Cat Ba Island is accessible also from Ninh Binh by land transport.

• Cat Ba Island, nestled within Ha Long Bay, stands as one of northern Vietnam’s premier tourist destinations. Accessible from Hai Phong city or Tuan Chau Island via boat transfer or ferry, and now even by cable car from Cai Vieng port, Cat Ba Island has become a popular getaway spot. Traveling from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island typically takes about 4–5 hours by tourist bus, followed by a short boat transfer. Situated within the province of Quang Ninh, the island boasts the vibrant town of Cat Ba, located in its southern region. This bustling hub serves as a focal point for travelers, offering a plethora of accommodation options, diverse restaurants, and cozy coffee shops.
• Cat Ba town also boasts the remarkable Cannon Fort, a historic site accessible on foot or by motorbike, with convenient parking facilities available. Additionally, Cat Ba Island is home to a national park nestled in its midst. En route to the park, visitors can explore the island’s largest cave, Hang Trung Trang, also known as Hospital Cave.
• From Cat Ba Island, travelers can embark on boat trips to explore the scenic Lan Ha Bay or the iconic Ha Long Bay. For the ultimate exploration experience, renting a scooter, motorbike, or bicycle is highly recommended. Travelers seeking to reach Cat Ba Island from Ninh Binh have three main options: by bus and ferry, train and ferry, or by embarking on their own motorbike adventure.

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(You can book another tickets, e.g. Ninh Binh > Hanoi, Hanoi > Cat Ba…)

From Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island you can travel by bus/train + ferry or motorbike + ferry.

• The distance from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island spans approximately 160 km, particularly if you journey through Hai Phong. A preferred method to reach Cat Ba Island is by utilizing a combination of bus and ferry transport. This journey typically lasts around 5–6 hours via tourist bus and ferry, with tickets priced between $12 and $19 per person. Departing from various points in Ninh Binh, buses predominantly arrive at Cat Ba town in the island’s southern region.
• Alternatively, one can opt for a train and ferry route via Hanoi and Hai Phong. Initially, travelers embark on a train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, followed by another train from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Although there’s no direct train from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong (or Ha Long), passengers can then proceed to Cat Ba Island via ferry or boat. This combined journey takes approximately 7 hours, with tickets priced between $16 and $23 per person. Ferries and boats typically dock at Cat Ba town upon arrival.
• For the adventurous spirits, traveling by motorbike from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba via Tuan Chau Island is an option. However, this route is recommended solely for experienced motorbike riders, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. To transport your motorbike to Cat Ba Island, you must first journey to Tuan Chau harbor. From there, you can ferry your motorbike to Cat Ba Island. Once on the island, you can also travel back to Hanoi. It’s advisable to book e-tickets to Cat Ba from Ninh Binh online for added convenience.

How do I get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?

1. BUS/VAN + FERRY from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island

• Embarking on a journey from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island offers travelers a delightful adventure through Vietnam’s scenic landscapes. One of the most convenient and popular routes to reach this idyllic island is by combining a bus or minivan ride with a ferry transfer via Hai Phong or Tuan Chau Island.
• Traveling by tourist bus or luxury minivan, coupled with a ferry journey, from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. The buses and vans are comfortable and modern, ensuring a pleasant journey for passengers. Upon reaching Hai Phong or Tuan Chau Island, travelers can seamlessly transfer to a ferry that will whisk them away to the enchanting shores of Cat Ba Island.

⭐⭐⭐ Search and book bus/train or boat e-tickets from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island easily online with Baolau or 12go.asia ⭐⭐⭐

• Several reputable bus companies operate services from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island, including Good Morning Cat Ba, Daiichi Travel, The Long Travel, Cat Ba Discovery, and Cat Ba Express. One-way bus tickets for this route typically cost between $12 and $19 per person. Given the popularity of this tourist route, it’s advisable to book bus tickets online in advance to secure your seat.
• Upon booking, travelers will receive their bus e-ticket via email, which can be conveniently printed or carried on their mobile phones. Presenting the e-ticket during boarding in Ninh Binh ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey to Cat Ba Island, where exciting adventures and unforgettable experiences await.

2. TRAIN + FERRY from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island via Hanoi and Hai Phong

A) TRAIN from Ninh Binh to Hanoi

• from Ninh Binh to Hanoi you can travel by train
• travel by train form Ninh Binh to Hanoi takes about 2.5 hours
• train ticket from Ninh Binh to Hanoi costs about $3–6/pp (seats)
• trains arrive to Hanoi Railway Station in 120 Le Duan street
• read this article: How to travel to Hanoi from Ninh Binh?

B) TRAIN from Hanoi to Hai Phong

• from Hanoi to Hai Phong you can travel by train of Vietnam Railways
• travel by train from Hanoi to Hai Phong takes about 2.5 hours
• train tickets from Hanoi to Hai Phong cost about $3–5/pp
• read this article: How to get from Hanoi to Hai Phong?
• you will receive your bus/train e-tickets to Hai Phong and Hanoi by email, ready to print or carry in your smartphone or tablet and present before boarding the bus/train in Ninh Binh or Hanoi

C) FERRY/BOAT from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island

• from Hai Phong to Cat Ba you can travel by ferry
• travel by ferry/boat from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island takes about 1 hour
• ferry/boat tickets from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island cost about $7–8/pp
• read this article: How to travel to Cat Ba from Hai Phong?
• you will receive your ferry e-tickets to Cat Ba Island by email, ready to print or carry in your smartphone or tablet and present before boarding the ferry/boat in Hai Phong

3. Travel on motorbike from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (via Tuan Chau Island)

• For travelers seeking an adventurous journey, traversing from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island on a motorbike via Tuan Chau Island presents an exhilarating option. This scenic route promises breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences, perfect for those with a spirit of adventure.
• The journey from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island via Tuan Chau Harbor typically spans about 7 hours on a motorbike. Travelers must first make their way to Tuan Chau Harbor, where they can embark on a boat journey with their motorbike to reach Cat Ba Island.
• Riding your own motorbike provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, soaking in the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside along the way. However, it’s essential to note that this route is recommended only for experienced motorbike riders. Additionally, possessing an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for driving in Vietnam, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Upon reaching Tuan Chau Harbor, travelers can arrange for their motorbike to be transported on the boat to Cat Ba Island. This unique mode of transportation allows adventurers to enjoy the best of both worlds — the thrill of motorbiking combined with the scenic beauty of a boat journey across the waters.
• Embarking on a motorbike journey from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island via Tuan Chau Island promises an unforgettable adventure, offering the opportunity to create cherished memories amidst the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam.

❓ Faqs — Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (Đảo Cát Bà):

How to book and buy tickets from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?

⭐⭐⭐ Search and book bus/train or boat e-tickets from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island easily online with Baolau or 12go.asia ⭐⭐⭐
(You can book another tickets, e.g. Hai Phong > Cat Ba, Cat Ba > Hanoi…)

How long does it take to travel from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?

• Travel by tourist bus/minivan+ferry from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island takes about 5 hours.
• Travel by train+ferry from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (via Hanoi) takes about 7–8 hours.
• Travel on motorbike from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (via Tuan Chau harbor) takes about 8 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?

• Travel by tourist bus/minivan+ferry from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island costs about $12–19/pp.
• Travel by train+ferry from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (via Hanoi) costs about $13–23/pp.

What is the travel distance from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?

• Travel distance from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (via Hai Phong) is about 160 km by tourist bus/minivan+ferry. Travel distance from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (via Hanoi) is about 260 km.

Is there a boat/ferry transfer from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island?

• Yes, there is a short boat/ferry transfer from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island. You will be transported by boat/ferry to Cat Ba and then you will continue to travel by bus to Cat Ba town. In June 2020, there was also opened a new cable car from Cai Vieng port (Hai Phong) to Cat Ba.

Is there a flight from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?

• No, Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island have no airport. It is not possible to travel by plane between these sites. There are only the sightseeing flights from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Is there a direct train from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong or Ha Long?

• No, there is not a direct train between Ninh Binh and Hai Phong or Ha Long town. There is a train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and from Hanoi to Hai Phong. There is also a train from Hanoi to Ha Long via Kep (travel time via Kep is about 7 hours), the better way is to take a train to Hai Phong.

How to explore thea area of Cat Ba Island?

• The best way how to explore Cat Ba Island is to rent a motorbike or bicycle. You can also walk at the Cat Ba town and to the beaches - Cat Co beaches 1–3. But if you want to explore Cat Ba Island - take a motorbike/scooter.

Which bus companies serve this route from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?

• There are various private bus companies on this route from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island: Good Morning Cat Ba, Daiichi Travel, Full Moon Party Tour, Cat Ba Express, The Long Travel, Cat Ba Discovery…

Where you can travel from Cat Ba Island?

• From Cat Ba Island you can travel to Hanoi, or if you want to explore northern Vietnam you can travel to Sapa or Ha Giang.

How to travel from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island

• From Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island you can travel by ferry/boat from Pha Binh port. Read this article: How to reach Cat Ba from Hai Phong?
• In June 2020, there was also opened a new cable car from Cai Vieng port to Cat Ba Island.

Which tourist boat you can take in Halong Bay?

• Travel on the boat in Halong Bay is very popular. And there are various cheap + luxury tourist boats and cruises. You can choose and book from this selection of the 15 best boats and cruises in Halong Bay.