THE SHORT VERSION
Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island at a glance.
- From
- Ninh Binh Ninh Bình
- To
- Cat Ba Island Đảo Cát Bà
- Straight line
- 124 km
- Return route
- Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is about two hours south of Hanoi by road and is the base for Tam Coc, Trang An and Hoa Lu. Public buses use the city bus station, while many limousine vans from Hanoi drop directly at hotels in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc.
- Ninh Binh Bus Station · Bến xe Ninh Bình
In the city. Public buses to Hanoi's Giap Bat station and services further south.
Arriving in Cat Ba Island
Check which ferry crossing your ticket uses and whether the final shuttle into town is included.
- Cat Ba town · Thị trấn Cát Bà
Most combined services end in or near the harbour town.
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.
- Weather can delay or cancel ferries. Keep plans flexible on travel days.
- Keep your ticket handy for each change of vehicle.
KEEP GOING
From Cat Ba Island, the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Cat Ba Island
More buses from Ninh Binh
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 Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island 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 Ninh Binh?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Ninh Binh include Ninh Binh Bus Station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh guide.
Where does the bus from Ninh Binh arrive in Cat Ba Island?+
It depends on the operator. In Cat Ba Island, services use Cat Ba town. Check which ferry crossing your ticket uses and whether the final shuttle into town is included.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Cat Ba Island?+
Check which ferry crossing your ticket uses and whether the final shuttle into town is included.
What kind of bus runs from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?+
Tickets to Cat Ba Island 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 Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island 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 Cat Ba Island by bus?+
Direct buses from Cat Ba Island include Cao Bang, Da Nang, Ha Giang, Ha Long, Hai Phong and more. See all connections on our Cat Ba Island bus page.
Does the trip to Cat Ba Island include a ferry?+
Yes, Cat Ba Island 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: Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Ninh Binh (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Cat Ba Island (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →