Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay share the same seascape of limestone towers, yet they sit on opposite sides of one short stretch of water. The distance between two places is small. Cat Ba Island lies roughly 22 km (14 miles) from Halong City, and the water crossing takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the boat you choose.
This guide walks you through every way to make the journey, in both directions. You will find current ferry schedules, ticket prices, speedboat options, and practical arrival tips. By the end, you will know which crossing suits your budget, timing, and plans, whether you travel Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island or the reverse.
How Far Is Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay?
Cat Ba Island sits about 22 km (14 miles) from Halong City in a straight line, but the practical sea route is shorter. From Tuan Chau Harbor to Gia Luan Pier, boats cover roughly 12 km (7 miles) of open water.
In addition, Gia Luan Pier sits about 25 km (16 miles) from Cat Ba Town. Counting the drive to the harbor, the water crossing, and the transfer into town, most people spend 1.5 to 2 hours door to door.
| Crossing | Direction | Travel time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuan Chau to Gia Luan (ferry) | Halong to Cat Ba | 45 to 50 min | 60,000 to 80,000 VND |
| Tuan Chau to Gia Luan (hydrofoil) | Halong to Cat Ba | 10 to 15 min | 160,000 to 200,000 VND |
| Via Hai Phong (road and ferry) | Cat Ba to Halong | 3 to 4 hrs | Varies |
All prices and travel details are for reference only and may be subject to change. Please confirm with your operator before booking.
Option 1: Ferry from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island (Most Popular)
The Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry is the most popular way to reach Cat Ba Island from Halong Bay. It is affordable and threads through some of the bay’s most photographed karst scenery on the way. The route runs from Tuan Chau Harbor in Halong City to Gia Luan Pier on the northern tip of Cat Ba Island, a crossing of about 45 to 50 minutes.
Departure frequency changes with the season. In the high season, roughly April 16 to September 30, the ferry runs five times a day. In the low season, October 1 to April 15, it drops to three daily departures.
The ferry will not leave until at least 30 passengers are aboard, so early sailings can wait. You better arrive early, especially on weekdays when foot traffic is lighter.
| Season | Daily departures |
|---|---|
| High (Apr 16 to Sep 30) | 09:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00 |
| Low (Oct 1 to Apr 15) | 09:00, 13:00, 16:00 |
This crossing suits budget-minded travelers, anyone bringing a motorbike, and those who want a scenic passage rather than the fastest one. Note that tickets are sold at the terminal counter in cash only.
| Passenger or vehicle | Approx. fare |
|---|---|
| Adult, walk-on | 60,000 to 80,000 VND |
| Child under 1.2 m | Free |
| Motorbike | Additional charge |
| Car | On request |
Schedules and fares shift by season and operator, so confirm current times before you travel. Travelers who would rather cruise than commute can compare Halong Bay 2-day cruise tours that board near Tuan Chau.
Returning from Cat Ba to Halong Bay (Reverse Ferry)
The return ferry runs from Gia Luan Pier back to Tuan Chau Harbor on the same seasonal timetable. Fares match the outbound trip, and tickets again are sold only at the pier counter in cash (VND).
In this route, you should plan the land leg first. Cat Ba Town to Gia Luan Pier is about 25 km (16 miles), or 30-40 minutes by taxi or shared shuttle. The road crosses Cat Ba National Park and stays quiet, so arrange your transfer in advance rather than counting on a taxi waiting at the pier.
Option 2: Speedboat and Hydrofoil (Fastest Crossing)
For travelers short on time, faster boats cross the same water at a premium. Two categories run from Tuan Chau Harbor.
- A standard speedboat makes the trip in 20-30 minutes for about 250,000 to 350,000 VND/ person.
- A hydrofoil is quicker still, completing the crossing in 10 to 15 minutes.
Two hydrofoil operators currently serve this route. Paradise Express charges around 160,000 VND one way, and Kalong Hydrofoil charges around 200,000 VND one way. Both carry passengers only, with no room for motorbikes or cars.
Hydrofoil departures are limited, often no more than two per day, so booking ahead matters.
The reliable reservation is to book through a local travel specialist who can confirm the timetable and secure your seat before you arrive. Fast boats suit families with young children, tight itineraries, and anyone who would rather keep the water crossing brief.
| Operator | Duration | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Express | 10 to 15 min | 165,000 VND – 200,000 VND/one way | Book via local agent |
| Kalong Hydrofoil | 10 to 15 min | 200,000 VND/ one way | Book via local agent |
Operator prices and departure counts change often, so verify both before you commit.
Option 3: The Road Route via Hai Phong (When It Makes Sense)
The road route through Hai Phong is the long way around, and it rarely beats the direct ferry for a simple Halong-to-Cat Ba transfer, since travel to the port is now faster and more comfortable due to recent expressway expansions.
First, you take a ferry from Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong (about 30 to 60 minutes), followed by a car journey from Hai Phong to Ha Long City, which takes approximately one hour to cover a distance of nearly 50 km.
Door to door, you can expect 3 to 4 hours against 1.5 to 2 hours for the direct sea route.
Although inconvenient, it makes sense when you are already arriving from Hanoi by road, or connecting through Hai Phong for onward travel.
Option 4: Cruise from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island (No Ferry Needed)
The most relaxed way to reach the waters around Cat Ba Island is a cruise that already covers both bays. Lan Ha Bay lies on the southern side of Cat Ba Island, joined to Halong Bay by open water, so one itinerary can sail across both without a ferry ticket or a road transfer.
This option trades the quick point-to-point crossing for a slower journey with cabins, meals, and guided stops along the way. Specifically, Bhaya’s Lan Ha Bay cruises follow this route, threading between limestone islets, floating villages, and swimming spots that day-trippers rarely reach.
This is an ideal choice if you want both bays to feel like a seamless trip rather than two stops linked by a ferry.
Should You Visit Halong Bay First or Cat Ba Island First?
The order of your visit affects the logistics more than most travelers expect. Use this quick guide to decide.
Visit Halong Bay first if your cruise boards from Tuan Chau Harbor and you do not need to return to Hanoi between stops. You can take the ferry to Cat Ba Island at the end of your cruise, turning the transfer into your next leg.
Visit Cat Ba Island first if you are arriving from Hanoi by the Hai Phong road route. Starting on the island lets you move north toward Halong Bay rather than doubling back.
Otherwise, you can skip the choice entirely with a cruise that covers both. The Au Co’s 3-day voyage runs across Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, removing the transfer question entirely. For a slower, wellness-focused take on the same route, Bhaya Soul sails a boutique itinerary through both bays.
Practical Tips for the Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island Crossing
A few on-the-ground habits make the crossing smoother in either direction.
- Arrive at the pier 30 to 45 minutes before departure, since ferries board on a first-come basis and can fill on busy days.
- Carry cash in Vietnamese Dong, because neither Tuan Chau nor Gia Luan terminals accept card payment.
- Avoid weekend and holiday vehicle crossings in high season, when car queues can stretch 1.5 to 3 hours. Walk-on passengers rarely face the same wait.
- Arrange your Gia Luan to Cat Ba Town transfer in advance. The 25 km (16 mile) road takes 30 to 40 minutes, and on-the-spot taxi rates run higher.
- Check the forecast before you travel, especially in the typhoon season from August to October, when weather can delay or cancel sailings.
Conclusion
The Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry remains the most reliable and scenic way to cross between Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island, while speedboats and hydrofoils reward travelers who value speed over savings. If you would rather skip ferry tickets and transfers altogether, a cruise across both bays does the work for you.
Planning a voyage through both Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island? The Au Co’s signature 4-day route carries you across both stretches of water, from towering karsts to quiet fishing villages, without changing boats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island?
No. Cat Ba Island has no railway and can only be reached by sea. The most practical option is the Tuan Chau–Gia Luan ferry, which operates daily year-round. Travelers arriving from Hanoi by train can get off in Hai Phong and continue to Cat Ba by speedboat or road.
How much does the ferry from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island cost?
As of 2026, a standard passenger ticket on the Tuan Chau–Gia Luan ferry costs approximately 60,000–80,000 VND per person, or about USD 2.50–3.50. Motorbikes and cars incur additional charges. Fares are paid in cash at the terminal and may change, so confirm the current price before travelling.
Can I combine Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island on one cruise?
Yes. Several multi-day itineraries, including The Au Co and Bhaya Soul by Bhaya Cruises, cover both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, the waters surrounding Cat Ba Island. These itineraries eliminate the need for a separate ferry transfer and allow you to experience both bays as part of a single cruise.
