Hai Phong to Cat Ba Speedboat (2026): The Ultimate Guide to Dong Bai Pier
Are you arriving at Cat Bi Airport or staying in Hai Phong city center and looking for the fastest way to reach Cat Ba Island? While there are several transport options, taking the Hai Phong to Cat Ba speedboat (also known as a hydrofoil) is undeniably the most time-saving and efficient choice.
As a local travel expert at Cat Ba Discovery, we constantly receive questions from travelers confused by outdated information online. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we will clear up the confusion about the pier relocation, provide the latest speedboat schedules, ticket prices, and show you exactly how to make your journey as smooth as possible.
⚠️ Important 2026 Update: Got Pier is Closed! (Welcome to Dong Bai Pier)
If you are reading older travel blogs, you will see everyone mentioning “Got Pier” (Bến Gót). Please note: Got Pier is now permanently closed for tourist ferries and speedboats.
All marine transport has been relocated to the brand-new and much larger Dong Bai Pier (Bến Đồng Bài), located just a few kilometers away. To take the speedboat from Dong Bai pier to Cat Ba island, make sure your taxi driver knows exactly where the new terminal is!
Hai Phong to Cat Ba Speedboat Schedule & Ticket Price
To help you plan your itinerary, here is the most updated information for the speedboat departing from Dong Bai Pier (Hai Phong) to Cai Vieng Pier (Cat Ba).
🚤 Speedboat Timetable (2026)
Speedboats run regularly throughout the day. The journey across the sea takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
| From Dong Bai Pier (Hai Phong) | From Cai Vieng Pier (Cat Ba) |
|---|---|
| 08:00 AM | 08:30 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 10:30 AM |
| 13:00 PM | 13:30 PM |
| 15:00 PM | 15:30 PM |
*Note: Departure times may slightly vary depending on the specific speedboat company and weather conditions.
💵 Ticket Price
The ticket price for the speedboat is very reasonable, making it a great option for both budget backpackers and luxury travelers.
- Adult Ticket: 120,000 VND (approx. $5.00 USD) per person/way.
- Child Ticket: Children under 1.2 meters usually get a discount or travel for free depending on the operator.
How to get from Hai Phong Center & Cat Bi Airport to Cat Ba
One of the most common routes is traveling from Cat Bi airport to Cat Ba island or from Hai Phong city center. Here is the local insider way to do it without spending a fortune on long-distance taxis:
📍 From Hai Phong City Center
If you are already in the city center, you actually do not need to travel 30km to Dong Bai Pier. You have two much better and closer options:
- The Fastest Way (Speedboat from Binh Pier): You can catch a direct speedboat from Binh Pier (Bến Bính), which is right in the city center, straight to Cat Ba. The ticket is around 180,000 VND/person ($7.50).
- The Budget Way (Local Bus): If you want to save money, head to Thuong Ly Bus Station (Bến xe Thượng Lý) and catch a local bus that goes to Cat Ba.
✈️ From Cat Bi Airport to Cat Ba Island
Dong Bai Pier is quite far from Cat Bi Airport. Instead of paying a taxi 300,000 – 400,000 VND ($12 – $16) to drive you all the way to the pier, we have a much smarter and cheaper solution for our guests:
💡 Cat Ba Discovery Pick-up Hack!
Just take a short, cheap taxi ride from Cat Bi Airport to the Tan Vu Bridge Intersection (Nút giao cầu Tân Vũ).
Our Cat Ba Discovery Bus will pick you up right there, take you across the sea, and drop you off directly at your hotel in Cat Ba Town!
📲 To easily arrange this pickup, contact us via Zalo/WhatsApp: +84 386 051 268
How to get from Hai Phong Center & Cat Bi Airport to Cat Ba
One of the most common routes is traveling from Cat Bi airport to Cat Ba island or from Hai Phong city center. Here is the local insider way to do it without spending a fortune on long-distance taxis:
📍 From Hai Phong City Center
If you are already in the city center, you actually do not need to travel 30km to Dong Bai Pier. You have two much better and closer options:
- The Fastest Way (Speedboat from Binh Pier): You can catch a direct speedboat from Binh Pier (Bến Bính), which is right in the city center, straight to Cat Ba. The ticket is around 180,000 VND/person ($7.50).
- The Budget Way (Local Bus): If you want to save money, head to Thuong Ly Bus Station (Bến xe Thượng Lý) and catch a local bus that goes to Cat Ba.
✈️ From Cat Bi Airport to Cat Ba Island
Dong Bai Pier is quite far from Cat Bi Airport. Instead of paying a taxi 300,000 – 400,000 VND ($12 – $16) to drive you all the way to the pier, we have a much smarter and cheaper solution for our guests:
💡 Cat Ba Discovery Pick-up Hack!
Just take a short, cheap taxi ride from Cat Bi Airport to the Tan Vu Bridge Intersection (Nút giao cầu Tân Vũ).
Our Cat Ba Discovery Bus will pick you up right there, take you across the sea, and drop you off directly at your hotel in Cat Ba Town!
📲 To easily arrange this pickup, contact us via Zalo/WhatsApp: +84 386 051 268
Speedboat vs. Ferry vs. Cable Car: Which should you choose?
Not sure if the Hai Phong to Cat Ba hydrofoil / speedboat is right for you? Here is a quick comparison of your options from Dong Bai Pier:
| Transport Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | Fastest (10 mins). Leaves frequently. | Passenger only (Cannot carry motorbikes or cars). |
| Ferry (Phà) | Cheapest. Can carry motorbikes, cars, and buses. Great sightseeing. | Slow (45 mins). Long waiting queues for cars in summer. |
| Sun World Cable Car | Spectacular aerial view of the ocean. | Limited operating hours. Drop-off is far from Cat Ba center. |
🚢 Traveling with a vehicle or prefer a scenic route? If you are bringing a motorbike/car or simply want to enjoy a slower cruise across the bay, read our complete guide to the Hai Phong to Cat Ba ferry. We cover all the updated 2026 schedules and vehicle ticket prices!
How to Book Your Speedboat Ticket (Or take a hassle-free package!)
You can buy speedboat tickets directly at the counter at Dong Bai Pier. However, during weekends or Vietnamese public holidays, it is highly recommended to arrive early to secure your spot.
🚀 Skip the Hassle: Book a Direct Transfer!
Dragging heavy luggage from a taxi to a pier, waiting in line for a speedboat, and then hunting for another bus on Cat Ba Island is exhausting. Travel smart!
Let Cat Ba Discovery handle everything with our seamless Bus + Speedboat Combo. We pick you up from Hanoi or Ninh Binh and drop you off directly at your hotel door in Cat Ba. Zero stress, 100% vacation!
Need a private car from Hai Phong Airport?
WhatsApp us now:
📞 +84 386 051 268
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I take a motorbike on the speedboat?
How long does the speedboat take from Hai Phong to Cat Ba?
Does the speedboat run in bad weather?
Safety comes first. During typhoons or strong monsoons, the Port Authority will suspend all marine transport, including speedboats and ferries. We recommend checking the weather forecast before your trip.
We hope this guide makes your journey from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island simple and stress-free. Once you arrive, the stunning limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay are waiting for you to explore!
Keep exploring Cat Ba:
👉 Top-rated Lan Ha Bay 1 Day Cruise
👉 Is Cat Ba Worth Visiting? (Honest Review)
👉 Best Motorbike Rental in Cat Ba Island
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