Paradise Cruises

In this section, you will find practical information about travelling from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island, the main gateway for many Ha Long Bay cruises. You will also find information about transfers between Ha Long Bay, Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, and Cat Ba Island.

Whether you choose a shared limousine, a private car, a seaplane, or a ferry, we recommend arranging your transportation in advance to ensure a smooth journey and timely arrival for your cruise. Travel times, fares, departure schedules, and transfer arrangements may vary depending on the season, weather, traffic conditions, and service availability.

Transportation from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and Return

SHARED LUXURY LIMOUSINE SERVICE

Paradise Vietnam offers limousine transfers between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, providing a comfortable and convenient way to reach your cruise departure point on Tuan Chau Island. Depending on the service booked, vehicles may feature comfortable seating, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and complimentary bottled water.

The journey generally takes approximately 2–2.5 hours via the expressway, depending on traffic, the pickup location, and scheduled rest stops.

Paradise Vietnam’s published transportation information includes limousine services with different seating capacities, including 16-seat and 29-seat vehicles. Pickup and drop-off may be available at hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Guests staying outside the designated pickup area may be asked to meet at a specified location.

The fare depends on the vehicle, travel dates, availability, and whether transportation is booked separately or as part of a cruise package. Please confirm the current price, pickup time, meeting point, and return arrangements with the sales representative handling your reservation.

To reserve a seat, contact your cruise booking representative by email or telephone before your departure date.

PRIVATE CAR (CAR RENTAL WITH DRIVER)

Private transfers are available on request for guests who prefer greater flexibility, privacy, and convenience. Depending on the group size and luggage requirements, suitable vehicles may include sedans, SUVs, multi-purpose vehicles, and passenger vans.

For a comfortable journey, choose a vehicle with sufficient space for all passengers and their luggage. Passenger capacity varies by vehicle model, so confirm the permitted number of passengers and luggage allowance when booking.

The journey between Hanoi and Tuan Chau Island generally takes around 2–2.5 hours, although traffic and rest stops may affect the total travel time.

Private transfers can usually be arranged for hotel pickup in Hanoi and drop-off at the designated cruise check-in location. Pickup times should be coordinated with your cruise departure schedule.

Prices depend on the vehicle type, pickup location, number of passengers, and whether the booking covers a one-way or round-trip journey. Please request a current quotation from your sales representative before confirming the service.

SEAPLANE

A seaplane journey offers a distinctive way to experience the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay from the air. Flights may provide panoramic views of limestone karsts, islands, and emerald waters, subject to the operator’s route and flight plan.

Flight duration, passenger capacity, baggage restrictions, and available departures depend on the operator and service booked. A scenic flight over the bay may be offered separately from an airport-to-airport transfer.

**Important:** Do not assume that a direct Hanoi–Ha Long transfer or a particular flight schedule is available every day. Confirm the operating route, departure airport, flight time, price, baggage allowance, and weather-related cancellation policy directly with the flight operator.

If you are considering a seaplane transfer, arrange your flight well in advance and allow sufficient time to reach the cruise terminal before the boarding deadline.

Transportation from Ha Long Bay to Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)

PRIVATE CAR (CAR RENTAL WITH DRIVER)

A private car or passenger van can be arranged for travel from the cruise terminal in Ha Long Bay to Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong.

The journey time depends on the pickup location, traffic, road conditions, and the route taken. Allow sufficient time for the transfer, airport check-in, baggage drop-off, and security procedures.

When arranging the service, provide your flight number, departure time, airline, passenger count, and luggage requirements. Confirm the pickup point at the cruise port and the expected arrival time at the airport with your driver or transfer provider.

Prices vary according to vehicle type, passenger capacity, and booking conditions. Request an up-to-date quotation before confirming your reservation.

LOCAL TAXI

Taxis may be available near major cruise terminals, but availability and fares can vary. If you choose a taxi, use a reputable company or a trusted ride-hailing service where available. Confirm that the meter is running or agree on the fare before departure.

The journey time and total cost depend on traffic, the route, and the pickup location. If you have a flight to catch, pre-booking a transfer is generally advisable, particularly for larger groups or travellers carrying substantial luggage.

Transportation from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport

PRIVATE CAR (CAR RENTAL WITH DRIVER)

A private transfer is a convenient option for travelling directly from your cruise terminal to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).

The journey generally takes around 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on traffic, the exact departure point, road conditions, and any stops along the way. During busy periods, additional travel time may be necessary.

When booking, provide your airline, flight number, departure time, and preferred arrival time at the airport. Make sure the driver knows which terminal you need, as domestic and international flights may use different terminals.

Arrange your pickup time with the transfer provider and allow adequate time for airport check-in, baggage drop-off, and security procedures. Prices depend on the vehicle, passenger count, and service arrangements.

SEAPLANE

Seaplane flights may be an option for travellers interested in an aerial experience over Ha Long Bay. However, a scenic flight over the bay is not necessarily a direct transfer to Noi Bai International Airport.

Before booking, confirm whether the operator offers a suitable point-to-point route, where the flight departs and arrives, the total transfer time, and whether onward ground transportation is required.

Flight schedules and operations are subject to availability and weather conditions. Do not book a flight connection without confirming the complete itinerary and allowing sufficient time for your onward journey.

LOCAL TAXI

Taxis and pre-booked private vehicles can be used to travel from Ha Long Bay to Noi Bai International Airport. For a long-distance journey, agree on the fare in advance or use a reputable metered taxi service.

Allow approximately 2.5–3.5 hours for the road journey under typical conditions, with additional time for traffic or stops. Actual journey times may be longer during holidays and peak travel periods.

For international departures, we recommend arranging transportation in advance rather than relying on finding a suitable taxi immediately after disembarkation.

Transportation from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

PRIVATE CAR (CAR RENTAL WITH DRIVER)

A private car or passenger van is a convenient option for travelling from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh, especially for families, small groups, and guests continuing their journey through northern Vietnam.

The road journey generally takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on the destination in Ninh Binh, traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way.

Transfers can be arranged from the cruise terminal to hotels, resorts, or other specified destinations in Ninh Binh. When booking, provide the full destination address and the number of passengers and luggage items.

The cost depends on the vehicle type, passenger capacity, destination, and whether the service is one-way or round-trip. Request a current quotation before confirming your booking.

Please note that Ninh Binh is a destination in its own right, not an airport. If you are travelling onward by air, confirm the location and departure details of your flight before arranging this transfer.

Transportation from Cat Ba Island to Ha Long Bay and Return

FERRY AND GROUND TRANSFERS (GIA LUAN – TUAN CHAU)

Travellers going between Cat Ba Island and Tuan Chau Island can consider the Tuan Chau–Gia Luan ferry route, subject to the current operating schedule. Gia Luan is located on the northern part of Cat Ba Island, so additional transportation may be needed between your hotel and the ferry terminal.

Arrange a taxi or private transfer from your accommodation to Gia Luan Ferry Terminal and allow enough time to purchase tickets, board the ferry, and complete the crossing. On arrival at Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal, you will need to continue to the designated cruise check-in location.

Ferry departures, journey times, fares, and operating conditions can change. Services may be adjusted or suspended because of adverse weather, operational requirements, or other circumstances. Confirm the latest timetable and ticket prices directly with the ferry operator before travelling.

The following table shows a **reference timetable from the previously published schedule**. It is not a guarantee of departures in 2026 and should be checked before use.

For passengers connecting to a Paradise cruise, please check the cruise operator’s current check-in location and boarding instructions before selecting a ferry. Do not rely on the timetable above without confirmation.

ALTERNATIVE: PRE-BOOKED SPEEDBOAT TRANSFER

Depending on the cruise itinerary and services available, a dedicated speedboat transfer may provide an alternative to the public ferry. Paradise Vietnam also advertises Paradise Express, a high-speed boat service associated with connections between Tuan Chau and Gia Luan.

Availability, departure times, fares, and eligibility depend on the specific service and booking. Contact your cruise representative to determine whether a speedboat transfer is available for your itinerary and whether it is included in your reservation or charged separately.

Important Cruise Check-in and Boarding Information

Check-in time: Please follow the check-in time stated in your cruise confirmation and the latest instructions from the cruise operator. Arrive at the designated check-in point well before the boarding deadline.

Embarkation time: The boarding time depends on the cruise, itinerary, and operating arrangements. If your booking confirmation specifies a boarding deadline of 12:15 PM, arrive before that time. Confirm the applicable deadline with the cruise operator before departure.

Late arrivals: Guests arriving after the boarding deadline may be unable to join the cruise using the standard boarding arrangements. An additional transfer by tender boat or speedboat may be possible only if approved and available. Any extra transportation charges must be confirmed directly with the cruise operator. Do not assume that a previously quoted fee or transfer arrangement remains valid for 2026.

Disembarkation time: Follow the disembarkation time stated in your cruise itinerary. A previous schedule listed 10:30 AM, but the current time should be reconfirmed with the operator.

Embarkation and disembarkation location: The meeting point depends on the cruise and the port arrangements in effect on your travel date. Your booking confirmation should specify the exact terminal, hotel, or check-in location on Tuan Chau Island.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Book transportation in advance. Reserve your limousine, private car, or other transfer through your cruise representative or a reputable operator.
• Confirm your pickup details. Check the pickup time, meeting point, destination, passenger capacity, luggage allowance, and contact number for your driver.
• Allow extra travel time. Traffic, weather, public holidays, and ferry operations can affect your arrival time.
• Check schedules before travelling. Confirm ferry and flight schedules directly with the relevant operators, particularly if your plans involve a cruise connection.
• Keep your booking confirmation accessible. Save your cruise voucher, transfer details, and operator contact information on your phone.
• Confirm all prices in advance. Historical fares may no longer apply. Ask whether the quotation includes tolls, waiting time, return transportation, and any additional charges.

For the latest transportation arrangements, contact your cruise sales representative or consult the official [Paradise Vietnam website](https://www.paradisevietnam.com/en/).