Best Ways to Travel Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island

Traveling Ninh Binh to Cat Ba offers an exciting journey through northern Vietnam’s lush landscapes and scenic coastlines. For a comfortable stay at your destination, Quiri Hotel Cat Ba welcomes you with cozy rooms and warm hospitality right in the heart of Cat Ba Town.

Bus Ninh Binh to Cat Ba

Traveling Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island by bus is one of the most convenient and stress-free ways to reach the island. This route combines a bus ride and ferry transfer, allowing travelers to cross directly to Cat Ba Town without worrying about multiple transfers. It is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want a smooth and scenic journey.

Bus Schedule and Travel Time

Departure times: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM daily.

Travel time: Approximately 4.5–5 hours, including both bus ride and ferry crossing.

Route: The bus picks up passengers Tam Coc or Ninh Binh, travels via the highway to the ferry at Gót, crosses to Cái Viềng on Cat Ba Island, and continues to Cat Ba Town.

Bus Ticket Prices

Price range: $12–17 per person (roughly 280,000–400,000 VND).

Tickets can be booked in advance or on the day, but early booking is recommended during peak season.

Cat Ba Expedition Bus Booking Service

If you book a Cat Ba Island tour with Cat Ba Expedition, we offer a bus service to pick you up directly Tam Coc Boat Station and take you all the way to Cat Ba Town.

Service includes:

Pick-up at Tam Coc Boat Station.

Direct transfer to Cat Ba Town without changing vehicles.

Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Hassle-free travel saving time for your Cat Ba adventure.

Tip: Book at least one day in advance to secure your spot. Contact Cat Ba Expedition via our website or hotline (+84)338041094 for reservations.

Private Car or Taxi

Traveling Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island by private car or taxi is the most flexible option, especially for families, groups, or travelers who prefer comfort and convenience. Unlike bus tours, private vehicles allow you to set your own schedule, stop for sightseeing along the way, and travel at your own pace.

Travel Time and Route

Estimated travel time: 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and route chosen.

Route: The journey typically goes via the highway to Hải Phòng, then to the ferry terminal at Gót, crosses to Cái Viềng on Cat Ba Island, and continues directly to Cat Ba Town.

Stops: You can make optional stops at attractions or rest stops along the way.

Cost Estimate

Price range: $70–120 per vehicle (depending on car type, number of passengers, and travel season).

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during holidays or peak tourist season, to secure a comfortable vehicle.

Tips for Private Travel

Choose an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable ride.

Confirm pick-up time and location in advance.

Carry snacks and water for the journey, especially if traveling with children.

Private cars can also be arranged through tour operators like Cat Ba Expedition, who can provide direct transfer services both ways.

Train and Ferry Option

Traveling Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island by train and ferry is an adventurous yet scenic option for travelers who prefer a slower and more local experience. While there’s no direct train Ninh Binh to Hai Phong, you can reach Cat Ba by combining a train ride and a short ferry crossing.

Train Ninh Binh to Hai Phong (via Hanoi)

The journey starts at Ninh Binh Railway Station. You’ll first take a train to Hanoi (about 2 hours 20 minutes), then transfer to another train heading to Hai Phong (around 2 hours 40 minutes).

Total train time: about 5 hours

Estimated cost: 3–13 USD per leg (depending on seat type and train class)

Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during weekends and public holidays, to ensure seat availability.

Once in Hai Phong, travelers continue their journey by ferry to Cat Ba Island - a short but beautiful crossing through the bay.

Ferry Dong Bai to Cai Vieng

Hai Phong city, take a taxi or bus to Dong Bai Ferry Terminal (about 25 km the city center). The Dong Bai to Cai Vieng ferry connects the mainland to Cat Ba Island and operates daily year-round.

Ferry Schedule:

Dong Bai to Cai Vieng

Low season: 05:30 AM – 6:30 PM

High season: 05:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Cai Vieng to Dong Bai

Low season: 05:00 AM – 6:00 PM

High season: 04:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes

Travel time: 20–25 minutes

Tip: Arrive at the pier 15–30 minutes early to check in and avoid missing your ferry.

Ferry Ticket Prices

For Walk-in Passengers

• On foot or bicycle: 12,000 VND / person / one-way

• Motorbike (including rider): 45,000 VND / one-way

For Cars and Passenger Vehicles

• Cars under 9 seats: 190,000 VND / vehicle / one-way

• Cars 9–24 seats: 210,000 VND / vehicle / one-way

• Cars 24–32 seats: 240,000 VND / vehicle / one-way

• Cars with over 32 seats: 330,000 VND / vehicle / one-way

Recommended Accommodation and Stops Along the Way

Traveling Ninh Binh to Cat Ba can take several hours, depending on your chosen route. To make the journey smoother and more enjoyable, it’s worth planning a few comfortable stops or overnight stays along the way. Whether you’re heading to Cat Ba Island or making the return trip Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh, here are some great options to rest and recharge.

In Ninh Binh or Hanoi – Before You Depart

If you start your journey in Ninh Binh, spending a night near Tam Coc lets you enjoy the peaceful countryside before heading toward Cat Ba. there, you can travel directly by bus, or stop over in Hanoi for a taste of Vietnam’s cultural heart.

Where to stay in Hanoi:

When planning your route Ninh Binh to Cat Ba, consider a short stop in the capital. The Old Quarter is not only lively and full of food and culture but also the best hub for connecting routes to northern destinations.

A great place to rest is Quiri Hostel Hanoi, a friendly and stylish hostel located right in the Old Quarter. It offers dorms and private rooms, a rooftop pool, a cozy café-bar, and an easygoing backpacker atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore Hanoi by day and relax in comfort by night before continuing to Cat Ba.

Midway Stop – Hai Phong City

For those combining train and ferry, Hai Phong makes an excellent stopover. It’s a charming coastal city where you can stretch your legs, enjoy local seafood, and see the French colonial architecture before boarding the ferry to Cat Ba.

Suggested places to explore:

• Walk around Tam Bac Lake or the Opera House area.

• Taste Banh Da Cua, Hai Phong’s famous crab noodle soup.

• Have coffee at a riverside café before catching the ferry to Cai Vieng.

In Cat Ba – After Arrival

After the scenic ferry ride and a few hours on the road, you’ll arrive at Cat Ba Town, the perfect place to unwind. here, you can easily access beaches, national parks, and island tours.

If you’re looking for a cozy and well-located stay, Quiri Hotel Cat Ba is a fantastic choice. Situated in Tung Dinh area, just minutes Cat Ba beaches and the harbor, the hotel offers stylish rooms, a restaurant & pub, and warm hospitality. It’s especially convenient if you’ve booked your adventure or trekking package with Cat Ba Expedition, as guests can enjoy direct transfer support Tam Coc Boat Station to Cat Ba Town.

Tip: Many visitors choose to spend at least two nights in Cat Ba to fully explore Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park, especially after a long journey Ninh Binh.

Why Stop Along the Way?

Breaking up your Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island trip not only makes travel easier but also lets you experience the diversity of northern Vietnam, the ancient landscapes of Ninh Binh and the urban charm of Hanoi to the tranquil beauty of Cat Ba Island.

Whether you’re a backpacker staying at Quiri Hostel Hanoi or a traveler unwinding at Quiri Hotel Cat Ba, both locations offer comfort, convenience, and a warm local touch to make your trip unforgettable.

No matter which route you choose, the trip Ninh Binh to Cat Ba promises beautiful scenery and a memorable adventure through Vietnam’s countryside and coast. End your journey with comfort and style at Quiri Hotel Cat Ba, book your stay today to enjoy the best of Cat Ba Island!