THE SHORT VERSION
Cat Ba Island to Cao Bang at a glance.
- From
- Cat Ba Island Đảo Cát Bà
- To
- Cao Bang Cao Bằng
- Straight line
- 231 km
- Return route
- Cao Bang to Cat Ba Island →
Ready to travel from Cat Ba Island to Cao Bang?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is the largest island in the Ha Long Bay area. Most trips from Hanoi are combined tickets, with a bus to the coast, a ferry or speedboat, and often a shuttle into Cat Ba town.
- Cat Ba town · Thị trấn Cát Bà
Most combined services end in or near the harbour town.
Arriving in Cao Bang
Many limousine vans from Hanoi drop at hotels in town. Ban Gioc and the border area are a further drive, so arrange onward transport locally.
- Cao Bang Bus Station · Bến xe Cao Bằng
Long-distance and regional services, including Hanoi.

Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Roads in the far north are winding. Allow extra time, especially after heavy rain.
- Some Ha Giang Loop itineraries continue to Cao Bang. Check whether your bus runs that way.
KEEP GOING
From Cao Bang, the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Cao Bang
More buses from Cat Ba Island
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Cat Ba Island to Cao Bang take?+
Journey times depend on the service and any boat connection. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Cat Ba Island?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Cat Ba Island include Cat Ba town, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Cao Bang to Cat Ba Island?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Cao Bang to Cat Ba Island guide.
Where does the bus from Cat Ba Island arrive in Cao Bang?+
It depends on the operator. In Cao Bang, services use Cao Bang Bus Station. Many limousine vans from Hanoi drop at hotels in town. Ban Gioc and the border area are a further drive, so arrange onward transport locally.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Cao Bang?+
Many limousine vans from Hanoi drop at hotels in town. Ban Gioc and the border area are a further drive, so arrange onward transport locally.
What kind of bus runs from Cat Ba Island to Cao Bang?+
Tickets to Cao Bang usually combine a bus or van with a boat. The vehicle type, seat style and boat connection are shown for each departure on 12Go.
Can I book the Cat Ba Island to Cao Bang bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Cao Bang by bus?+
Direct buses from Cao Bang include Ha Giang, Noi Bai Airport (HAN), Hanoi, Ha Long, Hai Phong and more. See all connections on our Cao Bang bus page.
Does the trip to Cao Bang include a ferry?+
Yes, Cao Bang is an island, so the journey includes a boat crossing. Check whether your ticket covers the boat and the transfer from the pier, and allow for weather delays.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Cat Ba Island → Cao Bang on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Cat Ba Island to Cao Bang bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Cat Ba Island (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Cao Bang (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →