How to Take a Bus From Hanoi to Halong Bay?

One of the top choices for traveling with bus Hanoi to Halong bay is the shuttle bus (or tourist bus), favored by both international and local travelers. Featuring modern amenities, excellent services, and budget-friendly prices, this transportation option offers a comfortable travel experience. This article will give first-time visitors all the essential information about taking a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, ensuring you are well-prepared for your trip.

Hanoi to Halong Bay distance and travel time

The distance from Hanoi’s center to Halong City is around 155 km, typically requiring about 2.5 hours of travel via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway. Alternatively, if taking Highway No.18 through Bac Ninh Province, the journey extends to 3.5-4 hours.

When booking a Halong Bay cruise, it is essential to confirm the exact departure location of your cruise to select an appropriate shuttle bus. The two primary departure points favored by cruise lines are Halong International Cruise Port and Tuan Chau International Port.

Types of bus Hanoi to Halong bay

Public Buses (Coaches) from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Public shuttle buses, also known as coaches, with 30-45 seats, are a popular choice for traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Multiple coach operators offer services depending on your departure location. Major departure points in Hanoi include My Dinh Coach Station (Nam Tu Liem District), Gia Lam Coach Station (Long Bien District), and Giap Bat Coach Station (Hoang Mai District). Most buses arrive at Bai Chay Terminal, with some stopping at Tuan Chau International Port or Halong City Center.

Advantages

• Economical: Ticket prices range from $6 to $8 one-way per person, making it an affordable option.
• Basic Conveniences: These buses typically have air conditioners, free WiFi, mineral water, and wet tissues. Some also feature LCD screens for entertainment.
• Flexible Schedule: Buses usually depart every hour daily from both Hanoi and Halong.

Disadvantages

• More Time-Consuming: Without an expressway route, buses take Highway No.18, taking about 3.5-4 hours.
• Extra Transport Fees: Passengers must reach the coach stations or cruise ports themselves, incurring additional taxi costs.
• Crowded and Noisy: The large number of passengers can make the journey uncomfortable due to noise.

Hanoi to Halong Bay Standard Shuttle Bus

The standard shuttle bus is a common and popular mode of transfer between Hanoi and Halong Bay. These vehicles come in various sizes, from 16-seat minivans to 45-seat buses. They are often preferred by travel agents handling Halong Bay tours for large groups.

Advantages

• Convenient: These buses are equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi, mineral water, and wet tissues. Some even have an LCD screen for entertainment, offering music and films.
• Time-saving: The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway takes about 2.5 hours.
• Reasonable price: The cost for a one-way trip ranges from $10 to $25 per person.
• Direct pick-up and drop-off: If operated by your travel agent, the bus will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. If booked through a transport company, you might be picked up and dropped off at your location, or you may need to get to designated pick-up and drop-off points. It’s essential to confirm the pick-up and drop-off policy with the operator in advance.

Disadvantages

• Crowded and noisy: With many passengers on board, the bus can sometimes be noisy and uncomfortable due to the surrounding people.

Luxury Shuttle Bus Hanoi to Halong Bay

Opting for a luxury shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay offers a comfortable and top-notch travel experience. These shuttle buses typically use modern 9-seat Limousine vehicles. Both shuttle bus operators and several Halong Bay cruise lines offer this transportation option.

Advantages:

• Deluxe Conveniences: Luxury shuttle buses come equipped with premium amenities such as air conditioning, massaging chairs, free WiFi, mineral water, wet tissues, phone charging ports, and an LCD screen. Additionally, many operators offer customer support in English.
• Time-Saving: The route from Hanoi to Halong Bay via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway takes approximately 2.5 hours.
• Direct Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Most luxury shuttle buses provide direct pick-up and drop-off at passengers’ locations (homes, hotels, etc.), saving the cost of a taxi.
• Quiet Environment: With fewer passengers, these shuttle buses offer a quieter and more relaxing journey.
• Flexible Schedule: Operators offer hourly departures or multiple options throughout the day, allowing you to choose a time that suits you best.

Disadvantages:

• High Price: The cost for a luxury shuttle bus ranges from $25 to $40 per round trip per person, which is relatively high. However, the superior benefits justify the price.

How to book a Hanoi to Halong Bay bus

Book a Shuttle Bus Separately

Tourists can book a shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay through a transport company. Several operators offer various transfer options. Here are three common ways to book:

• Online Booking: Websites like 12Go and Baolau offer a range of shuttle bus services with detailed information on routes, schedules, and prices in English.
• Hotline: Call the shuttle bus companies directly. English-speaking operators include Kumho Viet Thanh (1900088835) and Phuc Xuyen (19006799).
• At the Coach Station: Purchase a ticket directly at the coach station if you prefer traveling by public shuttle bus.

Book a bus together with a cruise

Many Halong Bay cruise providers provide a complimentary shuttle bus transfer as part of their tour packages. These deluxe buses conveniently collect passengers from their accommodations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and transport them directly to Halong’s cruise ports. Ensure to confirm the availability of this complimentary service with your chosen cruise operator when making your reservation.

Useful tips to travel with shuttle bus Hanoi to Halong bay

Selecting the Right Bus Size

When deciding on a shuttle bus, consider the range of capacities available, ranging from 9-seat Limousines to 40-seat coaches. Your choice should be based on the number of passengers to ensure adequate space and desired privacy. For instance, couples or small families of 3-4 members may find a luxury shuttle bus ideal, while larger groups of tourists may prefer spacious public shuttles.

Opting for luxury shuttle buses for discerning travelers

Among the various shuttle bus options, luxury shuttles offer top-tier amenities, ensuring a modern and upscale travel experience. With fewer passengers onboard, they also provide enhanced privacy and relaxation for passengers.

Booking a Comprehensive Transportation Package 

For an immersive travel experience, consider booking an all-inclusive cruise package that includes round-trip shuttle bus transfers. This ensures a seamless journey, as these shuttle buses are directly managed and operated by the cruise company, minimizing the risk of issues such as delays or overcharging commonly associated with external bus services. 

Make sure to confirm the pick-up and drop-off spots beforehand

Prior to embarking on your excursion, it’s crucial to verify the designated pick-up and drop-off locations with your transportation provider or cruise company. Typically, luxury and standard shuttle buses collect passengers in the vicinity of the Hanoi Old Quarter. If your pick-up point is distant, there might be an additional fee or you may need to arrange your own transfer to the bus’s designated pick-up spot. 

For those opting for a cruise, Halong Bay boasts three primary ports: Halong International Port, Tuan Chau International Port, and Got Pier. If you’re traveling to Halong via a shuttle bus offered by a transportation company, ensure that its drop-off location in Halong aligns with the departure port of your cruise. This factor should also influence your choice of shuttle bus line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to travel from Hanoi center to Halong Bay?

Usually, it takes approximately 2.5 hours via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway. If you opt for Highway No.18 through Bac Ninh Province, the travel time extends to 3.5-4 hours.

Which type of shuttle bus is best for a family of three?

For a three-person family, a 9-seat luxury shuttle bus is highly recommended. It offers convenience, high comfort, and a relatively quiet environment.

Do buses from Hanoi to Halong Bay use the new Expressway?

Luxury and standard shuttle buses travel via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway, while public buses (coaches) take Highway No.18.

How much does it cost to travel by luxury shuttle bus?

The average price range for a Limousine car transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay is approximately US$ 25-40 per person for a round trip.

Conclusion

Traveling by bus Hanoi to Halong bay offers convenience and affordability for adventurers seeking to explore Vietnam’s stunning landscapes. By following the outlined steps, you can seamlessly navigate your way to Halong Bay, ready to immerse yourself in its beauty and charm. So, pack your bags, hop on a bus, and embark on an unforgettable journey to one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic destinations.