Most people choose a cruise either in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay. However, some might be interested in visiting both Halong and Cat Ba Island – whether for a cruise or not!
This short article is here to help you reach Cat Ba from the city of Halong.
And if you are considering a cruise in Lan Ha Bay, around Cat Ba, you can discover our 2, 4 and 7-cabin junks, ideal for an authentic and private experience.
How do you get from Halong to Cat Ba by ferry?
The ferry leaves Tuan Chau port for Gia Luan, in the north of Cat Ba, in about 50 minutes, for 80,000 VND per person.
If you have the time, we recommend taking a ferry from the Tuan Chau port.
If you are staying at a hotel in Halong City, you can take a taxi to get to the Tuan Chau port. This is also where most cruise boats dock to welcome guests.
If you are at the Sun World amusement park, the journey to Tuan Chau port is 12 km: for around 150,000 VND (about 6 USD), a taxi will take you there.
The ferry takes you to Gia Luan port, in the north of Cat Ba Island, in about 50 minutes. The ticket costs 80,000 VND per person (about 3.20 USD, 2026 rate). Note that the ferry only leaves with at least about thirty passengers, and only in good weather.
Tuan Chau, Halong, Vietnam.
Here are the ferry schedules:
| High Season (30/04 – 30/09) | Schedule |
| Tuan Chau – Gia Luan | 7h30, 9h00, 11h30, 13h30, 15h00 |
| Gia Luan – Tuan Chau | 9h00, 11h30, 13h00, 15h00, 16h00 |
| Slow Season (01/10 – 29/04) | Schedule |
| Tuan Chau – Gia Luan | 7h30, 11h30, 15h00 |
| Gia Luan – Tuan Chau | 9h00, 13h00, 16h00 |
To reach Cat Ba town, in the south of the island, then take a local bus from Gia Luan: allow 30 to 45 minutes and 25,000 to 30,000 VND (about 1.20 USD).
In total, this journey costs about 4.50 USD per person (2026 rate).
Can you reach Cat Ba faster by speedboat?
Yes, a speedboat links Tuan Chau to Gia Luan in about half an hour, for around 165,000 VND, roughly twice the ferry fare.
For those in a hurry, a speedboat takes you to Gia Luan port in about half an hour.
The price is higher, though: allow about 165,000 VND per person (about 6.60 USD, 2026 rate).
Here is the schedule:
| Speed boat trip | Schedule |
| Tuan Chau – Gia Luan | 7h15, 8h30, 10h30, 13h, 14h30 et 16h |
After the crossing, you will continue by bus or taxi to reach the town of Cat Ba in the south of the island, as in the program including the ferry.
Ferry or speedboat: which should you choose?
The ferry is the cheapest and most pleasant option in good weather, while the speedboat saves about twenty minutes for twice the price.
| Option | Crossing time | Price per person | Departures from Tuan Chau | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | ≈ 50 min | 80,000 VND (≈ 3.20 USD) | 3 to 5 a day depending on season | small budgets, unhurried travelers |
| Speedboat | ≈ 30 min | ≈ 165,000 VND (≈ 6.60 USD) | 6 a day | saving time |
| Local bus Gia Luan – Cat Ba town | 30 to 45 min | 25,000 to 30,000 VND (≈ 1.20 USD) | when boats arrive | reaching the south of the island |
Indicative schedules and prices, checked in 2026: confirm them on site, as they change with the season and weather.
These are the two means we recommend for reaching Cat Ba Island from Halong City.
Our other articles about Cat Ba island:
- Why visit Cat Ba? Our top 5 reasons
- The best cruises from Cat Ba island
- What to do on Cat Ba island? Our top 10 activities
- Where to stay on Cat Ba island? Our best hotel picks
- Caves of Cat Ba island
- How to get to Cat Ba island from Hanoi
- How to get to Cat Ba island from Ninh Binh
- How to get to Cat Ba island from Sapa
Feel free to contact us to visit Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay.
FAQ: getting from Halong to Cat Ba
How long does it take to get from Halong to Cat Ba?
Allow about 2 hours door to door from Halong city: 20 minutes by taxi to Tuan Chau, 50 minutes by ferry, then 30 to 45 minutes by bus to Cat Ba town. The speedboat saves about twenty minutes.
How much is the ferry from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba?
The ticket costs 80,000 VND per person, about 3.20 USD. Adding the bus to Cat Ba town, the journey costs about 4.50 USD per person.
Can you buy the ferry ticket in advance?
No, tickets are sold at Tuan Chau port on the day. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, especially in summer and at weekends.
Does the ferry run every day?
Yes, normally, but it only leaves with about thirty passengers and is cancelled in bad weather or during typhoons. In the low season, from October to April, there are only three departures a day.
Can you take a cruise between Halong and Cat Ba?
Yes, some cruises leave from Halong and sail to Lan Ha Bay. Our Parfum d’Automne, Four Seasons and Romance junks depart directly from Cat Ba, in the calmer Lan Ha Bay.
Should you stay overnight in Cat Ba before a Lan Ha Bay cruise?
It is not necessary: we arrange the transfer from Hanoi on the same morning. A night on the island does, however, let you enjoy the national park and board well rested.
