Great itineraries connect the two points through Halong. Shortening your trip length leads to cheaper costs. Depending on your need and timing, you may go with any of the following.
A: By Bus: Hanoi-Halong City Public Bus: Public buses are frequently available between Hanoi and Halong. This service generally takes three to four hours from Hanoi to Halong. Although public buses are the cheapest, they are not as comfortable as expected. The buses operated by private companies are of a lower standard. Private Bus/minibus: Many private companies operate less comfortable buses from National Route No 18 to Halong. They provide some options for hotel pick-up in Hanoi and then for pick-up at the destination in Halong. Such a trip takes about the same time.
B: By car: Rent a car: You may rent a car to drive by yourself from Hanoi. Driving is not more than 170 kilometers long, allowing you to make stops at your convenience. Private transfer: It is possible to ask for a private car from here. It is, however, quite costly; nevertheless, if passengers are plenty, it might be cheaper, as a shuttle bus could be quite challenging to secure a timely pickup.
C: Shuttle bus: Some hotels and travel agencies offer their shuttle buses from Hanoi to Halong Bay; usually, this is part of a group tour and constitutes a reasonable option.
D: By seaplane: For an exciting and lavish twist, you can travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by seaplane. In fact, this is a much faster means of traveling. It takes about 45 minutes to make the ferry back and forth, offering an enticing top view of the bay. But it is also the most expensive.
Trains 213 and 754 connect Hanoi and Halong City, and you can take one of them to get to Halong Bay. A step-by-step guide to get to Halong by train is given below:
a. Train 213: This is the cheapest and most famous train route between Hanoi and Halong City. Train service is available daily (except public holidays) with multiple departures throughout the day, including early morning and evening passes.
b. Train 754: This is a touristic train running more frequently in the peak season: from April to October. The train runs along the coast at Halong Bay; consequently, it's very picturesque, dotted with limestone karst landscapes.
1. This is the most convenient and fastest way. Private car or a shuttle van can be booked online or through a hotel. It takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
2. From My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi, you can go to Halong City on public buses. The entire trip takes about 4 to 5 hours, with buses departing regularly through the day. This is likely more uncomfortable and indirect than other options.