How do I get from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?
The hydrofoil from Ben Rung terminal (12 Bach Dang Street) takes 45 minutes and costs 200,000–250,000 VND — the fastest option. Bus + ferry via Cat Hai island runs 1h30 for 80,000–120,000 VND. Direct bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba (3h30 total) is available for 250,000–350,000 VND. The hydrofoil is best for speed; bus + ferry is best for budget.
Cat Ba Island is accessible from Hai Phong via two routes: the speedboat (hydrofoil) and the road + ferry combination. The island belongs to Hai Phong province, not Quang Ninh — a detail that matters for transport planning.
Hydrofoil (fastest option)
The hydrofoil is a passenger-only speedboat that cuts across the bay directly to Cat Ba town.
- Departure point: Ben Rung terminal, 12 Bach Dang Street, Hai Phong
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Price: 200,000–250,000 VND one way
- Schedule: Multiple departures daily, 7am to 4pm (verify 2026 schedule at the terminal or online)
- Booking: Buy tickets at the terminal 30 minutes before departure, or book online via Cat Ba Express or Good Morning Cat Ba
The hydrofoil is the fastest way to reach Cat Ba. It’s also the most scenic — you’ll see limestone karsts rising from the water as you approach the island. The downside: limited daily departures and no vehicle transport.
Bus + ferry (budget option)
The road route goes via Cat Hai island, where a ferry carries buses and vehicles across the strait to Cat Ba.
- Departure point: Hai Phong bus terminals (ask for “xe di Cat Ba”)
- Duration: 1h30 total (including ferry crossing)
- Price: 80,000–120,000 VND
- Schedule: Buses run every 30–60 minutes from 5am to 6pm
- Booking: No advance booking needed — buy ticket on the bus
This is the budget option. It’s slower but more flexible — buses run more frequently than hydrofoils. The ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes; the rest is bus travel on both sides of the strait.
Direct from Hanoi to Cat Ba
If you’re coming from Hanoi and don’t want to change transport in Hai Phong, combined tickets are available.
- Route: Hanoi Old Quarter pickup → bus to Ben Rung terminal → hydrofoil to Cat Ba
- Duration: 3h30 total (2h bus + 45 min hydrofoil + transfer)
- Price: 250,000–350,000 VND
- Operators: Cat Ba Express, Good Morning Cat Ba, local travel agencies
This is convenient but not necessarily cheaper than booking separately. The advantage is not having to navigate Hai Phong’s bus terminals with luggage.
Getting to Cat Ba town
Both hydrofoil and bus arrive in Cat Ba town, the main settlement on the island. From the dock/bus station:
- To hotels: Most are within walking distance of the town center.
- To national park: 15 km north — taxi or motorbike rental required.
- To Lan Ha Bay: Book a tour from Cat Ba town — kayaking and boat trips depart daily.
Schedules and timing
Hydrofoil schedules change seasonally. In high season (October–April), there are more departures. In low season (May–September), some operators reduce frequency. Always verify the current schedule:
- Cat Ba Express: catbaexpress.com
- Good Morning Cat Ba: goodmorningcatba.com
- Terminal phone: Check 2026 listings for current contact numbers
The short version
Hydrofoil: 45 min, 200,000–250,000 VND, from Ben Rung terminal. Fastest. Bus + ferry: 1h30, 80,000–120,000 VND. Cheapest, most frequent. From Hanoi direct: 3h30, 250,000–350,000 VND. Most convenient.