With the distance of approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) east of the capital city and easy to reach with various transport options, traveling to Halong Bay from Hanoi is one of the best choices to make when coming to visit Northern Vietnam. In this travel guide, Indochina Voyages will with you to explore the details how to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi and suggested itinerary to combine these destination for your unforgettable journey!
Hanoi to Halong Bay maps
Before we dive into the transportation options, let’s visualize our journey with these helpful maps:
Hanoi Map Highlights:
- Old Quarter: Main pickup point for most tours
- Hanoi Opera House: Common meeting point for shuttle buses
- Noi Bai International Airport: 45km north of city center
Halong Bay Area:
- Tuan Chau Marina: Main departure point for cruises
- Bai Chay Tourist Wharf: Secondary boat departure point
- Halong City: Gateway to the bay
How to Get to Halong Bay?
When planning your journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay, several transportation options are available. In this guide, we’ll only focus on the most practical and tourist-friendly methods, all typically departing from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Let’s explore each option in detail:
By Shuttle Bus
- Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Price: $10-15 per person for one way
- Suitable for: Budget travelers, solo travelers, small groups
- Pickup Point: Often Hanoi Opera House (1 Trang Tien Street) or at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter area
Shuttle buses represent the most popular option for travelers heading to Halong Bay. Many cruise companies include round-trip shuttle service in their packages, making it a convenient choice.
There are many types of Shuttle Buses for Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay for your choosing:
- Standard Shuttle Buses:
- Available in various capacities, including 16-seater minivans, 29-30 seater buses, 35-seaters, and 45-seaters.
- They offer a comfortable and budget-friendly travel option.
- Luxury Shuttle Buses:
- Ideal for those seeking a more upscale experience.
- Options include 9-seater Limousines and 19-seater Fuso vehicles, featuring high-end amenities for a premium journey.
- Cruise Company Shuttle Services:
- Many Halong Bay cruise companies provide their own shuttle services.
- These services ensure convenient pickups and drop-offs at specific locations, making your transition to the cruise seamless.
Besides the shuttle buses which are provided by cruise companies that you may book, you can also book the online shuttle bus through this guide below:
- Visit the website vexere.com
- Select Your Route by inputting Hanoi as your departure city and Halong as your destination.
- Continue to pick your departure date for a one-way ticket, or include a return date for a round trip.
- Click the “Search” button to see a list of available shuttle bus providers. This will display departure times, bus stations, available seats, and ticket prices.
- Last, choose a schedule that meets your needs and click the “Book” button to continue to the payment process.
Pros and Cons when traveling by bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay:
| Pros | Cons |
| – Cost-effective – Regular departures (morning/afternoon) – Comfortable seating – Often included in cruise packages – Door-to-door service | – Fixed schedule – Multiple hotel pickups can extend journey time – Limited legroom compared to private car |
By Private Car
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Price: US $100- US $200 per car (4-seater to 16-seaters)
- Suitable for: Families, groups, comfort-oriented travelers
- Pickup: Flexible (any Hanoi location)
Private car transfers offer the most flexible and comfortable way to reach Halong Bay. Modern vehicles with professional drivers ensure a smooth journey with the freedom to stop whenever needed.
Private car services are an excellent option for business travelers or small groups, including professionals, families, and friends who prefer privacy and comfort during their journey. You can book these services through travel providers, travel agents, or by hiring a private taxi.
Additionally, Grab offers a convenient and affordable on-demand transportation option. To book a Grab car, simply download the Grab app on your phone and make a reservation when you’re ready to go. This flexibility makes it a great choice for many travelers. However, if you choose to use Grab (the taxi app), the fare for a one-way trip to Halong Bay ranges from 1,600,000 VND to 1,900,000 VND.
Pros and Cons when traveling by private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay:
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible departure time Direct route without multiple stops Comfortable and spacious Privacy Can accommodate special requests | Higher cost per person Need to book in advance Traffic dependent |
By Train
- Time: Up to 7 hours
- Price: $5-10 per person
- Suitable for: Adventure seekers, railway enthusiasts
- Departure: Yen Vien Station (Hanoi) to Halong City Station
While not the most practical option, the train journey offers a unique perspective of the Vietnamese countryside.
(Update: The Yen Vien – Pha Lai – Ha Long – Cai Lan railway project is currently suspended in accordance with Government Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP, issued on February 24, 2011.)
Pros and Cons when traveling by train from Hanoi to Halong Bay:
| Pros | Cons |
| Scenic route Very affordable Cultural experience | Limited schedule (one daily departure) Takes significantly longer Station locations not convenient Additional transport needed at both ends |
By Motorbike
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Price: $8-15 motorbike rental per day
- Suitable for: Experienced riders, adventure seekers
For the adventurous traveler, motorbiking offers an exciting way to explore the countryside between Hanoi and Halong Bay. With this option, you’ll need to rent the motorbike in Hanoi, then continue to travel from Hanoi to Halong.
When renting a motorbike, you’ll need to pay a deposit and the rental fee. Most rental shops will ask for a copy of your passport. If they request your original passport, it’s advisable to negotiate, as you may need it for other purposes.
Here is the guide to rent a Motorbike in Hanoi:
Renting a motorbike in Hanoi is straightforward. Numerous rental shops in the Old Quarter and West Lake area have English-speaking staff.
- Rental Duration: You can choose from daily, weekly, or monthly rentals, depending on how long you plan to stay in Vietnam.
- Types of Motorbikes: Rental shops offer a variety of motorbikes, including automatic, semi-automatic, manual, and touring bikes from reputable brands like Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki.
Where to have Motorbike Rental Shops in Hanoi?
- 13535 Motorbike Rental
- Happy Zip Motorbikes Rental & Sale
- Phung Motorbike
- Tigit Motorbikes
Suggested Routes:
- Classic Route (Take 1A Highway and then exit onto Hanoi – Hai Phong Highway): Hanoi → Bac Ninh → Hai Duong → Halong
- Scenic Route: Hanoi → Thai Binh → Nam Dinh → Halong
Pros and Cons when traveling by motorbike from Hanoi to Halong Bay:
| Pros | Cons |
| Complete freedom and flexibility Scenic photo opportunities Adventure experience Most affordable option | Weather dependent Requires riding experience Can be tiring Safety concerns |
By Seaplane
- Time: 45 minutes
- Supplier: Hai Au Aviation
- Suitable for: Luxury travelers, photography enthusiasts
Hai Au Aviation is the first and only company in Vietnam offering commercial seaplane services. Traveling by seaplane is ideal for those seeking a unique and scenic experience. It’s perfect for sightseers who want breathtaking aerial views of landscapes, including the stunning vistas of Halong Bay, as well as for travelers looking to minimize travel time between destinations.
Adventure seekers will also find it an exciting way to explore Vietnam. When flying by seaplane, you can expect spectacular views of the beautiful coastlines and natural wonders, a comfortable ride in well-designed aircraft, and the thrill of a water landing, which adds an extra layer of excitement to your journey.
Prices for your reference:
- One-way price: US $175
- Round-trip price: US $305
- Extra: Including scenic flight
Pros and Cons when traveling by seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay:
| Pros | Cons |
| Spectacular aerial views Fastest option Unique experience | Most expensive option Weather dependent Limited baggage allowance Limited schedule |
What about travel from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Halong Bay?
If you’re heading directly to Halong Bay from Noi Bai International Airport, you have several options in this table below:
| Type of transportation | Price | Details |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | ~US $12 | Direct service to Halong Bay Suitable for luggage |
| Public Transport Option | ~US $5-$10 | Bus #17 to Gia Lam Station (5:10 AM – 10:00 PM) Connect to private bus services (Dai Phat, Quy Ngoc, Hai Phuong) |
| Taxi | 4-seater: US $55 – $63 7-seater: ~US $75 | Available 24/7 Door-to-door service |
| Limousine | ~US $17-$19 | Services: Co To Limousine, Tam Bao Anh Limousine Location: Pillar 9, Level 1, Terminal A, T1 9-seater luxury vehicles Faster travel times |
Note: After 7:00 PM, bus services are limited, and taxis become the primary option.
Extra Tips and Insights to Get to Halong from Hanoi
- Book ahead during peak season (October-March)
- Check weather forecasts (avoid typhoon season: July-September)
- Carry small denominations for rest stops
- Download offline maps
- Verify cruise transfer options
- Consider group bookings for better rates
- Keep valuables secure
- Plan around rush hours
How Many Days in Hanoi and Halong is Enough?
For the best experience in both of these destinations, a 3 or 5-day minimum is recommended for a perfect journey without the rush. Here is our suggested 5-Day Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1: Hanoi arrival, Old Quarter exploration
- Day 2: Hanoi highlights (Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex)
- Day 3: Transfer to Halong, afternoon cruise
- Day 4: Full Halong Bay experience
- Day 5: Return to Hanoi, departure
>> Check out the same tour with Indochina Voyages: Ninh Binh – Halong 3 Days
Beyond Hanoi and Halong: Suggested Itineraries for Northern Vietnam Highlights
Besides visiting Hanoi and Halong, you can make this journey into a fascinating Vietnam Northern exploration by combining Hanoi, Halong, Sapa and Ninh in 1 week for full of experiences from mountains to the sea. Here is the suggested itinerary for your reference:
Day 1: Hanoi Highlights
- Wander Old Quarter’s ancient streets
- Visit Temple of Literature
- Evening street food exploration
Day 2-3: Sapa Experience
- Trek through terraced rice fields
- Visit H’mong and Dao villages
- Explore local markets
- Mountain views and authentic homestay
Day 4-5: Halong Bay Adventure
- Cruise through limestone islands
- Cave exploration
- Kayaking in hidden lagoons
- Seafood dining on boat
Day 6-7: Ninh Binh Discovery
- Boat ride through “Dry Halong Bay”
- Rice field cycling
- Panoramic views from Mua Cave
- Ancient temples visit
>> Check the cost and details for the same tour which is made by our travel experts: Tonkin Elegance 8 Days
Your journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay is more than just a transfer – it’s the beginning of your adventure in one of Vietnam’s most spectacular destinations. Whether you choose the budget-friendly bus option or splurge on a seaplane experience, each mode of transport offers its own unique perspective of Vietnam’s changing landscape.
Remember to consider your travel style, budget, and time constraints when choosing your transportation method. The best time to visit is during the dry season (October-March) when weather conditions are optimal for both travel and bay activities. Whatever path you choose, the magnificent limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay await to create unforgettable memories.
Have a safe and enjoyable journey to one of Vietnam’s most treasured natural wonders!
Maybe you’ll need: Halong Bay Guide: Unlocking the Ultimate Cruise Experience
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages Team
