How to Get to Halong Bay: A Complete Transportation Guide
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If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering how to get to Halong Bay, this guide is for you.
When I travelled to Vietnam for a family wedding in Haiphong, I also wanted to explore some of the region’s natural beauty.
Halong Bay was the perfect addition to my itinerary. The area is famous for its incredible scenery with thousands of limestone karsts and islands rising out of the bay.
However, researching how to get to Halong Bay was surprisingly confusing.
There’s no airport in Halong Bay, so you have to travel from another city. From each city, there are different transportation options often with wildly different travel times and prices.
In this guide, I break down everything you need to know about how to get to Halong Bay.
You’ll find clear comparisons of transport options, typical costs, and travel times to help you choose the best option for your itinerary and budget.
Where is Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the east coast of northern Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin.
The closest airport to Halong Bay is Cat Bi International Airport in Haiphong, around 1 hour away by car. However, most international travellers fly into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, which has more international flights.
Halong Bay is approximately 160 km (100 miles) east of Hanoi, about a 3-hour drive via the modern expressway.
How to Visit Halong Bay
To properly experience Halong Bay, you need to get out onto the water.
The most popular way to do this is by booking an overnight cruise (day cruises are also available) which depart from ports in Halong City.
Some cruises include transfers from Hanoi but since it’s a 3-hour drive, I recommend spending one night in Halong City before your cruise to reduce stress.
Note: All times and prices mentioned are approximate and can vary with traffic, season, route, and booking source but reflect typical recent figures. All prices are in USD.
How to Get to Halong Bay
🚍 Hanoi to Halong Bay
Most people who visit Halong Bay will fly into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi which is the main international airport in northern Vietnam.
It takes about 3 hours to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay depending on the type of transport you choose. The options include private car, shared shuttle bus, local bus, and seaplane.
🚗 1. Private Car
A private car is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
The drive usually takes 2.5 – 3 hours, depending on traffic. It’s faster and more flexible than a shuttle bus since it’s a door-to-door service and you can choose your exact departure time.
It costs about $60 for a private car or $110 for a 12-seat minivan. This is the cost per vehicle so it can be split between passengers. For example, a couple would pay $30 each and it would only be $9 per person for a group of 12.
A private car is the best option for families, groups, and travellers with lots of luggage or time constraints.
It’s best to book online in advance, especially for larger vehicles, which can be hard to find at short notice. Viator and BookaWay are both reliable platforms for comparing options, with similar pricing.
You can also use the Grab app (Vietnam’s Uber equivalent) once you’re in the country, but prices can fluctuate for long-distance trips. That said, we used Grab and it cost us $70 for two people which was only slightly more than booking online.
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Cost: US $10 – $60 per person, one way
🚗 Book Your Hanoi to Halong Private Car Here
🚐 2. Shared Shuttle Bus
A shared shuttle bus is the most popular way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
In Vietnam, they’re usually called “limousines,” but they’re actually shared minibuses with around 9 – 12 seats.
Most services offer hotel pickup and drop-off, so total travel time depends on how many stops are needed for all passengers. The drive typically takes 3 – 3.5 hours.
You can usually choose from several departure times each day, but you’ll have less flexibility than with a private car.
Prices range from $15 – $30 per person depending on where you’re picked up. You can expect to pay about $15 from Hanoi Old Quarter or $30 from Hanoi airport.
This is the best option for most travellers, especially solo travellers, because it’s cheaper than a private car but still quite comfortable and convenient.
Since this is a tourist-oriented service (not a public bus), it’s best to book online in advance. I found the best prices and flexibility on Klook but BookaWay is also useful for comparing providers.
Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
Cost: US $15 – $30 per person, one way
🚌Book Your Hanoi to Halong Shuttle Here
🛳️ Note: Cruise Shuttle Bus
Many Halong Bay cruises offer round-trip shuttle buses from Hanoi for an additional fee.
Our cruise included round-trip transportation from Hanoi for $25 per person. However, we chose to arrange our own transport because the cruise shuttle only offered one drop-off point in Hanoi Old Quarter.
This is standard for cruise shuttles and worth keeping in mind if you’re not staying in the Old Quarter.
➡️ Read more about Halong Bay cruises here
🚌 3. Local Bus
Local coach buses run from several major bus stations in Hanoi to Bai Chay Bus Station in Halong.
It costs around $5 – $10 per person to get a local bus from Hanoi to Halong and the trip takes 4 – 5 hours since the bus makes more stops than a shuttle.
However, the bus stations are not in the city centre. It takes about 30 – 60 minutes to get from Hanoi Old Quarter to the main bus stations (My Dinh and Gia Lam) depending on if you take a taxi or another bus. Bai Chay Bus Station is about a 10-minute taxi ride from most hotels in Halong.
Catching local buses is a suitable option for backpackers and budget travellers but once you factor in the additional travel, it’s not much cheaper than a shuttle bus and takes a lot longer.
If you choose to go by bus, tickets can be purchased directly at the bus stations.
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Cost: US $5 – $10 per person, one way
🚆 4. Train
There is a train from Yen Vien Station in Hanoi to Halong Station, but it’s rarely used by tourists.
This is an older, slow train mainly used by locals transporting goods to markets. While very cheap, it takes around 7 hours, and neither station is close to tourist areas, meaning you’ll need additional transport at both ends.
The train is best suited to railway enthusiasts or travellers who want a slow, local experience.
Time: 7 hours
Cost: US $5 per person, one way
✈️5. Seaplane
A seaplane flight is available from Noi Bai International Airport to Tuan Chau Marina.
The flight takes about 45 minutes, with the option to add a 15-minute scenic flight over Halong Bay (1 hour total).
This is a luxury option, with prices starting at $450+ per person.
Flights are operated exclusively by Hai Au Aviation and can only be booked through the official website.
Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Cost: $450+ per person, one way
🗺️ Hanoi to Halong Bay Summary
| Transport Type | Time | Cost PP | Best For |
| Private Car | 2.5h – 3h | $10 – $60 | Families & groups |
| Shuttle Bus | 3h – 3.5h | $15 – $30 | Most travellers |
| Local Bus | 4h – 5h | $5 – $10 | Budget travellers |
| Train | 7h | $5 | Not recommended |
| Seaplane | 45m – 1h | $450+ | Luxury travellers |
🚍 Haiphong to Halong Bay
Haiphong isn’t one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist cities, but it’s the closest major city to Halong Bay and has the nearest airport, Cat Bi International Airport.
It only takes about an hour to get from Haiphong to Halong Bay, depending on traffic and transport type. There are several options including private car, shared shuttle bus, local bus, and ferry.
🚗 1. Private Car
A private car or van is the quickest and most convenient way to get from Haiphong to Halong Bay.
The drive typically takes 1 – 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
It costs about $30 for a private car or $70 for a 10-seat minivan. Since this is the cost per vehicle, it can be split between passengers. For example, a couple would pay $15 each.
Compared to buses, a private car is far more convenient and only slightly more expensive, making it the best option for most travellers on this route.
The easiest way to book while in Vietnam is to use the Grab app (Uber equivalent). You can also book online in advance through BookaWay, which is especially useful for larger groups. We used Grab ourselves and it cost $30, the same as online bookings.
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Cost: US $10 – $30 per person, one way
🚐 2. Shared Shuttle Bus
Shared shuttle buses (often called limousines in Vietnam) do operate between Haiphong and Halong Bay, but there are far fewer options than from Hanoi.
Departure times are limited, and you usually can’t choose your pick-up or drop-off locations, which makes this option less flexible.
The journey takes 1.5 – 2 hours and costs around $15 per person.
Since this is only slightly cheaper than a private car and much less convenient, a private car is usually the better choice. Only solo travellers would save money by using a shuttle.
You can compare options and book online using BookaWay or 12GoAsia.
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Cost: US $15 per person, one way
🚌 3. Local Bus
Local coach buses run regularly between Haiphong and Halong.
The main bus stations in Haiphong include Lac Long, Cau Rao, and Niem Nghia. In Halong, buses arrive at Bai Chay Bus Station, which is about a 10-minute taxi ride from most hotels and the cruise port.
The trip takes 1.5 – 2.5 hours (depending on stops and traffic) and costs about $5 per person each way.
This is the cheapest option so it’s best for backpackers and budget travellers, but it can be a bit of a hassle if you have a lot of luggage.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the bus stations.
Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Cost: US $5 per person, one way
🛥️ 4. Ferry (via Cat Ba Island)
It’s also possible to travel from Haiphong to Halong Bay by ferry, though this route involves two separate ferries via Cat Ba Island.
First, take a ferry from Ben Binh Pier in Haiphong to Cat Ba Island (about 1.5 hours, $5). From Cat Ba, take a second ferry to Halong Bay (around 1 hour, $10).
Total travel time is 2.5 – 4 hours, depending on ferry schedules and connection times. The total cost is about $15 per person.
This route is best for travellers visiting Cat Ba Island before Halong Bay, but it’s not ideal if you’re heading straight to Halong Bay.
Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminals or booked online through Baolau.
Time: 2.5 – 4 hours (depending on connections)
Cost: US $15 per person, one way
🗺️ Haiphong to Halong Bay Summary
| Transport Type | Time | Cost PP | Best For |
| Private Car | 1h – 1.5h | $10 – $30 | Most travellers |
| Shuttle Bus | 1.5h – 2h | $15 | Solo travellers |
| Local Bus | 1.5h – 2.5h | $5 | Budget travellers |
| Ferry (via Cat Ba) | 2.5h – 4h | $15 | Visiting Cat Ba Island |
🚍 Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
Ninh Binh is a popular destination in northern Vietnam and is often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.”
If you’re including both Ninh Binh and Halong Bay in your itinerary, it’s easy to travel directly between the two by private car or shared shuttle. The journey takes around 4 hours.
It’s also possible to travel via Hanoi using local buses or trains, but these routes take significantly longer and are not ideal for most travellers.
🚗 1. Private Car
A private car is the quickest and most convenient way to get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, as you can choose your exact pickup and drop-off locations as well as your departure time.
The drive typically takes 3.5 – 4 hours.
It costs around $70 for a private car or $115 for a 9-seat minivan. As this is the cost per vehicle, it can be split amongst the group. For example, a couple would pay around $35 each.
This option is best for families and groups as well as travellers with lots of luggage and those who value flexibility.
It’s best to book online in advance, especially for larger vehicles. BookaWay is a good option for comparing providers and is sometimes slightly cheaper than Viator for this route.
You can also use the Grab app once you’re in Vietnam, but prices can be less predictable for long-distance trips.
Time: 3.5 – 4 hours
Cost: US $15 – $70 per person, one way
🚐 2. Shared Shuttle Bus
Shared shuttle buses (often called limousines in Vietnam) run directly from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.
These minibuses usually carry 9 – 16 passengers and take 4 – 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops are made.
Prices range from $10 – $20 per person depending on the operator. Pickup and drop-off locations are usually flexible, and some companies offer multiple departure times.
This is the best option for most travellers, especially solo travellers, as it’s much cheaper than a private car while still being comfortable and convenient.
As this is a tourist-oriented service (not a public bus), it’s best to book online in advance. Viator and BookaWay are both reliable platforms, with fairly consistent pricing in this case.
Time: 4 – 4.5 hours
Cost: US $10 – $20 per person, one way
🚌Book Your Ninh Binh to Halong Shuttle Here
🚌 3. Local Bus (via Hanoi)
There are no direct local buses from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay. Instead, you would need to travel via Hanoi.
- Ninh Binh to Hanoi: 2 – 3 hours, $5 – $10
- Hanoi to Halong Bay: 4 – 5 hours, $5 – $10
In total, the journey takes around 6 – 8 hours, not including transfer time, and costs $10 – $20.
Since this option takes much longer and costs about the same as a direct shuttle, most budget travellers are better off choosing the shared shuttle bus instead.
Time: 6 – 8 hours (not including transfers)
Cost: US $10 – $20 per person, one way
🚆 4. Train (via Hanoi)
There are also no direct trains from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.
Trains from Ninh Binh to Hanoi take 2 – 3 hours. Basic seats cost around $5, while sleeper berths in shared 4- or 6-person cabins cost $10 – $20.
From Hanoi, you’ll need to continue to Halong Bay. The train from Hanoi to Halong takes around 7 hours and isn’t recommended. A shuttle bus from Hanoi is a much better option, taking 3 – 3.5 hours and costing about $15.
By the time you factor everything in, this route is slower and more expensive than a direct shuttle from Ninh Binh.
Time: 5 – 8 hours (not including transfers)
Cost: US $20 – $45 per person, one way
🗺️ Ninh Binh to Halong Bay Summary
| Transport Type | Time | Cost PP | Best For |
| Private Car | 3.5h – 4.5h | $15 – $70 | Families & Groups |
| Shared Shuttle Bus | 4h – 5h | $10 – $20 | Most travellers |
| Public Bus (via Hanoi) | 6h – 8h | $10 – $20 | Not ideal |
| Train (via Hanoi) | 5h – 8h | $20 – $45 | Not ideal |
🚍 Sapa to Halong Bay
Sapa is a popular destination in northern Vietnam and is often combined with Halong Bay in the same itinerary.
The journey takes 7 – 12 hours, depending on the mode of transport. The main options are private car, sleeper bus, or overnight train via Hanoi.
🚗 1. Private Car
A private car is the quickest and simplest way to get from Sapa to Halong Bay. However, it’s a long drive and not necessarily the most comfortable since you won’t be able to lie down.
The journey takes 7 – 8 hours (not including optional stops). It’s a door-to-door service, so you can choose your exact pickup and drop-off locations and departure time.
It costs about $200 for a private car or $300 for a 10-seat minivan. This is the cost per vehicle so it can be split between passengers. For example, a couple would pay $100 each.
This is the best option if you want the shortest overall travel time and don’t mind a long drive. It’s not ideal for solo travellers unless cost isn’t a concern.
You can compare providers and book online in advance using BookaWay.
Time: 7 – 8 hours
Cost: US $30 – $200 per person, one way
🚐 2. Sleeper Bus
The sleeper bus is the most budget-friendly direct option from Sapa to Halong Bay.
The journey takes 8 – 10 hours, depending on the company. Some buses have more stops than others, and some routes may require changing buses.
Tickets cost around $30 per person, making this significantly cheaper than a private car and only slightly longer in travel time.
Sleeper buses usually depart in the afternoon or evening and have flat beds so you can lie down. However, buses don’t have onboard bathrooms, so they stop periodically. Some travellers find them comfortable, while others mention noise and frequent stops.
One option on Klook takes 8.5 – 9 hours, costs $30 per person, and includes free hotel pickup and drop-off in Sapa town and Halong centre. Pickup typically happens 15 – 45 minutes before departure, and drop-off is 15 – 45 minutes after arrival.
This is a good option for budget travellers who don’t mind basic transport conditions.
You can compare options and book in advance via BookaWay or Klook.
Time: 8 – 10 hours (excluding hotel transfer)
Cost: US $30 per person, one way
🚌Book Your Sapa to Halong Sleeper Bus Here
🚆 3. Overnight Train (via Hanoi)
There are no direct trains from Sapa to Halong Bay. Instead, you take an overnight train from Lao Cai (near Sapa) to Hanoi, then continue to Halong by shuttle or private car.
The overnight train takes 6 – 8 hours. From Hanoi, a shuttle to Halong takes 3 – 3.5 hours, while a private car takes 2.5 – 3 hours.
Total travel time is approximately 8.5 – 11.5 hours, not including transfer time in Hanoi.
The train is generally more comfortable than a bus. There are onboard bathrooms, and the ride is quieter and smoother, making it easier to sleep.
The cost of the train depends on your cabin choice:
- Standard shared 4-berth cabin: ~$15 per person
- Premium shared 4-berth cabin: ~$30 per person
- Private 2-berth cabin: $150 – $300 total for two people
From Hanoi, a shuttle to Halong costs $15 per person while a private car costs $60.
This means you could travel for as little as $30 per person (standard cabin + shuttle) or as much as $360 per person for private cabin and car ($180 per person for a couple).
The train is a good option if you want to prioritise sleep and comfort, even if it takes slightly longer.
You can check schedules and book on BookaWay.
Time: 8.5 – 11.5 hours (excluding transfer time in Hanoi)
Cost: US $30 – $360 per person, one way (depending on cabin and transfer choice)
🗺️ Sapa to Halong Bay Summary
| Transport Type | Time | Cost PP | Best For |
| Private Car | 7h – 8h | $30 – $200 | Shortest travel time |
| Sleeper Bus | 8h – 10h | $30 | Budget travellers |
| Train (via Hanoi) | 8.5h – 11.5h | $30 – $360 | Comfort & better sleep |
🚍 Da Nang to Halong Bay
Da Nang is located in Central Vietnam so the best way to get to Halong Bay is to fly. The flight takes just 1.5 hours, and the total travel time is about 3.5 hours.
It’s also possible to take a sleeper bus or train (via Hanoi) but these options take 15 – 20 hours and aren’t ideal for most travellers.
Note: This section is also helpful for those travelling from Hoi An to Halong Bay as Hoi An is just 30 minutes south of Da Nang with the closest airport being Da Nang International.
✈️ 1. Plane (via Haiphong or Hanoi)
Flying is the best option for most people travelling from Da Nang to Halong Bay. It’s much quicker than overland transport and reasonably priced.
You can fly from Da Nang International Airport (DAD) to either Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Haiphong or Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.
Option 1: Fly to Haiphong
Flying from Da Nang to Haiphong is the most efficient route because Haiphong is only about 1 hour from Halong Bay.
Flight to Haiphong: 1.5 hours, $30 – $80 per person
Transfer to Halong: 1 – 1.5 hours, $30 per vehicle (private car)
Total Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Total Cost: $60 – $110 per person, one way
Option 2: Fly to Hanoi
Flights from Da Nang to Hanoi are slightly more frequent but it takes longer to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Flight to Hanoi: 1.5 hours, $30 – $100 per person
Transfer to Halong:
- Private Car: 2.5 – 3 hours, $60 per vehicle
- Shared Shuttle: 3 – 3.5 hours, $30 per person
Total Time: 4 – 4.5 hours
Total Cost: $90 – $160 per person, one way
🚌 2. Sleeper Bus
There are direct sleeper buses from Da Nang to Halong Bay, but the trip takes 15 – 20 hours (depending on the company).
Tickets cost $25 – $50 per person making it the cheapest option but it’s a long and tiring journey.
While this might be the best option for some budget travellers, most people prefer to fly, especially since flights are often only slightly more expensive.
Sleeper buses have bunk beds, but space is limited and there are frequent toilet breaks, but no onboard bathrooms.
Some reviews also mention unexpected bus changes partway through the trip, so it’s important to check recent reviews before booking.
You can book sleeper buses online via BookaWay.
Time: 15 – 20 hours
Cost: US $25 – $50 per person, one way
🚆 3. Overnight Train (via Hanoi)
There are no direct trains from Da Nang to Halong Bay, but you can take an overnight train to Hanoi and then continue from there.
The train to Hanoi takes 15.5 – 20 hours and from Hanoi, a shuttle to Halong takes 3 – 3.5 hours while a private car takes 2.5 – 3 hours.
Total travel time is 18 – 23.5 hours, (excluding transfer time in Hanoi).
The cost of the train depends on which cabin you choose:
- Standard shared 4-berth cabin: ~$50 per person
- Premium shared 4-berth cabin: ~$80 per person
- Private 2-berth cabin: ~$300 total for two people
From Hanoi, a shuttle to Halong costs $15 per person and a private car costs $60.
In total, you would pay $65 per person for a standard cabin and shuttle or up to $360 per person for private cabin and car ($180 per person for a couple).
This means that flying is a much better option since the train takes significantly longer and costs about the same.
Time: 18 – 23.5 hours (excluding transfer time in Hanoi)
Cost: $65 – $360 per person, one way (depending on cabin and transfer choice)
🗺️ Da Nang to Halong Bay Summary
| Transport Type | Time | Cost PP | Best For |
| Plane (via Haiphong or Hanoi) | 4h – 4.5h | $60 – $160 | Most travellers |
| Sleeper Bus | 15h – 20h | $25 – $50 | Budget travellers |
| Overnight Train (via Hanoi) | 18h – 23.5h | $65 – $360 | Not recommended |
🚍 Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay
Ho Chi Minh City is located in southern Vietnam, so flying is by far the best way to reach Halong Bay.
The flight takes around 2 hours, and the total travel time is typically 3 – 5.5 hours, depending on the arrival airport and transfer choice.
Overnight buses and trains to Hanoi are technically possible, but they take nearly two days and are not significantly cheaper than flying.
✈️ 1. Plane (via Haiphong or Hanoi)
The best way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay is to fly since it’s by far the quickest option.
You can fly from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Haiphong or Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.
Option 1: Fly to Haiphong
The fastest way to get from Chi Minh City to Halong Bay is to fly into Haiphong as it’s only about an hour away from Halong Bay.
Flight to Haiphong: 2 hours, $40 – $80 per person
Transfer to Halong: 1 – 1.5 hours, $30 per vehicle (private car)
Total Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
Total Cost: $70 – $110 per person, one way
Option 2: Fly to Hanoi
You can also fly into Hanoi airport if suits your itinerary better. However, Hanoi is a bit further away from Halong Bay.
Flight to Hanoi: 2 hours, $40 – $70 per person
Transfer to Halong:
- Private Car: 2.5 – 3 hours, $60 per vehicle
- Shared Shuttle: 3 – 3.5 hours, $30 per person
Total Time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours
Total Cost: $70 – $130 per person, one way
🚌 2. Sleeper Bus (via Hanoi)
It’s possible to take a sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and then continue to Halong Bay from there.
However, I do not recommend this since it involves nearly two days of travel.
The sleeper bus to Hanoi takes 35 – 40 hours alone with multiple changes along the way, making a very long and tiring trip.
Additionally, the cost is similar to flying with tickets ranging from $40 – $100 per person, so, even for budget travellers, it makes more sense to fly.
Bus to Hanoi: 35 – 40 hours, $40 – $100 per person
Hanoi to Halong: ~3 hours, $15 – $60
Total Time: 38 – 43 hours
Total Cost: $55 – $160 per person, one way
🚆 3. Overnight Train (via Hanoi)
Taking an overnight train to Hanoi is much the same as taking a sleeper bus.
The train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi typically takes 35 hours with the total trip to Halong Bay being 38 hours.
Although the train is generally more comfortable than the bus, in this case the price range is the same ($40 – $100 per person for a bed in a shared cabin).
Since flying is much quicker and costs about the same, I recommend flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi rather than taking the train.
Train to Hanoi: 35 hours, $40 – $100 per person
Hanoi to Halong: ~3 hours, $15 – $60
Total Time: 38 hours
Total Cost: $55 – $160 per person, one way
🗺️ Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay Summary
| Transport Type | Time | Cost PP | Best For |
| Plane (via Haiphong or Hanoi) | 3h – 5.5h | $70 – $130 | Most travellers |
| Sleeper Bus (via Hanoi) | 38h – 43h | $55 – $160 | Not recommended |
| Overnight Train (via Hanoi) | 38h | $55 – $160 | Not recommended |
✈️ Phu Quoc to Halong Bay
Phu Quoc is an island in southern Vietnam, so flying is the only way to reach Halong Bay. You can fly to either Haiphong or Hanoi, then continue by private car or shuttle.
The flight takes around 2 hours, and total travel time is typically 3 – 5.5 hours, depending on the airport and transfer choice.
✈️ Plane (via Haiphong or Hanoi)
Flights depart from Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) and arrive at either Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Haiphong or Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.
Haiphong is closer to Halong Bay, but Hanoi usually has more daily flight options. It’s worth checking both airports for your travel dates.
Option 1: Fly to Haiphong
The quickest way to get from Phu Quoc to Halong Bay is to fly into Haiphong since it’s only about an hour away from Halong Bay.
However, there are typically fewer direct flights (often only one or two per day).
Flight to Haiphong: 2 hours, $40 – $70 per person
Transfer to Halong: 1 – 1.5 hours, $30 per vehicle (private car)
Total Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
Total Cost: $70 – $100 per person, one way
Option 2: Fly to Hanoi
Hanoi is a larger airport with more frequent flights, making it a good option if you need flexibility.
However, it’s further away from Halong Bay so the trip takes longer.
Flight to Hanoi: 2 hours, $40 – $120 per person
Transfer to Halong:
- Private Car: 2.5 – 3 hours, $60 per vehicle
- Shared Shuttle: 3 – 3.5 hours, $30 per person
Total Time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours
Total Cost: $70 – $180 per person, one way
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to get to Halong Bay depends on where you’re travelling from.
From Hanoi: A shared shuttle or private car (2.5 – 3.5 hours) is the most convenient option.
From Haiphong: A private car (1 – 1.5 hours) is the quickest option and still affordable.
From central or southern Vietnam: A flight to Haiphong or Hanoi is by far the best option.
For most travellers, flying (if coming from far away) or taking a shuttle from Hanoi offers the best balance of cost, comfort, and travel time.
No, you cannot fly directly to Halong Bay because there is no commercial airport in Halong City.
The closest airport is Cat Bi International Airport in Haiphong, about 1 hour away by car.
Most international travellers fly into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, which is about 3 hours from Halong Bay.
From either airport, you’ll need to arrange a transfer by private car or shuttle bus.
It typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay by road.
Private car: 2.5 – 3 hours
Shared shuttle bus: 3 – 3.5 hours
Local bus: 4 – 5 hours
Train: Around 7 hours (not commonly used by tourists)
Most travellers choose a shared shuttle or private car for the best balance of speed and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Halong Bay isn’t difficult, but it does require some planning since there’s no airport in Halong City itself.
For most travellers, the best option is a shuttle or private car from Hanoi, or a short flight to Haiphong or Hanoi if coming from elsewhere in Vietnam. While buses and trains are available, they’re usually slower and not significantly cheaper.
The right choice depends on your itinerary, budget, and how much time you have. Hopefully, this guide has made it easier to compare your options and confidently decide how to get to Halong Bay.