How to Get from Cat Ba to Hanoi in 5 Ways? [Details for Tourists]

For visitors wondering how to get from Cat Ba to Hanoi, there are many means of transportation to suit your needs and budget, including bus, limousine, train, car and motorbike. This article will analyze each means in detail, helping you make the optimal choice for your trip.

1. Location & Distance from Cat Ba to Hanoi

In general, Cat Ba Island, as a part of Hai Phong City, is located approximately 150-170 km from Hanoi. The exact distance may vary slightly depending on your selected route:

• By rail: There is no direct railway from Cat Ba to Hanoi. Thus, tourists first need to travel from Cat Ba to Hai Phong station, then take a train from there to Hanoi station, covering a distance of 102km.
• By road: For those selecting the mainland transportation, you might consider the following routes:
  • Hanoi - Hai Phong Expressway and National Highway 5B: The distance from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi is about 156 km if you take this route.
  • National Highway 5A route: If you opt for Highway 5A, the distance will be a bit longer, approximately 168 km.

Note: To get from Cat Ba to Hanoi, visitors must take a ferry from Cai Vieng Wharf to Dong Bai Wharf, which adds about 30 minutes to the journey.

Location between Cat Ba and Hanoi. - Photo source: Google Maps

Given the routes and distances mentioned, visitors have various transportation options to travel from Cat Ba to Hanoi, including coaches, limousines, trains, private cars, and motorbikes.

2. How to Get from Cat Ba to Hanoi in 5 Ways?

Brief Comparisons on Transportation Modes from Cat Ba to Hanoi

Below are details about 5 means of transport for the journey from Cat Ba to Hanoi:

2.1. By coach

Traveling by coach is an affordable and convenient choice for many travelers. With multiple operators servicing this route, you can easily find a departure that fits your schedule and budget.

Duration: About 3 hours 30 minutes

Average price: About 200,000 - 350,000 VND (8 - 14 USD)

Pros:

• You are worry-free about driving, navigating, or parking, which is particularly beneficial if you are unfamiliar with the area.
• Frequent departures are available with various service levels and prices, allowing you to choose the option to your needs.
• Many coaches are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and additional amenities such as Wi-Fi and TVs, ensuring a relaxing journey.

Recommended coach operators: 

Tips for traveling: 

• Choosing a reputable operator with newer, clean buses well-maintained and equipped with amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
• Opting for sleeper tickets, particularly on long trips, to ensure a comfortable journey. 
• Arriving at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid missing your coach.
• Bringing along water, a mask, tissues, headphones, and a warm jacket as coaches can get cold.
• Keeping your personal belongings like wallet, phone, and ID safe during the trip.

After returning to the mainland, tourists can travel to Hanoi by coach - Image source: Freepik

2.2. By limousine

To elevate your comfort, you might opt for a premium transportation experience with limousines. Typically, limousine service packages include ferry tickets, adding convenience to your journey.

Duration: About 3 hours 30 minutes

Average price: From about 350,000 VND (14 USD)

Pros:

• Limousines offer spacious, comfortable seats, often covered in high-quality leather, and reclining features for maximum relaxation. Additionally, you can enjoy a more private and quieter environment compared to regular buses.
• Limousines are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, private entertainment screens, USB charging ports, mini fridges, cold towels, and water.
• Some services include the ferry fee in the ticket price, helping you save on costs and streamline the process.
• Certain limousine services even provide pick-up and drop-off options, saving you time and effort.

Recommended limousine operators:

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Tips for traveling:

• Comparing prices, service quality, vehicle types of limousine operators and checking reviews from previous customers in advance to choose reputable operators with positive feedback and transparent pricing.
• Being clear about the included services such as pick-up/drop-off, ferry fees, water, cold towels, Wi-Fi, etc., to avoid unexpected charges.
• Checking the departure time and pick-up/drop-off points, as well as contacting the operators for confirmation.
• Arriving at the pick-up point early, at least 30 minutes before departure, to avoid missing the vehicle.

To make the trip more comfortable and convenient, visitors can choose a limousine as a means of transportation. - Photo source: Pexels

2.3. By train

Traveling by train offers a unique journey, allowing you to experience the beautiful nature along the way from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi. As you sit comfortably on the train, you can admire the rural landscapes, villages, and scenic rivers of Northern Vietnam.

Duration: From 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours

Average price: Depending on service class and bed type, estimated:

• Hard chairs: $25 – $40
• Soft seats: $45 – $60
• Soft bed (4-bed cabin): $60 – $80
• VIP sleeper (2-bed cabin): 80 - $100

Pros:

• The train provides an excellent opportunity to fully appreciate the stunning natural scenery of Northern Vietnam, including rice fields, villages, majestic mountains, and rivers.
• Train tickets are reasonably priced, with a variety of options to cater to different passengers.
• The spacious environment on the train allows for comfortable movement, enabling you to stretch your legs and relax. You can also walk around the carriage, enjoy the views from the window, or chat with fellow travelers.

How to book a ticket train to Hanoi from Cat Ba: 

Tips for traveling:

• Booking your train tickets in advance, especially during holidays or peak seasons, to avoid missing out on tickets and securing better prices.
• Opting for sleeper tickets, particularly on long trips, to ensure a comfortable journey.
• Preparing your own water, snacks, books, headphones, power bank, personal medications, and a light jacket as the air-conditioning on the train can be cold.
• Reaching the status around 30 minutes before departure to complete formalities and find your seat.
• Being careful with your personal belongings, not leaving items like wallets or phones in easily accessible places or forgetting anything before you leave the train.

Tourists can relax on the trip from Cat Ba to Hanoi by train. - Image source: Freepik

2.4. By private car

Renting a private car is an ideal option for those who appreciate freedom and flexibility, allowing you to explore the journey from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi on your own terms. You can stop anywhere, discover hidden gems along the way while maintaining a full control over your schedule.

Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on speed, rest time, visiting other places on the way)

Average price: Total costs for traveling by self-driving car include:

• Car rental cost: 500,000 - 1,200,000 VND (20 - 48 USD)
• Fuel cost: 300,000 VND (12 USD)
• Toll costs: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND (21 - 42 USD)
• Other incidental costs (if any) such as driver rental, parking, accommodation,...

Recommended places for car rental: 

How to get from Cat Ba to Hanoi by private car:

• Option 1:

  • From your hotel or accommodation in Cat Ba, travel to Cai Vieng ferry terminal by taxi or motorbike.
  • Buy ferry tickets at Cai Vieng wharf and board the ferry to Dong Bai ferry wharf (Hai Phong).
  • Upon arrival, catch a taxi or motorbike taxi to car rental locations near the ferry terminal or in Hai Phong city.
  • Drive your car to Hanoi, following the directions provided by a map application.

• Option 2:

  • From your hotel or accommodation, head directly to the car rental location on Cat Ba Island.
  • Drive by car to Cai Vieng ferry terminal, travel by ferry (with your car) to Dong Bai ferry terminal (Hai Phong), then continue driving straight to Hanoi.

Tips for traveling: 

• Inspecting your vehicle from the exterior, interior, engine, brakes, lights, horn, tires, air conditioning, and other equipment to ensure safety. It’s advisable to take photos or videos of the vehicle’s condition to avoid future disputes.
• Outlining your route, stops, and estimated travel time in detail.
• Bringing along all essential documents, such as your valid driver’s license, ID, car registration, and insurance.
• Preparing spare tires, basic tools, and emergency contact numbers.
• Utilizing GPS or map apps like Google Maps for navigation.
• Monitoring your fuel level and refuel in a timely manner to avoid running out of gas during the trip.

Visitors can choose a self-driving car for the journey. - Image source: Freepik

2.5. By motorbike

Motorbike enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and road warriors will undoubtedly find thrill in choosing a motorbike for the journey from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi. The absolute sense of freedom and immersion in nature surely creates an unforgettable experience for travelers.

Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on speed, rest time, visiting other places on the way)

Average price: 

• Car rental cost: 100,000 - 150,000 (4 - 6 USD)
• Fuel cost: 100,000 VND (4 USD)
• Other incidental costs (if any) such as parking, accommodation,...

Recommended places for car rental: 

How to get from Cat Ba to Hanoi by motorbike:

• Option 1:

  • Take a taxi or motorbike from your accommodation on Cat Ba Island to Cai Vieng ferry terminal.
  • Purchase a ferry ticket and board the ferry to Dong Bai terminal (Hai Phong).
  • From Dong Bai, catch a taxi or motorbike taxi to motorbike rental shops in Cat Hai district or Hai Phong city.
  • Drive your motorbike to Hanoi, following motorbike-only roads using a map application for directions.

• Option 2:

  • From your hotel or accommodation place, travel to the motorbike rental location in Cat Ba.
  • Ride the motorbike to Cai Vieng ferry terminal, take the ferry (with your motorbike) to Dong Bai ferry terminal (Hai Phong), and then continue driving straight to Hanoi.

Tips for traveling: 

• Inspecting the brakes, tires, lights, fuel, etc. and making sure that your motorbike is in good condition.
• Always wear a helmet and adhere to traffic regulations for your safety.
• Carrying your driver’s license, ID, vehicle registration, and insurance while traveling.
• Utilizing a GPS or map application for better navigation.
• Staying alert to road signs, weather conditions, and the best routes during your journey.

Motorbikes are an interesting choice for tourists who love to explore the idyllic nature of Vietnam. - Image source: Freepik

3. Notes for Tourist When Getting from Cat Ba to Hanoi

Plan your move from Cat Ba to Hanoi with the following notes that will help your trip go smoother and more complete:

• Choose the appropriate transportation method, considering your needs, traveling preferences, and budget.
• Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season to ensure you have a seat/accommodation and can receive attractive incentives. This also helps you save time and avoid sold out tickets or high ticket prices.
• Prepare your luggage and documents carefully with all necessary personal items such as clothes, toiletries, medicine, backup chargers and especially identification documents. Then, double-check your luggage before departure to avoid forgetting items.
• Plan in detail before your trip to control time and costs well by clearly determining the destination, means of transportation, departure time, attractions along the way (if any) and expected budget for the entire trip.
• Check the weather forecast before departure to choose a time as well as prepare appropriate clothing and equipment. If the weather is bad, adjust your plan accordingly and ensure safety.
• Note about travel time, being mindful of the vehicle and traffic conditions and adding extra time to avoid being late or for ferry waiting times.
• Always ensure traffic safety by strictly obeying traffic laws, especially if you travel by motorbike or self-driving car.

By keeping in mind the above points, you will have a safe, convenient and memorable trip from Cat Ba to Hanoi. - Photo source: Pexels

In addition, when you came to Hanoi, Many travelers also have questions about getting to other destinations in Vietnam. From Hanoi capital of Vietnam, You can explore Vietnam Nothern or go a straight to Ho Chi Minh city.

In addition, when you come to Hanoi, many travelers also have questions about getting to other destinations in Vietnam. From Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, you can explore Northern Vietnam or travel south to Ho Chi Minh City. A frequent question among visitors is how to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi or  how to get from Hanoi to Halong and  how far from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. This information is helpful for planning a smooth journey.

Hopefully this article has provided useful information about how to get from Cat Ba to Hanoi, helping you choose the most suitable method of transportation for your trip. However, if you want a truly comfortable trip and don't want to worry about choosing and arranging transportation, let Joytime accompany you! 

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