How to get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island: The Ultimate Guide 2026
Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island are two of the most spectacular destinations in Northern Vietnam. One is known as the “Ha Long Bay on Land,” and the other is the gateway to the pristine Lan Ha Bay. Connecting these two spots is a priority for almost every traveler.
However, moving between them can be confusing if you don’t know the route. Should you take a train? A private car? Or a bus?
In this guide, Cat Ba Discovery—your local expert—will show you exactly how to get from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.
Distance & Travel Time from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba
Before planning your trip, it is important to understand the geography. The distance from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island is approximately 130 km (80 miles). However, the travel time and route depend heavily on your chosen mode of transport.
1. For Tourist Bus & Private Car (4 – 4.5 Hours):
This is the fastest and most popular option. Vehicles will take the most optimal route via the new coastal expressway infrastructure.
📍 The Route:
Tam Coc/Ninh Binh→ National Road 10 (QL10) → Hai Phong Expressway→ Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge (Longest sea-crossing bridge in SEA) → Dong Bai Pier → Ferry to Cat Ba Island.
2. For Motorbike Riders (5 – 6 Hours):
If you are planning a motorbike adventure, please note that motorbikes are NOT allowed on the Expressway. You must stick to the local national roads, which means sharing the lane with trucks and slower traffic.
Tam Coc→ Follow National Road 10 (QL10) →(passing through Nam Dinh and Thai Binh provinces)→Hai Phong City→Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge (Motorbikes allowed) →Dong Bai Pier.
Note: While the ride offers local scenery, it is significantly longer and dustier than taking the bus.
Unlike the old days when the journey could take up to 6 hours, the new bridge and improved ferry services have made this trip much smoother for everyone.
Best way to travel: The Direct Bus
For 90% of travelers, the bus from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba is the best option. However, not all bus services are created equal.
Many local buses require you to switch vehicles at the ferry terminal. This means you have to carry your heavy luggage off the bus, walk onto the ferry, and find another bus on the other side. This is exhausting, especially in the summer heat.
At Cat Ba Discovery, we offer a Direct Bus Ninh Binh to Cat Ba.
- No switching vehicles: You and your luggage stay on the same high-quality bus throughout the journey (the bus drives onto the ferry).
- Comfort: Reclining seats, A/C, free water, and USB charging ports.
- Pick-up: Direct pick-up from your hotel in Tam Coc, Trang An, or Ninh Binh City.
Bus Schedule (Daily)
- Morning: 07:30 AM | 08:30 AM
- Afternoon: 13:30 PM
Book Your Seat Today! Don’t risk sold-out tickets during peak season. Secure your spot on the most reliable bus service connecting the two bays.
👉 CLICK HERE TO BOOK BUS TICKET NINH BINH – CAT BA
Tam Coc to Cat Ba Island
Most international travelers choose to stay in Tam Coc rather than Ninh Binh City center because of its proximity to the boat piers and limestone mountains.
If you are staying here, you don’t need to take a taxi to the main bus station. Our Tam Coc to Cat Ba Island service includes pick-up directly from your homestay or hotel lobby in the Tam Coc area.
- Pick-up time in Tam Coc: Usually 30 minutes before departure time.
- Trang An pick-up: We also support pick-up in Trang An (please confirm your location when booking).
Comparison: Bus vs Private Car vs Train
To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the transport modes:
| Transport Mode | Cost | Travel Time | Convenience | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Bus | Affordable | 4.5 Hours | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Solo, Couples, Groups |
| Private Car | High | 4 Hours | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families with kids |
| Train + Taxi | Medium | 6+ Hours | ⭐⭐ | Train enthusiasts only |
| Motorbike | Cheap | 5-6 Hours | ⭐⭐⭐ | Adventure seekers |
⚠️ Local Expert Tip: We strongly advise AGAINST taking the train for this route. The train only goes to Hai Phong City. From there, you must take a taxi to the port, buy a ferry ticket, and take another bus to Cat Ba Town. It is complicated, time-consuming, and often more expensive than the direct bus.
What to do after arriving in Cat Ba?
After the 4.5-hour bus ride, you will arrive in Cat Ba Town around noon or late afternoon. You might feel a bit tired, but the fresh ocean breeze will wake you up immediately.
Check into your hotel, grab some fresh seafood at a local restaurant, and get ready for the real adventure.
Our recommendation for the next day:
Don’t just stay in the town. The true beauty of this archipelago lies in the hidden lagoons and floating villages that big boats cannot reach. You should definitely try Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay to touch the limestone karsts with your own hands.
For the most immersive experience, we highly recommend booking a Luxury boutique cruise Lan Ha Bay (2 Days 1 Night). Staying overnight on the bay allows you to see the glowing plankton at night and wake up to a magical sunrise that day-trippers miss out on.
FAQ about Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island
1. Does the bus price include the ferry ticket?
Yes, our ticket price is all-inclusive. It covers the bus seat, highway toll fees, and the ferry ticket to Cat Ba Island.
2. Can I bring large luggage on the bus?
Absolutely. Our buses have spacious luggage compartments. You can bring your suitcases and backpacks (typically up to 20kg) free of charge.
3. Does the bus drop me off at my hotel in Cat Ba?
Yes, we drop passengers off at any hotel located in Cat Ba Town center. If your hotel is far from the town (like near the National Park), we can drop you at the nearest point or arrange a taxi for you.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Cat Ba Discovery via WhatsApp if you have any further questions!
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