How you get from Hanoi to Cat Ba
Cat Ba is reached in two steps: a road trip toward the coast, then a short crossing by ferry, speedboat or cable car. The road route runs over the Tan Vu bridge to Dong Bai on Cat Hai island. From there a ferry crosses to Cai Viec on Cat Ba. Cat Hai island and Cat Ba island are two different places, and the bridge does not continue to Cat Ba.
The easiest option is a bus package that bundles the road, the crossing and the island transfer in one ticket. Independent travelers can also take their own transport to the ferry or use the cable car. This is an independent guide, not a ferry or bus operator. Prices and times below were published in 2026 and can change.
The four routes compared
Published prices and times from operators and local guides in 2026. Live availability is not guaranteed.
| Route | Time | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus package, Hanoi to Cat Ba | 3 to 3.5 h | Standard bus USD 10.50 to 13, limousine USD 15 to 17 | One ticket for road, crossing and island transfer. Crossing by speedboat, ferry or cable car depending on the product. |
| Dong Bai to Cai Viec ferry | 15 to 25 min | On foot VND 14,000, bicycle VND 12,000, motorbike with rider VND 44,000, car under 9 seats VND 194,000 | Tickets at the terminal. Fares from a ferry guide. |
| Cable car, Cat Hai to Phu Long | About 10 to 15 min | VND 70,000 one way, children under 1 m free | Line is 3,955 m long. It does not end in Cat Ba Town. |
| Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry | About 50 min | On foot VND 75,000 (summer 2026) | Seasonal timetable, see below. |
Cat Ba tours with transfers
Boat days and hikes on Cat Ba, many with hotel pickup, with live prices and availability.
The bus package
One operator publishes departures from Hanoi at 07:30, 08:00, 10:30, 12:30 and 14:00, and from Cat Ba back at 09:00, 12:30, 15:30 and 16:30. Hotel pickup in the Old Quarter is offered, with the exact pickup time set individually. The operator's own pages show slightly different headline prices, from USD 10.50 on one page and from USD 11 on another, so treat both as starting prices. Check the final fare when you book.
The island transfer is part of the package, which helps on the way back, when the last ferry leaves early in autumn.
The Dong Bai ferry in autumn 2026
If you travel on your own, the Dong Bai to Cai Viec ferry is the standard link. For 1 September to 31 December 2026 a local newspaper reports an operating window of 05:00–18:00. The last departure from Dong Bai is 18:00, and the last from Cai Viec is 17:30. Sailings run at intervals of up to 40 minutes. Do not rely on the later summer departures in October.
Fares come from a ferry guide and a hotel guide. The ferry guide gives VND 14,000 on foot and VND 194,000 for a car under 9 seats. The hotel guide lists about VND 12,000, VND 45,000 and VND 190,000, so expect small differences. Pay at the terminal.
Ferries stop in bad weather. In August 2026 the Dong Bai service was suspended from 22 August, 07:00, before Storm No. 4, and resumed on 26 August, 08:00. Local rules also ban boat departures in unsuitable weather. Keep a day of slack around your trip.
The cable car
The cable car links Cat Hai and Phu Long over 3,955 m. A local operator lists departures of about 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30 since 7 September 2026, and says the line is closed on Tuesdays. Other sources describe daily service, so do not count on a Tuesday ride. The ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes and a road transfer follows to the town. There is no direct link from the mainland to your hotel door.
Tuan Chau to Gia Luan
This ferry takes about 50 minutes and links Tuan Chau, part of Ha Long City, to Gia Luan on the north of Cat Ba. The summer timetable ran only from 25 April to 5 September 2026 and does not apply now. For October to mid April, a hotel guide lists departures from Tuan Chau at 07:30, 11:30 and 15:00 and from Gia Luan at 09:00, 13:00 and 16:00, with about VND 80,000 on foot. Confirm times and price the day before, because they can change.
Lan Ha Bay lies south of Ha Long Bay. If you want the Ha Long side, our sister site explains how to go from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
Before you travel
Entry rules in 2026 differ by passport, so check them before you book. German citizens can enter visa-free for up to 45 days under a measure running from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028, and Swiss citizens for up to 45 days from 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028. Austrians and US citizens need a visa before arrival. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry. The US travel advisory of 15 September 2026 mentions a digital arrival declaration up to 3 days before air arrival, and the e-visa portal urges it. Confirm the current rules with your embassy.
The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Carry cash for ferry tickets and small purchases, as cards are mainly accepted at hotels and tour operators. Emergency numbers are 115 for an ambulance, 114 for fire and 113 for police.
Once on the island, see where to stay, plan the hike in our national park guide and read the Lan Ha Bay guide for boat trips.
Getting to Cat Ba: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba?
A bus package operator quotes 3 to 3.5 hours in total, including the water crossing and the island transfer. Waiting time at the ferry or cable car comes on top.
How much is the bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba?
Published 2026 offers are USD 10.50 to 13 for a standard bus and USD 15 to 17 for a limousine. These are starting prices, not a guaranteed fare.
What time is the last ferry from Dong Bai?
For 1 September to 31 December 2026, the last departure from Dong Bai is reported at 18:00 and from Cai Viec at 17:30. Arrive earlier to be safe.
Does the cable car go to Cat Ba Town?
No. It runs from Cat Hai to Phu Long, and you continue by road. The fare is VND 70,000 one way, and children under 1 m ride free.
Is there a bridge to Cat Ba?
The road reaches Dong Bai on Cat Hai island, and a ferry crosses to Cat Ba. There is no through bridge to Cat Ba Town.
Can I use Grab on Cat Ba?
Do not count on it. Ask your hotel to arrange the transfer, and agree any taxi price before you set off.