Located on the South of Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba island is is an archipelago recognized by UNESCO as the World Biosphere Reserve. From taking a boat trip to exploring the fishing village and Cat Ba National Park, travelers can enjoy several activities in Cat Ba Island.
This article is a comprehensive guide from Hanoi to Cat Ba island, with tips for ticket prices, timetables, and transport providers.
Hanoi to Cat Ba Bus
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: 360 000 VND
As Cat Ba island is located 150 km southeast of Hanoi, travelers have different options to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba.
However, taking a direct bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba island is the easiest and affordable option.
About Cat Ba Express
Cat Ba Express is a bus company specialized in commuting between Hanoi and Cat Ba and vice versa.
The company offers free wifi, personal power outlets, leather seats, and a tour guide who is fluent in both Vietnamese and English.
The itinerary includes:
- Bus from Hanoi to Got port via Highway 5B (2 hours including 15 minutes break)
- A speedboat from Got port to Cai Vieng port (8 minutes)
- Bus from Cai Vieng port to Cat Ba town (40 minutes). Passengers can ask for drop-off at the hotel in Cat Ba Town or on the way.
Hanoi bus stop: 37B Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Hanoi to Cat Ba island Train + Ferry/ Speedboat
Alternatively, travelers can take a direct train from Hanoi to Hai Phong, then catch a boat from Pha Binh port to Cat Ba pier.
As only 4 speedboats depart daily, you should carefully choose the train time so you won’t miss the boat. Although traveling by speedboat is more expensive than the local ferry, it’s a faster and easier option.
Hanoi to Hai Phong Train
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: 85 000 VND
Vietnam Railways offers daily trains from Hanoi to Hai Phong. The railway from Hanoi station to Hai Phong station is about 102 km, and the journey takes about 2.5 hours.
Stations:
- Hanoi Railway station: 120 Lê Duẩn, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội
- Hai Phong Railway station: 75 Lương Khánh Thiện, Ngô Quyền District, Hải Phòng
-> Book train ticket from Hanoi to Hai Phong
-> Read Vietnam train travel guide for information related to traveling by train.
Hai Phong to Cat Ba Ferry
Duration: 45 minutes
Price: 180 000 VND
After arriving at Hai Phong Railway station, you can take a taxi or motorbike-taxi to come to Pha Binh port and take a speedboat with Cat Ba Island – a Vietnamese ferry company connecting Hai Phong with Cat Ba island.
The speedboats depart daily from Hai Phong to Cat Ba at 7 am, 9 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Ports:
- Pha Binh port: 4 Bến Bính, Minh Khai, Hồng Bàng, Hải Phòng
- Cat Ba Pier: Cát Bà, Cát Hải, Hải Phòng
-> Book ferry ticket from Hai Phong to Cat Ba island
Cat Ba to Hanoi
Following the steps above with reserve ways, you can get from Cat Ba island to Hanoi easily.
Bus from Cat Ba to Hanoi
Cat Ba Express offers three daily buses from Cat Ba island to Hanoi. Bus departs at 9 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: 360 000 VND
Train from Cat Ba to Hanoi
Cost: 180 000 VND (Ferry) + Taxi transfer + 85 000 VND (Train)
Firstly, you’ll need to take a ferry/ speedboat from Cat Ba island to Hai Phong and then a taxi to Hai Phong Railway station. From Hai Phong railway station, continue boarding the train and get back to Hanoi.
Note: On the way back, Cat Ba to Hai Phong speedboat runs at 8 am, 10 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm.
-> Book ticket from Cat Ba to Hanoi with Baolau
Hanoi to Cat Ba tour
If you’re not a big fan of traveling to Cat Ba on your own, you can take tours from Hanoi Old Quarter with Klook.
The most common tour will include exploring Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba island/ Lan Ha Bay. Here are some recommended tours:
- Mon Chéri Cruise 5 Star: Unique 2 Days Halong Bay & Cat Ba
- Perla Dawn Sails: Lan Ha Bay 2 Day Cruise with Kayaking
Where to stay on Cat Ba island
We recommend staying at Cat Ba Town, so it’s easier to get to the beaches or take a boat trip. We love our stay at Cat Ba Oasis Bungalows.