How to get to Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi? Travel Guide – Maps, Tips, Route

Located more than 163 km from Hanoi, Halong Bay is an unmissable destination when visiting Vietnam. Exploring Halong Bay from Hanoi will allow you to marvel at its magnificent natural beauty and engage in various enticing experiences.

As you prepare for this journey, you need to understand how to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Whether you’re seeking convenience, affordability, or unique experiences, let Hanoilocaltour guide you through the following ways to find the best way to get to Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi.

Distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay

Embarking on the journey to explore Halong Bay from Hanoi is not just about stepping out of the capital city but also about discovering new landscapes and engaging in fascinating discoveries along the way.

Firstly, let’s delve into the distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay. This distance depends on various factors, including the departure location from the city center and Noi Bai International Airport:

• From the city center of Hanoi to Halong Bay: The approximate distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is about 170 km.
• From Noi Bai International Airport to Halong Bay: For those traveling by plane, the airport is approximately 190 km away from Halong Bay.

How long does it take to reach Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi?

When traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the two main routes to choose from are the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway (also known as National Highway 5B) and National Highway 18. The journey typically takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road.

Your choice of route and mode of transportation can affect the duration of your trip. Compared to buses and trains, which usually move more slowly, using private vehicles or limousine services can be faster. Passing through Hai Phong city on National Highway 5B takes about 2.5 hours, while traveling through Bac Ninh province on National Highway 18 takes longer (about 3.5 hours).

How to get to Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi?

There are indeed numerous transportation options available for travelers seeking to journey from the bustling city center of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Halong Bay. Each mode of transport offers its own unique experience and advantages, catering to different preferences and travel styles. Let’s explore the various options in detail:

Get to Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi by Shuttle Bus

• Distance: Approximately 170 km.
• Average Travel Time: 2.5 – 3 hours via the new expressway.
• Ticket Price: From 350,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person for a one-way trip with pick-up and drop-off points within the Hanoi Old Quarter. If your location is outside this area, you may need to pay an additional fee.

Shuttle services are considered an efficient transportation option between Hanoi and Halong Bay, especially suitable for those who want to control expenses while saving travel time.

Types of Shuttle Services: Shuttle services or tourist vehicles from Hanoi to Halong Bay are favored by both locals and foreigners. There are many options for shuttle buses, ranging from budget to luxury. Most shuttles travel via the new National Highway 5B. Departure times are typically around 8 am to 9 am at pick-up points in the Hanoi Old Quarter, and the journey takes only 2 to 3 hours.

There are two main types of shuttle services: standard buses and those operated by tour companies. Standard shuttles come in various passenger capacities, ranging from 25 to 30-seat vehicles to 35-seat and 45-seat buses. Many tour companies also offer private shuttle services to pick up and drop off tourists at specific locations.

How to Book Shuttle Services from Hanoi to Halong?

While tickets can be purchased directly through the bus company’s website, it’s advisable to book tickets through travel agencies or tour operators for better deals.

Get to Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi by Local Bus

• Distance: The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is approximately 170 km.
• Travel Time: It typically takes about 3 hours to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by local bus via the new expressway. However, this duration may vary as buses often pick up more passengers at bus stops along the way.
• Ticket Price: The ticket prices range from approximately 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND per person for a one-way trip. For budget-conscious travelers, traveling by local bus can be the most cost-effective option

If you’re looking for an economical way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, taking the local bus is a viable option. Below are the three main bus stations where you can catch a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay:

• My Dinh Bus Station: Address: No. 20 Pham Hung Street, My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
• Gia Lam Bus Station: Address: No. 9 Ngo Gia Kham Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi.
• Giap Bat Bus Station: Address: No. 6 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District.

Tickets can be purchased directly from ticket counters at the bus stations without prior reservation.

Get to Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi by Private Car

• Distance: The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is approximately 170 km.
• Average Travel Time: Typically, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay via the new expressway.
• Cost: The cost of hiring a private car for a round trip varies from approximately 2,300,000 VND to 4,500,000 VND, depending on the type of vehicle (4, 7, or 16 seats), the duration of the tour (1, 2, or 3 days), or the pick-up/drop-off locations.

If you’re seeking flexibility and privacy, renting a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay is an excellent idea. This option allows you to plan your itinerary freely and enjoy your journey at your own pace.

You can arrange this service through reputable travel agencies, tour operators in Hanoi, or directly contact Hanoi Local Tours for assistance.

Limousine service – The best mode of transportation to Halong Bay from Hanoi

• Distance: The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is approximately 170 km.
• Average Travel Time: It typically takes about 2.5 hours to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay via the new expressway.
• Cost: The cost is approximately 575,000 VND per person for a one-way ticket.

Limousine services usually offer vehicles with 9 seats or Fuso with 19 seats, equipped with luxurious amenities.

Limousines are an excellent choice for individuals seeking comfort while traveling. These vehicles offer top-notch features, including massage seats, LCD screens, radio systems, free Wi-Fi, and automatic doors. The experience of a time-saving journey is also guaranteed with limousine transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay, especially when using the new expressway.

Here are some popular limousine companies operating on the Hanoi – Halong route:

• Anh Huy Limousine
• Trung Thanh Limousine
• Hoang Phu Limousine

Get to Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi by Motorcycle

For adventurous and budget-conscious travelers who want to explore local life and scenery, there’s no better way than riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

There are two common routes to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay:

Route 1: Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Halong (155 km):

From Hanoi, take National Highway 5 for about 10 km to Sai Dong intersection, then continue 23 km on National Highway 1 to Bac Ninh province. Follow National Highway 18 for approximately 122 km to reach Halong city.

Route 2: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Halong (170 km):

This route is slightly longer but more convenient. From Hanoi, head to Nam Sach town, Hai Duong province, then take National Highway 183 to Halong city.

Get to Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi by Train

• Distance: The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is approximately 164 km.
• Average Travel Time: It is estimated to take about 6 hours and 45 minutes to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train.
• Cost: The estimated cost is around 92,000 VND per person for a one-way trip.
• Booking Information:
  • Service Provider: Vietnam Railways
  • Website: dsvn.vn
  • Phone: 1900 0109

To experience life like a local, you may consider taking a train to Halong Bay and leisurely admire the scenery along the way. This option not only provides a gentle means of transportation to enjoy the landscape but also is the most budget-friendly way to reach Halong Bay.

To embark on this train journey, you can opt for train number 50501, departing from Yen Vien Station, northeast of Hanoi, at 4:55 AM and arriving at Halong Station, east of Bai Chay City, at 11:41 AM daily.

By seaplane – Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay

Taking a seaplane is a unique and fastest way to reach Halong Bay. Additionally, utilizing this aviation service allows you to experience a fantastic seaplane flight with a bird’s eye view of the bay from above. Each flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay typically takes around 45 minutes.

• Travel Time: 45 minutes
• Cost: The price ranges from 4,100,000 VND to 9,000,000 VND, approximately 175 to 385 USD per person.
• Departure Port: Noi Bai International Airport: Counter E09, Hall E, Terminal 1, Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi.
• Arrival Port: Tuan Chau Cruise Port: Villa T7, Tuan Chau Commercial Urban Area, Tuan Chau Ward, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.

How to Book Seaplane Tickets:

• Through Hai Au Aviation Website: Seaplane tickets can be booked online through the official website of Hai Au Aviation at seaplanes.vn.
• Contact Travel Service Providers: You can also directly contact travel service providers to inquire about packages that include seaplane flights. They will assist you in ticket booking and provide detailed information about accompanying services.
• Departure and Arrival Points: Seaplane flights typically depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and arrive at Tuan Chau Cruise Port in Halong Bay. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi to your final destination.

How to reach Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi Airport?

Reach Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi Airport by bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly option compared to taxis or limousines. They are particularly suitable for those traveling in groups as they are cheaper and can accommodate more luggage.

Taking Public Bus and Then Private Bus: Firstly, take public bus number 17, which operates from 5:10 AM to 10:00 PM daily, and get off at a stop near Gia Lam Bus Station. Then, walk to Gia Lam Bus Station to purchase tickets to Halong Bay from various bus companies such as Dai Phat, Quy Ngoc, Hai Phuong. Ticket prices range from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person.

Note: Most buses operate during the daytime. It may be challenging to find buses after 7:00 PM, so you should consider opting for a taxi or private car after this time.

Reach Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi Airport by taxi

Opting for a taxi provides you with the flexibility to travel wherever and whenever you choose, whether it’s day or night. So, how much does a taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay cost? Typically, a taxi ride for 4 people ranges from 1.9 to 2.3 million VND. A 7-seater taxi costs around 2.6 million VND per trip, which could be a cost-effective option if you’re traveling in a larger group.

With a taxi, you have the convenience and freedom to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way. Additionally, taxis are available 24/7, ensuring you can travel anytime, whether it’s during the day or at night.

Reach Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi Airport by limousine

The 9-seater limousine is a popular choice due to its compact size, swift travel, and comfortable seating. Cô Tô Limousine and Tâm Bảo Anh Limousine are some tour services you can consider. Both companies depart from Headquarters 9, Level 1, Terminal A, T1, Noi Bai International Airport. The ticket prices for limousine services typically range from 400,000 to 450,000 VND per trip.

Limousines offer a luxurious and comfortable travel experience, making them ideal for those seeking convenience and relaxation during their journey. With ample space and plush seating, passengers can enjoy a smooth ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay in style and comfort. Moreover, the swift travel time ensures you reach your destination quickly, allowing you to make the most of your time exploring Halong Bay’s breathtaking landscapes.

When you arrive in Halong Bay, you definitely can’t miss exploring many spectacular destinations such as Tuan Chau Island, Ti Top Beach, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cua Van Floating Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, night markets, and more.

To ensure a smooth journey, it’s important to know how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay. With the help of this detailed information, we hope you can choose the ideal travel option that fits your schedule and budget. So, start planning your trip right away for an unforgettable journey to Halong Bay!