[Comprehensive Guide] Most Convenient Ways to Travel to Ha Long in 2024

If you want to save time when traveling to Ha Long, let’s explore the quickest transportation methods to Ha Long in 2023 with Onevivu through the content below!

In September 2022, the Van Don – Mong Cai expressway was inaugurated, connecting with the Van Don – Ha Long – Hai Phong – Hanoi – Lao Cai expressway, officially making Quang Ninh the province with the largest expressway network in the country (176 km out of 600 km total expressway network).

This development has synchronized the transportation system between Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and northern provinces, reducing travel time and providing various transportation options for tourists. Let’s follow this article to explore the ways to travel to Ha Long!

Traveling to Ha Long from Saigon, the Southern and Central regions

Fly to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh)

In Quang Ninh, there is now the Van Don International Airport, so you can fly directly from Saigon or any airport in the Southern and Central regions to Quang Ninh. Afterward, take a car from the airport to Ha Long City, which is approximately a 60-minute drive. Following that, you can rent a shuttle service from Van Don Airport to Ha Long.

• Bus: 100,000 VND/passenger.

> To book a car, please contact the Hotline: 0789.455.888 / 0961.250.100

Flying to Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong)

Although both airports are in the same province, the distance between Van Don Airport and the center of Ha Long City is 60km, while the distance between Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong) and the city center is only 40km. If you travel by car from Cat Bi Airport, it will take approximately 40 – 50 minutes.

Therefore, based on the experience of travel enthusiasts, if you are traveling from the Southern or Central regions to Quang Ninh to explore Ha Long Bay, it is advisable to prioritize Cat Bi Airport to save time and transportation costs. Roughly estimated, from the airport, you can take a taxi (a 4-seater taxi costs between 500,000 – 600,000 VND) or opt for a shared limousine with a lower fare, approximately 200,000 VND/passenger.

To book a car, please contact the Hotline: 0789.455.888 / 0961.250.100

Travel to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)

In addition to Van Don and Cat Bi airports, you can fly from the Southern and Central regions to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Although this is the farthest airport from the other two (170 km), it offers many flights and transport services to the center of Ha Long City. You can choose from the following transportation options:

Pick up a car directly at Noi Bai Airport

From Noi Bai Airport, you can opt for a 4-seater taxi with prices ranging from 1,500,000 to 1,700,000 VND per trip, or take a shared 9-seater limousine with prices ranging from 450,000 to 500,000 VND per passenger (due to limited companies offering direct airport pick-ups, the ticket prices are relatively high). The travel time from the airport to the center of Ha Long City is approximately 3 – 3.5 hours.

 

To book a car, please contact the Hotline: 0789.455.888 / 0961.250.100

Travel by Shuttle

If you want to save more on transportation between Noi Bai Airport and Quang Ninh, consider taking a shuttle, which means changing vehicles rather than riding in a single one. There are two common shuttle points to reach Ha Long, including:

1. Noi Bai Expressway Toll Booth: This shuttle point is about 4 km from the airport, and you can reach it by taxi for approximately 100,000 VND. From there, take a shuttle to Ha Long for only 120,000 VND per passenger. This is a relatively inexpensive way to get to Ha Long, but the travel time to the city center is quite long, taking about 4 – 5 hours due to non-expressway travel and potential passenger drop-offs along the way.
2. Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway Head: You can travel to the head of the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway for more options in catching a limousine from downtown Hanoi to Ha Long. Some limousine companies combine airport pick-ups with transfers to another limousine for a package price of around 520,000 – 600,000 VND per passenger. The travel time to Ha Long using this method is relatively quick, taking only about 2 – 3 hours.
3. Private car: Carpooling is only suitable if you are traveling in a small group, from 1 – 3 people. If your group is larger, it’s better to use a private car for privacy, flexible scheduling, shorter wait times, and cost savings. You can find service providers offering vehicles from 4 – 45 seats, providing reasonable prices for airport transportation to Ha Long as quickly as possible.”

Getting to Ha Long from Hanoi

Renting a private car

From Hanoi, you can rent a car to travel via the Ha Long – Hai Phong Expressway, passing through the Bach Dang Bridge and Dai Yen to reach Ha Long. The travel time is only from 2.5 to 3 hours. Additionally, if you’re coming from Noi Bai, follow the route through Bac Ninh – Route 18 – Pha Lai – Chi Linh – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Ha Long. The total distance from Hanoi to Ha Long City is about 170 km.

If you’re traveling by motorbike, it will take approximately 4 hours to reach this natural wonder. During the journey, maintain a suitable speed and equip yourself with sufficient safety gear such as a helmet with a visor, long-sleeved clothing, gloves, etc.

Personal Car

If you’re traveling by personal car, you don’t need to rely too much on Google Maps. Just follow the directions on the Hanoi – Hai Phong and Hai Phong – Ha Long expressways. The estimated time to reach the city of the world natural heritage is only about 2 – 2.5 hours.

Bus

From Hanoi, there are quite a few bus options for you to choose from to travel to Ha Long. You can catch a bus at My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations with very affordable fares, starting from only 120,000 VND per person (sleeper buses are more expensive and usually operate in the evening). All buses on the Hanoi – Quang Ninh route pass through Ha Long, so you can take any route; just inform the bus attendant or the driver that your destination is Bai Chay Bus Station.

After arriving at Bai Chay Bus Station, you can take a motorbike taxi or a regular taxi to reach your hotel. The travel time for this journey is approximately 4 – 5 hours as the buses pick up passengers along the way and do not operate on expressways.

Limousine

Many tourists opt for limousine services when traveling to Ha Long from Hanoi. There are numerous companies providing door-to-door services at reasonable prices (250,000 – 300,000 VND per person). The advantage of traveling by limousine is that it accommodates only 9 passengers, with comfortable and spacious seats, and it is more economical compared to taxis.

As the limousines travel on expressways, the travel time to Ha Long is optimized, taking only 2.5 – 3 hours to reach the city center.

Apart from independently arranging for a limousine pickup, you can also book vehicles from companies specialized in providing transportation for tourists going on overnight cruises in the Bay. These vehicles pick up tourists only in the Old Quarter area of Hanoi, ensuring quick turnaround times for pick-up and drop-off.

However, since these limousines cater to a premium customer segment, the costs are significantly higher compared to other options mentioned earlier. Nevertheless, you get a new, well-maintained vehicle and excellent service. If you prefer this mode of transportation, make sure to contact and book the service in advance to secure your spot!

Above are various ways to travel to Ha Long from different regions in Vietnam. Depending on your financial situation and travel time, you can choose the transportation option that suits you best, ensuring a complete and comfortable journey.