Cat Ba to Hoi An: Complete guide to transportation and travel tips
If you’re planning a trip from Cat Ba to Hoi An, the journey may take some time but is full of experiences along the way. From early morning ferry rides with stunning sea views to scenic highways crossing northern and central Vietnam, every leg of the trip offers something unique. In this guide, we provide detailed instructions on all transportation options, along with updated ticket prices and practical travel tips, helping you plan a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable journey.
Distance and travel time from Cat Ba to Hoi An
The journey from Cat Ba to Hoi An is quite long because there are no direct flights or direct bus routes connecting the two destinations. Travelers usually need to combine several types of transportation such as ferries, buses, trains, or flights. Overall, the Cat Ba to Hoi An route requires some planning in advance to ensure a smooth trip without delays.
In terms of distance, the total travel route is approximately 880–950 km, depending on the transportation method you choose. If you combine a ferry and bus from Cat Ba to Hai Phong and then take a flight to Da Nang, the actual distance doesn’t change much, but the total travel time becomes significantly shorter. For those traveling entirely by road, the distance remains similar but the journey will naturally take longer.
Regarding travel time, the fastest option takes about 7–9 hours, following the route Cat Ba → Hai Phong → flight to Da Nang → transfer to Hoi An. If you choose a sleeper bus or long-distance bus, the travel time increases to around 20–22 hours, depending on the operator and departure time. Travelers who prefer taking the train can go from Hanoi or Ninh Binh to Da Nang and then continue by bus to Hoi An, with a total travel time of approximately 21–23 hours.
In summary, traveling from Cat Ba to Hoi An is long but manageable as long as you choose the right transportation method. Simply define your priority, speed, budget, or comfort, and select the route that best fits your travel style.
Traveling from Cat Ba to Hoi An by flight
Traveling by flight is the fastest and most convenient way to complete the journey from Cat Ba to Hoi An, especially for travelers who want to minimize total travel time. To begin your trip, you first need to leave Cat Ba Island by taking a high-speed ferry from the center of Cat Ba to Got Pier. After getting off the ferry, you can continue by taxi or shuttle bus to Hai Phong city. This combined trip is straightforward and usually takes only about 45–60 minutes, so you just need to plan your timing carefully to avoid missing your flight.
Once you arrive at Cat Bi International Airport, you can check in and take a direct flight to Da Nang. The flight takes a little over an hour, offering a smooth and comfortable experience without the fatigue of long road travel. When you land at Da Nang International Airport, reaching Hoi An is very easy. You can take a taxi, book a private car, or use an airport shuttle service. The distance from the airport to Hoi An is about 30 km, and the travel time ranges from 45 to 60 minutes on well-maintained roads.
The biggest advantage of this option is the significantly shorter total travel time, usually 7–9 hours for the entire journey, including connections. You avoid long bus rides, motion sickness, and unnecessary fatigue. This makes flying the ideal choice for families with children, travelers with limited time, or anyone who prefers maximum comfort. The only downside is that flight tickets and transfers can cost more than buses or trains. However, if comfort and speed are your priority, then traveling from Cat Ba to Hoi An by flight is the most efficient and enjoyable method.
If you plan to fly from Hai Phong (Cat Bi) to Da Nang as part of your journey from Cat Ba to Hoi An, here are some of the airlines currently operating on that route, along with one-way fares, flight frequency, and useful notes:
| Airline | One-way Price (as of today) | Frequency (flights/day) | Notes |
| Vietnam Airlines | from 936,000 VND (basic economy fare, one-way) | 1 flight/day (direct) | Usually includes carry-on and sometimes checked luggage; price shown is official fare on the airline’s website. |
| VietJet Air | approximately US $43–112 (varies by date/promotions; roughly 900,000–2,500,000 VND one-way) | Varies by day; often multiple flights/day during peak periods | Low-cost airline, be careful to add baggage fees and seat-selection charges. |
| Bamboo Airways | from about 1,147,000 VND (one-way, depending on promotional fares) | Varies, flight times may be limited on some days | Usually offers more comfort than low-cost carriers; fares on the airline’s site can change depending on demand. |
Start your journey from Cat Ba to Hoi An effortlessly with Bliss Hoi An’s free shuttle bus! If you choose to travel by flight to shorten your journey compared to overland options, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness offers a free shuttle bus service from the airport. Upon landing, you’ll be picked up directly, without worrying about finding a taxi or other transport. This service ensures a smooth connection from your flight to the resort, allowing you to continue your journey from Cat Ba to Hoi An quickly, safely, and comfortably from the very first moment.
Traveling from Cat Ba to Hoi An by train (via Hai Phong or Hanoi)
Traveling by train is an ideal option for those who want a comfortable, safe journey with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. From the center of Cat Ba, you first need to reach the mainland by taking either a ferry or a high-speed boat to Got Pier. There are two main types of transfers: vehicle ferries (Dong Bai / Got) and high-speed passenger boats operating between Cat Ba (Cai Vieng) and Got Pier or Ben Binh in Hai Phong.
Ferry tickets are very affordable for walk-on passengers: the fare for adults on the Dong Bai – Got ferry is usually around 7,000–10,000 VND per person. Meanwhile high-speed boat fares range from 40,000 to 250,000 VND per person depending on the operator and the type of boat.
Ferries generally begin operating early, from around 5:00–6:00 AM until about 7:00–7:30 PM, with many departures throughout the day (approximately every 30–60 minutes, depending on the season and passenger volume). If you plan to connect to a train departing from Hanoi, make sure to calculate your travel time from the pier to the train station. In several cases, you may need to travel from Hai Phong to Hanoi by bus or shuttle before boarding your train. It’s best to leave some buffer time in case ferry services are delayed due to weather conditions.
After reaching the mainland, you can continue by bus or taxi to Hai Phong Railway Station. Note that Hai Phong Station does not always offer direct trains to Da Nang, so most travelers choose to take a train to Hanoi first and then transfer to a North–South (SE) train heading to Da Nang.
The next leg of the trip is the Reunification Express (SE trains) from Hanoi to Da Nang, with a travel time of around 15–17 hours depending on the train. Once you arrive at Da Nang Railway Station, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Hoi An, which takes about 45–60 minutes. Ticket prices and schedules vary by date, the table below uses recently updated reference fares (VND).
| Train Code | Departure (Hanoi) | Arrival (Da Nang) | Duration | Estimated One-way Fare (VND) | Notes |
| SE1 | ~20:50 – 21:00 | ~11:50 – 12:50 (next day) | ~15–16 hours | 700,000 – 900,000 VND | Ideal overnight option with multiple sleeper cabins. |
| SE3 | ~19:20 | ~10:30 – 11:30 (next day) | ~15–16 hours | 700,000 – 850,000 VND | Popular night train with 4-berth soft sleeper cabins. |
| SE5 | ~15:30 – 16:00 | ~07:30 – 09:00 (next day) | ~16–17 hours | 700,000 – 1,000,000 VND | Good if you prefer an afternoon departure and daytime views. |
| SE7 | ~06:00 – 06:10 | ~22:25 – 23:05 (same day) | ~16–17 hours | 650,000 – 850,000 VND | Early morning train, arrives in Da Nang later the same evening. |
| SE19 | ~19:45 | ~11:45 (next day) | ~15–16 hours | 1,200,000 – 1,400,000 VND | Higher prices due to upgraded or more premium cabin options. |
Traveling from Cat Ba to Hoi An by bus + ferry + coach / sleeper bus
This travel option is ideal for budget-minded travelers who are not in a hurry and want to enjoy a unique overland journey from northern Vietnam down to the central region. It offers a more immersive experience, allowing you to witness how landscapes, weather, and local life gradually change along the route.
From Cat Ba Town, you first head to the ferry terminal to return to the mainland. There are two common choices: the Dong Bai – Got ferry or the speedboats from Cai Vieng to Got Pier or Ben Binh (Hai Phong).
- Ferry tickets for walk-on passengers cost 7,000–10,000 VND/person, making it the cheapest option. Ferries usually operate from 05:00 until 19:00–19:30, with a frequency of every 30–60 minutes.
- Speedboats are much faster, with fares ranging 40,000–250,000 VND, depending on the operator, vessel type, and route.
Some common speedboat routes and reference prices (based on current market rates):
- Cat Ba → Got Pier: 80,000–120,000 VND, 7–10 minutes
- Cat Ba → Ben Binh (Hai Phong): 180,000–250,000 VND, 35–45 minutes
- Cai Vieng → Got Pier: 40,000–70,000 VND, 5–7 minutes
With multiple departures throughout the day, travelers can easily connect to the next leg without long waiting times.
After arriving at Got Pier, you can take a bus or taxi to Hai Phong City Center, then continue to the bus station to catch a coach or sleeper bus to Hoi An/Da Nang. Since Hai Phong currently has very few direct buses to Da Nang – Hoi An, the most common route is to travel to Hai Phong → Hanoi, then transfer to a Hanoi → Da Nang/Hoi An sleeper bus. The Hai Phong to Hanoi leg takes around 1.5–2 hours, depending on the road and vehicle type.
From Hanoi, several high-quality sleeper buses operate directly to Da Nang or Hoi An. The total travel time ranges from 14–17 hours depending on the operator and number of stops. Popular companies include Camel Travel, Queen Cafe, Hey Travel, TBus, and buses departing from Nuoc Ngam, Giap Bat, and My Dinh stations.
- Hanoi → Da Nang: 450,000–650,000 VND
- Hanoi → Hoi An: 500,000–700,000 VND
Overall, this travel method suits those who prefer flexibility, want to minimize costs, and enjoy a long but engaging mix of ferry, speedboat, bus, and sleeper bus travel. Though the journey is extended, each segment feels like a mini-experience, from the island vibe of Cat Ba, to the bustling port city of Hai Phong, and finally the charming ancient town of Hoi An.
Travel tips for getting from Cat Ba to Hoi An
To make your journey from Cat Ba to Hoi An smooth and stress-free, here are some practical tips based on real travel experiences. These small details can significantly affect your travel time and comfort.
- Prefer morning ferries or speedboats
Ferries from Got Pier and high-speed boat routes are usually crowded in the afternoon, especially during peak season or weekends. Traveling in the morning gives you a better chance of securing a seat and reduces waiting time. Additionally, the weather is generally calmer in the morning, minimizing the risk of delays due to strong winds or rough seas.
- Always allow buffer time between connections
Many travelers miss their next bus or train because they rely completely on the ferry schedule. Ferries can run late, be temporarily halted, or have extended boarding times during peak hours. It’s recommended to leave at least 60–90 minutes between connections (ferry → bus → sleeper bus/train).
For example, if you are heading from Cat Ba to the mainland and then to Hanoi, choose an earlier ferry or speedboat by 1–2 hours compared to your intended departure time.
- Speedboats are fast but not always on time
While high-speed boats operate multiple trips daily, schedules can change during the northeast monsoon or rough seas. If you need to catch a coach or train in Hanoi, it’s safer to take the Cat Ba → Ben Binh speedboat, as it lands directly in Hai Phong city center and saves extra travel time to the bus station.
- Choose the right bus station in Hanoi
Coaches from Hai Phong to Hanoi drop passengers at different stations. Ask the operator to drop you at Giap Bat, My Dinh, or Nuoc Ngam, the three main stations with the most buses to Da Nang and Hoi An. This ensures a smoother transfer and saves both time and taxi costs.
- Book sleeper buses to Da Nang/Hoi An in advance on weekends
The Hanoi → Da Nang and Hanoi → Hoi An routes often sell out on Friday and Saturday evenings. Booking 1–2 days in advance allows you to select a lower bunk or middle seat, these are more comfortable and less bumpy for overnight travel.
- Bring light snacks and water for the long journey
Traveling continuously from Cat Ba → Hai Phong → Hanoi → Hoi An can take 16–20 hours, depending on your connections. Many sleeper buses only stop 1–2 times along the way, so packing light snacks and water will help you stay comfortable and energized.
- Check the bus drop-off point in Hoi An
Some buses terminate in Da Nang rather than Hoi An. If you get off in Da Nang, you will need an additional 45–60 minutes by shuttle or taxi to reach Hoi An. Always confirm the drop-off location with the bus operator to avoid surprises.
- Prepare offline maps if traveling overnight.
Many sleeper buses run through the night. If you want to track your route, especially for stops along the way, download offline maps or save key locations:
- Giap Bat / Nuoc Ngam / My Dinh Bus Stations in Hanoi
- Drop-off points in Da Nang or Hoi An
Read more: Discover 7 Unique Accommodation Options in Bliss Hoi An
The journey from Cat Ba to Hoi An offers multiple options, from the fast and convenient flight to a more immersive overland experience via ferries, coaches, and sleeper buses. Depending on your time, budget, and travel preferences, you can choose the option that suits you best. By preparing carefully, booking tickets in advance, and allowing some buffer time between connections, your trip will not only be efficient but also full of memorable moments along the way.
