Bus from Sapa to Cat Ba Island: A Complete Travel Guide
If you’re looking for a way to combine these two contrasting landscapes Sapa and Cat Ba Island into one trip, traveling by bus from Sapa to Cat Ba Island is an excellent choice.
Sapa and Cat Ba Island are two of the most popular travel destinations in Northern Vietnam. While Sapa attracts visitors with its breathtaking terraced rice fields and ethnic minority cultures, Cat Ba Island offers a stunning mix of limestone karsts, lush green forests, and pristine beaches.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all the important information you need, including bus schedules, ticket prices, duration, and tips for a smooth journey from the misty mountains of Sapa to the tropical paradise of Cat Ba Island.
Why Take a Bus from Sapa to Cat Ba Island?
For travelers on a budget, or those looking for a unique overland route, taking the bus from Sapa to Cat Ba Island is an affordable and convenient option. While there is no direct bus between these two destinations, it is relatively easy to Cabin bus – sleeping bus, and seating bus, and speed boat (or ferry) transfers to complete the trip. This journey will allow you to enjoy diverse landscapes, from mountainous terrains to coastal views, all while providing more flexibility in terms of stops and sightseeing along the way.
Overview of the Journey from Sapa to Cat Ba
The total distance from Sapa to Cat Ba Island is around 450 km. The trip usually takes about 12 to 14 hours, depending on road conditions and transfer times. As there are no direct buses, the most common route involves multiple stages:
- Sapa to Hanoi by Bus or Van (about 6-7 hours)
- Hanoi to Hai Phong by Bus or Train (about 2 hours)
- Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island by Bus and speed boat (or ferry) (about 2-3 hours)
Let’s break down each stage of the journey.
Stage 1: Sapa to Hanoi by Bus
The first leg of the journey is from Sapa to Hanoi, which is about 315 km. You have a few options here, but most tourists opt for either a sleeper bus – Cabin bus or a limousine van.

Sleeper Bus: Sleeper buses run regularly between Sapa and Hanoi and are equipped with reclining seats, offering a relatively comfortable way to travel overnight. Departure times are flexible, with both daytime and nighttime buses available. The journey typically takes about 6 to 7 hours. Most sleeper buses depart from Sapa Town and drop passengers off in central Hanoi, often near the Old Quarter. Prices range from 380,000 VND to 450,000 VND per person.

Limousine Van: For a more comfortable and faster journey, you can opt for a limousine van service. Limousine vans have fewer passengers (8-10 seats) and provide extra legroom. While more expensive than sleeper buses, they cut down travel time to around 5-6 hours. Prices typically start at 450,000 – 520.000 VND per person.

The trip offers beautiful views of Northern Vietnam’s mountainous landscape. You’ll travel down winding roads, through small villages, and pass by terraced fields before reaching the lowlands and bustling city life of Hanoi.
>> information best Limousine bus from Hanoi to Sapa in old quarter, daily depart
Stage 2: Hanoi to Hai Phong by Bus or Train
Once you arrive in Hanoi, the next step is to travel to Hai Phong, a major port city that serves as the gateway to Cat Ba Island. The distance from Hanoi to Hai Phong is about 120 km, and the journey takes roughly 2 hours.
Bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong: Numerous bus companies operate between Hanoi and Hai Phong. Buses depart frequently from different bus stations in Hanoi, including Gia Lam, Giap Bat. The buses usually take around 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Hai Phong, depending on traffic. Prices range from 120,000 to 200,000 VND. Some services provide comfortable seating and air conditioning, making the trip more pleasant.
Train from Hanoi to Hai Phong: Another option is to take a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong. The train departs from Hanoi’s Long Bien Station or Hanoi Railway Station and arrives at Hai Phong Railway Station. The train ride takes about 2.5 hours and is a more scenic option if you want to enjoy a relaxing journey through the countryside. The ticket prices are affordable, usually ranging between 70,000 and 100,000 VND for a standard seat.
Once you arrive in Hai Phong, you’ll need to transfer to a bus and speed boat or ferry combination to reach Cat Ba Island.
>> Best bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island only 12$ tourist bus with speedboat
Stage 3: Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island by Bus and Speed boat – Ferry
From Hai Phong, the final leg of your journey will take you to Cat Ba Island. This part of the trip involves a bus ride to the pier, followed by a ferry transfer, and then another bus ride on the island.

Bus from Hai Phong to the Pier: Several bus companies operate from Hai Phong to the pier at Got Harbor or Dong Bai Harbor. The bus ride takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around 50,000 VND.
Ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island: From Got or Binh Harbor, you’ll board a ferry to Cat Ba Island. The ferry ride is a scenic 45-minute journey across the waters of Lan Ha Bay. Some buses include the ferry ticket as part of the service, while others require you to purchase it separately. Ferry prices range from 20,000, speed boat 80,000 VND per person.
Bus on Cat Ba Island: Once you disembark from the ferry, there are usually shuttle buses waiting to take passengers to Cat Ba Town, the main tourist hub on the island. The bus ride takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around 40,000 VND. Some transport services offer a combined bus and ferry ticket that covers the entire journey from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Town, which can save you both time and hassle.
>> More information bus Cat Ba to Sapa with seating bus + cabin bus – cheapest price
Booking Tips and Recommendations
Book in Advance: While it’s possible to book bus tickets and ferry rides on the day of travel, it’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (June-August and major holidays).
Pack Snacks and Water: Since the journey from Sapa to Cat Ba Island is long and involves multiple transfers, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks and water, especially if you’re taking an overnight bus. While there are usually rest stops along the way, the food options may be limited.
Prepare for Changing Weather: Sapa and Cat Ba Island have contrasting climates. Sapa, being in the mountains, can be cool or cold, especially in the early mornings or evenings, while Cat Ba Island is much warmer and more tropical. Be sure to pack appropriately for both climates.
Check for Bus-Ferry Combos: Some travel companies offer combined bus-ferry tickets (Good Morning Cat Ba, Cat Ba Daily Tours, Cat Ba Limousine), which can save you time and money compared to purchasing separate tickets for each leg of the journey. Be sure to check if this is available when planning your trip.
Traveling by bus from Sapa to Cat Ba Island is a unique way to experience the contrasting beauty of Northern Vietnam. While the journey requires multiple transfers, it’s a budget-friendly and scenic way to travel between two of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. With the right planning and a sense of adventure, you’ll find the trip both rewarding and enjoyable. Safe travels!