How do I get from Hanoi to Hai Phong?
The express train from Long Bien station takes 2 hours 10 minutes and costs 85,000–115,000 VND — the most reliable option. Highway bus from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus terminal runs 2 hours for 120,000–160,000 VND. Private car or taxi runs 2 hours via the Hanoi–Hai Phong expressway. The train is the best value; the bus is the most flexible.
The Hanoi to Hai Phong route is one of the most straightforward connections in northern Vietnam. The Hanoi–Hai Phong expressway opened in 2015, cutting travel time from 4 hours to under 2. The railway runs parallel to the road, offering a slower but more scenic option.
Express train (recommended for solo travelers)
The train departs from Long Bien station, which is walkable from the Old Quarter — cross the Long Bien Bridge and you’re there. There are 4–6 departures daily, starting around 6am and running until early evening.
- Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Price: 85,000 VND (hard seat) to 115,000 VND (soft seat)
- Schedule: Check dsvn.vn or 19001886.vn for current timetables
- Booking: Buy at the station 1–2 days ahead, or book online via the Vietnam Railways website
The train is the best value for money. It’s punctual, comfortable, and unaffected by traffic. The downside: limited daily departures and no late evening trains.
Highway bus (recommended for flexibility)
Express buses leave from two terminals:
- My Dinh bus terminal (western Hanoi) — larger, more frequent departures
- Gia Lam bus terminal (eastern Hanoi, across the Red River) — closer to Long Bien station
Buses run from 5am to 7pm, departing every 30–60 minutes. No need to book ahead — just show up and buy a ticket.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: 120,000–160,000 VND depending on the operator
- Operators: Look for reputable companies like Hai Au, Phuong Trang, or local express services
The bus is more flexible than the train but subject to traffic. Rush hour (7–9am, 5–7pm) can add 30–45 minutes.
Private car or Grab (recommended for groups)
A private car via the expressway is the fastest option if you’re splitting costs.
- Duration: 1h45–2h depending on traffic
- Price: 600,000–900,000 VND for a Grab Car or private taxi
- Pickup: Anywhere in Hanoi — your hotel, the airport, the Old Quarter
This is cost-effective for 3–4 people and convenient if you have luggage heading straight to the Cat Ba ferry terminal.
Motorbike (for adventurous riders)
Riding from Hanoi to Hai Phong is doable but not recommended for inexperienced riders. The expressway prohibits motorbikes, so you’ll take QL5 — a busy highway with heavy truck traffic.
- Duration: 2h30–3h
- Distance: 105 km via QL5
- Price: Fuel ~100,000 VND
Only attempt this if you’re an experienced rider comfortable with chaotic Vietnamese traffic.
Getting to Hai Phong from Noi Bai Airport
If you’re flying into Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), you have two options:
- Airport to Hai Phong directly: Some limousine van services offer direct transfers. Book in advance, cost around 350,000–450,000 VND, journey time 2h30.
- Airport to Hanoi center, then train/bus: Take a taxi or airport bus to the Old Quarter, then catch the train or bus as described above.
Arriving in Hai Phong
Hai Phong has two main arrival points:
- Hai Phong Railway Station: Central location, walkable to hotels on Nguyen Duc Canh Street.
- Hai Phong Bus Terminal: About 5 km from the city center. Grab or taxi to your hotel (50,000–80,000 VND).
If you’re heading straight to Cat Ba Island, ask the bus operator if they offer a combined ticket — some buses go directly to the ferry terminal at Ben Rung.
The short version
Train: 2h10, 85,000–115,000 VND, depart from Long Bien station. Best value. Bus: 2h, 120,000–160,000 VND, from My Dinh or Gia Lam. Most flexible. Car/Grab: 1h45–2h, 600,000–900,000 VND. Best for groups. Motorbike: 2h30–3h via QL5. Only for experienced riders.