How do I get from Hai Phong back to Hanoi?
Hai Phong to Hanoi: 100km (~2 hours). Train from Hai Phong Station: 85,000-115,000 VND, 2h10, multiple daily departures. Bus from Gia Lam terminal: 120,000-160,000 VND, 2 hours, frequent. Private car/Grab: 600,000-900,000 VND, 1h45 via highway. Best for most: train for comfort and reliability, or bus for frequency. Book train tickets 1-2 days ahead for weekends.
Returning from Hai Phong to Hanoi is straightforward with multiple transport options. The journey is approximately 100km via the Hanoi-Hai Phong highway.
Train (recommended)
The train is comfortable, reliable, and scenic.
- Departure: Hai Phong Station (central location).
- Arrival: Long Bien Station or Gia Lam Station (Hanoi).
- Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes.
- Frequency: 4-6 departures daily.
- Schedule: First train ~5am, last train ~8pm.
- Ticket prices:
- Hard seat: 85,000 VND.
- Soft seat: 115,000 VND.
- Air-conditioned soft seat: ~150,000 VND.
- Booking: At station counter or dsvn.vn (Vietnam Railways).
- Tips: Book 1-2 days ahead for weekends; walk-up usually fine weekdays.
Bus (most frequent)
Buses offer the most departure times.
- Departure points:
- Gia Lam terminal (downtown Hai Phong).
- Hotel pick-up (some operators).
- Arrival: Gia Lam terminal (Hanoi) or Old Quarter drop-off.
- Duration: 2 hours via highway.
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes, 5am-8pm.
- Ticket price: 120,000-160,000 VND.
- Booking: At terminal or through hotel.
- Comfort: Air-conditioned coaches, reclining seats.
Private car / Grab (most convenient)
Door-to-door service at a premium price.
- Pickup: Anywhere in Hai Phong (hotel, airport, attractions).
- Drop-off: Anywhere in Hanoi.
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes via highway.
- Price: 600,000-900,000 VND depending on vehicle size.
- Booking: Grab app (long-distance option) or through hotel.
- Advantages: Flexible departure time, direct route, air conditioning.
- Best for: Groups, families with luggage, tight schedules.
Limousine vans (mid-range option)
Shared luxury vans offer a middle ground between bus and private car.
- Service: 9-seater Mercedes or similar.
- Pickup: Hotel pickup in Hai Phong.
- Drop-off: Hotel drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Price: 200,000-250,000 VND per person.
- Booking: Through hotels or online (vexe.vn, limousine.vn).
- Comfort: Leather seats, USB charging, water included.
Comparison table
| Mode | Price | Duration | Frequency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 85K-150K VND | 2h10 | 4-6/day | Comfort, reliability |
| Bus | 120K-160K VND | 2h | Every 30-60 min | Flexibility, frequency |
| Limousine | 200K-250K VND | 2h | On request | Door-to-door, comfort |
| Private car | 600K-900K VND | 1h45 | On request | Groups, convenience |
Practical tips
Train booking
- Book online at dsvn.vn or at station counter.
- Weekend trains fill up — book 1-2 days ahead.
- Arrive 20 minutes before departure.
- Luggage: No strict limits, keep valuables with you.
Bus booking
- Walk-up tickets usually available.
- Confirm drop-off location (Gia Lam vs Old Quarter).
- Some buses make rest stops — ask if non-stop.
Traffic considerations
- Rush hour: Avoid 7-8:30am and 5-6:30pm in both cities.
- Holiday periods: Expect delays during Tet, National Day (Sept 1-2).
- Weather: Fog December-February may cause minor delays.
The short version
Train: 85,000-150,000 VND, 2h10, 4-6 daily — best for comfort. Bus: 120,000-160,000 VND, 2h, frequent — best for flexibility. Private car: 600,000-900,000 VND, 1h45 — best for groups/convenience. Book ahead: Train on weekends; bus usually walk-up fine.