How to Get from Hanoi to Halong Bay: Transport Guide

Halong bay day cruise - Hanoi to Halong road — Hanoi to Halong road

Planning 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.

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.