Halong Bay to Hanoi bus: Best Routes, Tickets & Tips

hoan-kiem-lake-ha-noi — Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most prominent icons of Hanoi. (Source: Collected)

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Why take a bus from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi?

Taking a bus or limousine is the most affordable, efficient, and flexible way to return to Hanoi after your Ha Long Bay cruise. Whether you’re staying in the Hanoi Old Quarter or heading to the airport, buses provide a budget-friendly alternative to private cars.

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The distance between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay is short enough for a day trip between them — Explore natural landscapes en route Ha Long Bay to Hanoi. (Source: Collected)

How long is the journey?

🕒 Duration: ~2.5 to 4 hours

📍 Distance: ~160 km

🛣️ Expressway Route via Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long

✅ Tip: Limousines often use faster, direct highways → better comfort & less travel time.

👉 Check more: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay Distance

Typically, the journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by car takes around 3 to 4 hours — The journey from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi takes about 3 to 4 hours. (Source: Collected)

Types of buses available

Limousine Vans (10–16 seats)

Leather seats, USB charging, AC
Faster (2.5–3 hrs)
Price: $15–$20
Pick-up: Cruise ports (Tuan Chau, Bai Chay)
Drop-off: Hanoi Old Quarter, Noi Bai Airport

Travel Comfortably from Halong Bay to Hanoi by Limousine Bus — The limousine bus is the most comfortable bus option from Halong Bay to Hanoi. (Source: Collected)

Tourist Buses / Shuttles

Basic seating, fewer amenities
Duration: 3.5–4 hrs
Price: $8–$12
Less flexibility on pick-up location

Standard halong Bay to Hanoi Buses: Affordable Yet Less Comfortable Option — Taking Standard Buses from Halong Bay to Hanoi: Cost-Effective but Less Comfortable. (Source: Collected)

Best limousine & Bus brands (2025 Updaed)

Brand name	Type	Time	Price(USD)	Pros
Daiichi Travel Bus	Tourist Bus	3.5 hours	$12–$15	Reliable, good reviews
Duy Khanh Limousine	Limousine van	2.5 hours	$15–$22	Clean, free water/WiFi
Kumho Viet Thanh	Local shuttle Bus	3.5 hours	$8–$12	Big brand, safe
Cuong Phat (Luxury Van)	Limousine van	2.5 hours	$15–$20	Small group, soft seats
Hoang Long Exress	Local shuttle Bus	3.5 hours	$8–$12	Budget choice, basic

📌 Insider Tip: Book your limousine seat at least 1 day in advance during peak travel season (May–Aug, weekends, holidays).

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Info

Pick-Up Points in Ha Long Bay:

Tuan Chau Marina (Cruise Pier)
Bai Chay Station (for buses)
Your cruise/hotel (for limos & shared vans)

Ha-Long-Bay-Cruise-Ship-Terminal-Pier — The Cruise Ship Terminal Pier at Tuan Chau Marina. (Source: Collected)

Drop-Off Points in Hanoi:

Hanoi Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem)
Noi Bai International Airport (on request)
My Dinh or Gia Lam Bus Station (for public buses)

📌 Cruise Tip: Most 2D1N Ha Long Bay cruises finish around 11:00 AM, so book buses departing after 11:30 AM.

The Benefits of Using Noi Bai Airport for Ha Long Bay Trips — Noi Bai Airport is approximately 180 km from Ha Long Bay, making it the easiest gateway for visitors.

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Pros & Cons: Limousine vs Tourist Bus

Factor	Limousine Van	Tourist Bus
Comfort	Soft seats, quiet	Basic seats, noisier
Speed	2.5 – 3 hours	3.5 – 4 hours
Price	$15–$25	$8–$12
Pick up	Direct from cruise	From bus station
Booking	Online/hotel	At station / hotel