Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay – A detailed guide for your trip

Journeying from the capital city of Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay will open up a world of breathtaking natural beauty and captivating experiences. As you prepare for this trip, it is essential to understand how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Whether you are seeking convenience, affordability, or a unique adventure, read on to discover the best ways to reach Ha Long Bay from Hanoi.

1. Distance from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

How far is Ha Long Bay from Hanoi? To answer this question, let’s see the distances from both Hanoi city center and Noi Bai International Airport to Ha Long Bay:

• From Hanoi City Center to Ha Long Bay: The approximate Hanoi to Ha Long Bay distance is around 165 kilometers.
• From Noi Bai International Airport to Ha Long Bay: For those arriving by air, Noi Bai International Airport serves as a gateway to Vietnam. The airport is situated approximately 190 kilometers away from Ha Long Bay.

2. How long does it take from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

When journeying from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, you have two main routes to consider: the 5B National Highway (also known as the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway) and the National Road 18. On average, the trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road.

It is important to note that the duration of your trip can vary depending on your chosen mode of transportation and the specific route you take. Opting for a private car or limousine may be faster in comparison to buses or trains, which normally go at slower speeds. Meanwhile, taking the New Highway 5B via Hai Phong City requires a shorter time compared to the National Road 18 route through Bac Ninh Province, with approximately 2.5 hours and 3.5 hours by car, respectively.

How long is the drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay? – It mainly depends on your route and mode of transportation (Source: Collected)

3. How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

There are many ways to move from Hanoi’s city center to Hanoi Bay, including by private car, local bus, shuttle bus, limousine, motorbike, and train. Below is an overview of these options:

3.1. Travel by private car

• Distance: approximately 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: 2 – 2.5 hours via the new highway
• Cost: from 2,300,000 – 4,500,000 VND for a round trip, depending on the type of car (4, 7, or 16-seat), length of excursion (1, 2, or 3-day), or your pick-up/drop-off locations.

If you are looking for flexibility and having your own space, renting a Hanoi to Ha Long Bay private car is a great idea. This option gives you the freedom to plan your own itinerary, make stops along the way, and travel at your own pace. You can easily set this up through your tour or cruise operator or book through private car services like BestPrice Travel or Bookaway.

3.2. How to get to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi? – By local bus

• Distance: approximately 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours via the new highway
• Cost: from 100,000 VND to 250,000 VND per person for a one-way trip

If you are looking for how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay in an economical way, then taking a local bus is a good option to consider. There are three primary bus stations where you can catch a Hanoi to Ha Long Bay bus, including My Dinh Station (11 kilometers from Hanoi Old Quarter), Giap Bat Station (7 kilometers away from Hanoi Old Quarter), and Gia Lam Station (5.5 kilometers away from Hanoi Old Quarter).

Many travelers opt for local buses due to their affordable prices (Source: Collected)

3.3. Travel by shuttle bus

• Distance: approximately 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours via the new highway
• Cost: from 350,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person for a one-way trip if your pick-up and drop-off points are within Hanoi Old Quarter. Additional charges may apply if your locations are outside this area.

The shuttle bus is regarded as an efficient transportation option between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay and vice versa. It is particularly well-suited for those who want to manage their budget while saving on travel time.

Here are some recommended shuttle bus service providers that you might consider:

3.4. Limousine – The best way to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

• Distance: approximately 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: about 2.5 hours via the new highway
• Cost: around 575,000 VND per person for a one-way ticket

For those seeking a touch of comfort, traveling by limousine is an ideal choice. These vehicles come equipped with top-notch amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, massage chairs, LCD screens, stereo systems, and automatic doors. The Hanoi to Ha Long Bay limousine service also ensures a time-efficient travel experience, particularly via the new highway.

3.5. Travel by motorbike

• Average travel time: 3 – 4 hours

Renting a motorbike in Hanoi allows you to customize your travel itinerary, explore at your own pace, and add a sense of adventure to your trip. Many rental shops in Hanoi offer motorbike rentals at an affordable price, ranging from 118,000 VND to 164,000 VND per day. You can easily seek assistance from your hotel or directly contact motorbike rental centers.

• Getting from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by motorbike:
  • Route 1: Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long (155 kilometers): Starting from Hanoi, you need to follow Highway 5 for about 10 kilometers to reach Sai Dong Junction. From there, continue on Highway 1 for approximately 23 kilometers to Bac Ninh Province. Take Highway 18, travel about 122 kilometers, and you will arrive at Ha Long City.
  • Route 2: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Ha Long (170 kilometers): Although slightly longer, this route offers convenience. Departing from Hanoi, you should head to Nam Sach Town in Hai Duong Province. From there, travel on Highway 183 to reach Ha Long City.

Traveling by motorbike allows you to enjoy scenic views along the way (Source: Collected)

3.6. How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay? – by train

• Distance: approximately 164 kilometers
• Average travel time: 6 hours and 45 minutes
• Cost: around 92,000 VND for a one-way journey per person
• Booking information:
  • Provider: Vietnam Railways
  • Website: dsvn.vn
  • Phone: 1900 0109

For an authentic Vietnamese experience where you can leisurely soak in the passing landscapes, you can consider taking the train to Ha Long Bay. Not only does this option provide a gentle pace to enjoy the scenery, but it is also the most budget-friendly way to reach Ha Long Bay.

To embark on this train experience, catch train No. 50501, which departs once a day from Yen Vien station in the northeast of Hanoi at 4:55 AM and arrives at Ha Long station in the east of Bai Chay City at 11:41 AM.

When it comes to traveling from Noi Bai Airport to Quang Ninh, you have a few choices: buses, 9-seater limousines, and taxis.

– Taking the bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly option compared to taxis or limousines. Buses are cheaper and can handle lots of luggage, making them one of the best choices if you are traveling in groups.

There are two ways to catch a bus from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay:

• Airport shuttle bus: Anbasco Noibai Services runs shuttle buses from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay. One-way fares start at 290,000 VND per person.
• Take a public bus and then catch another private bus service provider: You can take bus number 17, which operates from 5:10 AM to 10:00 PM daily, and get off at the stop near Gia Lam Bus Station. After that, walk to Gia Lam Bus Station to buy tickets to Ha Long Bay from various providers like Dai Phat, Quy Ngoc, and Hai Phuong. Ticket prices range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per person.

***Note: Most buses run during the day. Traveling after 7:00 PM can make finding a bus challenging, so taxis might be the only option available.

– Opting for a taxi

Choosing a taxi provides flexibility to travel at any time of day or night, and you can get dropped off wherever you like. So, how much is a taxi from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay? A taxi ride for four usually costs around 1.3 million to 1.5 million VND. If you are traveling with a larger group, a 7-seater taxi can be a more budget-friendly choice, costing around 1.8 million VND per trip.

– Traveling in a limousine

Limousines with 9 seats are a popular choice among both foreign and local travelers due to their smaller size, fast travel, and limited passenger capacity. Some recommended services you can consider are Co To Limousine and Tam Bao Anh Limousine. Both companies start from Pillar 9, Level 1, Terminal A, T1, Noi Bai Airport. Limousine fares usually range from 400,000 to 450,000 VND per trip.

How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay? – You have a few options to choose from (Source: Collected)When you are in Ha Long Bay, you absolutely can’t miss exploring the many breathtaking spots like Tuan Chau Island, Ti Top Beach, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cua Van Floating Village, Bai Tho Mountain, Thien Canh Son Cave, Ha Long Night Market, etc.

To make the most of your time here, it is necessary to pick an accommodation that is not only in a great location but also offers top-notch services. Among the various options available, you should consider a stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for an incredible experience.

Situated on Reu Island, Vinpearl Ha Long is conveniently close to Ha Long Night Market and Ha Long International Cruise Port, where you can easily get boat tickets to access the recommended famous spots. What makes Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long special is its fantastic amenities, excellent services, and roomy accommodations with spacious balconies.

Understanding how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is crucial to ensuring a seamless journey. We hope that with this comprehensive guide, you can find the best transportation option that suits your preferences and situation. So, start planning your trip today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure to the stunning Ha Long Bay!