How to Get to Halong Bay from Hanoi? 2025 Updated

If you’re planning a trip to Ha Long Bay - one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders, you’re in for an adventure! Just 155 kilometers from Hanoi by road, this majestic destination is famous for its towering limestone mountains and serene waters. It typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to get there, depending on your choice of transportation - whether it’s a shuttle bus, limousine service, train, taxi, or motorbike. In this guide, we’ll explore how to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi and help you choose the perfect mode of transportation for your trip.

1. How far from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay?

Answer: The distance from Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam to Ha Long Bay is about 163 km (101 miles) by road (route Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Ha Long Bay).

The route moves from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is about 155km - Image source: Google Map

When you explore the way from Hanoi to Halong Bay or how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. There are still same routes, You can choose one of the two common routes:

• Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Ha Long route: About 155km with travel time from 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

• Hanoi - Hai Duong - Ha Long route: About 170km with a travel time of 3 to 4 hours, suitable for those looking to enjoy a more immersive journey.

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose appropriate means of transportation including car, limousine, motorbike, passenger car, or seaplane.

2. 5 Safest and Cheapest Ways on How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi

There are several ways to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, each offering a unique experience. If you're wondering how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, this guide provides a detailed comparison of the five most popular transportation options to help you choose the best one for your journey.

To explore another stunning destination easily accessible from the capital, see more on "how to go to Ninh Binh from Hanoi" to discover its breathtaking landscapes and historical sites.

2.1. Traveling by Coaches

Coaches are the most popular and convenient means of transportation for tourists when traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long. With a variety of bus routes running throughout the day and affordable ticket prices, this is a suitable choice for many people.

• Distance: About 155 – 170km (depending on travel route)

• Average Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours (depending on route, vehicle type, and pick-up and drop-off time).

Kumho bus take passengers from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - Image source: Fanpage Kumho Viet Thanh

How to Book Coaches from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Travelers can book tickets, select departure times, and choose pickup points by:

• Contacting the hotline of the coach operator directly.

• Purchasing tickets in person at My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations.

• Booking online through the operator’s website or third-party platforms quickly and conveniently with attractive discounts.

• Reserving tickets via travel agencies.

Tips for Traveling by Coaches

• Choose a reliable coach operator offering professional services, direct routes without roadside passenger pick-ups, and punctuality.

• Arrive at the pickup point 15 - 30 minutes early to avoid missing your departure.

• Pay attention to your destination and remind the driver or coach attendant for assistance.

• Pack essential items to avoid unexpected issues during the journey.

2.2. By Limousine

Another popular and reliable choice is the Limousine service. Offering door-to-door pickup, faster travel times, and a comfortable, well-equipped interior, traveling by Limousine ensures a more enjoyable and seamless experience for passengers.

• Distance: About 155 - 170km.

• Average Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours.

 

Limousine cars provide visitors with a more convenient and comfortable experience - Image source: Fanpage Tam Bao Anh Limousine

How to Book Limousines from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

• Contact the hotline to book tickets, and choose pick-up and drop-off points.

• Book tickets online through the official website or third-party booking platforms.

• Book tickets through travel agents.

Tips for Traveling by Limousines

• Book your tickets early, especially on weekends or during holidays, as Limousines have limited seating (usually only 9 seats).

• Choose reputable limousine operators that offer professional services.

• Prioritize light luggage, as limousine space can be limited.

• Take advantage of the door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service to save time and effort.

2.3. By Taxi

A great option that many travelers choose when traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay is by taxi. With this mode of transportation, you can enjoy a fast, convenient, and private journey for the entire route. It’s particularly suitable for small groups or families, especially when traveling with a lot of luggage.

If you're wondering how to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi, taking a taxi ensures a hassle-free and comfortable ride.

• Distance: About 155 – 170km.

• Average Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours via highway.

 

Choosing a taxi to travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay ensures privacy for tourists - Image source: Pixapay

Tips for Traveling by Taxi

• Choose a reputable taxi provider with good service, punctuality, and transparent pricing.

• It’s advisable to book your taxi in advance to avoid potential issues, such as a shortage of taxis during peak holidays or weekends.

• Always check and agree on an all-inclusive flat fare before starting your journey.

• Travel in groups of 3 - 4 people to save costs.

• Stick to the main roads for a safer and smoother journey.

2.4. By Motorbikes

Another great option for adventurous travelers heading from Hanoi to Halong Bay is by motorbike. This mode of travel is perfect if you're looking to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and experience the journey in your unique way. 

Routes: Take National Highway 5 to Sai Dong intersection or depart from Noi Bai to Bac Ninh. After that, you continue to move along National Highway 18 through points: Pha Lai - Chi Linh - Dong Trieu - Uong Bi - Ha Long.

Distance: About 155 - 170km (depending on travel route).

Average Duration: About 4 hours. 

Traveling by motorbike is suitable for those who love to explore beautiful scenery - Image source: Pixabay

Tips for Traveling by Planes

• Prepare all the necessary items for your journey, including a helmet with a visor to protect against the sun and dust, long-sleeved clothing, water, snacks, and other essential items.

• Plan your route and ensure your vehicle is in good condition to avoid breakdowns along the way.

• Make sure to bring your personal identification and vehicle documents.

• Travel in a group to ensure safety, especially for those unfamiliar with long-distance riding.

2.5. By Seaplanes

The seaplane is a type of aircraft with fixed wings that can take off and land directly on water. It has space for one pilot and 12 passengers. This service is offered by Hai Au Aviation for travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, providing a modern and luxurious experience. While flying on the seaplane, you can enjoy stunning views of the surroundings from above.

If you're wondering how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, flying by seaplane provides not only convenience but also breathtaking aerial views of the stunning landscapes below.

Seaplanes provide a luxurious travel experience for visitors - Image source: Seaplane Ha Long Bay

Average Duration: About 45 minutes.

Schedule: 2-3 trips per day.

How to Book Seaplanes to Halong Bay from Hanoi?

To book a seaplane ticket from Hanoi to Halong Bay, you can contact the operator, Hai Au Aviation, directly via their hotline, official website, or through travel agencies

Tips for Traveling by Seaplanes

• You should book tickets at least 3 - 5 days before your trip to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist season.

• Ticket prices may vary depending on the season and booking time, so be sure to follow and plan ahead.

3. What to Consider When Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

To make your journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay smooth and safe, here are a few important tips you should keep in mind:

• Book Early During Peak Seasons: If you're planning to visit Halong Bay during peak seasons like public holidays or summer breaks, be sure to book your tickets at least 3 to 5 days in advance. This will help you avoid sold-out tickets and inflated prices.

• Compare Prices and Choose Wisely: To choose the most suitable mode of transportation, thoroughly research costs using reliable review platforms like Google Maps. You can also seek advice from friends, family, or previous travelers to compare, evaluate, and make the best choice. Figuring out the best way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay is a crucial first step, as it sets the tone for your entire Halong Bay adventure.

• Clarify with the Service Provider: Make sure to discuss all aspects of your trip, including the ticket price (is it all-inclusive or will there be additional charges?), pick-up time and point, and other terms. This ensures that you have a fulfilling and hassle-free experience.

• Double-Check Your Luggage Before Exiting the Vehicle: Before getting off, carefully check all your belongings to prevent any items from being left behind. If you're carrying a lot, organize your luggage neatly and use labels or tags to make it easier to identify.

• Limit Bulky Luggage: Since the space on vehicles is often limited, try to minimize the size of your luggage. This will make your journey more comfortable and lessen the risk of losing your belongings.

Ha Long Bay is a familiar destination for international tourists - Image source: Pixabay

Furthermore, if you visit most attractions in Vietnam, you should plan a trip to Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An, both rich in Vietnamese culture. Learn about  How far is Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh city and how to go from Hanoi to Hoi An, You will choose suitable transportation for your smooth trip.

In sum, there are 5 means of transportation for your journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. With a variety of choices, you can easily decide based on your needs and budget. If you're still unsure “How to Get to Halong Bay from Hanoi”, Joytime offers professional travel services to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

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