Halong Bay Airport: Does It Exist?

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a renowned global tourist destination located in northeast Vietnam. It is famous for its breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. While there is no airport in Halong Bay, there are three airports nearby that you can fly into: Van Don Airport, Cat Bi Airport, and Noi Bai Airport. Each airport has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your travel plans, budget, and preferred means of transportation.

Transport options from Van Don Airport to Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a renowned global tourist destination in Vietnam, attracting millions of visitors each year. While there is no airport in Halong Bay itself, there are three nearby airports that you can fly into: Van Don Airport, Cat Bi Airport, and Noi Bai Airport. Van Don Airport is the closest airport to Halong Bay, located about 50-54 kilometres away, and it takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel between the two.

Shuttle Bus

The shuttle bus is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to get from Van Don Airport to the city centre. The public shuttle bus (14A and 14B) runs every 90 minutes between Van Don Airport and Halong Bay. The journey takes about 1 hour. Shuttle buses are also available for private hire.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at Van Don Airport. The cost of a taxi is between 300,000 and 400,000 VND one way. Some reputable taxi companies include Mai Linh, Ha Long, Thanh Hung, Sao Mai, Van Loc, and Hong Gai.

Private Car

Private car services are a comfortable and convenient option for travellers. They offer flexibility and the ability to make stops along the way. It is recommended to pre-book your private car transfer in advance. The journey from Van Don Airport to Halong Bay takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Cruise Transfer

If you plan to visit Halong Bay by cruise, some companies offer private car services from Van Don Airport to the cruise pier. The price for a 4-7 seat car ranges from 750,000 – 900,000 VND one way.

Transport options from Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay

While there is no airport in Halong Bay, there are three airports near the area that you can fly into: Van Don Airport, Cat Bi Airport, and Noi Bai Airport. Each airport offers various transportation options to Halong Bay, including private car, shuttle bus, or taxi.

Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay

Cat Bi Airport is the nearest airport to Halong Bay, with a distance of over 40 kilometres. It takes around 45 minutes to an hour and a half to get to Halong Bay from Cat Bi Airport via the Ha Long-Hai Phong highway.

Route number 07 (Cong Den-Uong Bi) is the only bus route that connects Cat Bi Airport with Halong Bay. This bus departs daily at 5:45 am with a 15-20 minute interval between trips. The ticket fee is between 7,000 and 15,000 VND per way, depending on the length of the journey.

You can also opt for a taxi or a private car transfer from Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay. The cost of a taxi ranges from 300,000 to 550,000 VND for a 4-seat car, 750,000 VND for a 7-seat car, and 1,050,000 VND for a 16-seat car.

Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay

Noi Bai Airport is the furthest airport from Halong Bay, taking more than 2 hours to get there by road. It is the largest and most well-connected airport, making it ideal for those who want easy access to international flights.

There is no shuttle bus service available for pick-up and drop-off at Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay. However, you can book a private car transfer to Halong Bay, which will cost you around 250,000 to 290,000 VND per person.

Van Don Airport to Halong Bay

Van Don Airport is the nearest airport to Halong Bay and is the most convenient gateway to the region. It offers both domestic and international flights and boasts modern facilities.

Upon arrival at Van Don Airport, passengers can choose between a free bus to Halong Bay, a private car, a taxi, or a shuttle bus. The travel time between Van Don Airport and Halong Bay is between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes, and prices range from 45 to 55 USD.

Transport options from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northeast Vietnam. While there is no airport in the bay itself, there are three nearby airports that you can fly into: Van Don Airport, Cat Bi Airport, and Noi Bai International Airport. Each airport offers various transportation options to get to Halong Bay, including private car, shuttle bus, or taxi. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the best transport option from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay:

Noi Bai International Airport to Halong Bay

Noi Bai Airport, located about 162 to 190 kilometres from Hanoi, is the second-largest airport in Vietnam and a central transport hub. It is well-connected and offers connections to international destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore. Getting from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay can take between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on the route you take. Here are some transport options to consider:

• Taxi or Private Transfer: Taking a taxi or private shuttle is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Halong Bay. Taxis are readily available at the airport and offer 24/7 door-to-door transfers. The trip will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Bus: Taking a bus is a more cost-effective option. Anbasco Noibai Services offers trips from Noi Bai to Halong Bay, with tickets costing 290,000 VND per person or 250,000 VND per person for groups of two or more. The bus departs several times a day, starting at 6:30 am and ending at 6:30 pm. The journey will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Train: Taking the train is the cheapest option, but it is also the slowest. The train offers beautiful views, but the journey will take nearly 7 hours, and you will first need to take a 30-minute taxi ride to Yen Vien Station. There is only one train per day, departing at 4:55 am and arriving at 11:45 am.

Van Don Airport to Halong Bay

Van Don Airport, located in Quang Ninh, is the closest airport to Halong Bay, just a 1-hour transfer away. It is also the newest airport in Vietnam, boasting modern facilities and excellent infrastructure. When travelling from Van Don Airport to Halong Bay, you have several transport options:

• Free Shuttle Bus: Van Don Airport offers a free shuttle bus to Ha Long Bay, which is valid for 30 days from your flight.
• Private Car or Taxi: You can also opt for a private car or taxi, which will cost between $45 and $55. This option provides more flexibility and comfort but comes with a higher price tag.

Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay

Cat Bi International Airport, located in Hai Phong, is about 40 kilometres from Halong Bay. It is one of the busiest airports in Northern Vietnam, offering modern facilities and services. To get from Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay, you can choose from the following options:

• Taxi: Taking a taxi is a convenient option, especially if you have a higher budget and prefer a direct transfer. A 4-seat car will cost around 550,000 VND, while a 16-seat car will cost 1,050,000 VND.
• Private Car or Shuttle Bus: If you prefer a more scenic route, you can opt for a private car or shuttle bus, which will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The prices range from $35 to $50.
• Bus: For those travelling on a budget, there is a bus route (number 07) that connects Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay. The ticket fee is between 7,000 and 15,000 VND, and the bus departs daily at 5:45 am with a 15 to 20-minute interval.

The closest airport to Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a renowned global tourist destination located in northeastern Vietnam. While there is no airport in Halong Bay, there are three airports nearby that you can fly into: Van Don Airport, Cat Bi Airport, and Noi Bai Airport.

Van Don Airport

Van Don Airport (VDO/VVVD) is the closest airport to Halong Bay. Established in 2018, it is the newest international airport in Vietnam, serving as a vital gateway for trade and travel between Quang Ninh province and other domestic and international areas. The airport is equipped with modern facilities such as automatic check-in kiosks, self bag-drop systems, and free Wi-Fi. It also offers a VIP lounge, duty-free shops, and dining options. The travel time from Van Don Airport to Halong Bay is approximately 50 minutes to one hour, and passengers can choose between a free bus, private car, taxi, or shuttle bus, with prices ranging from 45 to 55 USD.

Cat Bi Airport

Cat Bi International Airport, located in Hai Phong, is the nearest airport to Halong Bay, with a distance of over 40 kilometres. It is one of the busiest airports in Northern Vietnam, offering modern facilities and services such as dining and shopping. The travel time from Cat Bi Airport to Halong Bay is approximately one and a half hours, and transportation options include taxi, private car, and shuttle bus, with prices ranging from 35 to 50 USD. Route number 07 (Cong Den - Uong Bi) is the only bus route that connects Cat Bi Airport with Halong Bay, with tickets between 7,000 and 15,000 VND per way.

Noi Bai Airport

Noi Bai International Airport, located about 27 kilometres from Hanoi, is the second-largest airport in Vietnam and the preferred gateway for visitors to Halong Bay. It is a central transport hub with flexible and available airport transfers. It offers various international and domestic connections and is an excellent option for those seeking convenient access to international flights. However, it is the furthest of the three airports from Halong Bay, with a travel time of more than two hours by road.

The best airport for international flights

Halong Bay does not have its own airport. However, there are three airports nearby that cater to international flights: Van Don Airport, Cat Bi International Airport, and Noi Bai International Airport.

Van Don Airport

Van Don Airport, also known as Ha Long Airport, is the closest airport to Halong Bay at 50-54 kilometres away. It is also the newest airport in the region, having opened in 2018, and is Vietnam's first privately-owned airport. The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including automatic check-in kiosks, self bag-drop systems, and free Wi-Fi. It serves both domestic and international flights, with direct flights to popular international destinations like South Korea, China, Japan, and Thailand. The travel time from the airport to Halong Bay is approximately 1 hour by bus or taxi, and passengers can take advantage of free bus tickets to Ha Long Bay, valid for 30 days from their flight date.

Cat Bi International Airport

Cat Bi International Airport is the second-closest airport to Halong Bay, located about 40-60 kilometres away. It is one of the busiest airports in Northern Vietnam, with a capacity of up to 7 million passengers per year. The airport offers modern facilities and services, including dining and shopping options. From Cat Bi Airport, travellers can reach Halong Bay in about 1 hour by taxi or 1.5 to 2 hours by private car or shuttle bus. The airport offers both domestic and international flights, with non-stop international connections to Seoul, Bangkok, and Shenzhen.

Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport is the farthest airport from Halong Bay, located about 170-190 kilometres away. However, it is the second-largest airport in Vietnam and highly recommended for travellers coming from different regions globally and domestically. It caters to many non-stop domestic and international flights, with connections to various international destinations such as Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, and popular domestic locations like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. The travel time from Noi Bai Airport to Halong Bay is longer, taking about 3.5 hours by car or bus.

In summary, each airport offers distinct advantages and the best choice depends on your specific needs and travel plans. Van Don Airport is ideal for those seeking the quickest access to Halong Bay and modern facilities, while Cat Bi Airport provides convenience for those in the Hai Phong region. If you prioritise international connectivity and prefer a larger, more well-connected airport, Noi Bai Airport may be the best option.

Frequently asked questions