How to Get from Hanoi to Halong Bay: Transport Guide - Vietnamtentravel/halongbaydaycruise GitHub Wiki
Hanoi to Halong roadPlanning a trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi? Whether you’re visiting for a scenic day cruise, an overnight experience, or simply exploring one of Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO sites, getting there efficiently is key to a smooth journey.
Located about 155 km (96 miles) from Hanoi, Halong Bay is accessible via multiple modes of transportation—from luxury limousines to budget buses and even seaplanes. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, tailored to your comfort, budget, and schedule.
Halong Bay is approximately 155 km (96 miles) east of Hanoi. Depending on your chosen transportation, the travel time ranges from 2 to 4.5 hours. Here’s a quick comparison:
Tuan Chau Marina harbourThis is where most day and overnight cruises depart from. Ensure your transport service drops you directly at the marina entrance.
Easy access to Halong Catamaran, Orchid Premium, and other top-rated cruises
Bai Chay areaThis is the main urban area near Halong Bay. You’ll find:
Hotels, restaurants, Sun World complex
Halong night market, local buses, and taxis
From Bai Chay, it’s a 15-minute taxi to Tuan Chau Marina.
Booking Transport from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Many Halong Bay cruises offer round-trip transport from Hanoi
Usually bundled with lunch, entrance fees, and guide service
7:00 AM: Pickup from Hanoi
10:30 AM: Board cruise at Tuan Chau
4:30 PM: Return to dock
8:00 PM: Drop-off in Hanoi
Recommended Cruise: Halong Catamaran – Spacious & Premium
Take a limousine transfer or private car on Day 1
Spend a night onboard
Return to Hanoi the next afternoon
Perfect with: Orchid Premium Day Cruise + Hanoi hotel pickup
What’s the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
The local public bus, costing around $5–$10.
What’s the fastest way?
The seaplane takes only 45 minutes, but it’s the most expensive.
Can I book transport + cruise together?
Yes. Most day cruises offer combo packages that include transfers from Hanoi.
Is it possible to go and return in one day?
Absolutely. A Halong Bay day cruise with round-trip transfer makes it easy to experience the bay in a single day.
Now that you know how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, it’s time to plan your perfect day.
- Explore Top Halong Bay Day Cruises with Hanoi Transfers
- See When to Visit: Month-by-Month Travel Guide
Located about 155 km (96 miles) from Hanoi, Halong Bay is accessible via multiple modes of transportation—from luxury limousines to budget buses and even seaplanes. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, tailored to your comfort, budget, and schedule.
How Far is Halong Bay from Hanoi? Halong Bay is approximately 155 km (96 miles) east of Hanoi. Depending on your chosen transportation, the travel time ranges from 2 to 4.5 hours. Here’s a quick comparison:
Transport Type Time Price (USD) Best For Limousine Van 2.5–3 hrs $15–$25 Comfort & convenience Private Car 2.5–3 hrs $90–$120 Families or groups Public Bus 3.5–4.5 hrs $5–$10 Budget travelers Train 6–7 hrs ~$10 Scenic, slow travel Seaplane 45 mins $170–$250 Luxury & aerial views Motorbike 3.5–4 hrs $10–$15 Adventurous travelers Best Transport Options from Hanoi to Halong Bay
- Limousine Van (Shuttle Bus) Halong bay day cruise - Hanoi to Halong limousine Hanoi to Halong limousine The most popular option for tourists and cruise-goers. These luxury vans usually seat 7–9 passengers with leather seats, AC, and Wi-Fi.
Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
Hotel pickup/drop-off included
Price: $15–$25 per person
Recommended for: Day cruise travelers, solo tourists, small groups
Tip: Many Halong Bay day cruises offer round-trip limousine transfers included in the package.
- Private Car or Taxi Halong bay day cruise - Hanoi to Halong private car Hanoi to Halong private car Ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a flexible schedule with maximum comfort.
Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
Door-to-door service
Price: ~$90–$120 per car (4–7 seats)
Recommended for: Groups, business travelers, or those with early/late cruise departures
Bonus: You can add stops en route—like ceramic villages or rice fields—for a mini road trip experience.
- Local Public Bus Halong bay day cruise - Hanoi to Halong local bus Hanoi to Halong local bus This is the cheapest option, but it’s slower and less tourist-friendly.
Departure points: My Dinh, Gia Lam, or Nuoc Ngam Bus Stations
Travel time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Price: $5–$10
No hotel pickup or English-speaking staff
Recommended for: Backpackers on a tight budget
- Train (Hanoi to Halong Station) Halong bay day cruise - Hanoi to Halong train Hanoi to Halong train Vietnam Railways offers a route from Hanoi’s Yen Vien Station to Halong Station. However, it’s slow, outdated, and infrequent.
Travel time: 6–7 hours
Price: ~$10
Not ideal for day trips or cruise schedules
Recommended for: Train lovers with flexible itineraries
- Seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay Halong bay day cruise - Hanoi to Halong sea plane Hanoi to Halong sea plane The fastest and most luxurious option—and absolutely breathtaking.
Operator: Hai Au Aviation
Flight time: 45 minutes
Aerial view of Halong Bay included in route
Price: $170–$250 per person
Recommended for: Luxury travelers, photographers, VIP tours
Bonus: Some cruises offer combo packages that include a seaplane transfer.
- Motorbike or Self-Drive Car Halong bay day cruise - Hanoi to Halong motorbike Hanoi to Halong motorbike A thrilling way to travel for experienced riders. The highway (CT.06) is smooth, but weather, traffic, and road rules must be considered.
Travel time: 3.5–4 hours
Requires an international driving permit (IDP)
Not ideal during rainy season
Recommended for: Adventurous, experienced travelers
5 of the most popular caves in Halong bay to explore
Best Transport Option by Traveler Type Traveler Type Recommended Transport Day trippers Limousine van or private car Families & groups Private car Budget backpackers Local public bus Luxury travelers Seaplane or high-end cruise combo Adventurous explorers Motorbike Where to Arrive in Halong Bay? Tuan Chau Marina – Cruise Hub Halong bay day cruise - Tuan Chau Marina harbour Tuan Chau Marina harbour This is where most day and overnight cruises depart from. Ensure your transport service drops you directly at the marina entrance.
Easy access to Halong Catamaran, Orchid Premium, and other top-rated cruises
Bai Chay – Halong City Center Halong bay day cruise - Bai Chay area Bai Chay area This is the main urban area near Halong Bay. You’ll find:
Hotels, restaurants, Sun World complex
Halong night market, local buses, and taxis
From Bai Chay, it’s a 15-minute taxi to Tuan Chau Marina.
Booking Transport from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Cruise Add-On Packages Many Halong Bay cruises offer round-trip transport from Hanoi
Usually bundled with lunch, entrance fees, and guide service
Sample Itineraries 1-Day Cruise (Round-Trip Hanoi Transfer) 7:00 AM: Pickup from Hanoi
10:30 AM: Board cruise at Tuan Chau
4:30 PM: Return to dock
8:00 PM: Drop-off in Hanoi
Recommended Cruise: Halong Catamaran – Spacious & Premium
2D1N Overnight Cruise Take a limousine transfer or private car on Day 1
Spend a night onboard
Return to Hanoi the next afternoon
Perfect with: Orchid Premium Day Cruise + Hanoi hotel pickup
FAQs: Getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay What’s the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay? The local public bus, costing around $5–$10.
What’s the fastest way? The seaplane takes only 45 minutes, but it’s the most expensive.
Can I book transport + cruise together? Yes. Most day cruises offer combo packages that include transfers from Hanoi.
Is it possible to go and return in one day? Absolutely. A Halong Bay day cruise with round-trip transfer makes it easy to experience the bay in a single day.
Ready to Book Your Halong Bay Trip? Now that you know how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, it’s time to plan your perfect day.
Explore Top Halong Bay Day Cruises with Hanoi Transfers See When to Visit: Month-by-Month Travel Guide