How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi, cheap way to Halong

 

There are 6 best ways How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi.

Halong Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province. Previously, it took 4 hours to get from Hanoi to Halong, so instead of traveling to Halong Bay right after landing in the Noi Bai airport.

Noi Bai International Airport- 30 km (19 miles) away from Hanoi. This is also the closest and biggest international airport to Halong Bay.

Most travelers will spend a day and explore the capital and travel to Halong Bay the next day.

However, after the new highway came into operation at the end of 2018, the beginning of 2019, the distance between Hanoi and Halong is shortened from 175km to 125km. The traveling time from the capital to Halong reduces from 4 hours to 2-2.5 hours by car.

So travelers, who have limited time still can visit Ha Long Bay from Hanoi and back in the same day.

1. Local Bus (Coach)- The Budget Choice (How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi)

Cost: Around 100,000 to 2,000,000 VND ($5-50/trip)

For those who travel on a budget, this is an attractive option as it costs as low as 100,000 VND (less than $5).

This means of transport usually has a lot of seats (the 45-seat type is quite common).

It took only 3 hours to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by bus, thanks to the new Highway.

Sometimes it took longer since the local bus has to go around bus stops to pick their customers.

2. Motorbike- The Adventure Choice

(How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi)

Cost:Around 100,000 to 2,000,000 VND ($5-50/trip)

For adventurous, budget travelers who wish to explore local life and scenery, there is no better way than driving a motorbike from Hanoi to Halong.

There are different routes for you to choose, like

Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Halong: Find 1A Highway-> Take exit Hanoi-Haiphong highway-> Continue onto Highway Hà Nội – Hải Phòng/QL5B/ĐCT04-> Take the exit toward Bạch Đằng Bridge-> Continue onto Hạ Long – Hải Phòng Highway

New Highway: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Halong: From Hà Nội – Hải Phòng/QL5B/ĐCT04 Highway to Nội Bài – Hạ Long/Đại Yên/QL18 Highway

If your cruise’s port locates at Tuan Chau Island (Most of the Halong cruise companies start from here) -> At the roundabout on QL18 Highway, take the 1st exit onto Tuần Châu

 

3. Shuttle Bus- A Convenient Means Of Transportation

(How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi)

Shuttle Bus to Halong Bay

When booking a cruise, you can ask the agent or a Halong bay cruise company for a shuttle bus service. They normally will offer a combo package, which is cheaper than you book them separately.

Sometimes, cruise companies will run special promotions and offer free transfer if you book a cruise with them.

The cost will vary among different companies and different types of buses. But the normal price will around 250-500 ($10-20) for a one-way ticket.

In general, it is easy and convenient because you don’t have to worry about pick-up and drop-off points.

The bus will pick you at your hotel on request and take you to the cruise center where your cruise ship ports.

After your Halong Bay trip, the shuttle bus will wait outside the cruise center and take you back to Hanoi.

Previously, it took about 3.5 hours to get to Halong Bay as the traveling time has now been reduced to 2.5 hours with the opening of the new Hai Phong – Hanoi Hight way since 15th October 2018.

For example, Bhaya Shuttle Bus departs daily from central Hanoi to the Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay.

The bus will pick you up at your hotel in Central Hanoi and drop you off at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port.

– Distance (Hanoi – Halong Bay): 125 km

– Rest stop: 2 hours after departure. Around 15 minutes. The stop normally lasts around 15 to 20 minutes.

It offers more comfort and convenience than a local coach with normally 7-16 seats only.

The bus goes straight to Halong City and might have only a break within a short time (~15 mins). It will not welcome new customers along the way.

Besides air-conditioner, Wi-Fi and water bottles are also served on the bus. Drivers can usually communicate in basic English so this can reduce the language barrier.

You won’t have to worry about buying bus tickets or taking the extra vehicles from the bus station to the port.

Cons
More Expensive Compared Coach, Motorbike
Cannot Enjoy Landscape Like Motorbike

4. Train – For A Slow But Safe Ride (How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi)

There is an only one train that goes directly from Hanoi to Halong Bay with the ticket fare about $4.5/person

The train departs from Yen Vien Station in Hanoi and goes to Halong City Station at 4.55 am & returns at 13:50 pm every day.

For those who only have a day to visit Halong, the long traveling time of 6 hours by train is definitely not a good choice.

From the Halong station, you will need to catch a taxi to get to the city center so that will add to the cost.

On the other hand, if you do not mind the long traveling hours and love the sound of the train whistle, this safe means of transport can offer you a lovely view of the scenery along the way.

 

5. Private car – utmost privacy (How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi)

If you do not want to share the trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay with strangers or wish to be totally flexible of your schedule, a private car is your best option.

Whether you are a busy businessman on holiday or go on a vacation with your family, a private transfer will ensure the best privacy for you.

At a cost, of course: about 1,500,000 vnd – 5,000,000 vnd ($70-100) for a round trip.

You can ask your tour or cruise operator to arrange this service for you or simply book a taxi.
Is it necessary?
If comfort, flexibility, and privacy really matter to you, then yes, you should consider a private transfer.

If you want to take a taxi to Halong Bay, make sure to confirm the total cost with the taxi driver. They may charge you more when they take a longer route than necessary.

Or check with your cruise providers, they might have a private car pick up at airport services packaged with their cruise tour.

6. Seaplane- Breathtaking Halong Bay View (How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi)

Seaplane is the only option if you want to fly from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

This is also the fastest way to travel from Halong and also the most expensive way.

it takes only 45 minutes to travel from Hanoi to Halong by seaplane.

Traveling by seaplane you will get an amazing view of Halong from above which a normal transfer or cruise cannot provide.

To book seaplane, you can contact directly with the company that operates the seaplane.

Hai Au Aviation is the only service provider in Halong Bay with the cost of around $400/person/round trip.

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Top 08 The Best 5-star cruises in Halong Bay

1, Serenity Cruises Halong Bay
2, Rosy Cruises 5*
3, Heritage Cruises 5*
4, Le Theatre Cruises 5*
5, Scarlet Pearl Cruise
6, The President Cruises Halong
7, Stellar Of The Seas Cruise
8, Era Cruises In Lan Ha Bay

 

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