Hanoi to Halong Bay: How to Travel 2026

Halong Bay is located on Vietnam’s northeastern coastline, approximately 164 kilometers (102 miles) east of Hanoi. It offers a serene escape from the vibrant energy of the city. Famous for its stunning limestone karsts, lush tropical jungles, and beautiful beaches, Halong Bay is a must-see destination. Fortunately, reaching this picturesque bay from Hanoi is quite straightforward.

Trip map:

Trip information:

Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes - 3 hours

Pricing: 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND one way/per person if your pick-up and drop-off points are in Hanoi Old Quarter. A surcharge may apply if you stay outside of the Old Quarter area.

Best for: Shuttle buses are one of the most efficient ways to travel between Hanoi and Halong. This is an ideal option for travelers who prioritize budget and wish to minimize transit time.

Types of shuttle bus

Shuttle buses or tourist buses from Hanoi to Halong are favored by both locals and travelers. Options range from economical to luxury buses. These buses predominantly operate on the 5B Hanoi - Halong Highway, allowing a travel time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Departure times from Hanoi Old Quarter pick-up points are typically between 8 AM and 9 AM.

There are three main categories of shuttle buses: standard buses, luxury buses, and shuttle services provided by cruise companies.

• Standard shuttle buses vary in capacity, accommodating anywhere from 16-seaters to 45-seaters.
• Luxury shuttle buses typically offer 9-seater Limousines and 19-seater Fuso coaches, equipped with upscale amenities.
• Many cruise lines operate their own shuttle services to transport guests to and from specific locations.

Popular shuttle bus companies

Several reputable shuttle bus providers operate along the Hanoi-Halong route, including:

How to book

While tickets can be purchased through the bus company's website, it is advisable to book through cruise or tour operators for enhanced reliability and more options.

Time: ~2-3 hours

Pricing: 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND/pax/one-way

Best for: While local buses may lack the comfort and convenience of shuttle buses, they present a more affordable option. Budget travelers looking to save on transportation can benefit from using local buses.

Bus stations in Hanoi (for Halong Bay)

The majority of local buses depart from three primary bus stations:

• My Dinh Station: 20 Pham Hung Street, My Dinh 2, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi. This large and modern bus station is located approximately 11 km from Hanoi's Old Quarter. It serves as the main hub connecting Hanoi with various provinces in the North and Northwest regions, including Quang Ninh, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, and Ninh Binh. Numerous buses run every half hour to Bai Chay, Quang Ninh Province, making it ideal for those visiting Halong Bay.
• Giap Bat Station: 6 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District. Situated about 7 km from Hanoi's Old Quarter, Giap Bat bus station is a bustling gateway connecting Hanoi to provinces in Central and Southern Vietnam, such as Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, and Ho Chi Minh City. A limited number of buses are available on the Hanoi - Halong route.
• Gia Lam Station: 9 Ngo Gia Kham Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi. This bus station is the closest to Hanoi's Old Quarter at a distance of 5.5 km, but there are limited bus options to Halong. It primarily services routes to Bac Giang, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Ha Giang, and Tuyen Quang provinces.

Bus station map

Popular bus companies

How to book

Tickets can be purchased at bus station ticket counters. No advance reservation is necessary.

Local tips: Approximately 60% of buses heading to Halong Bay depart from My Dinh Station, providing a broader selection of bus operators and diverse pricing options.

Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes - 3 hours.

Pricing: 2,500,000 VND to 4,500,000 VND round trip.

Best for: Business travelers, families, and groups of friends seeking a private and comfortable transfer.

To arrange a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay, you can book through cruise operators or travel agencies. Alternatively, private taxi services are available. The private vehicle will pick you up and drop you off at an agreed-upon location. While this option offers convenience, it is also one of the pricier ways to travel to Halong Bay.

Here are some reputable companies and taxi brands offering private transfer services:

Prices:

Time: 60 minutes

Pricing: 4,500,000 VND - 10,000,000 VND ~ 190 - 430 USD/ pax

Best for: Affluent travelers and couples seeking breathtaking aerial views of the bay

Taking a seaplane is one of the most unique and exhilarating ways to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay. It is also the quickest option available. In addition to the swift transfer, passengers will enjoy mesmerizing aerial views of the bay during the flight. A 45-minute journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay is priced between 4,500,000 VND and 10,000,000 VND.

Port of Departure:

Noi Bai International Airport: Counter E09, Lobby E, Terminal 1, Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi.

Port of Arrival:

Tuan Chau Marina: Villa T7 Tuan Chau Commercial Urban Area, Tuan Chau Ward, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.

How to book a seaplane

To book a seaplane trip, you can visit Hai Au Aviation's official website at seaplanes.vn or reach out via email at online.sales@haiauaviation.com. For immediate assistance, call the hotline at 0962 069 689.

Alternatively, cruise operators may offer packages that include a seaplane flight as part of their services. Flights depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and land at Tuan Chau Port in Halong Bay. Upon arrival, you can conveniently hail a Grab taxi (similar to Uber) or a traditional taxi to reach your desired destination.

Time: 6 hours and 45 minutes

Pricing: 100,000 VND ~ 4.25 USD/ pax

Best for: Backpackers and tourists on a budget. This option also provides a wonderful opportunity to take in the scenic views along the route, particularly if you're not in a rush.

The railway connection between Hanoi and Halong Bay resumed operations recently, providing an excellent chance for travelers to explore Halong Bay by train. For a genuine Vietnamese experience, the train ride allows you to enjoy the landscapes at a leisurely pace. This remains one of the most economical ways to reach Halong Bay, with tickets costing approximately 100,000 VND (4.25 USD).

Timing and Departure Information

The train departs daily from Yen Vien station in Hanoi at 5:05 am, and arrives at Halong station around 11:50 am, totaling a journey of 6 hours and 45 minutes. Upon arrival in Halong City, visitors will need to arrange alternate transport to their hotel or cruise port. The return train to Hanoi also takes 6 hours and 45 minutes, leaving Halong station at 2:00 pm and reaching Hanoi at 8:45 pm.

How to Book

Tickets can be purchased through local travel agencies in Hanoi or directly via the official railway website: https://dsvn.vn/

Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes - 4 hours

Pricing: 120,000 VND to 180,000 VND ~ 5 - 8 USD

Best for: Adventure travelers, independent backpackers

If you thrive on adventure and seek the thrill of the open road, renting a motorbike to explore Halong Bay is an exciting option. This journey offers the flexibility of time and route while allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes along the way. Rental prices for motorbikes in Hanoi range from approximately 120,000 VND to 180,000 VND per day. You can inquire through your hotel for recommendations or reach out directly to motorbike rental services.

Where to rent a motorbike

Some well-regarded rental services include 13535 Motorbike Rental Hanoi, Happy Zip Motorbikes Rental & Sale Hanoi, Phung Motorbike, and Tigit Motorbikes Hanoi. Daily rental fees typically range from 120,000 VND to 180,000 VND.

Route directions

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay allows you to appreciate the breathtaking scenery along the way. However, this route is best suited for those with a moderate level of physical fitness. There are two popular routes you can take from Hanoi to Halong Bay:

Route 1: Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Halong (approximately 155km)

Start your journey on Highway 5, heading south for about 10km to reach Sai Dong Junction. Continue on Highway 1 for 23km to Bac Ninh Province. From there, take Highway 18 for around 122km to reach Halong City.

Route 2: Hanoi - Hai Duong - Halong (approximately 170km)

This route is slightly longer but often more straightforward. From Hanoi, head towards Nam Sach Town in Hai Duong Province, then follow Highway 183 straight to Halong City.

As of 2025, transportation options from Halong Bay to Hanoi continue to mirror those from Hanoi to Halong Bay, providing travelers with diverse and reliable choices. It is advisable to secure round-trip tickets from reputable shuttle bus services and private car transfer companies for a seamless travel experience. These options not only ensure comfort but also help you avoid potential delays, making your journey more enjoyable.

With the ongoing improvements to transportation, including the upgraded Highway 5B, day trips between Hanoi and Halong Bay have become even more accessible and enjoyable.

The optimal way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay in 2025 is via shuttle bus or by hiring a private vehicle. The shuttle bus remains the more budget-friendly option, allowing you to travel comfortably at a cost ranging from approximately 240,000 VND to 370,000 VND. For those seeking a faster and more tailored experience, a private transfer is advisable, particularly for groups or families willing to invest more for convenience.

Upon reaching Halong City, securing a ticket for a day cruise around Halong Bay is straightforward. The two predominant routes for day tours include:

Route 1: Tuan Chau Port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Dinh Huong Islet - Fighting Cock Islet (approximately 4 hours)

Route 2: Tuan Chau Port - Dinh Huong Islet - Fighting Cock Islet - Sung Sot Cave - Titop Island (approximately 6 hours)

The ticket prices for either of the routes are around 300,000 VND, equivalent to about 13 USD, per passenger. Tickets can conveniently be purchased at Tuan Chau Port, located at Ngoc Chau Ward, Tuan Chau, Halong City.

For an even more convenient experience, consider booking a day cruise that includes transfers from Hanoi to Halong Bay. A multitude of day cruises is available, such as Estella Premium Day Cruise, Genesis Day Cruise, Amazing Sails, Orchid Day Cruise, Phoenix Day Cruise, and Paradise Luxury Day Cruise.

Note: All prices are current as of 2025!

For independent travelers and backpackers

If you are traveling solo and on a budget, the most efficient way to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi in 2025 is by taking a shuttle bus, which costs approximately 450,000 VND for a round trip. Alternatively, local buses offer a more economical option, pricing around 300,000 VND round trip. The journey typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours each way. Motorbiking is also an option, offering scenic views along the route, but be prepared for a longer travel time of around 4 hours.

For small groups and families

Traveling with a group or family requires considering safety, especially for children. Therefore, hiring a private car is the best option, accommodating various group sizes. The cost ranges from 2,800,000 VND to 4,200,000 VND for a round trip, with a travel duration of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

For affluent travelers and couples

If budget is not a concern, consider taking a seaplane for an unforgettable journey to Halong Bay from Hanoi. Prices for this experience range from 4,500,000 VND to 10,500,000 VND per person, varying depending on the time of year and demand.