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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 limousine bus. 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).[3] 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
Buses on this route serve different needs, whether you head to the port or onward to the islands. For a comfortable transfer, booking platforms list a Limousine + Ferry service for about $24 (October 2026) that takes from about 4 hours 30 minutes.[3]
Travel to Cat Ba Island
If your final destination is Cat Ba, specific bus services combine the bus journey with the ferry crossing. Booking platforms list VIP 45 and tourist buses from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island 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 $45 for an economy car and reach about $320 for large VIP vans (October 2026).[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | about $7[3] | about 2h[3] | Medium |
| Bus (Cat Ba) | about $12 - $15[3] | from about 3h 30m[3] | Medium |
| Limousine Bus | about $24[3] | from about 4h 30m[3] | High |
| Private Transfer (from Noi Bai) | about $45 - $320[3] | from about 1h 25m[3] | Very High |
| Flight | from VND 1,973,181[4] | 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 bus plus ferry combo ticket instead of a bus to Hai Phong city; it saves you the hassle of arranging the ferry crossing yourself.
- Luggage: Trains have luggage space, but if you have oversized suitcases, a private van is more accommodating.
Timetable
| Flight Hanoi - Hai Phong $ 43.72–116.69 3h 15m – 1days 1h 30m | |
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| Bus Hanoi - Hai Phong $ 23.95 4h 30m | |
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| Bus Hanoi - Dao Cat Ba $ 11.63–15.08 3h 30m – 3h 40m | |
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| Taxi Noi Bai Airport - Hai Phong $ 44.20–319.23 1h 25m – 3h 20m | |
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| Train Gia Lam - Hai Phong $ 7.02–7.23 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, buses with a ferry connection take from about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes, and private transfers from Noi Bai Airport take from about 1 hour 25 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. Tourist and VIP buses include the ferry crossing in the ticket price. On booking platforms they cost about $12 to $15 and take from about 3 hours 30 minutes, with a direct link from Hanoi to Cat Ba.
Flights, buses and private transfers run later in the day, 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 19, 2026.
- [4] Vietnam Airlines: Book Cheap Flights to Hai Phong. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [5] 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.