Hanoi to Halong Bay Bus Guide 2025 – Top Services & Travel Tips
Updated on 17 May 2025
Traveling by Hanoi Halong bus is the most affordable and scenic way to reach Halong Bay. Covering 155 km in just 2.5–3 hours, modern buses offer comfort with amenities like Wi-Fi, reclining seats, and panoramic views of Vietnam’s countryside. With fares from $7 and departures from 3 AM to 10:30 PM, it’s ideal for budget travelers and luxury seekers alike.
Where to catch Hanoi Halong local bus? how about drop off service?
There are three main bus stations in Hanoi where you can easily catch a bus to Halong: My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Gia Lam. Numerous bus routes connect to these stations, providing convenient options for travelers.
Bus Drop-off Points in Halong
Most buses to Halong stop at two primary locations:
- Bai Chay Bus Station (in the Bai Chay area)
- Near Quang Ninh Museum (for travelers heading to Hon Gai area)
If you wish to get off at Tuan Chau Island, note that buses pass by the road leading to the island. Simply ask the driver to drop you off near the Toyota Quang Ninh Showroom, which is the closest stop.
How to book Hanoi Halong bus tickets?
Book Directly with the Bus Company
- Contact the bus company via Zalo (a popular Vietnamese messaging app). Why Zalo? Many bus operators prefer text messages over calls, as their staff may not speak English well.
- Some buses require prepayment, which can be tricky for foreigners since most only accept cash or local bank transfers (no credit cards). If needed, ask your hotel receptionist for help with payment.
Buy Tickets at the Bus Station
- A more local approach is to purchase tickets directly at the station (My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Gia Lam).
- Unless it’s a holiday or peak season, tickets are usually easy to get on the spot.
This method is straightforward and avoids online payment hassles.
Top Hanoi to Ha Long Bay Bus Brands
Choose the best bus service for your trip with our curated list of trusted operators, featuring prices, schedules, and key highlights.
| Category | Brand | Price (VND) | Departure Times | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Night Travel | Ka Long Bus | 200,000–230,000 | 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM | Spacious sleeper buses, My Dinh Station |
| Most Frequent Trips | Hung Duc Bus | 160,000–260,000 | 6:30 AM–7:15 PM (12 trips) | Budget-friendly limousine & sleeper options |
| 24/7 Availability | Phuc Xuyen Bus | 350,000 | Hourly (5 AM–9 PM) | Luxury sleepers, peak-season 3 AM trips |
| Modern Amenities | Dai Phat Bus | 220,000 | 8:50 PM (Daily) | Free water/blankets, LED lighting |
| Reliable Service | Kumho Viet Thanh | 200,000 | 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (7 trips) | Driver pick-up alerts, Cam Pha route |
| Highway Pick-Ups | Thanh Quy Bus | 250,000 | 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM | Highway stops, 40-seat sleeper buses |
| Flexible Pick-Up | Quan Nam Bus | 250,000 | 8:30 PM (Daily) | Hotel pick-ups, modern vehicles |
Ka Long Bus: Best Overnight Journey
- Price: 200,000–230,000 VND
- Departures: My Dinh & Giap Bat Stations (8:30 PM–10:30 PM)
- Features:
- 41-seat sleeper buses with ample legroom.
- Ideal for travelers arriving late in Hanoi.
Hung Duc Bus: Affordable Daily Trips
- Price: 160,000–260,000 VND
- Departures: 12 trips daily from My Dinh Station (6:30 AM–7:15 PM).
- Features:
- Choose between a 44-seat sleeper or 16-seat limousine.
- Express 2.5-hour route via highway.
Phuc Xuyen Bus: Premium 24/7 Service
- Price: 350,000 VND
- Departures: Hourly from 5 AM–9 PM (3 AM during peak seasons).
- Features:
- Limousines and sleeper buses available.
- 24/7 hotline for instant bookings.
2025 Travel Tips for Hanoi Halong Buses
- You should book at least 1 day prior departure time.
- Check the Pick-Up station: Stations include My Dinh, Giap Bat, or city-center hotels.
- Alway go the the bus station at least 20 minutes in advance, as a foreigner, you need time to find the right bus to hoop on.
FAQs: Hanoi to Halong Bay Bus
Q: How long is it take from Hanoi to Halong by bus?
A: The ride time from Hanoi to Halong alone is just about 2 - 2.5 hours as transfer via Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway. However, it might take about 30 minutes to 1 hour for the bus move from bus station to the outside Hanoi, time more consumming if in the weekenk day.
Q: Can I book local bus tickets online?
A: It depend on the bus company, normally you need to call / contact by Zalo to confirm about the number of bus tickets and departure time in advance, for payment, some bus company acccept reserve in advance and pay at the bus office or pay directy to the driver, but mostly thay need to pay in advance for secure the tickets. Other option is you can book on Vexere web, mostly local bus company list there service on this web.
Conclusion
This article lists reliable local bus operators for travelers looking to save money or experience Vietnam like a local. Alternatively, A21 Tours offers a more comfortable experience with our Hanoi Halong limousine vans featuring pick-up and drop-off services, or a private car transfer between Hanoi and Halong. While these options come at a slightly higher price, we believe the added convenience and comfort are well worth it.
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