How to Get to Halong Bay from Cat Ba Island

Transportation to Halong

Looking for the best way to get to Halong Bay from Cat Ba Island? Just a 3-minute read – Read now!

Located in Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site you can't miss. And if you're looking for a way to turn your Cat Ba Island vacation into an unforgettable Halong Bay experience, you're in the right place. 

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best ways to travel from Cat Ba Island to the stunning Halong Bay, such as ferry, car, bus, and cruise. Paradise Vietnam will also provide helpful information on each option's schedules, prices, and booking methods. Whether you're searching for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, this trip is bound to be unforgettable. 

Let's start!

Distance between Cat Ba and Halong Bay

The distance between Cat Ba and Halong Bay is 14 miles or approximately 22 kilometers. However, this is the straight-line distance, and the actual travel distance may vary depending on the mode of transportation and the route chosen.

Many travelers wonder how to reach Halong Bay from Cat Ba Island, and several convenient options are available.

Recommended reading: Booking the best Halong Bay luxury cruise

How to get to Halong from Cat Ba?

Visitors can easily reach Halong Bay from Cat Ba Island by ferry, bus, or car. Ferries operate regularly, typically lasting around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Alternatively, cars provide more comfort and privacy but come at a higher cost. Lastly, the bus journey usually includes a ferry ride, which may take longer than the direct ferry route but can be convenient. Regardless of the choice, all three options offer scenic views of the stunning landscapes.

Cat Ba to Halong Bay via Ferry

The ferry is the most popular and convenient option of the three options. It can carry passengers and vehicles, costing approximately VND 80,000 per person. This relaxing and enjoyable transportation offers scenic views of the bay and its surroundings. 

However, please note that moving by ferry can get crowded and noisy, and its schedule can be affected by weather and tide conditions.

The ferry ride from Cat Ba Island to Halong Bay offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes.

Ferry schedule and pricing

The pricing details for different passenger and vehicle types when using the ferry service:

Popular Routes from Cat Ba to Halong Bay

The ferry departs from Gia Luan Harbor on Cat Ba Island and arrives at Tuan Chau Harbor, about 10 km from Bai Chay Beach in Halong City

How long is the ferry from Halong to Cat Ba?

The ferry is a popular and convenient option, with a frequency of 3 to 5 trips, taking approximately 40 to 50 minutes to travel from Tuan Chau Island (Halong Bay) to Gia Luan Port (Cat Ba Island).

How to book ferry from Cat Ba to Halong Bay

To book a ferry ticket from Cat Ba to Halong Bay, you can get in touch with the ferry company in a few ways:

• Phone: Call 0203 3842134
• Hotline: Dial 0934 367 555
• Email: Send an email to tapdoantuanchau@tuanchauhalong.vn
• Website: Visit tuanchau-halong.com.vn

Travel from Cat Ba to Halong Bay by bus

This is a relaxing and comfortable option that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Cat Ba Town to Halong City. The bus will take you through a scenic route that includes a ferry crossing from Quang Yen - Ha Nam Cat Hai Town to Cai Vieng Pier.

Bus schedule and price

Recommended bus options for the Cat Ba to Halong Bay route

Travelers can choose the 12Go bus service, which specializes in the Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island route. The one-way ticket costs approximately VND 330,000 per person.

#Route:

• Halong to Cat Ba Island: Departure at 7:40 and 12:45
• Cat Ba Island to Halong: Departure at 7:30 and 12:30

This bus service provides a convenient and affordable way to travel between Halong and Cat Ba Island.

For more information: How to take a bus to Ha Long Bay 

Travel to Halong Bay from Cat Ba by car

Renting a car costs around VND 1,500,000 daily, while hiring a driver comes at approximately VND 600,000 daily. Of course, this option grants you greater privacy and control over your journey. Still, it's worth noting that using a car can be relatively pricey and somewhat risky due to narrow and congested roads, as well as somewhat unpredictable traffic conditions.

Here's a detailed table about the car route and additional fees for moving to Halong Bay from Cat Ba that you may want to consider:

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Cat Ba Island to Halong Bay

1. Is it better to stay in Halong Bay or Cat Ba?

Halong Bay and Cat Ba offer stunning views of the limestone karsts, emerald waters, and lush vegetation that characterize this UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, Halong Bay is more famous and has more islands and caves to explore. 

Many travelers choose to do both – they embark on a memorable cruise in Halong Bay with us, enjoying the ultimate comfort and adventure, and then extend their journey by spending time on Cat Ba Island to get the best of both worlds. With Paradise Grand Cruise Vietnam, you can seamlessly transition from the serene luxury of our 5-star cruise to the vibrant charm of Cat Ba Island, making your entire experience truly unforgettable. Click here to get more information about Paradise Vietnam Cruise.

The journey to Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay unveils the breathtaking wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read more: Exploring Halong Bay day trip

2. Accommodation options in Halong Bay

One of the accommodation options in Halong Bay is the Paradise Suites Hotel, a part of the esteemed Paradise Vietnam group. Situated amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay, our highly-rated hotel offers guests lavish rooms, top-notch amenities, and stunning views of the bay. 

Don't miss the chance to explore Halong Bay from Cat Ba Island, where adventure and relaxation blend seamlessly.

Whether you unwind at the Paradise Suites Hotel or explore other accommodation choices, Halong Bay offers a variety of options, from boutique hotels to charming guesthouses, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all travelers.

Paradise Suites Hotel Vietnam

3. What is the quickest way to go from Cat Ba to Halong Bay?

The fastest way to travel from Cat Ba to Halong is by driving and taking a car ferry. Renting a car costs around 1,500,000 VND daily and an additional 80,000 VND for the ferry. This journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Explore further: Guide to Cat Ba ferry

4. What is the cheapest way to get from Cat Ba to Halong Bay?

The cheapest way to travel from Cat Ba to Halong Bay is by using local bus and ferry services, typically costing around 90,000 to 330,000 VND per person. However, please note that the exact cost may vary.