There are some options to get to Cat Ba island:
1. By private car/van Hanoi – Hai Phong (about 2 hours) then direct speedboat (45 mins – 1 hour) to Cat Ba. The speedboat leaves at 9.00 AM; 1.00 PM and 3.00 PM. We can pick up/drop off at any hotel around the old quarter.
2. By private car/van directly to Cat Ba without using the speedboat. You will pass by a short ferry. Normally it takes around 3.5 hours. It is good for the group size from 6 people above to save the cost. It is not recommended take this option during summer time and our public holidays. We can pick up/drop off at any hotel around the old quarter.
3.The open bus (27 -45 seats) and it is only 13 USD/person.
They pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter around 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM to Hai Phong then crossing the new bridge to Cat Hai (northern part of Cat Ba)- over the short ferry then continue driving to Cat Ba center. It is about 3.5 hours driving. On busy days (especially summer time), they will not use the ferry to avoid the traffic jam. Passengers will be transferred to their own boat to get to the other side (about 15 mins) then get on another bus to go to Cat Ba.
Pick-up timings from Hanoi: 7:30 - 8:00; 9:30 - 10:00; 12:00 - 12:30; 14:30-15:00
Pick-up timings from Cat Ba: 7:00 - 7:30; 9:30 - 10:00; 13:00 - 13:30; 15:30-16:00
Notes: they pick up up from your hotel in the Old Quarter but only drop you off at certain places in the Old Quarter (closest your hotel if possible).
Notes: The prices can be changed seasonally. It can be more expensive around 30 April to 2 September (summer holidays).
The trip can be longer depending on the traffic.
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