How to Get from Hai Phong to Halong Bay
Hai Phong is another major city in Northern Vietnam that is very close to Halong Bay. If you choose to go to Halong Bay from Hai Phong the most popular way to travel is by road but you can also take a ferry.
1. Trip Overview
Trip map:
Route information:
| Route | Distance | Travel time | Price (avg/pp) |
| Hai Phong to Halong Bay | 63 km (39 mi) | 1 hour 30 minutes | 150,000 VND - 260,000 VND |
| Hai Phong to Bai Tu Long Bay | 47 km (29 mi) | 52 minutes | 100,000 VND - 200,000 VND |
| Hai Phong to Tuan Chau Island | 44 km (27 mi) | 50 minutes | 100,000 VND - 200,000 VND |
Here are the three main transportation methods from Hai Phong to Halong Bay:
2. Bus
Buses operate from Hai Phong Lac Long bus station to Halong Bai Chay bus station every 15 minutes during daytime hours. An official bus run by Hai Phong tourism costs approximately 45,000 VND one-way. Be cautious as there are private bus services at the same station that may charge higher rates. The journey typically takes about 1.5 hours, contingent on traffic, with the last bus departing at 6 PM. Bus schedules can change last minute, so plan to arrive at the station with extra time.
Upon arriving at Halong Bai Chay bus station, you can easily catch a taxi to your cruise port or hotel as necessary.
Updates: As of early 2025, public buses have resumed operations from Hai Phong Lac Long bus station to Halong Bai Chay, enhancing travel options. However, private transfers or luxury limousines continue to be recommended for a more comfortable experience.
Phuc Xuyen Bus at Halong Market (Photo: Phucxuyen.com.vn)
Bus schedule between Hai Phong and Cat Bi Airport to Halong
| Bus | Depart | Arrive | Price | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minh Hiếu Limousine (9-seater) | Lac Long Bus Station (7:00 am) | Halong City (07:45 or 45 minutes) | 150,000 VND | - Address: 14/06/312 Tô Hiệu, phường Tô Lâm, Hải Phòng - Phone: 0976495899 / 0973396693 |
| Minh Hiếu Limousine (9-seater) | Cat Bi Airport (08:20 am) | Halong City (09:15 or 55 minutes) | 200,000 VND | N/A |
| Phúc Xuyên (46-seater sleeper bus) | An Duong, Hai Phong (14:55) | Bai Chay Bus Station (16:08 or 1h13m) | 60,000 VND | - Website: https://phucxuyen.com.vn/ - Phone: 1900 6799 |
3. Taxi
If you prefer a quicker route to Halong, booking a regular taxi is an excellent option. Although it is pricier, traveling by taxi provides greater comfort and reduces travel time to about 40 minutes. Fare estimates range from 700,000 VND to 1,100,000 VND. It is advisable to confirm the fare before starting your journey to prevent unpleasant surprises in pricing.
Two reputable taxi services in Vietnam are Vinasun and Mai Linh, whose taxis can be reserved through their websites. Alternatively, you can seek assistance in booking a taxi from your hotel or cruise provider if you encounter difficulties.
Mai Linh Taxi is among the most reliable service providers in Hai Phong city.
Recommended meter taxis in Hai Phong:
- En Vang Taxi (Yellow) - 0313777999
- Mai Linh Taxi (Green) - 0313833833
4. Ferry
Travelers can board the ferry from Ben Binh ferry station in Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, followed by another ferry to Halong Bay. The ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island departs weekly, generally at 10 AM and 2 PM. To avoid missing your ride, arrive well ahead of departure times. Upon reaching Cat Ba Island, you can then take the hourly ferry to Tuan Chau marina, the starting point for all Halong Bay cruises.
The total travel duration is approximately 3.5 hours with a fare of about 180,000 VND. The last ferry leaves at 4 PM, but schedules may change; remain flexible with your travel plans.
Tuan Chau-Cat Ba Ferry - Photo Credit: Bekatravel.com
Latest Tuan Chau - Cat Ba Ferry Schedule (2025)
| From Tuan Chau | 08h00, 11h30, 15h00 |
| From Cat Ba Island | 09h00, 13h00, 16h00 |
