| 16:00 | 150,000 VND |
3. Ferry
A very popular option to get to Cat Ba island is to take the ferry. Tuan Chau ferry terminal is located on Ngoc Chau street, Tuan Chau ward, Halong city. Brought into operation in 2009. This is the only ferry terminal to Cat Ba island from Quang Ninh province.
Ferries leave daily from the Tuan Chau ferry terminal with a frequency of 5 - 7 trips and it takes around 40 to 50 minutes to get to Gia Luan port. The ferry can carry other vehicles alongside passengers. To access the center of Cat Ba Island, you need a further 30-minute transfer following the path to Cat Ba national park.
The ride is quite relaxing and enjoyable with scenic views of the bay and surroundings. Baggage is included. The price of a ticket is around 80,000 VND to 90,000 VND.
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 email, or Tuan Chau App (IOS, Android):
- Tel: 0203 3842134
- Hotline: 0934 367 555
- Email: tapdoantuanchau@tuanchauhalong.vn
- Website: tuanchau-halong.com.vn
In general, ferry is a very easy way to travel with comfortable seating, toilets on board and a bar where some food can be purchased.
Nice Halong bay view from ferry (Photo: tuanchau-halong.com.vn)
Many locals are using ferry as a convenient way of transit (Photo: Tuanchau-halong.com.vn)
Price list for Tuan Chau-Cat Ba Ferry (Photo: Xedulichxanh.com)
| Description | Price/person |
|---|---|
| Passengers (with no vehicle) | 80,000 VND |
| Passengers (with motorbike) | 90,000 VND |
| Cars (9 seater or smaller) | 480,000 VND |
| Vans (9-15 seats) | 520,000 VND |
4. Bus
Bus is another alternative option you can take for a scenic drive from Halong city to Cat Ba island. The total transfer time is about 2.5 hours. From Halong city, bus operators will take you through Quang Yen - Ha Nam - Cat Hai town and then access the center of Cat Ba island.
How to book
You can opt for Son Tung bus specializing in Halong Bay - Cat Ba island route. The ticket price is around VND 180.000/pax/one way.
Route | Schedule | Contact |
Halong - Cat Ba island | 13:00 | 02253 688 699 |
Cat Ba island - Halong | 7:00 | 0979 495 496 |
5. Compare Halong Bay - Cat Ba island modes of transport
Modes of transportation | Pros | Cons | Price |
Speedboat |
|
| VND165.000/pax/one way |
Ferry |
|
| VND 80.000 - 90.000/pax without vehicle |
Bus |
|
| VND180.000/pax/one way |
6. The reverse route: Cat Ba island to Halong Bay
By ferry
Tuan Chau - Gia Luan ferry provides frequent reverse schedule from Cat Ba island to Halong city at 9:00, 13:00, 16:00 during low season (1st October - 29th April) and two additional trips at 11:30 and 13:00 per day 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 provides two buses between Cat Ba island and Halong city every day. The reverse route Cat Ba - Halong departs at 7:00 from Ben Beo port - Cat Ba center - Cat Hai - Ha Nam - Quang Yen - Halong city. You can call hotline: 0979 495 496/ 02253 688 699 or email: taxisontung@gmail.com to book the service.
