How to Get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (2026 Guide)

How to Get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island Fast: Best Routes & Tips — Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island: Unveiling Northern Vietnam’s Scenic & Cultural Tapestry.

Planning a trip how to get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island? This guide shows the best transfer options, travel times, and practical tips so you can choose the route that fits your budget and schedule. Whether you want speed, comfort, or the cheapest way, we cover it all.

To start, note that Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island is about 180 km (110 miles); the fastest route is a private limousine + speedboat (approximately 2.5–3.5 hrs), and the cheapest is the shuttle bus + ferry (approximately 3.5–5 hrs).

Before diving into the transport options, here’s why combining Ninh Binh and Cat Ba makes your Vietnam itinerary truly unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Why Combine Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island in Your Vietnam Itinerary

Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island perfectly complement each other — one inland, one by the sea.

Ninh Binh: limestone peaks, tranquil rivers, and ancient temples — often called “Ha Long Bay on land.
Cat Ba Island: turquoise waters, kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, and golden beaches framed by limestone cliffs.

Together, they offer the best of Northern Vietnam — a seamless mix of nature, culture, and adventure in perfect balance.

💡 Tip: Before leaving the mainland, check the Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh to plan your journey for ideal weather and scenic views.

Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island: Vietnam's Inland-Sea Masterpiece Awaits — Ninh Binh & Cat Ba Island: Bridging Landscapes & Cultures in One Journey.

Quick Facts – Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island at a Glance

The distance between Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island is about 180 km (110 miles). Here’s a quick overview of your main travel options before diving into details.

Public Bus + Ferry

⏱️ Duration: 4–6 hours

💰 Price: $

🌟 Comfort: ★★ (Basic experience)

🗺️ Route: via Tuan Chau or Got Pier

✅ Best for: Backpackers & local explorers.

Private Limousine + Speedboat

⏱️ Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours

💰 Price: $$–$$$

🌟 Comfort: ★★★★★ (Luxury option)

🗺️ Route: via Hai Phong (Got Pier)

✅ Best for: Travelers who value comfort & speed.

Shuttle Bus + Ferry

⏱️ Duration: 3.5–5 hours

💰 Price: $

🌟 Comfort: ★★★ (Balanced choice)

🗺️ Route: via Got Pier

✅ Best for: Budget travelers who want a smooth trip.

Route Map from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island: Scenic Paths & Easy Navigation — Route Map from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island: Budget-Friendly Maps for Adventurers.

How to Get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island – Transport Options

There are several ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island depending on your budget, comfort level, and time — from luxury limousines to budget-friendly buses and ferries. The distance is about 180 km (110 miles); here are the best ways to get there.

Option 1: Shuttle Bus + Ferry Combo (Popular & Affordable)

This is the most common option for backpackers and budget travelers. Several daily buses run from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba with one transfer at Got Pier (Hai Phong).

The trip usually includes:

Shuttle bus from Ninh Binh → Got Pier (approx. 3–3.5 hours)
Short ferry crossing (20–25 minutes)
Shuttle bus from Cai Vieng Port → Cat Ba Town (30–40 minutes)
Estimated total time: 3.5 – 4 hours

👍 Advantages:

Cheapest and most popular route
Easy to book at hotels or travel agencies
Comfortable buses with air-conditioning

⚠️ Travel Tips:

Bring snacks and water — ferry queues may take longer in peak season.
Choose morning departures (7:00–8:00 AM) for smooth connections.
Confirm ferry times before booking.

💡 If you’re planning your Vietnam travel route, check our detailed guide on How to Get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh — it connects perfectly before your Ninh Binh to Cat Ba leg.

Ninh Binh to Cat Ba: Cheap Shuttle Bus for Budget Travelers.

Option 2: Private Car/Limousine Transfer + Speedboat

If you value comfort, privacy, and speed, this is the best way to travel from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island.

Your journey begins with a Limousine bus (max 19 passengers) that picks you up directly from your hotel in Ninh Binh. Sit back and relax in plush leather seats, enjoy free Wi-Fi, and bottled water on board.

Route Overview: Ninh Binh → Expressway → Hai Phong (Got Pier) → Speedboat → Cat Ba Island
Estimated travel time: 3 – 3.5 hours total

✨ Why choose this option:

✅ Door-to-door convenience (hotel pickup & drop-off)
✅ Fastest route (no unnecessary transfers)
✅ Comfortable Dcar Limousine & private speedboat
✅ Ideal for couples, families, or small groups

💬 Book your Private Limousine + Speedboat combo easily via WhatsApp: +84 974 805 797 | +84 914 815 535

👉 If you plan to spend one more day before leaving, discover our curated collection of Luxury Ninh Binh Day Tours — perfect for travelers who want to explore in comfort.

Limousine Bus from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba: Ultimate Comfort & Speed — Limousine Bus or Private Car to Cat Ba Island: Luxe Privacy & Fast Travel from Ninh Binh

Option 3: Public Bus + Ferry (For the Independent Traveler)

For those who prefer flexibility, you can arrange the trip yourself using public transport.

Take a local bus from Ninh Binh → Hai Phong or Ha Long.
From Hai Phong, take a taxi or Grab to Got Pier.
Hop on a public ferry to Cat Ba Island (Cai Vieng Port).
Then take a local bus/taxi to Cat Ba Town.

💡 Total duration: 4 – 6 hours

✅ Best for: Experienced travelers, backpackers on a tight budget

⚠️ Keep in mind:

Transfers can be confusing if you don’t speak Vietnamese
Limited schedules in low season
No guaranteed connection between bus and ferry
Still, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in local life and see more of northern Vietnam.

👉 To make the most of your time in Ninh Binh before departing, explore our insider guide to Things to Do in Ninh Binh

DIY Flexibility: Self-Plan Public Transport from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba — Independent Travel: Flexible Public Transport Routes to Cat Ba from Ninh Binh

Route Overview – Map of Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island

Main route: Ninh Binh → Hai Phong (Got Pier) → Cat Ba Island

Travelers usually use the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway, which makes the trip faster and smoother. From Got Pier, ferries and speedboats depart frequently to Cat Ba Island (every 30–60 minutes).

🧭 Tip: Always check the latest ferry schedule, especially during rainy months (June–August).

Travel Tips Before You Go

Book early: Ferries and buses can sell out during weekends or holidays.
Avoid late ferries: Last boats usually depart Got Pier around 4:30–5:00 PM.
Pack light: It’s easier to handle transfers between bus and ferry.
Weather watch: Heavy rain may delay ferries during storm season.
Combine your journey: Spend one last day exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc, or Mua Cave before heading to Cat Ba.