Contents
Hai Phong is the mainland gateway to Cat Ba, the largest island in the archipelago and a laid-back alternative to the crowds of Ha Long Bay. Limestone peaks and jungle-covered hills rise around Lan Ha Bay, and the ferry crossing is where the trip starts to feel like a holiday.
Hai Phong to Cat Ba by Bus
A limousine bus with a ferry crossing takes you from Hai Phong to Cat Ba in one ticket. On booking platforms it costs about $18 (November 2026) and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes including the ferry.[1]
Hai Phong to Cat Ba by Private Transfer
A private car or minibus is the flexible choice for groups and heavy luggage, because you leave when you like. On booking platforms, prices run from about $44 for a sedan to about $123 for the largest minibuses (November 2026), and the trip takes from about 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours. Vehicles range from 3-seat sedans and SUVs to 9-seat limousine vans and 15-seat minibuses.[1] Confirm with the provider whether the ferry is included or whether you pay at the pier.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Limousine bus with ferry | $18[1] | About 2h 30min |
| Private transfer | $44 to $123[1] | 1h 25min to 2h |
Tips for Traveling from Hai Phong to Cat Ba
- Book ahead in summer: Cat Ba is popular with domestic visitors in the summer months and on public holidays, so seats and drivers go early.
- Watch the weather: Storms and high winds can disrupt the ferries, so check the forecast in the rainy season.
- Oversized luggage: For surfboards or bicycles, a private SUV or minibus is easier than a shared limousine.
- Seasickness: The crossing is short. If you are sensitive to motion, sit in the middle of the boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hai Phong to Cat Ba, including current prices and schedules.
The limousine bus with ferry, at about $18 on booking platforms (November 2026).
A private transfer, which takes from about 1 hour 25 minutes to the pier and across.
About 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours by private transfer and about 2 hours 30 minutes by limousine bus with ferry.
Yes. Booking platforms list 3-seat sedans, 4 to 6-seat SUVs, 9-seat limousine vans and 14 to 15-seat minibuses.
Not with the limousine bus and ferry ticket, which covers the crossing. For a private transfer, confirm with the provider whether the ferry is included.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.