Getting to Halong from 3 nearby Airports

Halong, well-known as one of the Seven Wonders of the world, is often described as a must-see travel destination when travelling to Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay

Covering an area of around 1,553 km2 (600 sq mi), including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone, the bay is spectacularly magnificent with its unmistakably unique landscape. 

Taking a trip to Halong, tourists may opt for different means of transport. But with the construction of Van Don airport, bringing the number of airports in the surrounding area up to 3, flying to Halong has never been that easy. 

In this article, we would like to recommend several ways that you may take to get to Halong after landing on one of the 3 surrounding airports, including Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, Cat Bi airport in Hai Phong and finally Van Don airport in Quang Ninh.

Noi Bai International Airport

Located in Phu Minh Commune in Soc Son District, about 35 kilometres (21 miles) northeast of downtown Hanoi, Noi Bai airport is the second busiest airport in Vietnam and the biggest airport in the entire region. 

Although it is the farthest airport to Halong among three, Noi Bai as the biggest has the advantage of having the most number of flights available.

From the airport to Halong Bay, there are two options for you but it is recommended to take a private car straight to Halong. 

Private car

Private Car At Noi Bai International Airport

Private Car is the more expensive but it’s the faster and also more comfortable. Depending on the number of people, you may opt for three types of private car available:  a 4-seater, a 7-seater and a Limousine D-car with 9 seats.

• 4-seater car: Would be suitable for 2 passengers as a seat would be spared for the luggage and another for the driver. The price is 70$.
• 7-seater car: Minus one seat for the luggage and another for the driver, a 7-seater would be perfect for 5 passengers and the price is 80$.
• 9 seater car: For bigger groups, choosing a Limousine D-car would be ideal as it can deliver up to 7 passengers excluding one seat for the luggage and another for the drivers. The price is 115$.

From Noi Bai airports, there are 2 different routes to Halong: One through the national route 18 which may take about 3.5 hours and another through the new expressway which will shorten the transferring up to 1.5 hours.

However, you will have to pay toll fee of 12$ to use the expressway route.

Private car would be a great option if you want to go straight to Halong or find other means of transport take such a long time or too uncomfortable.

Shared Car

Shared Car At Noi Bai International Airport

If you aren’t in a rush, want to explore Hanoi first or simply need to save money, it’s possible to use a mix of transport that offered by A21 Tour.

• First, you take a private car to a21 office in  Hanoi city center. The price is $18 and it takes about 40’. You also can take the public bus number 86 to Hanoi train station and then walk to our office.
• It’s much cheaper as it only costs $1.5 for a turn but you will have to wait for the bus and there are only 7 rounds a day. It will also take a longer time, usually more than 1 hour as the bus takes a very complicated route.
• Once you arrived to our office, you now can take a Limousine car to Halong. The price is $16/ticket and it will take around 3-4 hours.
• Again, you can choose between  2 different routes: One through the national route 18 which may take about 3.5 hours and another through the new expressway which will shorten the transferring up to 1.5 hours.
• You will also have to pay an extra of 4$/ticket to use the expressway route.

Another thing is that there are only 2 rounds a day and the departure time is fixed. Therefore, you will need to do a good timing in order not to miss the car.

As the Noi Bai airport is quite far from Halong, it would be better to take a fight to either Van Don or Cat Bi.

But it may be impossible as direct flights to these two airports are only available in several countries. In this case, you will need to land on a different airport in Vietnam and then take another fight to these airports.

Cat Bi International Airport

Located about 47 km to the southwest of Halong, Cat Bi International airport is one of the most important airport in the region. 

The airport is currently available for only 5 airlines namely Bamboo Airways, Donghai Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines.

From Cat Bi, there is only one option available to get to Halong which is using private car.

Private Car At Cat Bi International Airport 

There are two types of cars: 

• 4-Seater  for $45 which can transport 2 passengers at maximum.
•  7-Seater for  $55 which can transport 5 passengers at maximum

The driver will hold a board writing your name and wait for you at the lobby of the airport.

The car will to you to your hotel in Halong, so you don’t need to take another taxi.

It takes around 1 hour to travel from Cat Bi to Halong.

Van Don International Airport

Located 55 km to the northeast of Halong, Van Don is the first private airport in Vietnam. Finished in 2018, the airport now is becoming a key point in the flight network of the area. 

Similar to Cat Bi, as the airport only provides service for several airlines, mostly domestic ones, you will need to stop at one of the airport in Vietnam, usually Tan Son Nhat airport or Noi Bai airport before flying to Van Don. Thus, it can be quite tedious.

There is also only one option for you at Van Don which is private car. 

Private Car At Noi Bai International Airport

Similarly, there are two types of private car that you can choose:

• 4-Seater  for $45 which can transport 3 passengers at maximum.
•  7-Seater for  $55 which can transport 5 passengers at maximum

You will be greeted by the driver in the airport lobby who will hold a board writing your name so that you can easily recognize.

The driving trip to Halong is comfortable and cozy as the whole car is yours. Now you can relax until the car takes you to your hotel in Halong.

It will take around 1 hour to get from Van Don to Halong.