Cat Ba Island, a gem close to Hai Phong and Halong Bay, is well-equipped with several ferry terminals, simplifying your travel plans to this beautiful destination. To make the most of your trip to this picturesque island, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest ferry schedules and pricing.
By following our instructions, you will be able to obtain the most up-to-date information about the Cat Ba Ferry Boat Schedule if you intend to visit this beautiful island.
>>Read more: Taxi Hanoi To Cat Ba
About Cat Ba Ferry Terminals
Cat Ba Island is served by three main ferry terminals, specifically designed to cater to tourists. These terminals ensure safety and convenience with fully equipped ferries that include life-saving apparatus, fire-fighting equipment, and medical supplies, adhering to the strict standards required for tourist transportation.
Gia Luan Ferry Terminal:
Location: Cat Ba Cross-island Trail, Gia Luan, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
Peak Hours: 8:00 – 9:00 AM and 2:00 – 3:00 PM, with a noticeable uptick around midday on weekends
Positioned about 25 km from Cat Ba Town, Gia Luan Pier is situated at the terminal end of the cross-island trail. This terminal is a popular choice for tourists arriving from Tuan Chau, Ha Long. The journey from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba can take between 45 – 50 minutes by ferry or 30 minutes by speedboat.
Helpful Tips:
Preparation: It's advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Schedule Variability: Be prepared for potential changes in the ferry schedule, such as earlier departures (up to 40 minutes ahead of schedule) or cancellations due to insufficient passengers.
By familiarizing yourself with these details, you can plan a more efficient and enjoyable visit to Cat Ba Island, ensuring that your transportation to and from the island is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Cai Vieng Ferry Harbor:
Location: 356 Phu Long, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
Peak Hours: 8:00 – 10:00 AM and 1:00 – 4:00 PM, with increased activity from Friday to Sunday.
Cai Vieng Ferry Port, nestled within an island district, is a primary entry point for tourists coming from Got Port in Hai Phong. The journey from Hai Phong City to Got Port takes approximately 40 minutes via the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge, followed by a 30-minute drive to reach the Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal.
Helpful Tips:
Weekend Traffic: Expect longer ferry rides, up to 90 minutes, due to heavy tourist traffic on Saturdays and Sundays.
Recommended Transportation: Using private vehicles like cars or motorbikes is advised for weekend travel to Cai Vieng.
Transportation Options: The ferry accommodates various means of transport, including motorbikes, cars, and trucks.
>>Read more: Private Car Transfers From Hanoi Directly To Cat Ba Island
Ben Beo Ferry Terminal Overview:
The Ben Beo Ferry Terminal, located in Cai Beo near Cat Ba Town, serves as a vital link to Lan Ha Bay, bringing visitors closer to the serene beauty and natural wonders of the area.
Just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Cat Ba Town and the rich biodiversity of Cat Ba National Park, Ben Beo Terminal stands out as a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding attractions.
Location: Cai Beo, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
Peak Hours: 8:00 – 9:00 AM & 2:00 – 3:00 PM, with weekends being particularly busy
Proximity to Local Attractions:
Ben Beo Terminal is strategically positioned only 2 km away from Cat Ba Town and 15 km from Cat Ba National Park, making it an accessible gateway for visitors. Those staying in Cat Ba Town can enjoy a leisurely 20-minute walk to reach the terminal, offering a chance to take in the local sights and sounds en route to Ben Beo Pier.
From Ben Beo, visitors have the opportunity to hire day boats for excursions to nearby attractions such as Monkey Island, Van Boi fishing village, and various floating markets. These day trips offer a glimpse into the local culture and natural beauty of the region, making for unforgettable experiences.
Helpful Tips:
Group Travel: For groups of 10 - 15 people, booking a private ferry in advance is recommended. This not only saves waiting time but also allows for a customized itinerary.
Early Arrival: To secure the best ferry lines and seats, and to avoid crowds, aim to arrive at the pier around 6:00 AM.
Parking: Due to limited parking space at Ben Beo, consider using an electric cart or taxi for transportation to the terminal, ensuring a smoother and more convenient arrival.
Ben Beo Ferry Terminal not only serves as a point of departure for numerous local excursions but also encapsulates the ease and accessibility of exploring Cat Ba's natural landscapes. With these tips in mind, visitors can maximize their experience, enjoying the scenic beauty and cultural richness that Cat Ba Island has to offer.
Cat Ba Island Ferry Schedule & Price Guide
Traveling to Cat Ba Island is made convenient with a variety of ferry routes connecting different parts of Hai Phong and the surrounding areas directly to the island. Below is a detailed overview of the most popular ferry routes, including schedules and ticket prices, to help you plan your journey effectively.
Got Ferry (Hai Phong) – Cai Vieng (Cat Ba)
Connecting Routes: From Hanoi and Halong Bay, travelers have multiple options such as shuttle buses, limousine services, or private transfers to reach Hai Phong. The expressway and Tan Vu overpass bridge lead directly to Got Port, offering a seamless connection for visitors heading to Cat Ba.
Transportation Modes: At Got Port, you have the choice between a ferry and a speedboat for your transfer to Cai Vieng. The ferry takes about 30 minutes, while the speedboat can reduce this journey to just 20 minutes. Once you arrive in Cai Vieng, a subsequent bus or taxi ride of approximately 30 – 40 minutes is required to reach Cat Ba Town.
Ticket Prices from Got Pier to Cai Vieng:
Ferry Ticket: $0.5 USD per person for a one-way trip
Hydrofoil (Speedboat) Ticket: $10 USD per person for a one-way trip
Detailed Ferry Ticket Pricing:
Standard Passenger: $0.5 USD (one-way per person)
Passenger with a Bicycle: $0.5 USD (one-way per person)
Passenger with a Motorbike: $2 USD (one-way per vehicle)
Passenger with a 9-seat Car: $8 USD (one-way per vehicle)
This comprehensive breakdown of routes, schedules, and ticket prices aims to simplify your planning process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to Cat Ba Island. Whether you're traveling solo, with a bicycle, or with a vehicle, understanding these details ahead of time can significantly enhance your travel experience, allowing you to focus on the beautiful scenery and exciting adventures that await on Cat Ba Island.
Ferries operate between Got Pier and Cai Vieng frequently, ensuring a convenient connection to Cat Ba Island for travelers. Here is the detailed ferry schedule:
Departures from Got Pier: Starting at 5:30 AM until 6:30 PM, ferries leave every 30 minutes. The large ferry has specific departure times marked with an asterisk.
Departures from Cai Vieng: The first ferry departs at 5:00 AM, with the last one at 6:00 PM, also running every 30 minutes. Large ferry times are similarly noted.
This regular schedule allows travelers flexibility in planning their trips, accommodating both early risers and those preferring to travel later in the day.
Dinh Vu (Hai Phong) – Cai Vieng (Cat Ba) Alternative Route
For those starting their journey from Hai Phong and seeking a different route to Cat Ba Island, the Dinh Vu to Ninh Tiep to Got Port–Cai Vieng route offers an alternative:
Option 1: Dinh Vu – Ninh Tiep – Got Port– Cai Vieng
Dinh Vu – Ninh Tiep: From Dinh Vu Pier, take a ferry to Ninh Tiep Pier for just $0.5 USD per person. Ferries run from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, departing every hour.
Ninh Tiep – Got Pier – Cai Vieng: After reaching Ninh Tiep, travelers can easily find a ride to Got Pier. From there, ferries to Cai Vieng depart every 30 minutes, offering seamless connectivity to Cat Ba Island.
This alternative route is particularly useful for those near Dinh Vu or those looking for a scenic journey through different parts of Hai Phong en route to Cat Ba.
The ferry service between Dinh Vu and Ninh Tiep operates with a consistent schedule, ensuring travelers can easily plan their journey to Cat Ba Island. Here's what you need to know:
Departures from Dinh Vu: Ferries start at 6:30 AM and run until 5:00 PM, with departures marked with an asterisk indicating large ferry times.
Departures from Ninh Tiep: Matching the schedule from Dinh Vu, the first ferry is at 6:30 AM, and the last at 5:00 PM, with large ferries operating at designated times.
Option 2: Dinh Vu – Got Port – Cai Vieng
For those concerned about seasickness or preferring a more stable journey, an alternative route from Dinh Vu to Got Port by road is available. Upon reaching Got Port, passengers can choose between a ferry or a high-speed boat for the onward journey to Cai Vieng Terminal, with services running every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Tuan Chau (Halong) – Gia Luan (Cat Ba) Route
For travelers in Halong Bay, the Tuan Chau to Gia Luan route offers a direct and convenient way to reach Cat Ba Island:
Winter Schedule: Ferries run 3 times per day, accommodating the lower demand during the colder months.
Summer Schedule: Frequency increases to 5 times per day to cater to the higher number of tourists.
Journey Times: Choose between a 50-minute ferry ride or a faster 30-minute hydrofoil trip. Upon arrival at Gia Luan, a 45-minute drive through the cross-island road is needed to reach Cat Ba town.
Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Ferry Ticket Pricing and Schedule
For those planning a journey from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba, understanding the ticket pricing and ferry schedules is essential for a smooth travel experience. Below, we detail the costs associated with various modes of transport from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba, along with the specific ferry schedules for summer and winter seasons.
Ticket Prices from Tuan Chau to Cat Ba:
Ferry Ticket: $3.5 USD per person for a one-way trip
Hydrofoil Boat: $7.5 USD per person for a one-way trip
High-Speed Canoe: Between $12 and $15 USD per person for a one-way trip
Detailed Pricing Based on Passenger Type:
Standard Passenger: $3.5 USD for a ferry ticket, one-way per person
Passenger with a Motorbike: $4 USD for a ferry ticket, one-way per person
Passenger with a 9-Seat Car: $19 USD for a ferry ticket, one-way per vehicle
Tuan Chau – Cat Ba Ferry Schedule:
Summer Schedule (25th April – 5th September):
Departures from Tuan Chau: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM
Departures from Gia Luan: 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Winter Schedule (6th September – 24th April):
Departures from Tuan Chau: 8:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM
Departures from Gia Luan: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Hydrofoil Speedboat Schedule:
From Tuan Chau: 8:30 AM & 12:30 PM
From Gia Luan: 10:30 AM & 3:00 PM
Note that the hydrofoil speedboat offers a faster but less frequent service, with no more than 2 rides per day, making it a convenient option for travelers on a tight schedule or those preferring a quicker journey.
Read more: Taxi Transfers Hanoi To Ben Binh Port
Local Tips for a Smooth Journey by Cat Ba Ferry
Traveling by ferry to Cat Ba Island is a popular choice for many visitors seeking to explore its natural beauty and the surrounding Halong Bay area. To ensure your ferry journey is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, consider these local tips:
1. Book Your Ferry Ticket in Advance
Importance: Due to high demand, especially during peak travel seasons, ferries to Cat Ba can fill up quickly. Advance booking ensures you secure a spot on your preferred ferry.
How to Book: Although direct online booking may not be widely available, contacting travel agencies, hotels, or using local travel services can facilitate this process.
2. Carry Necessary Identification
Required Documents: Always have your ID card and passport with you when purchasing your ferry ticket. These are required for both the purchase and boarding process.
Tip: Keeping digital copies of your documents on your smartphone or in a secure cloud storage can serve as a backup.
3. Prepare for Motion Sickness
Precaution: If you are susceptible to motion sickness, bring along the necessary medication. Conditions at sea can vary, and being prepared will make your journey more comfortable.
Alternative Remedies: Natural remedies such as ginger or peppermint, and acupressure wristbands can also be effective.
4. Avoid Traveling on Public Holidays
Avoiding Crowds: Vietnam's public holidays can lead to crowded ferries and tourist spots. Traveling outside these periods can offer a more relaxed experience.
Planning: Check the Vietnamese holiday calendar when planning your trip to avoid peak times.
5. Utilize Local Travel Consultant for Booking
Booking Assistance: With limited online booking options for Cat Ba ferries, seeking help from a local travel consultant or your hotel's reception can be invaluable.
Benefits: They can offer the most current information and assist with arranging your ferry tickets and other travel needs.
6. Consider a Halong Bay Cruise
Enhanced Experience: A cruise through Halong Bay, incorporating a visit to Cat Ba Island, can offer spectacular views and a comprehensive experience of the area's natural beauty.
Convenience: This option simplifies transportation logistics, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about separate ferry bookings.
By adhering to these local tips, you can ensure that your journey to Cat Ba Island via ferry is not only comfortable and safe but also allows you to make the most of your visit to this stunning location.
