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Cat Ba is the largest island in the Ha Long Bay area, 130 kilometres (81 miles) east of Hanoi. Most of it is national park, with limestone karsts rising straight out of the water. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba at $11 (285,000 VND). A private transfer is the quickest option, taking 2h. The limo van costs more than the bus and gets there quicker.
Distance from Hanoi to CatBa
Hanoi and CatBa are about 130 km (81 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 152 km by road. The quickest way to get from Hanoi to CatBa is by taking the private transport, which takes around 2h.
5 ways to travel from Hanoi to CatBa
There are five ways to travel from Hanoi to CatBa. You can choose between the bus, train, minivan, private transport, and organised tour. The journey takes 2h–3d and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $11 (285,000 VND).
Reach out to our Community
1Hi Marteen,
Thanks a lot for all the information on your blog, it's very helpful! :)
We are trying to find how to go from Phong Nha to2 Cat Ba. Do you know the options?
Many thanks!
Great to hear! Unfortunately, I don't have a page about this route, but I have one in the opposite direction which is basically the same. Unfortunately, there are no direct tickets available so you will have to go via Hanoi or Ninh Binh / Tam Coc. See here the route from Cat Ba to Phong Nha (geckoroutes.com).
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit CatBa?
Cat Ba is a biodiverse island along Vietnam’s northeast coast. The largest of the islands in Halong Bay, Cat Ba boasts a rugged karst landscape dotted with spectacular limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, lakes, grottoes, and waterfalls.
Popular activities include kayaking and rock climbing, but you can also just lounge by the beach and wait for the sunset at Cannon Fort. The island rose in popularity in recent years, but we love that most areas remain untouched in Cat Ba.
Rounding it up
That's the Full picture for getting from Hanoi to CatBa, roughly 130 kilometres (81 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $11 (285,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 2h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Hanoi to CatBa?
The distance from Hanoi to CatBa is 130 kilometres (81 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to CatBa?
The fastest way to get from Hanoi to CatBa is by private transport and takes 2h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to CatBa?
The cheapest way to get from Hanoi to CatBa is by bus with ticket costs starting from 285,000 VND.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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