How to travel from Hanoi to Ha Long: Detailed travel instructions

Ha Long, a famous tourist city with the magnificent Ha Long Bay, attracts tourists with its wild, majestic natural beauty and unique experiences. To get to Ha Long from Hanoi, you have many diverse transportation options, suitable to your needs and preferences. This article will provide you with detailed information about popular ways how to travel from Hanoi to Ha Long, helping you plan your trip in the most convenient and economical way.

How to travel from Hanoi to Ha Long

Distance from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

The distance from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay depends on the departure point and the specific destination in Ha Long Bay that you want to travel to. Here are some detailed information:

From Hanoi city center:

Distance: About 165 km.

Travel time: About 3 - 4 hours by car or bus.

From Noi Bai International Airport:

Distance: About 190 km.

Travel time: About 3 - 4 hours by car or bus.

Travel time from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Travel time from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay depends on many factors such as:

Transport:

Private car or limousine: 2.5 - 3 hours.

Passenger car: 3.5 - 4 hours.

Train: 4 - 5 hours.

Route:

National Highway 5B (Hanoi - Hai Phong highway): 2.5 hours.

Highway 18 (through Bac Ninh): 3.5 hours.

Traffic conditions:

Rush hours or holidays can make travel times longer.

Specific destinations in Ha Long Bay:

Tourist destinations near Ha Long city center will take less travel time than destinations farther away.

How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?

There are many ways to get from Hanoi city center to Ha Long Bay, including private car, local bus, shuttle bus, limousine, motorbike and train. Here is an overview of these options:

Travel by private car

Distance: about 170 km

Average travel time: 2 - 2.5 hours via new expressway

Cost: from 2,300,000 - 4,500,000 VND for a round trip, depending on vehicle type (4, 7 or 16 seats), tour length (1, 2 or 3 days) or pick-up/drop-off location your guests.

Advantage:

Flexible in time and schedule

Comfortable and private

Easily stop at attractions along the way

Defect:

Fatigue if you are the driver

Cost is higher than public transportation

Pay attention to traffic laws and road safety

Local bus

Distance: about 170 km

Average travel time: 2.5 - 3 hours via new expressway

Cost: from 100,000 VND to 250,000 VND/person for one-way trip

Advantage:

Cheapest among the options

Easily search and book tickets

There are many departures during the day

Defect:

Little flexibility in time and schedule

Not as comfortable as other means

Can be crowded and noisy

Shuttle bus

Distance: about 170 km

Average travel time: 2.5 - 3 hours via new expressway

Cost: from 350,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person for a one-way trip if the pick-up and drop-off point is located in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Additional fees may apply if your location is outside this area.

Advantage:

More convenient and comfortable than local buses

More affordable than limousines

Seats can be reserved in advance

Defect:

Less flexibility in time and schedule than a private car

Not as private as a private car

Limousine car

Distance: about 170 km

Average travel time: about 2.5 hours via the new highway

Cost: about 575,000 VND per person for a one-way ticket

Advantage:

The most comfortable and luxurious of the options

There are many amenities such as free Wi-Fi, massage chairs, LCD screens, stereo systems and automatic doors

Professional and thoughtful service

Defect:

Highest cost of the options

Less flexibility in time and schedule than a private car

Traveling by motorbike

Average travel time: 3 - 4 hours

Advantage:

Most flexible and free in options

Allows you to explore the landscape at your own pace

Suitable for those who love adventure

Defect:

Can be dangerous if you are not used to riding a motorbike long distances

Requires good health and physical fitness

Pay attention to weather and traffic conditions

Train

Distance: about 164 km

Average travel time: 6 hours 45 minutes

Cost: about 92,000 VND for a one-way journey per person

Advantage:

Unique experience and beautiful sightseeing

Cheaper price than limousine

Safe and comfortable

Defect:

Longest travel time among options

Less flexibility in time and schedule than a private car

How to travel from Hanoi airport to Ha Long Bay?


How to travel from Hanoi to Ha Long

There are many ways to get from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Ha Long Bay, including buses, limousines and taxis. Below is detailed information about each vehicle:

Bus:

Advantages: Cheapest among the options, suitable for budget travelers.

Disadvantages: Longest travel time (about 3-4 hours), less flexibility in time and schedule, can be crowded and noisy.

Ticket price: About 100,000 - 200,000 VND/trip.

Type of bus: Bus 17 and buses of reputable bus companies such as Dai Phat, Kumho Viet Thanh, The Sinh Tourist.

Route:

Bus 17: Noi Bai Airport - Gia Lam Bus Station - Bai Chay Bus Station (Ha Long).

Buses of passenger car companies: Noi Bai Airport - Bai Chay Bus Station (Ha Long).

Limousine car:

Advantages: Comfortable, convenient, has many services such as free wifi, massage chairs, drinking water, spacious seats, faster travel than buses (about 2-3 hours).

Disadvantages: Price is higher than bus, less flexible in time and schedule compared to private car.
Ticket price: About 400,000 - 500,000 VND/trip.

Vehicle type: Limousine 9 seats.

Company: There are many reputable limousine companies such as: Ki Tuong Limousine, Galaxy Limousine, The Sinh Tourist Limousine, Pum Limousine, etc.

Route: Noi Bai Airport - Bai Chay Bus Station (Ha Long).

Taxi:

Advantages: Flexible in time and schedule, can travel anytime, anywhere, pick up and drop off.
Disadvantages: Highest price among options, may incur surcharges at night or on holidays.

Ticket price: About 1,300,000 - 1,800,000 VND/trip (for 4-seat taxi).

Vehicle type: 4-seat, 7-seat taxi.

Company: Mai Linh Taxi, Taxi Group, Vinasun Taxi, etc.

Route: Noi Bai Airport - Ha Long Bay (can be upon customer request).

How to travel from Hanoi to Ha Long

End

Understanding how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is important to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. With many diverse means of transportation suitable for all needs, visitors can easily choose the optimal plan for themselves.

Here are some general notes to help you get the best out of your trip:

Plan ahead: Book bus tickets, train tickets or rent a car in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Compare prices and services: Look at different options and choose the one that best suits your budget and needs.

Ensure safety: Obey traffic laws, go at the right speed and pay attention when moving.

Bring all documents: Bring ID card/CCCD, bus/train tickets, hotel booking documents and other necessary documents.

Respect local culture: Dress politely, behave properly and respect the customs and traditions of local people.

Wishing you a fun and memorable trip to Ha Long Bay!