How to Get to Halong Bay: A Complete Transportation Guide

Where Is Halong Bay Located?

​Halong Bay is in the Gulf of Tonkin in the Northeast Sea area of Vietnam. It belongs to Quang Ninh Province, about 160km from Hanoi. Thanks to its favorable location, outstanding landscape, and developed transportation system over the years, Halong attracts millions of domestic and international tourists.

Nowadays, there are 6 main routes that visitors can travel to Halong Bay. The transportation may differ based on the distance of the starting points; it can be buses, cars, trains, or planes.

Route	Distance (by road)
Hanoi - Halong	160km
Hai Phong - Halong	50km
Sapa - Halong	450km
Ninh Binh - Halong	220km
Da Nang - Halong	880km
Ho Chi Minh - Halong	1800km

 

How to Get to Halong Bay from Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City

Being a well-known worldwide destination, Halong has received quite strong investment in infrastructure development in recent years. Therefore, to go to Halong, you can use many different ways and means. Here are the 4 most popular ways for reference:

• The airplane is the fastest and most comfortable choice for guests who are far from Halong.
• The shuttle bus is the most common and convenient way to travel. You can book it by yourself or through travel agents if you worry about being scammed.
• The private car is a better option for those who want a comfortable driving experience as it is more exclusive and luxurious.
• The train is the cheapest option for travelers on a budget, though it may take more time than usual.

By Shuttle Bus or Limousine

• Travel time (from Hanoi): 2,5 hours
• Price/pax (from Hanoi): US $20 - 25
• Suitable: Families, Groups of friends

Shuttle buses are considered the most familiar and one of the most affordable means of transportation to Halong. You should contact a reliable travel agency to arrange the bus for you. Or you can book it with the cruise company, too.

The shuttle bus is the most popular means of travel

Pros

• Inexpensive way of transfer
• Fairly comfortable and fast 
• Buses from travel companies offer pickup/drop-off service, leather seats, water, air-con, wifi, and other amenities

Cons

• There isn’t much privacy
• If you travel from Sapa, Da Nang, or further, the trip will be long and unpleasant.

There are many kinds of buses you can choose from; the most popular ones may be the Limousine D-car 9-seat or 16-seat buses. Here are some travel companies you can contact for transportation:

Departure point	Distance & duration	Suppliers
Hanoi	160 km 2.5 hours	Best Halong Cruises & Cruise Operators (+84) 906 293 823
Ninh Binh	220 km 3.5 hours	Ninh Binh Express Bus  (+84) 964 756 592
Sapa	450 km 7 hours	Phuc Xuyen (1900 6799)
Da Nang	880 km 15 hours	An Binh (+84) 90 788 653
Ho Chi Minh City	1,800 km 30 hours	An Binh (+84) 907 866 530

 

By Private Car or Taxi

• Travel time (from Hanoi): 2,5 hours
• Price/pax (from Hanoi): US $105 - $200
• Suitable: Couples, Families, Seniors, Affluent Travelers

For those who want the most relaxing trip to Halong Bay, a private car will be the best option. You don’t need to share the car with other tourists and enjoy high-end amenities in the car like wifi, large leather seats, charging ports, air conditioning, and lighting. 

Pros

• Complete privacy on a high-quality vehicle
• Pleasant and relaxing trip
• Flexible schedule and instant service

Cons

• High price for groups of 3 or below
• Mostly available from Hanoi only

You can choose a private 4-seat car, a 7-seat car, or a Minivan 16-seat for your trip. The transfer cars are modern and from famous brands like Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, etc. 

You can book private cars from travel companies (Best Halong Cruises), the companies you book the cruise from, or transportation companies (Mai Linh, Taxi Go, etc)

Private Car is perfect for a relaxing trip

By Airplane

• Travel time: 1,5 hours (Da Nang), 2 hours (Ho Chi Minh)
• Price/pax: US $60 - 150  (one way)
• Suitable: Travellers far from Halong

Overall, if you are far from Hanoi, the airway is undoubtedly the way to travel. It’s comfortable and time-saving. You can fly to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong), and Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh), then take a road transfer to Halong.

For those who have the budget, booking a seaplane + cruise combo from Hanoi will be an unforgettable experience. It's highly recommended from October to November, which is the best time to visit Halong Bay.

Pros

• Fast and easy way of transfer.
• Saving your energy.

Cons

• The flying cost is high, especially for high-class airlines.
• Only flights from Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh are bookable.

There are 3 airlines you can choose from, which are Vietjet Air (low-cost airline), Vietnam Airlines & Bamboo Airways (full-service airline). You can easily book them from their website or contact Best Halong Cruises. Remember that the flights are only available from Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

The airplane is a time-saving option

By Train

• Travel time: 7 - 42 hours depending on route
• Price/pax: US $15 - 65 depending on route
• Suitable: Budget travelers, Backpackers

If you want to save money, the railway is the most economical route to travel. The train will allow you to take in the scenery at a leisurely pace. You have several options, from a soft/hard seat to a sleeping cabin. You can take a train from Sapa, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi the night before, then take a road transfer to Halong for better comfort.

NOTE: The train route to Halong is temporarily closed due to low passenger numbers and renovation. We'll update you when it runs again.

Travel by train is budget-friendly

Pros

• An authentic and unique way of traveling.
• Cheap and safe transportation.
• Have an opportunity to explore Vietnam better.

Cons

• Time-consuming and less comfy during long trips.

The best way to take a train is to buy tickets directly at the train station. Or else, you can buy it online at the official website. Here are some routes that you can use the railway to travel to Hanoi:

Departure point	Station	Distance & travel Time
Sapa	Lao Cai Railway Station	300 km 8 hours
Ninh Binh	Ninh Binh Train Station	115 km 3 hours
Da Nang	Da Nang Train Station	800 km 17 hours
Ho Chi Minh City	Saigon Railway Station	1,7330 km 32 hours

For those who do not want to arrange the logistics, you can check out cruise packages from Hanoi that include hotel + transportation + cruise ship experience to create a seamless and easy journey. 

 

Getting around Halong

Once you arrive at Halong City, there are many kinds of transportation you can use. If you want to visit the bay, you can take a day cruise from the pier, where you can buy a ticket. If you want to take an overnight cruise, you should book in advance with a reputable company to choose your desired ship. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options:

Taxi

The most convenient way to travel is to easily pick up a taxi on the road and travel anywhere in the city. There are plenty of taxis, and most of them speak basic English, so you can talk with them. 

Be sure to check the travel meter inside the taxi, it is usually around 11,000 - 14.000 VND/km. You should choose from reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh to avoid scams or ask the hotel receptionist to call you a taxi.

Booking a taxi is an easy way to travel around

Local bus

If you’re a budget traveler, you can consider using a local bus. The fee is around 10,000 VND for the whole route, so you can save a lot of money. However, it’ll be slow and hard to know where to stop, so be sure to ask the locals.

To travel around Halong City, you should take the bus route from Bai Chay to Tuan Chau, where you can stop at Tuan Chau Marina.

Transportation app

Using a transportation app like Grab, Xanh SM, or Be will be most handy for individuals who have already traveled in Vietnam. Simply download the app on your phone, enter your location and destination, and a local driver will arrive to pick you up.

You can choose to travel by car (4-seat, 7-seat) or motorbike from the app. Depending on the time and the route, the price may change.

Using the Transport App is ideal if you have experience

Eclectic cart

This is quite a popular means of transportation, especially in the city center and tourist destinations like Bai Chay. The ticket to get on the tram is around US $25 - 45/route. 

This is a vehicle that is being promoted in Halong as an advantage of electric vehicles and a reasonable cost (if there are enough people on the cart).

 

Best Transportation Options for Different Travelers

First-Time Visitors

For first-time visitors, the easiest way to get to Halong Bay is by shuttle bus or limousine from Hanoi, which offers door-to-door service and clear schedules. This option minimizes planning and works well for travelers joining overnight cruises or day cruises for the first time.

Luxury Travelers

Luxury travelers often prefer private transfers or limousine services for a more comfortable and flexible journey from Hanoi. Many high-end travelers combine this option with luxury Halong Bay cruises, ensuring a smooth and premium experience from departure to arrival.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can choose shared shuttle buses or public transport to keep costs low while still reaching Halong Bay efficiently. Pairing affordable transport with budget-friendly cruises is a practical way to explore the bay without overspending.

Families and Groups

For families and small groups, private cars or group transfers are the most convenient, offering more space, flexible departure times, and easier luggage handling. These options work especially well when booking customized cruise packages or private charters.

 

Travel Tips for Getting to Halong Bay

• Best Departure Times: Early in the morning (around 8:00 - 9:00) helps avoid city traffic and ensures timely arrival at the harbor for cruise check-in.
• Avoiding Traffic: To reduce delays, avoid traveling during weekends and public holidays when roads to Halong Bay are busiest.
• Weather Considerations: Weather during the rainy and typhoon season (July - September) can affect travel time and cruise schedules. Checking forecasts in advance and allowing buffer time is highly recommended.

 

All in all, the transportation infrastructure in Halong, in particular, and Quang Ninh in general, is very developed, so you can be assured of finding a means of transportation to and getting around here. If you are interested, let’s take a look at the most recommended cruise from Best Halong Cruises and plan your holiday now.

>> Let's explore: Top Activities to Try in Halong Bay: 10+ Highly-recommended Experiences.

Hale Nguyen

Image source: Internet

 

FAQs About Halong Bay Transportation

1. How long does it take from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours by limousine, shuttle bus, or private car via the expressway.

2. Can I travel directly from Ho Chi Minh City?

There is no direct road route from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay. Most travelers fly to Hanoi or Hai Phong and then continue by road to Halong Bay.

3. Is it better to book transport in advance?

Yes, booking transportation in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel periods, to secure reliable pick-up times and avoid last-minute availability issues.