How to travel to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi?

Are you wondering how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay? Look no further! In this guide, you will find everything you need to know, from the distance from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay to a variety of transportation options for a smooth journey.

Distance from Hanoi to HaLong Bay.

When journeying from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, you have two main routes to consider:

+ the 5B National Highway (also known as the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway) : The approximate Hanoi to Ha Long Bay distance is around 165 kilometers. To travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via the 5B National Highway, follow the route from Hanoi along Highway 5 for a short distance, then take Highway 5B towards Hai Phong. This route is known for its relatively fast travel time and efficient journey.

+ The National Road 18: This is the old road to get to Ha Long via Bac Ninh –  Hai Duong – Uong Bi- Dong Chieu- Ha Long city.  : The approximate Hanoi to Ha Long Bay distance is around 180 kilometers. 

It is important to note that the duration of your trip can vary depending on your chosen mode of transportation and the specific route you take. Opting for a private car or limousine may be faster in comparison to buses or trains, which normally go at slower speeds. Meanwhile, taking the New Highway 5B via Hai Phong City requires a shorter time compared to the National Road 18 route through Bac Ninh Province, with approximately 2.5 hours and 4 – 4,5 hours by car.

Compared to other destinations, Hanoi – Ha Long has a fairly short distance. Depending on the route and means of transport, the travel time will be determined. Below are some popular ways to travel to Ha Long, trusted and chosen by many tourists.

Local shutle Bus:

If you are looking for how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay in an economical way, then taking a local bus is a good option at cheapest price to consider. There are three primary bus stations where you can including My Dinh Station (11 kilometers from Hanoi Old Quarter), Giap Bat Station (7 kilometers away from Hanoi Old Quarter), and Gia Lam Station (5.5 kilometers away from Hanoi Old Quarter).

• Price : Distance: approximately 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours via the new highway
• Cost: from 100,000 VND to 250,000 VND per person for a one-way trip

Private Car:

• Distance: approximately 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: 2 – 2.5 hours via the new highway
• Cost: from 2,300,000 – 4,500,000 VND for a round trip, depending on the type of car (4, 7, or 16-seat)

If you are looking for flexibility and having your own space, renting a Hanoi to Ha Long Bay private car is a great idea. This option gives you the freedom to plan your own itinerary, make stops along the way, and travel at your own pace. You can easily set this up through your tour or cruise operator.

Limousine Dcar Bus:

• Distance: approximately 170 kilometers
• Average travel time: about 2.5 hours via the new highway
• Cost: around 575,000 VND per person for a one-way ticket 

For those seeking a touch of comfort, traveling by limousine is an ideal choice. These vehicles come equipped with top-notch amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, massage chairs, LCD screens, stereo systems, and automatic doors. The Hanoi to Ha Long Bay limousine service also ensures a time-efficient travel experience, particularly via the new highway. There are some company provide this service is : Hoang Ngan limousine, Hoang Phu limousine .

 Travel by motorbike 

• Average travel time: 4 – 5 hours

Renting a motorbike in Hanoi allows you to customize your travel itinerary, explore at your own pace, and add a sense of adventure to your trip. Many rental shops in Hanoi offer motorbike rentals at an affordable price, ranging from 200.000 VND to 250,000 VND per day. You can easily seek assistance from your hotel or directly contact motorbike rental centers.

• Getting from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by motorbike:
  • Route 1: Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long (155 kilometers): Starting from Hanoi, you need to follow Highway 5 for about 10 kilometers to reach Sai Dong Junction. From there, continue on Highway 1 for approximately 23 kilometers to Bac Ninh Province. Take Highway 18, travel about 122 kilometers, and you will arrive at Ha Long City.
  • Route 2: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Ha Long (170 kilometers): Although slightly longer, this route offers convenience. Departing from Hanoi, you should head to Nam Sach Town in Hai Duong Province. From there, travel on Highway 183 to reach Ha Long City.