Getting To Halong Bay From Hanoi Airport: 5 Great Options

Best Ways To Get To Halong Bay From Hanoi Airport

Getting from Hanoi Airport to Halong Bay might feel like navigating a maze of transport options, especially when you’re weighing up private taxis against shared limousine vans, buses, rental cars, and regular taxis.

You’ve just landed after a long flight, jetlag is creeping in, and the last thing you want is to make the wrong choice that either drains your budget or leaves you cramped in an uncomfortable seat for three hours.

Is a private taxi worth the expense? Should you spend a night in Hanoi first to break up the journey? What actually works best for solo travellers or couples who want comfort without completely blowing their budget

I spent a month based in Hanoi and made trips north to Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, and Sapa. Trust me when I say getting to Halong Bay is surprisingly straightforward once you understand your options. When I took the shared minivan, it was genuinely fast, effective, and comfortable. The seats reclined, there was air conditioning, and we made good time. Still, part of me wished I’d splashed out on a private taxi for the flexibility and personal space.

Here’s what you actually need to know about each option, what they cost, and which one makes sense for your trip. Once you’ve sorted your transport, you’ll want to check out my guide on tours in Ha Long Bay and where to stay in Halong Bay, before you arrive.

Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission. See my Privacy Policy.

Where Is Hanoi Airport And Ha Long Bay?

What Is The Distance Between Hanoi Airport And Ha Long Bay?

The distance between Hanoi Airport and Ha Long Bay is about 194 kilometres by road, and you can get there in several ways.

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Taking Highway 5B, you can be there in under three hours, which is a great advantage for travellers going straight to the bay.

Note that taking the national road adds an extra 20 kilometres.

Find Out How To Get From Hanoi Airport To The City Centre

Taking A Private Taxi

I swear by private taxis in Southeast Asia, if you can budget it, of course.

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I took many private taxis between Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, and it’s so easy.

The drivers were professional and had good character, which made conversations nice along the way.

Sure, getting a private taxi is more expensive than a public bus or shared minivan, but the value is worth it. Air con, comfy seats, and whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, I couldn’t recommend it enough. Book your private taxi from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay well in advance to ensure you have it reserved.

Costs start at $80.00, and if you’re sharing, it makes total sense.

Read The Best Things To Do In Hanoi With MY Full Guide

Taking A Shared Limousine Taxi

Travelled in Southeast Asia before? You’ve probably used or seen a shared minivan or limousine.

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I used many of these during my trips in Thailand and Vietnam, and honestly, they can be a great way to move between Hanoi Airport and Ha Long Bay.

Standard minivans can have up to 16 seats and are much tighter. I much prefer taking the limousine, where there are far fewer seats, and it really does feel more luxurious for a slightly higher cost.

Book your ticket here to go straight from the airport to Ha Long Bay in about three and a half hours. Leather seats and air conditioning make all the difference when it’s hot and humid in Vietnam, I’ve learnt.

Seaplane

Something I didn’t know existed was that you could take a small seaplane from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay!

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What an incredible way to travel across the most beautiful region in Vietnam.

When I visited, I was blown away by the limestone cliffs from the water, but seeing it from the sky and landing there must be a completely different experience.

It takes about an hour, which is much faster than a taxi, minivan, or bus. However, it does cost a whole lot more, coming in at Tuan Chau Marina, costing $340.00 each way. The prices are vastly higher, but can you imagine those photos from above?

However, if you travel in the off-season when the weather is more challenging, flights may be cancelled.

It’s a minor risk, but check the weather in advance, and you’ll be fine.

You can also book a seaplane experience if you prefer to take another means of transport to Halong Bay from Hanoi. Book this incredible trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay day tour, or check out this Seaplane Adventure in Ha Long Bay once you get there.

Rent A Car – Take Control

You can rent a car at Hanoi airport and drive yourself to Ha Long Bay.

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You can choose your pickup time here, which gives you total control over how fast you’ll get there.

It’s private and much more comfortable, but be aware that traffic in Hanoi is different to Europe and North America. You’ll need to adapt and be careful as you move through the cramped city and highways.

I wouldn’t have the courage to drive a car or even a motorbike in Vietnam, but maybe you feel more confident?

Book your car rental below for Hanoi:

Local Bus – Very Affordable

There are two locations where you can take the bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.

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While buses take longer than a taxi or seaplane, they’re great for travellers who must stick to a budget. You don’t need to book in advance because you can buy your ticket at the stop.

The map below shows the two public bus stops where you can catch the bus to Ha Long Bay. While the buses run frequently, it will be hard to communicate with staff in English, so have Google Translate open on your phone.

Tickets cost between 120,000 and 240,000 Vietnamese dong ($4.50 to $9.00). That’s very affordable for a longer journey, and it takes 4–5 hours to get there, depending on traffic and how busy it is.

Tips For Visiting Ha Long Bay For The First Time From Hanoi

Solo Traveller

I travelled solo for three months in Vietnam, and the most affordable way to move was with shared transport. If you’re on a tight budget, take the public bus, but a shared limousine van will be best for you.

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Couples

Travelling as a couple in Southeast Asia and Vietnam has benefits. You can split costs, and in that case, taking a private taxi is best. You’ll have privacy, good air conditioning, and you can get dropped right at your door.

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Families

Families travelling to Ha Long Bay should consider a private limousine minivan or shared option. You can talk with the hotel and ask them to book a private minivan, depending on the number of people travelling, and it can work out better.

Luxury Traveller

Splurge, have fun, and take the seaplane. It’s a fine way to move from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay, and it’s fast. If the money is there, you’ll make an incredible trip to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi even more special.

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Best Ha Long Bay Tours To Consider

Of course, you’re going to want to get into the thick of it at Ha Long Bay.

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I’ve been there, done that, and it went down as one of my finest memories in Vietnam, even with all the tourists there.

Below you can check out some of the best tours, which are highly rated and feature some of the best cruises in Ha Long Bay.

Don’t go abroad without comprehensive travel insurance. I have used and trust Safety Wing.

Conclusion

If you want to get from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay, you can do it with ease.

Vietnam has a great transport infrastructure and is prepared for the hordes of tourists who want to go directly from the airport to Ha Long Bay, one of the most popular sites in Vietnam.

The bay is magical and worth visiting for sure. I recommend doing an overnight two-day, one-night tour to get the best experience on the bay. Make sure you pack correctly and bring all the right items, and don’t forget to bring travel insurance. I needed Safety Wing in Da Nang, and it saved me $750.00 in expenses. Don’t go without insurance.

Any questions? Just drop me a message.

Thanks for reading,

James

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FAQs

How Much Is A Taxi From Hanoi Airport To Halong Bay?

A taxi from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay costs between $70.00 and $90.00 and takes about three hours, depending on traffic. The road is decent, and many people land at the airport and go straight to the bay. Make your trip comfortable with a private taxi rather than travelling with strangers. If you’re on a budget, shared transport is better.

How Do I Get From Hanoi Airport To Halong?

The best way to get from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay is by private taxi or shared minivan. Costs start from $75.00 and go up to about $100.00, depending on the number of passengers and luggage you have. You can also take a shared limousine taxi for $46.00, which is a good option.

How Do I Get From Hanoi To Halong Bay?

You can get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay in several ways. The easiest and most comfortable option is to take a private taxi. You can arrange this on Booking.com, which I book all my airport transfers and hotels through. My driver always waits with my name on a sign. Alternatively, you can take a shared minivan with several other passengers, which takes about three hours.

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