How to Get from Hanoi to Hai Phong
Discover the best ways to travel from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Compare train, bus and private transfer options, with train fares from about $7 (Oct 2026).
Contents
Leaving the buzzing labyrinth of Hanoi's Old Quarter for the salty air of Hai Phong marks a transition from Vietnam's political heart to its port city. Many travelers treat Hai Phong as a gateway to Cat Ba Island or Lan Ha Bay, but the city itself offers faded colonial charm and some of the best street food in the north.
How you make the trip depends on whether you prefer the train, the door-to-door convenience of a private car, or a coach. Each mode shows a different side of the Red River Delta. You can compare schedules and book on GoAsia.cc.
Hanoi to Hai Phong by Train
The train is the most characterful way to travel this route. Vietnam Railways runs a dedicated Hanoi - Hai Phong line with several trains each day (such as HP1, LP3, LP5 and LP7).[1] The national tourism authority reported in 2023 that the LP trains leave from Hanoi station and also call at Long Bien station.[2] Booking platforms also list Gia Lam as a boarding point, so check the station on your ticket.[3]
In 2023, the tourism authority quoted fares of 85,000 to 135,000 VND per trip, and said the trains carry luggage.[2] On booking platforms, a second-class air-conditioned seat costs about $7 (October 2026). The ride takes about two hours, which makes the train one of the faster ways to reach the city center of Hai Phong.[3]
Hanoi to Hai Phong by Bus
Coaches of the Ket Doan transport cooperative run from Giap Bat bus station in southern Hanoi to Thuong Ly in Hai Phong, with ten departures a day between 09:00 and 19:00. The fare is 180,000 VND.[4]
Travel to Cat Ba Island
If your final destination is Cat Ba, you can skip Hai Phong city altogether. Booking platforms list direct VIP 45 and tourist buses from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, leaving between 05:45 and 14:30, for about $12 to $15 (October 2026), taking from about 3 hours 30 minutes.[3]
Hanoi to Hai Phong by Private Transfer
For those arriving at Noi Bai Airport or traveling in a group, a private transfer is the most flexible option and saves you from reaching a bus or train station in Hanoi's traffic. Booking platforms list vehicles from economy and comfort cars to 9-seat to 15-seat vans and minibuses.[3]
From Noi Bai Airport, prices start at about $44 for an economy car and reach about $320 for large VIP vans (October 2026). The trip takes from about 1 hour 25 minutes, and longer with traffic.[3]
Hanoi to Hai Phong by Flight
Vietnam Airlines lists Hanoi (HAN) to Hai Phong (HPH) one-way economy fares from about VND 1,973,181 in recent searches, but flights are not practical for such a short trip.[5] Noi Bai Airport is about 30 km from central Hanoi, so airport transfer, check-in and security usually take longer than the train or a private car.[6]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration or frequency | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | about $7[3] | about 2h[3] | Medium |
| Bus (Giap Bat to Thuong Ly) | 180,000 VND[4] | 10 departures a day[4] | Medium |
| Private Transfer (from Noi Bai) | about $44 - $320[3] | from about 1h 25m[3] | Very High |
| Flight | from VND 1,973,181[5] | varies by itinerary | High |
Tips for Traveling from Hanoi to Hai Phong
- Book the Train Early: Trains can get crowded on weekends and public holidays when Hanoians head to the coast for seafood.
- Station Location: Trains on this line do not all use the same Hanoi station. Check the departure station on your ticket carefully.
- Private Transfer Perks: If you book a private transfer from the airport, the driver usually meets you in the arrival hall, which is a relief after a long flight.
- Cat Ba Direct: If you are heading to Cat Ba, book a direct Hanoi to Cat Ba bus instead of going via Hai Phong city; it saves you a change and the hassle of arranging the crossing yourself.
- Luggage: Trains have luggage space, but if you have oversized suitcases, a private van is more accommodating.
Timetable
| Bus Hanoi - Hai Phong $ 23.91 4h 30m | |
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| Flight Hanoi - Hai Phong $ 43.50–116.10 3h 15m – 1days 1h 30m | |
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| Bus Hanoi - Dao Cat Ba $ 11.61–15.06 3h 30m – 3h 40m | |
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| Taxi Noi Bai Airport - Hai Phong $ 43.98–317.62 1h 25m – 3h 20m | |
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| Train Gia Lam - Hai Phong $ 6.99–7.20 1h 49m – 2h 13m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hanoi to Hai Phong, including current prices and schedules.
The train is the most affordable option. On booking platforms a second-class air-conditioned seat costs about $7 (October 2026), and in 2023 the tourism authority quoted fares of 85,000 to 135,000 VND.
The train and a private car are the quickest options. The train takes about 2 hours, and a private transfer from Noi Bai Airport takes from about 1 hour 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
The train takes about 2 hours and private transfers from Noi Bai Airport take from about 1 hour 25 minutes. Buses to Cat Ba Island take from about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Check your ticket. The national tourism authority reported in 2023 that the Hai Phong trains leave from Hanoi station and also call at Long Bien station, and booking platforms list Gia Lam as a boarding point.
Yes. Direct buses run from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island several times a day. On booking platforms they cost about $12 to $15 (October 2026) and take from about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Coaches leave Giap Bat bus station for Hai Phong until 19:00, and private transfers can be booked for almost any time. For trains, check the current Vietnam Railways timetable for the last departure.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Vietnam Railways (Duong sat Viet Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Hanoi - Hai Phong line. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [2] Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism: Ha Noi - Hai Phong Train route on the tourism spotlight. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Hanoi to Hai Phong and Cat Ba. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [4] Hanoi Bus Station JSC (Bến xe Hà Nội): Bến xe Giáp Bát: coach routes and fares. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [5] Vietnam Airlines: Book Cheap Flights to Hai Phong. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [6] Vietnam Airlines: Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Retrieved October 15, 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.