Hanoi to Halong Bay: 5 Transportation Options You Must Know
Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay? Here are 5 transportation options — from budget buses to luxury seaplanes — to help you choose the best one.
Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay is one of the most popular journeys in Vietnam. The distance is about 165 km by land — roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on your transport.
How Far Is Hanoi to Halong Bay?
The most popular route uses the 5B Expressway, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Note that motorbikes are not permitted on this expressway — use Highway 18 instead.
1. Shuttle Bus — Most Popular
✅ Travel time: 2–2.5 hours
💰 Price: ~US$20–25 one way
📍 Pick-up: Hanoi Old Quarter (7:00–8:30 AM)
Shuttle buses offer leather reclining seats, free WiFi, and USB charging. Door-to-door service to your cruise port makes it the top choice for most travelers.
2. Private Car — Best for Families
✅ Travel time: 2–2.5 hours
💰 Price: US$50–110 per person one way
🚗 Options: 4, 5, or 7-seater vehicles
Complete privacy, flexible schedule, and space for luggage. Ideal for families with young children or groups needing a comfortable private transfer.
3. Seaplane — Fastest & Most Scenic
✅ Travel time: 45 minutes
💰 Price: US$350–450 per person
⚠️ Note: Service suspended since March 2026 — check for updates.
The seaplane offers breathtaking aerial views of Halong Bay's limestone karsts from above — an experience unlike any other.
4. Motorbike — For Adventure Seekers
✅ Travel time: 3–4 hours
💰 Rental: US$6–60 per day
Perfect for backpackers who want freedom and scenic countryside routes through northern Vietnam provinces.
📌 Only an International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid in Vietnam.
5. Public Bus — Most Budget-Friendly
✅ Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
💰 Price: US$4–10 one way
📍 Departs from: My Dinh Bus Station
Operators: Hung Duc, Phuc Xuyen, Kumho Viet Thanh. Use 12Go.Asia to book online and avoid language barriers.
Watch: Halong Bay Travel Guide
Booking Tips
📌 Book at least 1 week in advance — earlier during peak seasons (Sep–Oct, Mar–Apr).
📌 Use trusted platforms like BestPrice Travel or 12Go to avoid scams.
📌 For cruise passengers, booking transport as part of your cruise package is the most seamless option.
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.
