Many travelers choose to go from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island to enjoy both the stunning limestone seascape and the quiet charm of a wild island. The journey is simple, but smart planning makes a big difference.
Overview Of Halong Bay To Cat Ba Island
The trip from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island is short and uncomplicated. It will connect two unique landscapes: the limestone sea of Halong and the more forested hills of Cat Ba. While the distance is not far, the change in sights is clear. You can be on the deck of a cruise ship in the morning and on a jungle trail or quiet beach in the afternoon, without much effort.
Many people will combine the two in one trip via the Hanoi to Halong Bay route, so they can save time and not have to take the long detour back to Hanoi. Halong Bay offers boat cruises and cave exploration, while Cat Ba allows for some hiking and kayaking, and that generally quiet island vibe. There are several piers in Halong Bay; some offer ferries, some offer speedboat travel to Cat Ba – in Tuan Chau, Hon Gai, Bai Chay, and such. You can save time and still experience both places adequately.
How Far Is It From Halong Bay To Cat Ba Island
Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island distance varies depending on departure and arrival points; however, the shortest route is 18-25 km across the water. The majority of the ferries and speedboats can start in Tuan Chau Pier in Halong and reach Gia Luan Port on Cat Ba Island. This water trip lasts approximately 40-60 minutes in a vessel, depending on the weather.
It is 30 to 45 minutes by highway to the town centre of Cat Ba due to Gia Luan. The total travel time is between 1.5 and 2 hours, provided that there are no complications with the connection. When you make a combined trip on a bus and a ferry, it may take you 3 or even 4 hours. This may happen only when you take a trip on a weekend or any other public holiday because of the traffic and the waiting lines.
How To Travel From Halong Bay To Cat Ba Island
You can travel to Cat Ba Island by a few means, and it depends on your budget, time, and travel preferences. The most popular ones with the knowledge you need to know before booking are down below.
By Motorbike
Motorbikes are the most suitable choice for travelers who prefer to have freedom and flexibility and explore local areas. Motorbiking allows you to be in complete control of your trip; you can take a break to take pictures, visit remote villages, or stop in the coffee shop. It is also one of the cheapest means of travel, because all you have to do is pay the fuel and ferry charges.
The same path, however, is exhausting and is not advisable to be used by newcomers. That road has more than a few parts where there are trucks, sudden turnings, or bumpy roads. You would also have to contend with ferry services and weather conditions. If your bike breaks down along the way, finding a repair shop on the island could be a challenge.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route | Starting from the center of Halong City, you can cycle to Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal (approximately 15 km). Then you could ferry across (45 min) to Gia Luan Port on Cat Ba Island, then cycle about 25 km – coastal and mountain – to Cat Ba Town.
Alternatively, you could take a longer but easier route: Halong → Hai Phong City → cross the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge → Got Ferry → Cat Ba. |
| Distance | About 50 to 70 kilometers, depending on which route you take. |
| Travel Time | Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, including riding and waiting for the ferry. |
| Suggested Stop | You may dock at Tuan Chau Port (in case you are going this way) or Got Ferry Terminal (in case you are travelling through Hai Phong). It also has small cafes along the sea. |
By Bus Or Minivan
A bus or minivan is one of the most convenient and cheap ways to go from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island. A lot of bus companies also provide joint tickets to road transfers and ferry crossings, so you do not have to be concerned with logistics. It normally spends 2 or 3 hours on its trips, with the wait time at the ferry and traffic.
| Operator | Service Type & Fare | Schedule | Notes |
| Cat Ba Express | Limousine minivan with AC and free water. Fare is approximately 300,000 VND. | Departure at 07:40 AM, 12:30 AM, and 02:00 PM daily. | Well regarded for their timely departures and quality service. Price includes transfer, ferry, and an end drop-off point in Cat Ba Town. Book your ticket quickly and easily online. |
| Good Morning Cat Ba | Limousine minivan with Wi-Fi and charging points; fares of 300,000 – 320,000 VND. | Depart at 07:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 02:00 PM daily. | They offer hotel pick-up in Halong, and ferry and shore-shuttle on Cat Ba Island. Very well-rated by international travelers. |
| Son Tung Express | Premium minivan with leather seats and USB charging; fare around 300,000 VND | Multiple departures: 07:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 02:00 PM | Air-conditioned, comfortable, in the ferry/drop-off. Small groups and families often use it. |
| Quang Thang Cat Ba | Budget minivan with AC; tickets from 250,000 to 270,000 VND | Departs at 07:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 02:00 PM from Halong City | Affordable option. Has ferry and transfer to Cat Ba. Other services are off the complex, the Sun World Halong. |
| The New Way | Modern minivan with USB ports and bottled water; fare around 330,000 VND | Leaves Bai Chay area at 07:00 AM and 12:30 PM daily | Includes ferry ticket. Staff are helpful, and the trip is smooth and well-coordinated. |
By Private Car
A private car from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island is best suited for families (or small groups) who prefer comfort, flexibility, and fun experiences. Choose this alternative, and you are actually able to travel and stop whenever you wish and at the time of your choice. The automobile service normally involves a door-to-door pickup and an aligned ferry shift.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND, one way) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-seater sedan | 1,200,000 – 1,600,000 VND | Around 2 to 2.5 hours | Perfect place for those who prefer to stay alone or with their partner and save costs on comforts. Small, comfortable, and economical. |
| 7-seater SUV/MPV | 1,400,000 – 1,900,000 VND | Around 2 to 2.5 hours | It’s fine with families or small groups that carry luggage. Provides additional space and legroom, as well as bag space. |
| Minivan (9–16 seats) | 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND | Around 2 to 2.5 hours | It is an appropriate option to be used by bigger groups or touring teams that want to remain together. Good air-conditioned shared seats. |
| VIP Limousine Van | 2,800,000 – 3,500,000+ VND | Around 2 to 2.5 hours | Ideal for customers with a taste of superior service. Soft seats, USB charging, Wi-Fi, and a quiet space are included. Ideal for taking business or luxury trips. |
By Ferry
Practical, beautiful, and affordable means of transport is the public Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island ferry. It enables you to transport your car over, which is perfect when one is interested in touring Cat Ba by car. Two services are offered by ferries. They are both cheap and run several times a day, but schedules can change a bit seasonally and depending on weather conditions.
| Ferry Route | Ticket Price | Travel Time | Ha Long to Cat Ba ferry schedules & Notes |
| Tuan Chau (Halong) → Gia Luan (Cat Ba) |
|
45–60 minutes |
|
| Got / Dong Bai (Hai Phong) → Cai Vieng (Cat Ba) |
|
25–40 minutes |
|
By Speedboat Or Hydrofoil
It may be categorized that the fastest and exciting mode of traveling between Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island is either via speedboats or hydrofoils. The services are perfect for tourists who wish to save time on travel and have a seamless ride across the bay. They are very costly compared to those ferries but yet manageable, especially if you’re short on time or building a tight Hanoi itinerary.
| Departure Point | Ticket Price | Travel Time | Schedule & Notes |
| Tuan Chau Marina (Halong) → Gia Luan Port (Cat Ba) | 170,000–250,000 VND per person (≈ 7–10 USD) | 20–30 minutes |
|
| Bai Chay (Halong) → Beo Pier (Cat Ba Town) (less common) | 220,000–300,000 VND per person | 40–50 minutes |
|
Tips For Traveling From Halong Bay To Cat Ba Island
When you are planning to travel to Cat Ba Island after spending your time in Halong Bay, make sure that you read the following travel tips to have a stress-free journey:
- Reporting to the ferry pier 30- 45 minutes early before the ferry departure can buy you sufficient time to line up, purchase a ticket in the event that you need one, as well as obtain a seat. It is particularly useful when riding a motorbike or a car since there might not be enough room.
- Some roads on Cat Ba Island are steep or winding. Having proper riding gear and a full tank of fuel before leaving Halong makes a big difference if you’re traveling by motorbike. Confidence and caution are both essential for a safe ride.
- Many ferry and speedboat services adjust or cancel their schedules due to fog, rain, or rough sea conditions, especially between June and August. Building in some flexibility to your itinerary can help you avoid stress if plans change.
- Most ferry terminals and local service providers only accept cash. It’s best to prepare small-denomination Vietnamese Dong in advance, as card payments and ATMs are often unavailable at the piers.
- A light waterproof jacket or dry bag keeps your belongings safe from sea spray, especially when riding a speedboat or motorbike. Sudden weather changes in the bay are quite common.
- Large suitcases can be hard to manage on speedboats or in compact minivans. Using a soft backpack or travel bag helps you move more easily, especially during transfers and ferry boarding.
- Not every vehicle service includes hotel pickup. Double-checking your pick-up or departure point ahead of time prevents last-minute confusion or unnecessary delays.
Final Thoughts
Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island may sit close on the map, but the travel between them still holds its small adventure. Whichever way feels right for your trip, what matters is reaching Cat Ba ready to enjoy it. If you need help customizing your trip or combining Halong and Cat Ba into a full Vietnam itinerary, feel free to contact Seni World. Let us help you create a smooth, memorable, and truly local travel experience.
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