Ultimate guides: How to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Although travelers can reach Halong from plenty of noteworthy attractions around, the way from Hanoi to Halong Bay is always a top concern for visitors. Around 165 km from Hanoi, Halong Bay can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive. However, thanks to great infrastructure and diversity of transportation, railways or airways are notable alternatives to travel between these 2 famous cities.

Below is a comprehensive guide about how to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay that you will need for your upcoming trip!

By sharing bus

Sharing buses is currently the most economical way to get to Halong. You can choose either a public bus or a minivan based on your preference. While the public bus is cheaper, a minivan is more comfortable and time-saving.

Public bus

Public or local buses depart from My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Gia Lam Bus Stations. These buses have multiple trips at different time frames daily, so guests can easily book one upon arrival. It might be a bit chaotic and difficult for foreigners due to the language barrier, however, local buses cost only $7-10 per person per way.

• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• Departure: My Dinh Station, Giap Bat Station, Gia Lam Station.
• Arrival: Bai Chay Station or closest locations to the cruise pier.
• Frequency: Every 50 minutes to 4 hours/trip.
• Bus types: 22-perth bus, 40-perth bus, 46-perth bus, 20-seat bus, 29-seat bus, 45-seat bus.
• Price range: $7-10/person/way.

Mini van

A little more expensive than public buses, a minivan is ideal for budget-minded travelers. It costs you $10 - 20 per person but is more comfortable and time-saving as there are usually 9 to 16 guests per van. You will not have to wait for a long time to pick up and drop off other guests on the way.

All cruise organizers offer this service along with cruise tours. Guests can easily book a combo and be guaranteed to arrive at the port on time. However, these cruise buses only pick up in Hanoi Old Quarter. Thus, if you stay far outside this area, you need to come there to be picked up or consider booking minivans at the closest local stations.

• Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours.
• Departure: My Dinh Station, Giap Bat Station, Gia Lam Station, Hanoi Old Quarter (for cruise minivan), appointed locations of each bus.
• Arrival: Bai Chay Station or closest locations to the cruise pier.
• Frequency: Every 2 hours - 4 hours/trip.
• Bus types: 16-seat limousine, 12-seat limousine, 11-seat limousine, 9-seat limousine.
• Price range: $10-20/person/way.

By private car

Private car is certainly the most comfortable and convenient transport for the Hanoi - Halong Bay route. No need to wait for others, no need to wait to be picked up, and no need to share the car with anyone else. The driver will be ready at your appointed time and can directly transfer you to Halong without stops upon request. Private car is fairly expensive and suitable for couples or groups of 3 guests upwards.

• Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours.
• Departure: Your location in Hanoi.
• Arrival: Your location in Halong.
• Frequency: Upon request.
• Car types: 4-seat car, 7-seat car, 16-seat car, 29-seat car, 45-seat car.
• Price range: from $100/car/way.

By personal transport

Personal transport may not be widely preferred for foreigners, especially first-time travelers. However, for those who seek local experience and want to have their own schedule, it is a notable choice.

Rental motorbike

Renting a motorbike costs you only VND 130,000/day ($5-6) for manual motorbikes or VND 180,000-200,000/day ($7-8) for automatic ones. Besides, you need to spend at least $6 to fill up the petrol for both ways. This way is suitable for adventure seekers with plenty of time.

• Duration: 3.5 hours.
• Time: per your preference.
• Motorbike types: manual or automatic motorbike.
• Price range: $5-8/motorbike/day

Rental car

Self-drive car rental in Hanoi varies in price depending on the car type, starting from $20 up to $130/car/day excluding the petrol fee. Car rental also allows you to travel at your convenient time but more comfortable than motorbike. Thanks to the new highway, it just takes you around 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong by personal rental car. However, it might be a little longer if you are confused about finding the location.

• Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours.
• Time: per your preference.
• Car types: 4-seat car, 5-seat car, 7-seat car
• Price range: $20-130/car/day

By train

Travelling by train is the longest way but still preferred by some travelers having time and looking for local experience. Taking more than 7 hours, the train 51501 starts at 4:55 am from Yen Vien Station (Hanoi), crosses 11 stations and arrives at 11:45 am at Halong Station (Halong City). It takes you around 15 minutes by taxi from Halong Station to cruise ports. Therefore, if you book a cruise tour, make sure you choose one with a later departure time.

*Updated news: The Yen Vien - Halong rail was temporarily stopped in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was expected to restart soon.

• Duration: 7 hours & 15 minutes.
• Departure: Yen Vien Station.
• Arrival: Halong Station.
• Frequency: 1 trip/day (4:55 Hanoi - 11:45 Halong).
• Train types: 51501 (Hanoi - Halong), 51502 (Halong - Hanoi).
• Price range: $4/person/way.

By air

Getting a bird-eye view on the way from Hanoi to Halong must be a second-to-none experience. Airway is the most expensive way but so worth it.

Seaplane

Hanoi - Halong Seaplane is exclusively operated by Hai Au Aviation. You can choose one of 3 time frames which are 09:20 - 10:20, 13:30 - 14:30, and 09:35 - 10:30. Each flight lasts for 1 hour including 45 minutes of transferring and 15 minutes sightseeing. The rate is about $477/person/way including 7kg luggage. Although airport check-in may take a little time, the breathtaking vista of Halong Bay at 500 - 3000 meters above sea level will surely blow you away.

• Duration: 60 minutes (45 minute transfer, 15 minute sightsee).
• Departure: Noi Bai Airport.
• Arrival: Tuan Chau Marina.
• Frequency: 3 trips/day.
• Seaplane types: 601 Route (09:20 - 10:20), 602 Route (13:30 - 14:30), 603 Route (09:35 - 10:30).
• Price range: $477/person/way

Helicopter

Another way to get an aerial view of Halong Bay and Red River Delta is by helicopter. Exclusively organized by Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company, Hanoi - Halong helicopter departs at 9:00 am at Gia Lam Heliport (25 minutes away from Hanoi center by car) and arrives at 9:55 am at Tuan Chau Heliport. Each trip includes 45 minutes transfer and 8 minutes for scenic sightseeing. A helicopter carries 5 - 11 passengers with 7kg hand luggage per person.

From Halong, 2 schedules are 2:00 - 2:45 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 4:30 - 5:15 pm on Saturdays. The price for Halong - Hanoi route is lower than Hanoi - Halong as scenic time will not be included.

• Duration: 53 - 55 minutes (45 minutes transfer + 8 minutes sightseeing).
• Departure: Gia Lam Heliport.
• Arrival: Tuan Chau Heliport (Tuan Chau Marina, Halong City).
• Frequency: 3 flights/week (once every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday)
• Helicopter types: EC155 B1
• Price range: $440/person/way (Hanoi - Halong), $390/person/way (Halong - Hanoi).

Top things to do in Hanoi

Hanoi is not only one of the major intersections but also a wonderful destination in Northern Vietnam. That’s why it is usually included in the travel plan of most travelers, including those coming to Halong. Hence, it will be a pity if missing out on Hanoi with amazing attractions below:

1. Hanoi Old Quarter: A bustling area with 36 ancient streets, preserving long history, rich culture, and unique architecture over centuries.
2. Hoan Kiem Lake: A picturesque freshwater lake with Turtle Tower in the center and stunning Ngoc Son Temple.
3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The resting place of ancient president Ho Chi Minh, standing out with unique architecture.
4. One Pillar Pagoda: Unique architecture pagoda with deep cultural and spiritual significance for the locals.
5. Temple of Literature: The first national university of Vietnam.
6. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Displaying the culture and history of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.
7. Hoa Lo Prison: A historical relic presenting the harsh revolutionary struggle period of Vietnamese.
8. Tran Quoc Pagoda: The oldest pagoda in Hanoi with a stunning view of West Lake.

Top things to do in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is more than just a world natural heritage site. There are a series of hotspots enriching your experience, typically:

1. Halong Bay: The World Natural Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.
2. Lan Ha Bay: The poetic bay in the South of Halong Bay.
3. Bai Tu Long Bay: The unspoiled bay to the East of Halong Bay.
4. Tuan Chau Island: A perfect natural hideaway with sandy beaches and diverse relaxation and entertainment activities.
5. Bai Tho Mountain: A majestic limestone mountain right in the city center.
6. Sunworld Halong Park: A large theme park with abundant fun activities and incredible attractions.
7. Bai Chay Beach: A stunning white sandy beach in the heart of Halong City.
8. Quang Ninh Museum: A museum with unique architecture displaying nature, history, culture, and people of Quang Ninh province.
9. Ba Vang Pagoda: A spiritual place with a breathtaking panoramic view.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is it safe to travel by public bus?

It is relatively safe to travel by public bus. However, we recommend you find reliable bus brands and pay attention to your belongings in public areas.

2. How many people does a minivan carry?

There are some types of minivans that can carry 9, 11 or 16 passengers.

3. What is the fastest way to go from Hanoi to Halong?

The fastest way to go from Hanoi to Halong is by airway (45 minutes).

4. Is there a parking lot for personal cars or motorbikes?

Yes, there is a parking lot for personal cars and motorbikes at the cruise port and it is charged.

5. How much luggage can we bring if we travel by seaplane?

You are allowed to bring 7kg of hand luggage to travel by seaplane from Hanoi to Halong.