Hanoi To Cat Ba Island: 3 Best Ways To Travel with Ease

Cat Ba island has continued to establish itself as a prime tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views and diverse experiences. The island is especially popular during the summer months. However, the growing number of visitors has led to ferry congestion. For travelers departing from Hanoi, the following routes are recommended to ensure a convenient journey to Cat Ba island in 2025.

Trip: 150km / approximately 4 hours

By Private Car or Taxi

Transfer time: Around 4 hours

The journey to Cat Ba island is roughly 150 kilometers (approximately 94 miles), which includes 100 kilometers by road and 50 kilometers by ferry. Traveling by private car or taxi is a fantastic option for this route. From Hanoi, take the Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway and cross the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai bridge to reach Got pier. While some might consider bringing their vehicle to the island, it's unnecessary, as Cat Ba is compact and traffic congestion can occur due to high vehicle volumes.

At Got pier, you’ll need to park your car and then board a ferry to Cai Vieng pier on Cat Ba island. The ferry ticket is priced at around 12,000 VND per person one-way, with a total travel time of approximately 30 minutes. Ferries operate every 30 minutes throughout the day, providing flexibility for your travel schedule.

Got - Cai Vieng Ferry Schedule

Alternatively, tourists can opt for a hydrofoil service, costing between 120,000 VND and 250,000 VND per person one way. Services provided by reputable companies like Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa and Mekong Hoang Yen ensure a pleasant journey.

For those staying in Hai Phong city, Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa offers shuttle services to Got pier for a fee of 30,000 VND. The hydrofoil ticket is available for 120,000 VND per person one way.

Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa Hydrofoil Schedule

From Got Pier to Cat Ba Island

	Morning Route	Afternoon Route
Pick up at Binh Ferry Station	9:00	13:00
Arrive at Got Pier	9:40	13:40
Arrive at Cat Ba Center Harbor	10:00	14:00

From Cat Ba Island to Got Pier

After arriving at Cat Ba island, visitors can explore the town center on foot, take a public bus, or ride an electric car. For those who need to bring a vehicle to the island, it is advisable to avoid traveling during peak hours (from 8 am to 11 am).

By High-Quality Tourist Bus

Transfer Time: Around 4 hours

Multiple reputable tourist bus operators connect Hanoi to Cat Ba island including Good Morning Cat Ba, Discovery, Daiichi, and Catba Express. These buses operate several departures throughout the day. Passengers will be picked up from designated locations in the Hanoi Old Quarter and will travel via the newly constructed Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway to Got ferry. From there, passengers will switch to a ferry or hydrofoil to Cai Vieng pier; the bus does not get on the ferry. Another bus will then transport you to your chosen destination on Cat Ba island.

The entire journey lasts around 4 hours, and the cost is approximately 300,000 VND per person one way.

Good Morning Cat Ba

Good Morning Cat Ba is a well-known bus service providing routes from Cat Ba to Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, and other locations. The smooth ride and convenient scheduling alleviate the need for additional bus bookings on the island.

Ticket and Schedule

Address: 9B, Cho Gao Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Website: https://goodmorningcatba.com/

Catba Express

Cat Ba Express offers high-quality buses to Cat Ba island from various locations including Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh. They also provide tours and cruises on Halong Bay, combining exploration with affordable packages.

Ticket and Schedule

Address: 106 Tran Nhat Duat Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Website: https://catbaexpress.com/

Daiichi Travel Cat Ba

Daiichi Travel specializes in numerous transfer routes including Cat Ba - Sapa, Hanoi - Cat Hai - Cat Ba, and Ninh Binh connections. They provide modern buses with complimentary water, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Ticket and Schedule

Address: 96 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Website: https://daiichitravel.com/

Feedback on Cable Car

Transfer time: Approximately 3.5 hours

Taking the Cat Hai - Phu Long cable car offers an exceptional viewpoint and allows for scenic aerial views of the surroundings. However, travelers must first reach the Cat Hai Cable Car station, located about 3 kilometers from Got pier. The ticket cost is approximately 100,000 VND per person one way.

Please note: The cable car system was temporarily closed and is not currently in operation as of late 2023. It is advisable to check for updates before planning your visit.

Overview

Transportation Options	Advantages	Disadvantages
Private Car/Taxi	Fastest and most flexible	Can be more expensive Parking at ferry terminal is required
Tourist Bus	Convenient with scheduled pickups Cost-efficient	May sell out quickly Can be crowded
Cable Car	Offers stunning views Affordable experience	Limited ride schedules

Recommended Day Trip Itinerary from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

• 8:00: Pickup from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter to Got pier.
• 11:30: Board the ferry to Cat Ba island, with a connecting bus to your accommodation.
• 12:00: Enjoy lunch featuring local delicacies like horseshoe crab, mantis shrimp, grouper, and shrimp noodles.
• 13:00: Visit Cat Ba National Park for a trek to Ngu Lam peak, with opportunities to capture stunning vistas of Lan Ha Bay.
• 14:30: Relax at Cat Co beach 1, known as the largest and most beautiful beach on the island.
• 16:00: Return bus ride to Hanoi.