
It now takes only 2.5 hours to travel from Hanoi To HaLong Bay, Vietnam’s capital and a popular transport hub for tourists, a famed UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the new express driveway. There are various ways to gO from one location to another, and for your convenience, here is a helpful resource on Hanoi – Halong Bay transportation.
IN A SNAPSHOT
Halong Bay is 188 kilometers (117 miles) from Hanoi.
The transit time from Hanoi to Halong Bay is 2.5-3 hours (via the Hanoi-Hai Phong highway) with no transfers.
The average bus fare from Hanoi to Halong Bay is 150,000 VND (USD 7).
This route is served by over 100 bus companies, including morre than 1000 round-trips per day.
The majority of public buses to Halong Bay depart from My Dinh Bus Station (5km from city center)
OVERVIEW OF TRIP FROM HANOI TO HALONG BAY

Halong Bay is located on the Vietnamese coast, approximately 188 kilometers (117 kilometers away) east of Hanoi, and is a world away from the busy and heart of the city. Halong Bay, with its remarkable limestone limestone formations, tropical tropical rainforests, and picturesque beaches, should not be missed. Fortunately, getting there from Hanoi is a breeze.
SHUTTLE BUS FROM HANOI TO HA LONG BAY
Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes – 3 hours
Pricing: 15 – 20 USD one way/ pax if your pick–up and drop-off points are in Hanoi Old Quarter. Surcharge may apply if you stay outside of the Old Quarter.

Best for: Shuttle bus is considered one of the most effective means of transport between Hanoi and Halong and vice versa. This is the best option if you are budget-conscious and want to save traveling time.
TYPES OF SHUTTLE BUS

Shuttle buses or tourist buses from Hanoi to Halong are widely preferred by both locals and foreigners. Choices of shuttle buses vary from budget-friendly to luxurious ones. Almost all shuttle buses drive on 5B Hanoi – Halong Highway which will take only around 2.5 – 3 hours to arrive. The departure time at Hanoi Old Quarter pick-up points is around 8 am to 9 am.
There are three major types of shuttle buses: standard buses, luxury buses, and shuttle buses managed by cruise companies.
- Standard shuttle buses have various passenger capacities ranging from 16-seater minivan to 29-to-30-seater bus, 35-seater bus, and 45-seater bus.
- Luxury shuttle buses are often 9-seater Limousine and 19-seater Fuso complete with high-end amenities.
- Many cruise companies also have their own shuttle service to pick up and drop off tourists at certain destinations.
POPULAR SHUTTLE BUSES FROM HANOI TO HALONG BAY
Among a myriad of shuttle buses on the Hanoi-Halong route, the following brands are highly recommended:
Shuttle bus operators | Schedules | Website | Phone | Ticket prices
(one way per person) |
Van Don Xanh | Every hour from 6:00 – 21:00 | http://vandonxanh.com | 02033991991 (Vietnamese/English) | 290.000 VND (~ 13 USD) |
Kalong 40-seater Bus | 6:00 – 22:30 | 1900088807 (Vietnamese/English) | 250.000 VND (~ 11 USD) | |
VIP Anh Huy | Every 30 minutes from 3:30 – 21:00 | http://vipanhhuy.vn | 0911863919 (Vietnamese) | 220.000 – 260.000 VND (~ 10 – 12 USD) |
Trung Thành Limousine | 6:00 – 21:00 | http://trungthanhlimousine.vn | 0966896896 (Vietnamese) | 240.000 – 350.000 VND (~ 11 – 16 USD) |
BOOKING METHODS:
Even though tickets can be transactioned directly from the bus firm’s site, it is highly suggested that you buy tickets through yacht or tour companies for greater assurance.
PUBLIC BUS FROM HANOI TO HALONG BAY
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Pricing: from 5 to 11 USD per passenger/one-way
Local buses are not as comfortable or convenient as public transport, but they are less expensive. A local bus may be a better choice when traveling on a budget.
HANOI BUS STATION
The majority of local buses depart from three major bus stations, which are as follows:
My Dinh Station is located at 20 Pham Hung Street in the Nam Tu Liem District of Ha Noi. This large and modern bus station is about 11 kilometers from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It is the main bus station connecting Hanoi to provinces in the North and Northwest regions such as Quang Ninh, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, and Ninh Binh, among others. There are countless buses that run each 30 minutes from here to Bai Chay, Quang Ninh Province, for a trip to Halong Bay.
6 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District, Vietnam.
PRIVATE CAR
Time required: 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Round-trip costs between $100 and $150 USD.
Best for: Business passengers, family members, and friendship groups who want a personal and convenient ride.
You can book a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay through cruise companies or travel agencies. Optionally, a personal taxi can be decided to book. The car service will pick you up and drop you off at the assigned place. This is the quickest, but also most costly, way to get in to Halong Bay.
SEAPLANE FROM HANOI TO HALONG BAY
Time to travel by seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay: 60 minutes
Pricing ranges from $175 to $385 USD per person.
Privileged travelers and couples looking for aerial photos of the bay should go here.
Having taken a seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay is the most unique and amazing way to travel. It is also the quickest way to reach Halong Bay. Furthermore, when you use this aerospace service, you shall be treated to a spectacular seaplane ride with aerial shots of the bay. A timetabled 45-minute flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay expenses between $175 and $385 USD.
Summary of options (with comparison table)
Types of transportation | Prices (round trip) | Duration | Best for | Pros & cons |
Shuttle bus | 15 – 20 USD | 2.5 – 3 hours | Independent travelers and backpackers | Pros:
Cons:
|
Local bus | 10 – 20 USD | 3 – 3.5 hours | Budget-minded travelers and backpackers | Pros:
Cons:
|
Private car | 100 – 150 USD | 2.5 – 3 hours | Groups and families with children | Pros:
Cons:
|
Seaplane | 175 – 385 USD one way | 60 minutes | Affluent travelers and couples |
DAY TRIP FROM HANOI TO HALONG BAY
You can now easily take a day trip between Hanoi and Halong Bay thanks to the building of a new Highway 5B.
Taking a shuttle bus or hiring a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay is the best option. While the former is less expensive, the latter is faster, more comfortable, and more pricey. If you are traveling alone, the best option is to take a shuttle bus, which will cost you between $10 and $15 USD. Private transfers, but at the other hand, are strongly advisable for friendship groups and family members with a large budget.