How do I get from Cat Bi airport to Hai Phong city center?
Cat Bi Airport (HPH) is 7km from Hai Phong center (~20 minutes). Taxi: 80,000-120,000 VND to downtown. Grab: similar price, often cheaper. Bus: available but slow and infrequent. Best option: Grab or taxi for convenience. Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo (routes vary by season). Airport is small — arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights.
Cat Bi Airport is Hai Phong’s domestic gateway — small, efficient, and surprisingly close to the city center.
Distance and travel time
- Location: 7km southeast of downtown Hai Phong.
- Travel time: 15-25 minutes by car depending on traffic.
- Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways (routes vary seasonally).
- Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc (check current schedules).
Transport options
Taxi
Official taxis queue outside arrivals hall.
- Companies: Mai Linh, Thanh Long (reliable metered taxis).
- Price: 80,000-120,000 VND to city center.
- Payment: Cash preferred; some accept cards.
- Duration: 15-25 minutes.
- Tips: Ensure meter is running. Avoid drivers offering fixed prices above 150,000 VND.
Grab (ride-hailing)
Grab operates reliably in Hai Phong — often the best option.
- Pickup: Outside arrivals hall (follow app directions).
- Price: 80,000-120,000 VND (similar to taxi, sometimes cheaper).
- Payment: Cash or linked card in app.
- Duration: 15-25 minutes.
- Advantages: Transparent pricing, no negotiation, driver tracking.
Bus
Local public bus serves the airport but isn’t traveler-friendly.
- Route: Bus 01 connects airport to central areas.
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes.
- Price: ~10,000 VND.
- Duration: 45-60 minutes (many stops).
- Not recommended: Slow, infrequent, difficult with luggage.
Airport facilities
Cat Bi is a small domestic airport:
- Terminal: Single terminal for all domestic flights.
- Food: Limited cafes and snack shops airside.
- ATMs: Available in arrivals hall.
- WiFi: Free but requires Vietnamese phone number for SMS verification.
- Lounges: None available.
Arrival tips
- Domestic flights: Arrive 90 minutes before departure.
- Check-in: Counters open 2-3 hours before flight.
- Security: Quick — usually 5-10 minutes.
- Baggage: Small airport; bags appear quickly at carousel.
Departure from Hai Phong
If heading to Cat Bi Airport from the city:
- Grab/taxi: Book 30-45 minutes before desired arrival time.
- Morning rush: Allow extra time 7-8:30am.
- Evening rush: 5-6:30pm can be congested.
Connecting to other destinations
Cat Bi Airport has limited connections. For international flights or broader domestic networks:
- Via Hanoi: Take taxi/bus to Noi Bai International Airport (120km, 2 hours).
- Via Ho Chi Minh City: Connect through Tan Son Nhat for international flights.
The short version
Distance: 7km from center, 20 minutes by car. Best option: Grab or taxi (80,000-120,000 VND). Avoid: Bus unless on tight budget (slow, infrequent). Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo — check seasonal routes.