Best Bus Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay: Compare Top Operators for Easy Hanoi Tours

Ha Noi to Ha Long by Bus: What to Expect

If you’re traveling to the stunning Ha Long Bay waters from Ha Noi, Bus Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay bus is one of the best choices you can make! It’s not only reasonably priced but also a convenient beginning for your Ha Long travel adventure, thanks to many bus operators that offer convenient timings, various levels of comfort, and convenient routes.

Types of Buses Available

Depending on the journey you want, there are different options when you book a Ha Long Bay bus from Ha Noi:

• Local buses: Low-cost and no-frills, ideal for those who do not mind a more authentic experience.
• Sleeper buses: Reclined beds, ideal for longer journeys, especially on overnight routes.
• Limousine vans: The most comfortable option, with spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and extra comforts.

Departure Points in Ha Noi

Daily buses are departing from key bus stations such as:

• My Dinh
• Gia Lam
• Giap Bat
• There are even some limousine services with Old Quarter pick-up, perfect if you just so happen to be in the tourist hub.

There is a range of Ha Noi Ha Long choices at each terminal, giving you the convenience of choosing based on your location and timing.

My Dinh Bus Stations (Source: vietnamplus)

Arrival Points in Ha Long

Most Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay buses will drop you at

• Bai Chay – the main tourist precinct
• Tuan Chau Port – if you’re heading to a cruise
• Hon Gai – closer to local markets and sites

All of these are very well connected, and it’s simple to take a taxi or walk to nearby hotels, depending on where you’re staying.

Tuan Chau Port (Source: govntravel)

Travel Time, Frequency & Ticket Prices

The average travel distance is 155–160 km, and with the new expressway, the journey normally takes 2.5 to 4 hours. Frequency is excellent—some bus companies run the trip every 30 minutes to 1 hour, especially in peak season.

• The cost of a ticket is 100,000 to 300,000 VND, depending on the comfort and size of the bus.
• For high-end services, look out for free Wi-Fi, bottled water, soft blankets, and even smiling staff who help with luggage and inquiries.

Pros and Cons of Taking the Bus

Pros:

• Low cost for all classes of passengers
• An extensive variety of bus ticket rates and services
• High frequency of departures with several times to choose from
• Comfortable and contemporary interiors in limousines

Cons:

• Some local buses stop along the way to pick up passengers, slowing your trip
• Seating is quickly taken on weekends, so reserve early!
• English may not be spoken have ticket and pick-up information handy

 Top 10 Ha Noi to Ha Long Bus Operators (Compared)

Dream Transport Limousine (Source: sapanomad)

Local Bus vs Limousine: What’s Better for You?

Local Buses – Affordable & Accessible

If you want an affordable way of traveling from Ha Noi to Quang Ninh’s coast, local buses are hard to beat!

• Departure Stations: Mainly from major bus terminals like My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Gia Lam
• Price Range: 100,000–150,000 VND per bus ride
• Ride Time: 3–4 hours (may take longer depending on the route and number of stops)
• Booking: Buy directly at the terminal or book via apps like VeXeRe (some routes offline only)

Pros

• Cheapest way to get to Ha Long Bay
• Frequent daytime departures
• Suitable for solo travellers or backpackers

Cons:

• No hotel pick-up; walk to the bus station
• Language issue when buying offline
• Older vehicles, plain comfort, sometimes no air-con
• Random picking up of passengers along the way

Local Buses (Source: vietvisit)

Limousine Services – Comfort, Convenience & Class

The limo option is the first choice among foreign tourists and families choosing a Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay bus.

• Pickup Points: Direct hotel pickup in the Old Quarter or nearby neighborhoods
• Price Range: 180,000–300,000 VND, depending on the operator and seat location
• Ride Time: A mere 2.5–3 hours via expressway
• Booking: Very simple through online booking platforms, mobile, or even Zalo

Pros:

• First-class comfort with spacious leather seats, WiFi, air-conditioning, and water
• No need to go to a bus station — you’re picked up at your hotel!
• Fast, safe, and efficient route through the new highway
• Professional staff and English-speaking help in most instances

Cons:

• Slightly higher ticket prices
• Seats usually sell out quickly during holiday or weekend periods

Limousine Services (Sours: dongphongtransport)

Tour-Connected Shuttle Buses – All-in-One Convenience with Impress Travel

When you book a cruise or multi-day excursion with Impress Travel, your Ha Noi to Ha Long transfer is part of the package deal automatically. No awkward ticket counters. No changing vehicles. No hassle. Just get picked up and enjoy your ride through Quang Ninh’s beautiful expressway views!

Departure Points

Pick-up is right at your hotel in Ha Noi’s Old Quarter or a nearby meeting point. Impress Travel staff will reconfirm your time and location a day in advance—expect a friendly wave and a smiling guide, right at your doorstep!

Ride Duration

Most Impress Travel shuttles take Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay within 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the journey and traffic conditions. Cars are new, air-conditioned, and often equipped with USB charging plugs and complimentary water.

Booking Made Easy

It is simple to book your Ha Noi Halong bus shuttle with Impress Travel:

• Book online via the Impress Travel Website
• Contact their English-speaking team via WhatsApp, Zalo, or Email
  •  info@impresstravel.com
  •  (+84) 912 379 189
  • 125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Ha Noi, Vietnam
• Select a tour package with a round-trip Ha Long Bay bus from Ha Noi and a cruise ticket
• Receive an entire itinerary with a bus ticket, cruise confirmation, and all departure times

Pros of Booking with Impress Travel

• Zero hassle: Your whole Ha Long  travel is taken care of—from pick-up to pier check-in
• Modern comfort: Clean, air-conditioned shuttle buses operated by licensed, friendly staff
• Ideal for group tours: Suitable for couples, families, or small groups taking the Ha Long Bay cruise directly from aboard
• Completely supported: Impress Travel offers English, Vietnamese, and Chinese-speaking 24/7 support

Final Tips Before Your Ride

What to Bring for the Ride

Even the most comfortable bus ride from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay can feel a little long without the right travel gear. Bring these in your day bag:

• A thin blanket or scarf – air-con can be cold!
• Some food and a water bottle – particularly useful if your bus ticket doesn’t cover them
• A power bank – USB ports aren’t always available (or working)
• Google Maps downloaded offline – useful when scanning your drop-off or cruising route

What to Confirm Before Departure

All great things start with great planning! Before you leave your hotel in Ha Noi, make sure you double-check the following with your bus operators or companies:

• Pick-up point: Some limousines collect you straight from your Old Quarter hotel, and some have you go to the central bus station
• Arrival station: Will you be arriving in Bai Chay, Hon Gai, or Tuan Chau? This matters, especially if you are getting off to join a cruise!
• Hotline number: Always have your operator’s number on hand, just in case you need more information or on-the-spot help

What to Expect En Route

Each Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay experience varies, depending on the trip and route you take, but this is what you can anticipate:

• Rest stops: Most trips include one short stop at a road service stop with clean toilets and snacks
• Wi-Fi reality: While many buses have Wi-Fi, signals are weak outside city limits, so don’t rely on it for Netflix or Zoom meetings!
• Friendly staff: Most reputable bus businesses include friendly, uniformed staff happy to assist you, especially with bulk bags or directions

Conclusion

Whatever your modus operandi, solo backpacker, couples, families, or luxury traveler, there’s the perfect bus from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay for you! From shoestring local buses through VIP limousines loaded with comfort and amenities, travel from  Ha Noi to Halong has never been easier. And don’t forget to book ahead, especially your return bus from Halong to Ha Noi, and enjoy every panoramic mile to the bay!

FAQs 

How do you travel from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay?

There are several ways to reach Ha Long Bay from Ha Noi, including bus, limousine, private car, train, motorbike, or even seaplane! However, using the bus from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay is the most popular method because of its convenience, comfort, and affordability. Departure from bus stations like My Dinh, Giap Bat, or through hotel pick-up by limousine service can be selected.

How much is a transfer from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay?

A transfer cost varies by vehicle type. Regular bus fare from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay is from 100,000 VND ($4), and limousines are from 180,000–300,000 VND ($7–12). High-end options or private transfers may cost more, especially if you desire hotel pick-up, extra amenities, or personalized departure times.

Can you do Ha Long Bay in one day from Ha Noi?

Yes! It is easy to see Ha Long Bay in a day from Ha Noi, due to an early morning departure. Many tourists spend the day on day tours with a round-trip bus from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay with a 4–6 hour cruise included. Make sure your tour uses expressway transport to save time!

How do I go to Ha Long Bay?

To reach Ha Long Bay, you may take a bus reserved from Ha Noi to Halong, a private car, a tour shuttle, or even a seaplane. Most tourists use the Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay option due to the balance between its price, speed, and comfort. In order to have the most comfortable ride, you can use a limousine with pick-up at the hotel or a package tour with transfer.