Cat Ba Island Ferry: Schedule & Price 2026
How to get to Cat Ba Island by ferry from Halong Bay and Hai Phong — updated 2026 schedules, ticket prices, and travel tips.
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Halong Bay — a perfect destination combining nature, beaches, and national park trekking. Getting there by ferry is the most practical and scenic option.
Ferry Routes to Cat Ba
🚢 Hai Phong → Cat Ba (Gia Luan Port)
• Travel time: ~45 minutes
• Frequency: Multiple departures 06:00–17:30
• Price: ~80,000–120,000 VND/person
🚢 Halong Bay → Cat Ba
• Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours by speedboat
• Often included in Halong Bay cruise itineraries
Getting from Hanoi to Cat Ba
The most common route:
1. 🚌 Hanoi → Hai Phong by bus (~2 hours, US$5–15)
2. 🚢 Hai Phong (Binh ferry terminal) → Cat Ba (~45 min)
3. 🛺 Ferry arrival → Cat Ba Town (~30 min)
Combined bus + ferry tickets are available from Hanoi travel agencies for ~US$10–15/person.
Practical Tips
📌 Ferries can be crowded on weekends — arrive at the terminal early.
📌 Gia Luan Port is on the north side of Cat Ba; the town is 30 minutes away by road.
📌 Bring cash — smaller terminals may not accept cards.
📌 During rough weather, services may be delayed. Check forecasts before traveling.
Frequently asked about Transportation
Quick answers to help you plan with confidence.
Stick to reputable companies: Mai Linh (green), Vinasun in Ho Chi Minh City, and Taxi Group in Hanoi. Always ask for the meter. Grab (car or bike) is widely used in major cities once you have mobile data.
From Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) to central District 1, expect roughly 120,000–170,000 VND (30–50 minutes). From Noi Bai (Hanoi) to the Old Quarter, airport taxis are often around 330,000 VND and take 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Vietnam Airlines is the most reliable full-service option. VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and other budget carriers are cheaper for short hops but can have more delays. Book flexible tickets if your schedule is tight.
The Reunification Express takes about 30–36 hours end-to-end. It is scenic and memorable, with stops in Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. For most itineraries, overnight train segments or short flights are more practical.
Motorbikes cost roughly USD 6–12 per day, but traffic and road rules can be challenging for newcomers. Always wear a helmet, check insurance, and avoid riding if you are not an experienced rider—Grab bikes are a safer alternative in cities.
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