How to Get to Haiphong from Hanoi, Airports and Beyond
If you are wondering how to get to Haiphong, the short answer is that most travellers go from Hanoi by road or rail in roughly two to three hours, while a smaller number fly straight into Cat Bi Airport or arrive by sea. This guide compares every realistic option, explains which one suits your budget and luggage, and shows how to continue to Cat Ba, Ha Long Bay and other northern destinations. It is written by the local team at Haiphong Adventure, who meet guests at train stations, bus stops and hotels almost every day.
Travel times, ticket prices and timetables in Vietnam change often, so treat every figure here as a guide only (reference, updated October 2026) and confirm details close to your date.
How to Get to Haiphong at a Glance
Haiphong is about 100 to 120 kilometres east of Hanoi, and good roads make it one of the easiest day trips in the north. Here is how the main choices compare in plain terms.
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Bus or limousine van | Budget and flexibility | Traffic can add time near Hanoi |
| Train | Scenery and a relaxed pace | Slower, fewer departures |
| Private car or taxi | Groups, families, heavy luggage | Costs more per person if you travel alone |
| Motorbike | Adventurous riders and tour groups | Needs experience and a licence |
| Flight | Domestic connections | Limited routes, airport transfer still needed |
None of these is wrong. Choose the one that fits your luggage, your tolerance for traffic and the time you have.
From Hanoi to Haiphong by Bus or Van
Buses are the most common way to travel the corridor. Services leave from several Hanoi bus stations, and many companies also run smaller limousine-style vans that pick up from hotels in the Old Quarter. The expressway between the two cities is fast when traffic is light, but Hanoi’s outskirts can be slow at rush hour.
What to Expect
Standard buses are simple and cheap. Vans are more comfortable and can drop you closer to your hotel, but you need to book in advance and confirm the pickup point. Always check where the vehicle will stop in Haiphong, because some stations are on the edge of the centre and you may need a short taxi ride afterwards.
Tips for a Smooth Ride
- Book a morning departure so you reach your hotel in daylight.
- Keep small notes for the fare, and ask the driver or staff for the price before you board.
- Keep valuables in your day bag, not in the luggage hold.
- Save your hotel address in Vietnamese on your phone for the final taxi.
If you are torn between the bus and the train, our side-by-side comparison below looks at comfort, pace and luggage in more detail.
>>> Comparing Bus And Train From Hanoi To Haiphong
From Hanoi to Haiphong by Train
The train is slower than the bus, but many travellers love it. You watch rice fields, small towns and river crossings roll past, and you can walk around the carriage. Departures are limited, so check the current Vietnam Railways timetable at the station or with your hotel before you plan around it.
Trains arrive at Haiphong Station, which is close to the centre, so a short taxi or ride-hailing trip gets you to most hotels. We share our own ride, carriage by carriage, in the story below.
>>> Experience Taking Train From Hanoi To Haiphong
Private Car, Taxi and Ride-Hailing
A private car is the simplest option for families and anyone with big bags. You are picked up at your door and dropped at your hotel, and you can stop for photos or a meal. Compare quotes from your hotel or a trusted local operator, agree the price before the journey starts and ask whether tolls are included.
Ride-hailing apps are used in Vietnam’s cities, but long-distance availability and pricing can vary, so check the app before you rely on it for an intercity trip.
Getting to Haiphong by Motorbike
Riding from Hanoi gives you a very different view of the north. Motorbikes are not permitted on the expressway, so riders use older national roads, which take longer and pass through busy towns. It is a rewarding trip if you are confident in dense traffic and hold the right licence and insurance.
If that sounds too much, join a guided ride with a local driver instead. Our article on the Hanoi to Haiphong road trip by motorbike covers the route and the places worth a break along the way.
Recommended tour
A guided motorbike tour through French colonial architecture, temples, local markets and a final local meal, with hotel pickup.
Price: see the tour page for the current rate per person (updated October 2026).
Flying to Haiphong
Haiphong has its own airport, Cat Bi International Airport, which is served mainly by domestic routes and a smaller number of regional services. Schedules change from season to season, so check with the airlines directly. Many foreign visitors still land at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, because it has the widest international choice, and then continue by road.
From Cat Bi Airport to the City
Cat Bi is not far from the centre, and a short taxi ride is the usual way in. Agree on the fare or use the meter, and have your hotel address ready.
From Noi Bai Airport to Haiphong
There are three common ways. You can book a private transfer, take a taxi or van directly, or ride into Hanoi first and switch to a bus or train. A pre-booked private transfer is the least stressful after a long flight, especially at night.
Arriving by Sea and Cruise Ships
Haiphong is a major port, and some cruise lines include northern Vietnam on their routes. Cruise passengers usually arrive at a port outside the central area, so allow time for the transfer. We cover this in detail in our separate guide to the Haiphong cruise port, and it is smart to ask your cruise line for exact docking details and shuttle information.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
The city centre is compact enough for walking, short taxi rides and guided motorbike tours. Crossing the road takes confidence, so walk slowly at a steady pace and let the traffic flow around you. Our local traffic tips, linked below, explain the simple habits that keep you safe.
>>> Travel From Hanoi To Haiphong Local Traffic Tips
- Walking suits the old centre and the Opera House area.
- Short taxis suit evenings and rain.
- A guided motorbike tour is the best way to cover temples, markets and the Swing Bridge in one day.
Continuing to Cat Ba and Ha Long Bay
Many people pass through Haiphong on the way to the islands. Cat Ba is reached by road and ferry from the Haiphong side, and the full journey normally takes a few hours depending on connections and weather. Our guides on ferry and bus tips and travelling with luggage explain what to expect. Ha Long Bay is also reached by road from Haiphong, so it is easy to combine the city, Cat Ba and the bay in one trip.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Carry your passport. You may need it for hotel check-in and some ticket purchases.
- Check current visa rules on Vietnam’s official e-visa portal before you travel.
- Download offline maps and keep your hotel address saved.
- Leave extra time on public holidays, when roads and stations are very busy.
- Keep a phone with local data or a SIM so you can reach your driver.
Which Option Is Right for You
If You Travel Alone on a Budget
Take a public bus or the train, travel in daylight and keep your day bag close. Book through a reputable counter and ask staff to write down your drop-off point.
If You Travel as a Family
A private car or pre-booked van is easier with children and luggage. You avoid transfers, and you can stop when you need a break.
If You Love Scenery and Slow Travel
Choose the train or a guided motorbike trip. Both give you a good view of the countryside, and neither is rushed.
If You Arrive Late at Night
Book a transfer in advance and let your hotel know your arrival time. Reception desks may be closed after midnight, and finding a taxi in the dark is easier when someone is waiting for you.
Whichever route you pick, keep your plans flexible, keep your hotel address handy and expect the unexpected. A relaxed attitude is the best travel tool you will pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Haiphong?
By road it is usually around two to three hours, depending on traffic and where you start. Trains are slower. Always add a buffer for your connection.
What is the cheapest way to reach Haiphong?
Public buses are usually the cheapest option. Prices change, so check at the time of booking.
Can I do Haiphong as a day trip from Hanoi?
Yes, but it is a long day. One night in the city lets you enjoy the food and evening atmosphere without rushing.
Is there an airport in Haiphong?
Yes. Cat Bi International Airport serves the city, mainly with domestic flights. Check the airlines for current routes.
How do I get to Cat Ba from Haiphong?
You normally combine a road transfer with a ferry. Check the latest schedule before you travel.
Let Us Help You Arrive Smoothly
If you would rather skip the planning, Haiphong Adventure can arrange a pickup, one of our guided Haiphong tours or a multi-day route through northern Vietnam. Message us on WhatsApp with your arrival details and we will suggest the easiest option.
WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
KakaoTalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure
