Halong Bay and Cat Ba are the classic next stop after Ninh Binh. It is about 190 km, roughly 3 hours on the expressway. Almost every cruise and hotel asks you to arrive before noon, and that is exactly where the transport choice matters.
Your options
| Time | Price | What to expect | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limousine bus | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | Around 300,000 to 450,000 VND per person | Fixed departure times that do not always match cruise check-in. Fixed stops, so you still need taxis. Paid upfront, non-refundable. Luggage space is tight. |
| Private car | About 3 hours | From 2,200,000 VND per car (Halong), from 2,200,000 VND to Cat Ba pier | Picked up at your hotel at the time your cruise requires, dropped at the exact harbour or pier. No missed boats. |
The cruise argument
Most Halong and Lan Ha cruises board between 11:30 and 12:30. Miss that window and you miss the boat, literally. A bus that leaves late or drops you at the wrong harbour is a real risk. With a private car you set the pickup time to your cruise, and your driver knows the harbours.
Going to Cat Ba? We drive you to the pier for the ferry or speedboat crossing. Tell us which boat you take and we time it right.
On the way, your driver can stop for coffee, a toilet break or an early lunch. A visit to a sight on the way costs extra: ask us for the price. The route is flat and easy, so the extra comfort is mostly about certainty and timing.
Prices on this page were correct when we wrote it. They can change a little over time, for example when fuel prices change. We do our best to keep this page up to date, and we always confirm the exact price before you book.
How to book
- Send us a message with your dates and route. We reply the same day.
- No prepayment. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
- You pay the driver at the end, in VND, USD or euro. Gas, tolls and parking are included.
Contact us here or book directly on our transfer page.
See also: one driver for your whole trip and the full transfer price list.
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