TransfersHanoiCat Ba Island
Bus29 seats

Cat Ba Express: Hanoi to Cat Ba Island Bus (Speedboat or Cable Car)

Hanoi Cat Ba Island 3h 15m

At a glance

Cat Ba Express: Hanoi to Cat Ba Island Bus (Speedboat or Cable Car) is a bus transfer from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, taking about 3h 15m. Departures at 10:45, 14:00, 6:00 and 7:45. Seats cost $13–$16 across 2 seat classes. Book online at GoVietTour — pay now or pay later after confirmation.

Route
Hanoi → Cat Ba Island
Type
Bus
Duration
3h 15m
Departures
10:45 · 14:00 · 6:00 · 7:45
From
$13
Seat classes
Seat + Speedboat Crossing, Seat + Cable Car Crossing

Seat classes compared

Seat classPriceCapacity
Seat + Speedboat Crossing$131
Seat + Cable Car Crossing$161

Prices and availability last checked on July 17, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

About Cat Ba Express: Hanoi to Cat Ba Island Bus (Speedboat or Cable Car).

What's the difference between the speedboat and cable-car crossing?

The speedboat takes 5–7 minutes and is included in the standard $13 fare, while the Cat Hai–Phu Long cable car takes 10–15 minutes with panoramic views over the bay and costs $16. The cable car doesn't operate every day — if it's closed, your crossing switches to speedboat or ferry.

What times do buses leave Hanoi, and how long is the trip?

Four departures daily at 6:00, 7:45, 10:45, and 14:00, arriving on Cat Ba around 9:15, 11:00, 14:00, and 17:15 — about 3 hours 15 minutes door-to-door, though traffic can affect timing.

Where do I get picked up and dropped off?

Free hotel pick-up in Hanoi's Old Quarter, or board at the office at 214 Tran Quang Khai Street or Aeon Mall Long Bien. On the island you're dropped at your Cat Ba Town hotel or the office at 191 1/4 Street; some resorts outside town require a short 150–200 m walk from the nearest drop-off point.

What are the buses like on board?

Coaches have reclining leather seats with seatbelts and extra legroom, no middle seats, personal air-conditioning controls, and complimentary water and wet wipes. An English-speaking guide rides on every departure to keep the bus–boat–shuttle connections smooth.

How much luggage can I bring?

One standard bag up to 70×50×30 cm plus one small handbag per person.

Can I book a round trip, and when do return buses leave Cat Ba?

Yes — return departures leave Cat Ba at 9:30, 12:30, 15:30, and 17:00, with pick-up at your Cat Ba Town hotel or the 191 1/4 Street office and drop-off back in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

What's the cancellation policy?

More than 48 hours before departure you get a refund minus a $2-per-ticket handling fee, 24–48 hours before departure a 50% refund, and less than 24 hours before departure no refund.

Do I pay now, and when is my booking confirmed?

You can book now and pay now or later — payment is coordinated by email or WhatsApp after booking. Availability is confirmed within 1 business day, usually within 24 hours; check your spam folder if you don't see the email.