Is taking a bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay a good option?
For travelers seeking a budget-friendly, safe, and relatively fast transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, buses and limousines are a top choice.
- Travel Time: 2.5–3.5 hours via expressway
- Comfort: Reclining seats, AC, onboard WiFi (on limousines)
- Cost: Starting from $9–$15 one way
- Best For: Solo travelers, couples, budget tourists
📌 Pro Tip: For cruise departures at noon, choose buses leaving Hanoi before 8:00 AM.
👉 Read more:
Types of buses available
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🔍 Limousine buses are the most popular among international travelers for their speed, comfort, and hotel pickup options.
👉 Read more:
7 Most trusted bus & Limousine brands
We’ve shortlisted the most reliable operators based on safety, reviews, punctuality, and cruise coordination.
Daiichi Travel Bus
- Shuttle Bus: 35 seats, 45 seats
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
- Price: $10 – $15
🧭 Best for overnight cruise passengers
Cuong Phat (Luxury Van)
- Limousine 9-seat, 17 seats
- USB charging, bottled water, massage seats
- Best for business travelers
- Price: $15 – $20 (roundtrip discounts available)
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Time: 2.5 hour – 3 hours
Explore more:
Kumho Viet Thanh
- Large coach (45 seats)
- Cheapest option
- No hotel pickup
- Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
- Price: $9 – $12
Hoang Long Express
- Large coach (45 seats)
- High-frequency, local pricing
- Runs multiple routes daily
- Downside: often crowded
- Time: 3.5 hours
- Price: $9 – $12
Duy Khanh Limousine
- Great reviews for cruise coordination
- Combo available with day cruise packages
- Limousine 9-seat, 17 seats
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Time: 2.5 hour – 3 hours
- Price: $15 – $20
Phuc Xuyen Limousine
- Limousine 9-seat, 17 seats
- Well-rated for safety and cleanliness
- Departure from My Dinh & Old Quarter
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Time: 2.5 hour – 3 hours
- Price: $15 – $20
Hoang Phu Limousine Bus
- Limousine 9-seat, 17 seats
- High-end interior, dedicated customer support
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Time: 2.5 hour – 3 hours
- Price: $15 – $20
📌 Pro Tip: Book through a Best Hanoi Travel Agency or cruise operators for bundled savings.
Where to catch the bus in Hanoi?
Most buses depart from:
- Old Quarter pickup points (free for limousines)
- My Dinh Bus Station (coaches)
- Gia Lam Bus Station (local services)
🧭 Arrival in Ha Long:
- Tuan Chau International Marina (for cruise pickup)
- Bai Chay Terminal (day tour access)
👉 Explore more:
Bus Timetables (2025 Update)
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🔔 Note: Morning buses are best if you’re boarding a day cruise or overnight cruise around noon.
What to Expect: Comfort, Luggage, Stops
- Luggage: 20kg limit on limos; extra charge for oversized bags
- Stops: Most limousines stop once for snacks/restroom
- Seats: Choose front/middle row if you’re prone to motion sickness
Best buses based on cruise timing
| Cruise Type | Recommended Bus Time | Brand Options |
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🎯 Need help choosing a cruise too? → Compare All Ha Long Bay Cruise Options
Insider Tips for Booking
- Book directly via cruise provider to avoid coordination issues
- Confirm pickup time 24h before departure
- Choose round-trip options to save 10–15%
- Travel insurance recommended during rainy season (July–Aug)
FAQs – Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by Bus
Is it safe to take buses from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?
- Yes, especially with limousine brands like Duy Khanh Limousine, Hoang Phu limousine
Can I book the bus + cruise as a combo?
- Absolutely. Many cruise operators include round-trip limousine transfers in their packages.
What’s better: shuttle bus or limousine?
- Limousines offer comfort, speed, and better coordination with cruises.
Do buses run during holidays?
- Yes, but it’s best to book early for Tet or weekends.
Ready to Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?
Let us help you choose the best cruise + bus combo based on your travel date & preferences.
📞 What’sApp/Hotline: +84 974 805 797/ +84 914 815 535
📧 Email: info@hanoiexploretravel.com
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