Hai Phong Airport to Halong Bay: Best Transport Options

Hai Phong Airport to Halong Bay: Complete Travel Guide

$30 a private car from Hai Phong Airport to Halong Bay. Vietnam captivates travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. Among its most treasured destinations, Halong Bay stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws visitors from across the globe. For many international travelers, the journey begins at Hai Phong’s Cat Bi International Airport (HPH), serving as the gateway to this natural wonder.

This comprehensive guide explores the seamless journey from Hai Phong Airport to Halong Bay, providing essential information on transportation options, travel duration, costs, and insider tips to enhance your Vietnamese adventure.

Quick Facts: Hai Phong Airport to Halong Bay

Essential Information	Details
Total Distance	75 kilometers (47 miles)
Transport Options	Private car, taxi, shuttle, bus
Travel Duration	1.5 to 2.5 hours (depending on transportation mode)
Best Routes	Via Highway 18 or Hai Phong-Halong Expressway
Cost Range	$3 (bus) to $55 (luxury transfer)
Recommended Option	Private car transfer for comfort and convenience

Understanding the Journey: Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay

Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong serves as a convenient entry point for travelers heading to Halong Bay. Located approximately 75 kilometers from the bay area, this route offers a scenic introduction to Vietnam’s northern landscapes. The journey typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your chosen transportation method and traffic conditions.

Recent infrastructure developments, particularly the Hai Phong-Halong Expressway completed in 2018, have significantly reduced travel times, making the journey more efficient and comfortable than ever before.

Transportation Options from Hai Phong Airport to Halong Bay

1. Private Car Transfer (Recommended)

Price Range: $35-55 (depending on vehicle type) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes Booking Options: Online reservation, airport counters, or through your cruise/hotel

Private car transfers represent the most convenient and comfortable option for traveling from Hai Phong Airport directly to Halong Bay. This door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of multiple transfers and waiting times.

Benefits of Private Car Transfers:

Personalized Service: Professional drivers meet you at the arrival hall with a name sign
Vehicle Options: Choose from 4-seater sedans ($35), 7-seater SUVs ($45), or 16-seater vans ($80+)
Direct Route: Non-stop journey using the fastest expressway
Flexible Departure: No waiting for scheduled departures
Comfort: Air-conditioned modern vehicles with ample luggage space
Convenience: Perfect for families, groups, or travelers with heavy luggage

For the ultimate convenience, many luxury Halong Bay cruises offer private transfer services that seamlessly connect with their cruise schedules. Paradise Explorer and Paradise Delight provide premium transfer services for their guests, ensuring a stress-free journey from airport to cruise dock.

2. Taxi Services

Price Range: $30-45 (metered or fixed price) Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours Availability: Available at airport taxi stands

Airport taxis offer a readily available option for travelers arriving at Cat Bi International. While slightly more expensive than buses, they provide the convenience of immediate departure without waiting for scheduled services.

Taxi Travel Tips:

Choose Reputable Companies: Mai Linh, Vinasun, or airport-authorized taxis
Confirm Price: Either use the meter or negotiate a fixed price before departure
Keep Information: Take the driver’s identification number and company contact details
Payment Methods: Most taxis accept cash only (Vietnamese Dong preferred)
Airport Surcharge: Be aware of potential airport pickup fees (usually 10,000-15,000 VND)

3. Public Bus Services

Price Range: $2-3 per person Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours (including transfers) Schedule: Departures every 15-20 minutes (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

For budget-conscious travelers, public buses offer the most economical transportation option from Hai Phong to Halong Bay. This option requires taking a city bus from the airport to Lac Long Bus Station, then transferring to an intercity bus to Bai Chay Bus Station in Halong.

Bus Journey Details:

Step 1: Take bus #11 from the airport to Lac Long Bus Station (30 minutes, 10,000 VND)
Step 2: Take the Hai Phong-Halong Bay bus to Bai Chay Station (1.5 hours, 40,000-50,000 VND)
Step 3: Local transportation to your final destination in Halong Bay

While the most affordable option, this route requires multiple transfers and more time, making it less convenient for travelers with luggage or tight schedules.

4. Pre-arranged Cruise Transfers

Price Range: Often included in cruise packages or available as add-ons Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (direct to cruise terminal) Booking: Through cruise operators when booking your Halong Bay experience

Many reputable Halong Bay cruise companies offer specialized transfer services from Hai Phong Airport directly to their embarkation points. These transfers are designed to align perfectly with cruise schedules, eliminating potential timing issues.

Recommended Luxury Cruise Transfers:

3-Day 5-Star Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay Cruise – Offers seamless airport pickup services with luxury vehicles
Halong Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise – Premium transfer options with professional English-speaking drivers

These cruise-arranged transfers often include thoughtful amenities like cold towels, bottled water, and Wi-Fi, providing a premium start to your Halong Bay experience. Ha Long Bay Lux Cruises, rated excellently on TripAdvisor, is known for their exceptional transfer services and overall customer experience.

Route Options and Scenic Highlights

Primary Route: Hai Phong-Halong Expressway

The most efficient route between Hai Phong Airport and Halong Bay is via the modern Hai Phong-Halong Expressway. This well-maintained highway reduces travel time significantly and offers glimpses of Vietnam’s evolving infrastructure and rural landscapes.

Alternative Route: Highway 18

The traditional route follows Highway 18, which takes slightly longer but provides a more authentic glimpse into local life. Travelers will pass through small villages, rice paddies, and catch occasional views of the coastline.

Scenic Points of Interest Along the Way:

Do Son Peninsula – A coastal area with beaches and traditional fishing villages
Bach Dang River – Historic waterway where Vietnam repelled Mongol invasions
Quang Ninh Province Rural Landscapes – Traditional farming communities and limestone karst formations in the distance
Bridges and Engineering Marvels – Modern infrastructure connecting Vietnam’s northeastern regions

Practical Travel Tips for the Journey

Best Time to Travel

The most comfortable months for traveling from Hai Phong Airport to Halong Bay are between October and April when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is minimal. Summer months (May to September) offer warmer weather but occasional heavy rainfall and potential typhoons might affect travel plans.

Currency and Payments

Always keep some Vietnamese Dong (VND) on hand for smaller vendors and transportation
Major hotels and cruise companies accept credit cards, but smaller establishments may be cash-only
ATMs are readily available in Hai Phong and Halong Bay but less common along the route