THE SHORT VERSION
Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc at a glance.
- From
- Cat Ba Island Đảo Cát Bà
- To
- Tam Coc Tam Cốc
- Straight line
- 130 km
- Return route
- Tam Coc to Cat Ba Island →
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 Tam Coc
Confirm that your ticket says Tam Coc, not just Ninh Binh. Otherwise you may need a taxi from the city.
- Hotel and roadside drops
There is no large bus station. Most services stop at hotels or along the main village road.
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.
- Rent a bicycle or scooter locally to reach Trang An and Hoa Lu.
KEEP GOING
From Tam Coc, the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Tam Coc
More buses from Cat Ba Island
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc 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 Tam Coc to Cat Ba Island?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Tam Coc to Cat Ba Island guide.
Where does the bus from Cat Ba Island arrive in Tam Coc?+
It depends on the operator. In Tam Coc, services use Hotel and roadside drops. Confirm that your ticket says Tam Coc, not just Ninh Binh. Otherwise you may need a taxi from the city.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Tam Coc?+
Confirm that your ticket says Tam Coc, not just Ninh Binh. Otherwise you may need a taxi from the city.
What kind of bus runs from Cat Ba Island to Tam Coc?+
Tickets to Tam Coc 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 Tam Coc 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 Tam Coc by bus?+
Direct buses from Tam Coc include Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport (HAN), Hoa Binh, Hai Phong and more. See all connections on our Tam Coc bus page.
Does the trip to Tam Coc include a ferry?+
Yes, Tam Coc 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.
FOLLOW 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 Tam Coc bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Cat Ba Island (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Ninh Binh (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →