Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: how to get there (bus, shuttle, car)
In short
Allow about 2.5 hours on the expressway. If you are taking a cruise, the shuttle from your Hanoi hotel is almost always included or offered as an option: the simplest choice. Otherwise, take a limousine van or a private car.
The options
| Option | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise shuttle | About 2.5 h | Hotel pickup, the simplest |
| Limousine van | About 2.5-3 h | Good comfort for the price |
| Private car | About 2.5 h | Flexible times, ideal for families |
Things to do in Ha Long Bay
Hanoi: Ha Long Bay day cruise with swimming, lunch and kayaking
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See and bookHanoi: 2-day 5-star cruise in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays with balcony
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See and bookHanoi: 2-day 5-star cruise in Lan Ha and Ha Long Bays, balcony cabin
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See and book
Frequently asked questions
How long from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?
About 2.5 hours on the expressway, a little more depending on the port and traffic.
Can you go from Hanoi to Ha Long by train?
It is not the practical option: the road is much faster, and most cruises include the shuttle.
Other routes
- Hanoi to Ninh Binh: train, bus or car?
- Hanoi to Sapa: bus or night train?
- Hanoi to Ha Giang: sleeper bus, limousine or tour
- Hanoi to Hue: flight or night train?
- Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh: direct transfer without going back to Hanoi
- Hanoi to Phong Nha: flight, train or night bus?
- Hanoi to Saigon: flight or train?
- Hanoi to Da Nang: flight or night train?


