Cat Ba Island, the largest landmass within the Cat Ba Archipelago, is a prominent destination accessible via several ferry services from mainland Vietnam. For individuals organizing travel to this location, a clear understanding of the various ferry terminals, their operating times, and associated costs is vital for efficient transit. This resource offers up-to-date information on the primary routes, timetables, and fares to assist visitors in reaching Cat Ba Island effectively.
Understanding Cat Ba Island's Ferry Terminals
Cat Ba Island features three principal ferry terminals designed to facilitate passenger transportation. These facilities are equipped with necessary safety provisions, including life-saving and fire-fighting apparatus, alongside medical supplies, to meet the standards required for tourist ferries.
Each terminal serves different mainland connection points and offers distinct advantages depending on your starting location and desired activities on Cat Ba Island.
Cai Vieng Ferry Harbor
Located at 356 Phu Long, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Cai Vieng Ferry Harbor experiences high traffic, particularly between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and again from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Weekends, especially Fridays through Sundays, are notably busier. This port is a primary entry point for travelers arriving from Hai Phong's Dong Bai Terminal. The journey from Hai Phong City typically involves driving to Dong Bai Terminal on Cat Hai Island, followed by a ferry crossing to Cai Vieng.
During peak times, such as Saturdays and Sundays, the ferry crossing itself can extend to approximately 90 minutes due to increased passenger and vehicle volume. The ferry service at Cai Vieng accommodates various modes of transportation, including motorcycles, cars, and trucks. For those traveling with private vehicles on weekends, it is generally advised to account for longer waiting and travel times.
Gia Luan Ferry Terminal
Situated on the Cat Ba Cross-island Trail in Gia Luan, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Gia Luan Pier is approximately 25 kilometers from Cat Ba Town. This terminal is primarily used by visitors arriving from Tuan Chau in Halong Bay. Peak operational times are generally from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with midday periods on weekends often seeing increased activity.
Travelers using the Tuan Chau–Cat Ba route can expect a ferry ride of about 45–50 minutes or a speedboat journey of around 30 minutes. It is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Schedules can sometimes change without prior notice, with ferries occasionally departing earlier or being canceled if there are insufficient passengers.
Ben Beo Ferry Terminal
Ben Beo Ferry Terminal, located in Cai Beo, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, is considered a primary access point for Lan Ha Bay. It is conveniently positioned just 2 kilometers from Cat Ba Town and 15 kilometers from Cat Ba National Park. Visitors can reach Ben Beo Pier by motorbike, car, or a 20-minute walk from the town center. From this terminal, it is possible to arrange day boat rentals to explore nearby attractions such as Monkey Island, Van Boi fishing village, and various floating markets.
Busy periods at Ben Beo typically occur between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and again from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with weekends being particularly active. For groups of 10 to 15 individuals, reserving a private ferry in advance can help minimize waiting times and allow for a more personalized itinerary. Arriving early, around 6:00 AM, is often suggested to secure preferred ferry lines and seating, avoiding larger crowds. Parking facilities at Ben Beo are limited, so using an electric cart or taxi to reach the terminal is often a practical choice.
Key Ferry Routes and Services to Cat Ba Island
As of June 2026, the primary ferry routes to Cat Ba Island originate from Hai Phong and Halong Bay, each offering distinct travel experiences. It is important to note that some older piers, specifically Got Pier and Dinh Vu Pier, are no longer operational for direct ferry services to Cat Ba Island. Travelers departing from Hai Phong should now utilize the Dong Bai Ferry Terminal.
Hai Phong to Cat Ba (via Dong Bai – Cai Vieng)
For those traveling from Hai Phong, the current route involves heading to Dong Bai Ferry Terminal on Cat Hai Island. This terminal serves as the departure point for ferries to Cai Vieng Terminal on Cat Ba Island. The ferry service from Dong Bai to Cai Vieng operates daily every 30 minutes. During the low season, services run from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM, while the high season sees extended hours from 5:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The ferry journey itself takes approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Cai Vieng, travelers typically take a bus or taxi for an additional 30–40 minutes to reach Cat Ba Town.
The pedestrian fare for the Dong Bai to Cai Vieng ferry is approximately 0.5 USD per person. For vehicles, the cost is 2 USD for a motorcycle and 8 USD for a 9-seat car, each for a one-way trip. These prices are subject to change, and verification upon arrival is always recommended. For those managing finances in the area, information on banking services in Hai Phong City may be useful.
Halong Bay to Cat Ba (via Tuan Chau – Gia Luan)
The Tuan Chau – Gia Luan route offers a convenient connection from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island. Ferries depart from Tuan Chau, providing a choice between a 50-minute ferry ride or a 30-minute hydrofoil journey to Gia Luan Terminal. After arriving at Gia Luan, a 45-minute drive along the cross-island road is necessary to reach Cat Ba Town.
Ferry services from Tuan Chau to Gia Luan operate with varying frequency based on the season. During the summer period (April 25 – September 5), there are typically five departures daily. In the winter season (September 6 – April 24), this reduces to three daily departures. Hydrofoil speedboats have a lower frequency, usually no more than two trips per day. This route is also a gateway to explore the natural beauty of the region, including Halong Bay's best beaches.
Detailed Ferry Schedules and Ticket Prices (June 2026)
The following tables provide specific schedules and pricing for the main ferry routes to Cat Ba Island, based on information current as of June 2026. Travelers should be aware that schedules and prices can be adjusted, and it is advisable to confirm details closer to the travel date.
Dong Bai (Hai Phong) – Cai Vieng (Cat Ba) Ferry Schedule & Price
This route has replaced the services from Got Pier and Dinh Vu Pier. Ferries run every 30 minutes.
| Type of Passenger/Vehicle | One-Way Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Passenger | 0.5 USD |
| Passenger with a bicycle | 0.5 USD |
| Passenger with a motorcycle | 2 USD/vehicle |
| Passenger with a 9-seat car | 8 USD/vehicle |
Ferry Schedule from Dong Bai to Cai Vieng:
- Low Season (05:30 AM to 06:30 PM daily)
- High Season (05:00 AM to 07:30 PM daily)
The journey duration for the ferry crossing is approximately 45 minutes. Please note that the times listed represent the operational window, with departures every 30 minutes within these periods.
Tuan Chau (Halong) – Gia Luan (Cat Ba) Ferry Schedule & Price
This route offers both standard ferry and hydrofoil services.
| Type of Passenger/Vehicle | One-Way Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Passenger (Ferry) | 3.5 USD |
| Passenger (Hydrofoil boat) | 7.5 USD |
| Passenger (High-speed canoe) | 12 – 15 USD |
| Passenger with a motorbike | 4 USD/vehicle |
| Passenger with a 9-seat car | 19 USD/vehicle |
Large Ferry Schedule (Tuan Chau to Gia Luan):
| Departure Point | Summer Schedule (Apr 25 – Sep 5) | Winter Schedule (Sep 6 – Apr 24) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuan Chau | 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM | 8:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM |
| Gia Luan | 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM | 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM |
Hydrofoil Speedboat Schedule (Tuan Chau to Gia Luan):
Hydrofoil services are less frequent, typically offering no more than two trips per day.
- From Tuan Chau: 8:30 AM & 12:30 PM
- From Gia Luan: 10:30 AM & 3:00 PM
Note: The 12:30 AM departure from Tuan Chau in the source is likely a typo and should be 12:30 PM, consistent with typical daytime travel schedules.
Practical Advice for Ferry Travel to Cat Ba
To ensure a pleasant and secure journey to Cat Ba Island, consider the following recommendations:
- Advance Ticket Purchase: During peak travel seasons or holidays, a large number of passengers travel to Cat Ba. Securing your tickets in advance can prevent delays and ensure your spot.
- Required Identification: Always carry your identity card or passport when purchasing tickets, as these documents may be required for verification.
- Motion Sickness Preparation: If you are prone to motion sickness, it is advisable to bring appropriate medication to alleviate any discomfort during the ferry ride.
- Avoid Public Holidays: Vietnamese public holidays often lead to significant crowds of domestic visitors. If possible, plan your trip outside these periods to experience a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Local Assistance: Online booking platforms for ferry services can be limited. Consulting a local travel advisor or your hotel reception for current information and booking assistance is often beneficial.
- Consider Integrated Tours: For a completely worry-free experience that includes transportation and sightseeing, exploring Cat Ba Island as part of a Halong Bay cruise package can be a convenient option. For longer journeys to reach the departure points, overnight rail journeys in Vietnam offer another travel alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ferry terminals for Cat Ba Island?
The primary ferry terminals serving Cat Ba Island are Cai Vieng Ferry Harbor and Gia Luan Ferry Terminal. Ben Beo Ferry Terminal is also significant, particularly for accessing Lan Ha Bay.
How do I get to Cat Ba Island from Hai Phong?
From Hai Phong, travelers should go to the Dong Bai Ferry Terminal on Cat Hai Island. From there, ferries regularly depart for Cai Vieng Terminal on Cat Ba Island. Upon arrival at Cai Vieng, you can take a bus or taxi to Cat Ba Town.
What is the cost of a ferry ticket to Cat Ba Island?
A one-way pedestrian ferry ticket from Dong Bai (Hai Phong) to Cai Vieng (Cat Ba) costs approximately 0.5 USD. From Tuan Chau (Halong) to Gia Luan (Cat Ba), a standard ferry ticket for a passenger is 3.5 USD, while a hydrofoil ticket is 7.5 USD. Vehicle fares vary.
Are there different schedules for summer and winter?
Yes, the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry route operates on different schedules for summer (April 25 – September 5) and winter (September 6 – April 24), with more frequent departures during the summer months.
Can I bring my car or motorbike on the Cat Ba ferry?
Yes, ferries on both the Dong Bai – Cai Vieng and Tuan Chau – Gia Luan routes accommodate motorcycles and cars. Specific fares apply for vehicles, which are higher than pedestrian fares.
