Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sits off Vietnam’s northeastern coast, is one of the most wondrous places in the world. Covering over 150,000 hectares of land, it is made up of small limestone islands surrounded by rain forests. It is a popular spot for travellers, and a trip to Vietnam would not be complete without seeing the Bay.

When you land at Nai Bai International Airport (HAN), and you wish to make your way to Halong Bay, you have three transport options; you can take a taxi or private transfer, a bus or a train. The fastest and most reliable option is to take a Hanoi airport taxi or private shuttle as they take just 2 hours 30 minutes to reach the Bay. Your second more cost-savvy travel option is to take the airport’s Anbasco bus, taking 3 hours 30 minutes. Finally, the cheapest and slower option, taking nearly 7 hours, is to take the train from the Yen Vien Station to Halong Bay.

4 options to go from Hanoi Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€110 150min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€50 150min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Bus
€22 210min 06:30–18:30
Convenience
Read more
Train
€5.20 410min 04:55–
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Hanoi airport to Halong Bay by taxi

Choosing to take a Hanoi airport taxi or private shuttle is the fastest, most comfortable way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi International Airport. Taxis provide reliable 24/7 door-to-door services straight to your Halong Bay hotel, taking around 2 hours 30 minutes to reach, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Nai Bai International Airport to Halong Bay

Taxis at Hanoi airport use a taximeter to calculate their fares based on the time and distance travelled. A journey from HAN airport to Halong Bay costs around €50 (1,337,500 VND), traffic dependant. Moreover, if you wish to use the Express highway, the toll is payable by the customer.

Please be aware that some Hanoi taxi drivers attempt to take advantage of foreigners by charging a higher fare or having fast-running meters. That is why it is highly recommended to use a trusted taxi service, or pre-book a private transfer at a fixed price with a local English-speaking driver.

Where do I get it from?

Hanoi airport’s official taxi ranks can be found at both terminals, just outside the Arrivals hall.

Convenience

Taking a Hanoi airport taxi cab is the most convenient way to travel to Halong Bay. Not only do they provide 24/7 door-to-door transfers, but they are also the fastest, most comfortable way to reach the Bay. Moreover, if you are new to Vietnam and travelling with children and heavy luggage, taxis will take care of everything. Yet, you do need to be cautious of some taxi scams.

Useful Tips

Please note that taxis in Hanoi do not have different fares for day or night trips.
Taxi drivers in Hanoi do not expect tips. However, as prices are low, many travellers round off the total amount and tell the driver to keep the change if they are friendly.
​​If you are travelling in a bigger group, you can find various sized taxi vehicles at Nai Bai airport, accommodating your transfer needs.

How to get from Hanoi airport to Halong Bay by bus

Several bus companies run the Hanoi Nai Bai International Airport to Halong Bay route. Each company offers different amenities, such as regular coaches, sleeper buses or even luxury buses. The most common bus amongst travellers is the Anbasco bus, which runs every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 18:30 and takes around 3 hours 30 minutes to reach the Bay. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or public bus to My Dinh Station or Gia Lam Station in Hanoi city centre, where you can then choose from several bus services to reach Halong Bay. All buses arrive at Bai Chay station in Halong Bay.

How much is a bus ticket from Hanoi International Airport to Halong Bay?

If you wish to travel on Hanoi airport’s Anbasco bus, a ticket costs €11 (290,000 VND). You can purchase your ticket online in advance or directly at the airport. Ticket prices generally range from €3.90 to €7.79 (100,000 – 200,000 VND) for other bus services and can be purchased from official ticket booths or online.

Cost
€11
Trip Duration
3 H 30 Min.
There is a waiting time of 30 minutes for the Anbasco bus.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Anbasco bus is available from 06:30 to 18:30 at Hanoi airport. Bus availabilities from Hanoi city centre or from Hanoi airport depend on the bus company.

Where do I get it from?

You can easily find the Anbasco bus stop at Hanoi airport’s Terminal 2; the bus stops outside the terminal at column 10. Moreover, if you choose to take another bus company, you will first have to make your way to Hanoi city centre, and depending on the bus you choose, head to Gia Lam Station or My Dinh Station.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Nai Bai airport to Halong Bay is a great way to travel for those on a smaller budget. However, the trip is relatively long, and you will need to take the bus operating hours into account before planning your trip to the Bay.

Useful Tips

There are many bus services to choose from; with your itinerary and travel needs in mind you can find out all the options available to you. For added comfort, consider taking a sleeper bus or a luxury bus.
Travellers can also book a transfer by shuttle bus through a tour group or their cruise line.

How to get from Hanoi airport to Halong by train

Your last travel option from Nai Bai International Airport to Halong Bay is to take the train. Although the journey is long, with a 6 hours 50 minutes ride, taking the train is considered a travel experience as the journey is packed with scenic views. Only one train leaves Yen Vien (Gia Lam) Station a day, leaving at 04:55 and arriving at 11:45. However, to reach Yen Vien Station, you will need to take a taxi from the Noi Bai Airport, which will add to the total cost of the journey.

How much is a train ticket from Hanoi International Airport to Halong Bay?

Taking a train is the cheapest way to travel to Halong Bay as a train ticket costs €2.60 (70,000 VND). You can purchase your tickets at the train station or online in advance.

Cost
€2.60
Trip Duration
6 hrs 50 min
There is only one train per day.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The train departs Yen Vien Station at 04:55 and arrives at the Bay at 11:45.

Where do I get it from?

The train leaves from Yen Vien (Gia Lam) Station, which is about 30-minutes away by car from the airport. Thus, you will first need to make your way to the train station by taxi before starting your trip to Halong Bay.

Convenience

Taking the train is the cheapest but slowest way to get from Noi Bai International Airport to Halong Bay, as you first need to get a taxi to reach the train station. However, taking the train is an experience as it offers beautiful views of Vietnam. Moreover, trains are considered the safest form of transportation as Vietnamese traffic can be dangerous.

Timetables

Train

Useful Tips

If you have a problem with your trip to Noi Bai airport, you can always change your ticket if purchased in advance. Nevertheless, your train ticket will need to be exchanged 24 hours before your train departure
It is good to know that the train offers comfortable seats, toilets and a snack bar.

Hanoi Airport private transfers

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Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to Halong Bay?

Hanoi International Airport is the closest airport to Halong Bay, located just 162 Km away. It takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to reach by taxi or by car.

How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi airport ?

How much is a taxi from Nai Bai Airport to Halong Bay?

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Transfer Options in Hanoi