How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay in 2022

Hanoi to Halong Bay distance and travel time

The distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is about 170 km but Thanks to the new Hanoi – Hai Phong express driveway (National Highway 5B) since the end of 2018, the distance is shortened to 150km and it takes only 2.5 hours to get to Ha Long Bay. 

However, as 5B Road only allows 4-wheel vehicles. In case you want to save high-way fees by traveling by motorbikes or train, it may take you 3.5 hours to arrive.
 

5 BEST ways to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay

 

Hanoi to Halong Bay by Shuttle Bus

Duration: 2.5-3h
Cost: 10-20 USD for a one-way ticket if your pick-up and drop-off points are in Hanoi Old Quarter. If you stay far away, there will be a surcharge for picking up on request.
Both locals and tourists prefer shuttle buses or tourist buses to go from Hanoi to Halong. Shuttle bus selections range from affordable to luxurious ones. 

Hanoi to Halong Bay by shuttle bus

Types of shuttle buses:

There are three significant types of shuttle buses: standard, luxury, and shuttle buses managed by cruise companies. 

• Standard shuttle buses come in a range of passenger capacities, from a 16-seater minivan to a 30-seater bus, 35-seater bus and 45-seater bus.
• Shuttle buses with upscale amenities are often 9-seater Limousine and 19-seater Fuso.
• Own shuttle service from cruise companies to pick up and drop off tourists at certain destinations.

9-seater Limousine

What to expect from a shuttle bus:

• Suitable for all kinds of tourists, including those looking for a cheap, quick, and convenient transfer, such as singles, couples, groups of friends, and families with children.
• One of the most affordable options for traveling to Halong Bay from Hanoi.
• Good services and amenities.
• Straightforward and short travel time through the new highway.

Hanoi to Halong Bay by Private Car

Duration: 2-2.5h
Cost: 100-150 USD
If you want to be totally flexible with your schedule, a private car is your best option. You will be picked up and dropped off at the specified locations by private car as agreed.
You can get a private car through cruise providers or travel agencies to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The cost may be higher and depends on the type of car and whether or not the return trip is on the same day.

Private car to Halong Bay

What to expect from a private car:

• Comfort, flexibility, and privacy trip.
• Adaptable schedule and manageable itinerary
• Cost-sharing for group members can reduce trip fees

Hanoi to Halong Bay by Train

Duration: 7h
Cost: 4 USD/one-way/person
Traveling by train is the cheapest but slowest option to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi. Take the train for a more authentic experience of Vietnam where you can travel while admiring and enjoying the stunning scenery simply passing by at an easy pace.
However, for ones who only have a couple of days to visit Halong, it is definitely not a smart idea to go for 7 hours by train.

Private car to Halong Bay

Train schedule:

There is only one trip daily that departs at 4:55 am from Yen Vien Station in Hanoi, northeast of the city center. The train will arrive at Halong station, situated east of Bai Chay City at 11:45 am. You must board a train at 1:45 pm from Halong Station to return to Hanoi, where you will arrive at 8:30 pm. 

What to expect from a train:

• A great opportunity to create beautiful pictures for your vacation collection while enjoying the gorgeous views.
• A realistic vacation encounter in Vietnam to take in the relaxed atmosphere.
• Cheapest and safest transport on the roadway.

Hanoi to Halong Bay by Motorbike

Duration: 3.5h
Cost: 4.5-6.5 USD per day.
An adventurous vacation experience is riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Those without their own motorcycles must rent one and make sure to refuel the motorbike and pack any other necessary amenities before leaving. 

An amazing adventure from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Follow the exact path:

Route 1: Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long: Only 155 kilometers from Hanoi to Halong Bay along this route, which will take you there in about 3 hours.
Route 2: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Ha Long: This route is much longer (approximately 170 km) than the last one, but it is more convenient.

What to expect from motorbike:

• Cheap budget and precious memory.
• An amazing opportunity to witness the breathtaking view along the journey.

However, traveling by motorbike is quite dangerous. Spending 3.5 hours driving can get tiring and be time-consuming. For a safe trip, you need to make sure you are willing for the risk and have good driving skills. It is highly recommended that you travel with friends (4–10) in order to avoid getting lost and to support each other in case something goes wrong. 

Hanoi to Halong Bay by Seaplane

Duration: 45 min
Cost: 350 – 450 USD/one-way/person
There is no direct flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay so taking a seaplane is the most special and fastest way. you will experience 45 minutes of traveling on the seaplane and additional 15 minutes of sightseeing to admire the bay's stunning overhead view.

Outstanding Halong Bay view from a seaplane

How to book a seaplane:

Hai Au Aviation is the only seaplane provider. Planes depart from Hanoi Airport to Tuan Chau Marina (southwest of Bai Chay), which is nearby the cruise port in Ha Long Bay. For the best chance to experience the amazing seaplane ride and cruising in the Bay, it is preferable to book a cruise package along with a seaplane tour.

What to expect from the seaplane:

• Private, fast and convenient trip.
• Professional tourism services.
• An excellent opportunity to take in the breathtaking aerial views of Halong Bay.