How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Hanoi to Halong Bay is one of the most popular travel routes in Vietnam, which is very convenient for going back and forth. With a distance of 170 km and an improved transportation system, tourists can easily move around by various choices. Let's take a look at the 6 most popular ways to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay and vice versa so you can find the best option.

Thanks to National Road 5B (also called Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway) since the end of 2018, it only takes 2.5 hours to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Then you can save a lot of time on transportation for a day trip. If money is not an issue, choosing a luxury and private transfer is highly recommended.

1. Distance and travel time

Distance: 170 km from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Time: - 2h30 via the new national road 5B (only for 4-wheel vehicles)

           - 3.5 hours via National Road No. 18 (allows all vehicles)

2. 6 best ways to travel

2.1. Shuttle - The most popular

The shuttle, also considered a "tourist bus", is the most popular form of transport between Hanoi and Halong Bay. There are many types of shuttles between Hanoi and Halong, offering from 9 to 45 seats and basic amenities such as air conditioners, bottled water, etc.

+ Duration: 2.5 hours

+ Cost: ~$13/one way/person with free pick up and drop off in Hanoi Old Quarter. There will be an extra charge for picking up outside of the term.

+ Pros:

• Economy: An economical choice among the best ways to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi   
• Practical: well-equipped facilities combined with good services
• Direct transfer: Short travel time and direct transfer

+ Cons: Inflexible in time and schedule

+ Ideal for: budget travellers, singles and solos, backpackers

How do you book a shuttle?

Hanoi's Old Quarter is the most popular pick-up point because each shuttle will pass through.

Additionally, there are three main bus stops where the majority of local buses depart:

• My Dinh Bus Station - 20 Pham Hung Street, My Dinh 2, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
• Giap Bat Bus Station - 06 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi
• Gia Lam Bus Station - 9 Ngo Gia Kham Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi

Shuttle services are provided by many tourist bus companies and cruise lines with a price range from 11 USD to 15 USD for one way. If you are planning to join a Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi, it is highly recommended to book the transfer with a cruise package for a smooth pickup and drop-off.

>> Read more: How to choose a cruise in Halong Bay?

2.2. Luxury bus - the most comfortable

If you are looking for a more comfortable and upscale service, taking a luxury bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay is the best choice for your trip. Apart from the basic amenities like free water and air conditioning, a luxury 7-9 seater limo offers the most enjoyable journey with higher standards.

+ Duration: 2.5 hours

+ Cost: ~ 25 USD/one way/person

+ Pros:

• Comfortable: first-class facilities including free Wi-Fi, massage chairs, LCD screen, stereo, automatic doors, etc.
• Pleasant services: English-speaking and welcoming drivers who can solve some basic problems
• Quick and easy transport on the new highway

+ Cons: More expensive than a shuttle

+ Best for: affluent travellers, families, senior persons

How to book a luxury bus?

Not only bus operators but also many cruise lines offer luxury bus transfers with pick-up and drop-off services. As usual, many travellers choose to book a luxury cruise in Halong Bay, which includes a combined transport package or sometimes free transport.

2.3. Private Car - Best Privacy

You can get a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay through cruise lines or tourist agencies. You will be picked up and dropped off at pre-determined locations by the luxury limousine.

+ Duration: 2-2.5 hours for transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Halong City via New Expressway

+ Cost: 104 to 195 USD/return, depending on the type of car (4, 7 or 16 seats), the duration of the excursion (1, 2 or 3 days)

+ Pros:

• Flexible: adjustable schedule and easy-to-control itinerary
• More affordable: The lower price is due to cost sharing for group members
• More private: the best privacy and convenience in your own space

+ Cons: High cost

+ Ideal for: Couples, Families with children, Groups of friends, Business travellers

2.4. Seaplane - A new experience

Remember that there is no direct flight between Hanoi and Halong Bay. If you're looking for a fascinating way to explore Halong, a seaplane could be a one-of-a-kind experience.

+ Duration: only 45 minutes (additional 15 minutes for the visit)

+ Cost: 350 – 450 USD/one way/person (airfare may vary depending on season and time of day)

+ Pros:

• Fastest way: Private, fast and up-to-date with free Wi-Fi and 4G internet availability
• Professional Staff: Professional tour services with experienced and well-trained staff
• Spectacular view: An extraordinary way to admire the spectacular aerial views of Halong Bay
• Great experience: The most credible and exclusive seaplane supplier to ensure your safety and valuable experience

+ Cons: Extravagant and not suitable for people with heart attacks and acrophobia

+ Ideal for: High net worth tourists, Couples, Active travellers, Luxury travellers

>> Read more: 15 attractions of Halong Bay that are a must-see

How do I book a seaplane?

Seaplane suppliers: Hai Au Aviation is the sole seaplane supplier from Hanoi to Halong Bay

+ Regular flight: 45 minutes

+ Panoramic flight: 15 minutes

+ Departure port: Noi Bai International Airport - Counter E09, Concourse E, Terminal 1, Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi

+ Arrival Port: Tuan Chau Marina - Villa T7, Tuan Chau District, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province

Things to know before taking a seaplane

+ Don't forget to bring your passport to check-in

+ Be at least 30 minutes before the departure time for the check-in procedure

+ Each passenger is entitled to 7 kg of free baggage (not applicable for infants). There will be a surcharge for excess baggage

+ A flight requires a minimum number of 4 passengers, which is not suitable for couples and solo travellers. In this case, you can request a charter flight

+ A seaplane flight to Halong Bay allows a maximum capacity of 12 passengers

+ Passengers over 110 kg will be charged an overweight fee for the purchase of a second seat

+ Make sure you have good health conditions without a heart attack or acrophobia

2.5. Motorcycle - The most adventurous

Alternatively, travelling to Halong Bay from Hanoi by motorbike can bring you a more adventurous experience during your vacation.

+ Duration: 3.5 hours - 4 hours which is quite flexible and depends on you

+ Cost: ~6 - 8 USD/day for motorbike rental

+ Pros:

• Adventurous: An unforgettable adventure especially for those who love nature and real-life experiences
• Proactive: A proactive and inexpensive way to travel on two wheels
• Sightseeing: an excellent opportunity to see the stunning mountains, captivating beaches and other magnificent sights on the way
• Unforgettable: Precious memory to share with your travelling companions

+ Cons: Dangerous and unexpected scams when renting a motorcycle

+ Ideal for: Independent backpackers, Adventurers, Young adults, Nature lovers

How to book a motorbike?

If you are in Hanoi, there are motorbike rental centres such as AZ Motorbikes, Happy Zip Motorbikes, Tigit Motorbikes Hanoi, etc. that you can consider renting.

Things to know before travelling by motorcycle

+ Be well prepared before your motorbike trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi: driver's license, good driving skills, plenty of gas and other essentials.

+ When renting a motorbike, you will need to pay an amount of money upfront as a deposit and hand over a copy of your passport (sometimes your flight information).

+ If you must provide the original, try to negotiate as you may need your passport at some point.

+ After taking the motorcycle, remember to ask for its insurance and ownership papers (photocopy).

+ Make sure your motorcycle is in good condition, refuel and check your motorcycle carefully if there is any problem.

+ Remember to bring the necessary essentials: a map, water, some clothes, extra gas, a raincoat, etc.

+ It is strongly recommended to go with friends (4 to 10 people) to avoid getting lost and to help each other in case of problems during the trip.

2.6. Local train - Travel like a local

Travelling by train to Halong Bay from Hanoi is the slowest and safest way, due to the authentic experience it brings you. It can be a great opportunity to admire and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the railway tracks.

+ Duration: ~7 hours

+ Cost: ~4 USD/one way/person

+ Pros:

• Sightseeing: A perfect opportunity to enjoy scenic views and snap great photos for your travel collection
• Local: an authentic Vietnam travel experience to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere
• Budget: The cheapest and safest means of transport compared to the road

+ Cons: Long and inconvenient

+ Best for: culture vultures, budget-conscious travellers, singles and solos, backpackers

>> Read morre: Best time to visit Halong Bay

How to book a train ticket?

There is only one way to take a train from Yen Vien Station, located northeast of Hanoi, to Halong Station, located east of Bai Chay City. The total journey time is 6 hours and 45 minutes.

3. The reverse route: Halong to Hanoi

Ha Long - Hanoi

Transportation from Halong Bay to Hanoi Old Quarter often takes the same route. Booking return tickets with shuttle companies and private car transfer companies will ensure a hassle-free trip if you already have a clearly defined travel itinerary.

If you are heading to Hanoi Airport, the most convenient ways include a shuttle bus, luxury bus and private car. Moreover, the seaplane is also a great way to get from Hanoi airport to Halong Bay, and vice versa.

Ha Long - Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh province, also known as "Halong Bay on land", is a must-see destination for anyone travelling in northern Vietnam. Ninh Binh is home to hundreds of limestone cliffs and scenic riverscapes that resemble the landscape of Halong Bay. More unusually, Ninh Binh is home to many stunning Buddhist temples and rice paddies to explore.

Distance Hanoi - Ninh Binh: 95 km

Distance Halong - Ninh Binh: ~ 200 km

Travel time Halong - Ninh Binh: 3.5 hours

One-way transfer cost: 10 - 25 USD (limousine, train or motorbike)

Private transfer cost: 100 - 150 US

4. An alternative route: Hanoi - Cat Ba - Halong

Hanoi - Cat Ba Island

+ Distance: 170km

+ Transfer time: 2 hours by road and 0.5 hours by ferry

Following the same highway to Halong Bay, you can get to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi in various ways: shuttle, private car, motorbike and train.

Cat Ba - Ha Long

+ Distance: 20km

+ Transfer time: 30 - 45 minutes

Located south of Halong Bay, you can take one of three ways from Cat Ba Island ferry to Tuan Chau port: ferry (1 hour), speedboat (30 minutes) and high-speed hydrofoil (10 minutes).

5. Local tips for various types of travellers

For backpackers and self-guided tourists

Recommended vehicle: Shuttle

The best way to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi if you are travelling alone and on a tight budget is to take a shuttle bus (costs between 14.12 USD and 18.50 USD/round trip) or a local bus (approximately US$9.25 - US$18.50/return).

In one direction, the total transit time varies from 2.5 to 3 hours. Riding a motorbike is another option, however, it is not strongly advised. It will take about 4 hours, but the beautiful scenery along the route will be worth it.

>> Read more: Beautiful and inhabitant islands in Vietnam

For families with children and groups of friends

First choice: private car

When travelling in a group or family, other people are usually present and the protection of the youngest is a priority. Therefore, hiring a private car with a range of capacities depending on the number of people is the best option. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours and costs between 92.50 USD and 140.76 USD/one way to get there.

>> Read more: Top attractive destinations in Vietnam

For couples and opulent travellers

Top suggestion: Seaplane

The most amazing way to travel is by seaplane, which is highly recommended if money is not an issue. Depending on the tourist season, the cost per person varies from 164.89 USD to 361.95 USD.

For older tourists

Top Recommendation: Luxury Bus

From the age of 50, you must take into account your state of health before choosing a means of transport. Nothing can be compared to your current health condition and this is the biggest and most important factor that affects your choice of transportation to get to Halong Bay.

Luxury buses are high quality (which is very important for your travel safety) and comfortable cars with ample space inside.

Come there without further delay! A cruise in Halong Bay will give you a memorable experience.

Related articles:

>> Top 10 things to do in Cat Ba Island in Vietnam

>> Detailed schedule for a backpacking trip crossing Vietnam in 30 days

>> How to visit Ninh Binh in 24 hours?