What are the ferry times from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?
Hydrofoil from Ben Binh (12 Bach Dang Street): 200,000 VND, 45 minutes, multiple daily departures (6am-4pm). Ferry + bus via Cat Hai: cheaper (~50,000 VND), 1.5-2 hours, runs hourly. Best option: hydrofoil for speed and comfort. Book ahead on weekends June-August. Check weather — hydrofoils may cancel during storms.
Two main options connect Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island: the fast hydrofoil (recommended for most travelers) and the traditional ferry + bus route (cheaper but slower).
Hydrofoil (fast boat)
The hydrofoil is the most popular way to reach Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong.
- Departure point: Ben Binh Harbor, 12 Bach Dang Street.
- Ticket price: 200,000 VND one way.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Schedule: Multiple departures daily, 6am-4pm.
- Arrival: Cat Ba Town pier (central location).
- Comfort: Air-conditioned cabin, assigned seating, restroom on board.
- Luggage: Stored in hold; bring valuables in carry-on.
Operators
Several companies run hydrofoil service:
- Cat Ba Express: Modern boats, reliable schedule.
- Hoang Long: Longest-running operator.
- GoCatBa: Online booking, English website.
Ferry + bus (via Cat Hai)
The traditional route uses a short ferry crossing plus bus connection.
- Departure point: Pha Rung (Phả Lễ) ferry terminal.
- Ticket price: ~50,000 VND total (ferry + bus).
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
- Schedule: Hourly departures, 5am-7pm.
- Route: Ferry crosses to Cat Hai Island, then bus continues to Cat Ba Town.
- Comfort: Basic ferry (open deck), bus with seats.
- Best for: Budget travelers, motorbike riders (bikes can board ferry).
Booking tips
High season (May-August)
- Book hydrofoil 1-2 days ahead for weekends.
- Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
- Expect crowds — boats can fill up.
Low season (November-February)
- Walk-up tickets usually available.
- Some operators reduce schedule — verify current times.
- Fewer tourists, more flexibility.
Weather considerations
- Storms: Hydrofoils may be cancelled during typhoons (July-September).
- Fog: Occasional delays December-February.
- Backup plan: Ferry + bus may run when hydrofoils are cancelled (rougher ride).
From Cat Ba back to Hai Phong
Return hydrofoils run from Cat Ba pier to Ben Binh:
- First departure: ~6am.
- Last departure: ~4pm.
- Same price: 200,000 VND.
- Schedule: Check at Cat Ba ticket office upon arrival.
Alternative: Tourist buses
Some operators offer combined bus + boat packages from Hanoi directly to Cat Ba:
- Price: 250,000-350,000 VND from Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours total.
- Includes: Bus to Hai Phong, hydrofoil transfer.
- Convenience: Door-to-pier service.
The short version
Hydrofoil: 200,000 VND, 45 minutes, departures 6am-4pm from Ben Binh (12 Bach Dang). Ferry + bus: ~50,000 VND, 1.5-2 hours, hourly from Pha Rung. Best for most: Hydrofoil (fast, comfortable, reliable). Book ahead: Weekends June-August; otherwise walk-up fine.