Traveling from Cao Bang to Cat Ba by Limousine Bus – A Practical Guide
If you’ve made your way up to Cao Bang to see the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall or trek through the limestone mountains, chances are you’ll want to head south afterward for some time by the sea. And in Northern Vietnam, Cat Ba Island is hard to beat: beaches right in town, Lan Ha Bay cruises, caves, and plenty of seafood.
The question is: how do you actually get from Cao Bang to Cat Ba Island?
There isn’t a direct bus that connects the two. But there’s an easy solution: take the Limousine bus with a transfer in Hanoi. One ticket, priced at 33 USD (about 860,000 VND), includes everything – your ride from Cao Bang, a smooth connection in Hanoi, the ferry or speedboat to the island, and drop-off in Cat Ba town. No hidden fees, no juggling multiple tickets.

Quick Overview: Cao Bang → Cat Ba
Departure from Cao Bang: 07:00 AM, hotel pick-up available
Cao Bang to Hanoi: 6 – 7 hours by Limousine bus
Transfer in Hanoi: Guided, no hassle
Hanoi to Cat Ba: 3 – 3.5 hours, including ferry or speedboat
Arrival: Cat Ba town center or hotel drop-off
Total travel time: About 10 – 11 hours
Ticket price: 33 USD (~860,000 VND), all-inclusive

Step by Step: Cao Bang → Cat Ba Island
Morning in Cao Bang
The bus leaves early – 07:00 AM. Most companies will pick you up directly at your hotel, so you don’t need to head to a bus station.
First Leg: Cao Bang to Hanoi
This stretch takes around 6 – 7 hours. The Limousine bus is a smaller, more comfortable minivan-style vehicle (usually 9 – 11 seats). You’ll have reclining leather chairs, WiFi, USB chargers, and bottled water.

Transfer in Hanoi
When you reach Hanoi, staff will guide you to your next bus. You don’t need to worry about finding the right connection-it’s all handled smoothly.
Ferry or Speedboat
Part of the journey involves crossing over to Cat Ba Island. Depending on the day, it’s either a ferry (25 – 35 minutes) or a speedboat (5 – 7 minutes). Both are already included in your ticket.
Final Leg: Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
The last ride takes about 3 – 3.5 hours. By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll be dropped off hotel in Cat Ba town, sometimes directly at your hotel.

How Much Does It Cost?
The ticket is 33 USD (~860,000 VND) per person. That covers:
Limousine bus from Cao Bang to Hanoi
Limousine bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
Ferry or speedboat ticket
Hotel pick-up in Cao Bang & drop-off in Cat Ba Island
WiFi, water, and charging ports onboard
You don’t need to pay for anything extra along the way.

Daily Schedule – Cao Bang to Cat Ba
| Route | Departure Time | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cao Bang → Hanoi | 07:00 AM | 6–7 hrs | Included |
| Hanoi → Cat Ba | Midday/Afternoon | 3–3.5 hrs | Included |
| Cao Bang → Cat Ba (Full) | 07:00 AM | 10–11 hrs | 33 USD (860,000 VND) |

Contact booking
- Address Hanoi : 122 Tran Nhat Duat, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Address Cat Ba : 202 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba Town, Hai Phong
- Hotline: +84 986 900 099 / +84 843 761 761
- Email: info@catbaluxurytrans.com
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/catbaluxurytrans
Why This Option Makes Sense
Sure, you could piece the trip together with separate bus tickets and connections in Hanoi. But that often means running between bus stations, waiting for the next departure, and paying for taxis in between. It’s tiring and usually not much cheaper.
With the Limousine bus service, everything is taken care of. The seats are more comfortable, you’re picked up and dropped off at your hotels, and the ferry is included. For a long travel day like this, having it all arranged in one go really helps.
Tips for the Journey
Be ready early: The bus leaves at 07:00 AM sharp.
Bring some snacks: You’ll have stops, but it’s nice to have your own food and drinks.
Dress in layers: Air-conditioning can be chilly.
Entertainment helps: A podcast, music, or a book will make the long ride easier.
Book your hotel in Cat Ba ahead: You’ll arrive in the evening, so it’s good to know where you’re staying.
What Awaits in Cat Ba
After a long day on the road, Cat Ba Island is worth it. What to do on Cat Ba Island ?
Take a boat trip through Lan Ha Bay, quieter than Halong Bay but just as stunning
Hike in Cat Ba National Park for sweeping views
Swim at Cat Co beaches right near town
Visit Hospital Cave or Trung Trang Cave for a mix of history and nature
Enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor in the evening
FAQ – Cao Bang to Cat Ba
Is there a direct bus from Cao Bang to Cat Ba Island?
No, you always transfer in Hanoi.
How long does the trip take?
Around 10 – 11 hours in total.
What’s the ticket price?
33 USD (~860,000 VND), all-inclusive.
Do I need separate tickets for the ferry?
No, it’s already included.
Where do I arrive in Cat Ba?
Usually Cat Ba town center, with drop-off at your hotel.
Going from Cao Bang to Cat Ba Island isn’t quick, but it’s straightforward. One all-in-one ticket covers the long ride down to Hanoi, the ferry crossing, and the final leg out to the island. At 33 USD, it’s good value for a full day of travel without having to figure out multiple connections.
Start your morning in the mountains, and by evening you’ll be breathing in the sea air on Cat Ba Island.










Amanda –
Service was convenient with pickup and drop off at hotels. Fantastic service