Hanoi to Hai Phong Vietnam: Transport & Ticket Guide
Hai Phong often gets overlooked when people plan northern Vietnam, but it’s one of those places that can fit surprisingly well into a Hanoi itinerary.
You might be heading there for the city itself, using it as a stop before Cat Ba, or simply looking for the easiest way east from Hanoi. And once you start comparing the options, the journey is not quite as straightforward as just picking the fastest one.
The train arrives right in the city, limousines give you more flexibility with pickup points, and private transfers can make much more sense if you’re coming straight from Noi Bai Airport.
So which one should you actually choose? I’ll walk you through the differences, what I’d look at before booking, and a few small details that can make the trip much easier.
Hanoi to Hai Phong overview
Hai Phong is around 120 km east of Hanoi, and you can travel there by limousine, train, private car or motorbike.
Here’s a quick comparison before we look at each option properly:
| Transport | Travel time | Approx. price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limousine | 2 hours | Around $7–$12 | Check limousine tickets |
| Train | 2.5–3 hours | Around $5–$7 | Check train tickets |
| Private transfer | 2 hours | From around $35 per vehicle | Compare private transfers |
| Motorbike | 2.5–3+ hours | Rental + fuel |
Hanoi to Hai Phong by limousine
A limousine is the option I’d choose for a simple Hanoi to Hai Phong trip.
These are smaller minivans rather than stretch limousines, usually with comfortable reclining seats and fewer passengers than a regular coach. There’re plenty of departures throughout the day, so you don’t have to build your whole itinerary around one bus.
The biggest thing I’d check before booking is the pickup and drop-off location.
Some companies leave from offices or meeting points in Hanoi, while others offer pickups in selected districts. Hai Phong arrivals also vary between operator offices, central stops and other designated locations.
Don’t choose purely on price. Saving a couple of dollars isn’t much of a bargain if you then need an expensive taxi across Hanoi to reach the departure point.
Check Hanoi to Hai Phong limousine tickets →
Which departure should you choose?
I’d pick a morning or early afternoon service unless you specifically need to travel later.
That gives you some breathing room if traffic slows the journey down, and you’ll still have plenty of time after arriving in Hai Phong.
If your hotel is in Hanoi Old Quarter, look for a service with a convenient central pickup or shuttle. And save the meeting point on your phone before leaving, because trying to find a random office while your van is waiting is not the start to the day you want.
Hanoi to Hai Phong by train
The train takes longer, but I still like this option when I’m not rushing.
Instead of spending another couple of hours in road traffic, you can sit by the window, stretch your legs and arrive right in Hai Phong city.
Several trains run between Hanoi and Hai Phong each day, with morning, daytime and evening departures. The exact timetable can change, so I’d check the schedule for your travel date rather than planning around an old departure time.
Trains leave from Hanoi Railway Station at 120 Le Duan and arrive at Hai Phong Railway Station at 75 Luong Kha Thien.
Hai Phong station is fairly central, which is one reason the train works so well if you’re actually staying in the city rather than continuing immediately to Cat Ba.
Check Hanoi to Hai Phong train tickets →
Limousine or train?
I’d take the limousine when speed matters.
But if you have an easy travel day and prefer trains, there’s nothing wrong with choosing the slower option. Sometimes I’d rather spend an extra hour watching the scenery go past than sit in another minivan.
The train can also be useful if the departure and arrival stations suit your hotels better than the available limousine stops.
Hanoi to Hai Phong by private car
A private car is the most comfortable option, especially when you’re traveling as a couple, family or small group.
You can be collected from your hotel, travel straight to your accommodation in Hai Phong and skip the meeting points completely.
Once several people are sharing the fare, I’d at least compare the price with buying individual limousine tickets. The convenience can easily be worth the difference if you have large bags, children or an early start.
You’ll also have more flexibility over your departure time, which is handy when Hai Phong is only one part of a longer travel day.
Compare private transfers to Hai Phong →
Can you travel directly from Hanoi Airport to Hai Phong?
Yes, and I’d definitely consider going straight there if Hai Phong is your first destination after landing.
Traveling into central Hanoi first means heading west from the airport, only to turn around and travel east towards Hai Phong later. Unless you actually want to spend time in Hanoi, that’s a lot of unnecessary backtracking.
A private airport transfer is the easiest option because your driver can meet you at Noi Bai Airport and take you directly to Hai Phong.
If your flight arrives late or you’d rather recover from the journey first, staying overnight in Hanoi is perfectly reasonable too. My guide to getting from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi covers the options into the city.
Hanoi to Hai Phong by motorbike
You can also ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong, but there’s one important thing to know before following your map.
Motorbikes cannot use the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway.
That means you need to travel on the regular road network instead. I’d use live navigation on the day and make sure your route is set for motorbikes, not cars.
The ride isn’t as difficult as Vietnam’s mountain routes, but leaving Hanoi can be busy and tiring. Give yourself plenty of time and avoid riding after dark if you don’t know the roads.
I’d only choose this option if you already feel comfortable riding longer distances in Vietnamese traffic. If not, the limousine is so easy on this route that there’s very little reason to make the journey harder.
And as always, make sure your license and travel insurance actually cover the bike you’re riding.
Continuing from Hai Phong to Cat Ba
A lot of travelers aren’t really going to Hai Phong at all. They’re using it as the gateway to Cat Ba Island.
If that’s you, check the full Hanoi to Cat Ba journey before booking separate tickets. A direct combination service may save you from arranging another transfer after arriving in Hai Phong.
But if you want to spend some time in Hai Phong first, continuing to Cat Ba is easy enough afterwards.
My guide to getting from Hai Phong to Cat Ba explains the ferry, bus and transfer options for the next part of the trip.
And once you’re on the island, have a look at my favorite things to do in Cat Ba for ideas on how to spend your time.
Book ticket from Hai Phong to Cat Ba →
Should you stay overnight in Hai Phong?
You don’t need to stay in Hai Phong just to break up the journey to Cat Ba.
But if you want to see the city, spending a night gives you time to explore without squeezing everything between two transport connections.
I’d stay somewhere central if you’re arriving by train or planning to continue the next morning. That keeps restaurants, transport and the railway station within easy reach.
Getting from Hai Phong back to Hanoi
The return journey is just as straightforward, with limousine and train services running back to Hanoi throughout the day.
If I already knew my return date, I’d book the ticket at the same time as the outbound journey. Weekend and holiday departures can fill up, and having your seat sorted means one less thing to deal with later.
For the limousine, check where you’ll be dropped in Hanoi before booking. A service ending near your hotel is much more useful than one that saves you a few dollars but leaves you on the opposite side of the city.
Book Hai Phong to Hanoi transport →
Final thoughts
Getting from Hanoi to Hai Phong is one of the easier transport journeys in northern Vietnam.
I’d take a limousine for the quickest and simplest trip, while the train is my pick when I have more time and want a relaxed journey into the city.
And if Cat Ba is where you’re actually heading, plan that part first. You may find that skipping the Hai Phong stop altogether gives you an easier travel day.
