Hanoi To Halong Bay Private Car: Updated Guide 2023

It is no doubt that private car is the best way to transfer between Hanoi and Halong Bay thanks to its privacy and convenience. This article will provide you with a detailed guide to get a suitable Hanoi to Halong Bay private car and enjoy your travel to the fullest.

Hanoi to Halong Bay distance and travel time 

The distance between Hanoi Center and Halong City is about 155 km, which usually takes approximately 2.5 hours of transport through Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway. In case you choose Highway No.18 via Bac Ninh Province as the main route, the travel time is 3.5-4 hours. 

If tourists plan to take a Halong Bay cruise, you are advised to know exactly the departure place of your cruise to make a booking for transport with the exact destination. The two most popular locations favored by cruise lines include Halong International Cruise Port and Tuan Chau International Port.

Hanoi to Halong International Cruise Port

Halong International Cruise Port (also known as Sun Group Port) is located in the center of the Bai Chay tourist area, next to Sun World Halong Complex.

Route 1: Hanoi to Halong International Cruise Port through Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway

• Distance: 155 kilometers
• Travel time: 2-2.5 hours

From Hanoi Old Quarter area, visitors need to cross Chuong Duong or Vinh Tuy Bridge and head towards AEON Mall Long Bien. Then travel along Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway to arrive at Halong International Cruise Port. 

Route 2: Hanoi to Halong International Cruise Port through Highway No.18

• Distance: 150 kilometers
• Travel time: 3-3.5 hours

From Hanoi Old Quarter area, visitors can cross Chuong Duong or Vinh Tuy Bridge, pass by AEON Mall Long Bien, then enter Hanoi – Bac Giang Expressway and follow Noi Bai – Halong Expressway to reach Halong International Cruise Port. 

Hanoi to Tuan Chau International Port

Tuan Chau International Port – the largest port in Halong, situated in the Northwest of the Bay, 8 km Southwest of Halong City. It is on the edge of Tuan Chau Island, connected to the mainland by a long bridge.

Route 1: Hanoi to Tuan Chau International Port through Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway

• Distance: 150 kilometers
• Travel time: 2-2.5 hours

From Hanoi Old Quater area, tourists cross Chuong Duong or Vinh Tuy Bridge, then travel along Hanoi – Hai Phong – Halong Expressway to arrive at Tuan Chau International Port. 

Route 2: Hanoi to Tuan Chau International Port through Highway No.18

• Distance: 145 kilometers
• Travel time: 3-3.5 hours

From Hanoi Old Quarter area, tourists make the way to Long Bien District, then enter Highway No.5, and travel along with Hai Duong City to Highway No.18. Then, you will reach Yen Tho, Dong Trieu Town.

Advantages of Hanoi to Halong Bay private car

Time efficient

This is the biggest advantage of travelling by private car. It will take passengers about 2.5 hours to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi, through the new Expressway without stops. Compared to a shuttle bus which may move around the city center to pick up passengers, private car transfers directly from your location to your destination in Halong.

Convenient and private

Hanoi to Halong Bay private car provides door-to-door service by picking up and dropping off tourists at their locations. All you need to do is book your favorite vehicle and enjoy your travel. The private car also ensures the highest level of privacy and comfort (in comparison with other means of transport). You will not be annoyed by crowds and noise from surrounding people. Besides, inconveniences because of strangers can be avoided and you can have a break anytime you want on the way.

Family-friendly

Thanks to its utmost privacy and time efficiency, a private car is the best choice for families of 3-10 people, especially those with kids or the elderly.

Economical (for medium groups)

In case you travel in a group of at least three people, renting a private car may cost you lower expenses than booking individual seats on a shuttle bus.

Types of Hanoi to Halong Bay private car

There is a variety of options for private cars from Hanoi to Halong Bay, depending on tourists’ budgets, group sizes, vehicle quality, and so on. In terms of the number of car seats, this means of transportation can be categorized into three main kinds.

4-seat private car 

This choice is ideal for a couple or families with one or two children (maximum of 4 passengers with luggage). Several popular 4-seat cars for Hanoi to Halong transfer include Toyota Vios, Toyota Altis, and Honda Civic.

7-seat private car 

The 7-seat car is ideal for families with two kids or two couples (maximum of 6 passengers with luggage). Popular 7-seat private cars between Hanoi and Halong usually feature Toyota Innova or Toyota Fortuner.

16-seat private minivan 

It is a suitable choice for a group of friends, or families (from 4 to 10 people) to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, Hyundai Solati, and Mercedes Printer are among the most popular private minivan brands.

Fares of Hanoi to Halong Bay private car

Types of private car	One-way trip	Day trip	2-day trip	3-day trip
4-seat private car	US$ 85	US$ 115	US$ 135	US$ 180
7-seat private car	US$ 95	US$ 120	US$ 145	US$ 195
16-seat private minivan	US$ 110	US$ 150	US$ 180	US$ 240

Note: 

• Fares may not include highway fees. It costs US$ 15 for 4-to-7-seat cars and US$ 18 for 16-seat cars one way.
• The quoted rates might be changed due to the increasing petrol cost.
• There will be an increase in prices during public holidays.

Hanoi to Halong Bay private car providers

Cruise companies

A number of cruise companies provide complementary transfer services when tourists make a cruise booking. You can opt for a luxury shuttle bus or a private car depending on your preferences. Vehicles from cruise companies are modern and good-quality with professional services; assistance in English is also available, offering you a convenient travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Pros	Cons
Good-quality vehicles with full conveniences English-speaking staff Professional services	High car rental

Tourism agents

Tourism agents work with a variety of transport suppliers and have special contracts with them, which enables good car rental. Travel agents also have English-speaking consultants who will support your transfer from the picking up to the drop-off; they follow your trip to make sure your safety until you successfully arrive at your destination. Therefore, they are the first choices for tourists to book a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Pros	Cons
List of prestigious transport companies for travelers English-speaking consultants Cost-effective & professional services	Non-direct booking process

Transportation companies

There is a wide range of transport companies in Hanoi providing private car services to Halong. They have high-quality vehicles with reasonable prices; however, they speak little English. Foreign tourists may find the booking process or communication with drivers difficult due to a language barrier.

In case you book a private car from a transportation supplier, you should write the exact pick-up and drop-off location, time, and the name of your cruise/hotel. Google Translate will be a good support for you to communicate with local drivers.

Pros	Cons
High-quality vehicles Reasonable expenses	Difficulties in communication due to language barriers

Taxi providers

Tourists can also take a taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay for a private transfer. There is a variety of taxi brands in Hanoi for your choice; and the booking process is also easy. However, taxi prices may be higher than other means of transfer, and drivers can speak little English.

Taxi companies usually provide small-sized cars featuring 4 or 7 seats only. Several highly recommended options include Mai Linh, Taxi Group, and G7 Taxi.

Pros	Cons
Instant services & flexible schedule Availability of vehicles	High expenses Unexpected taxi scams

Tips to choose the best private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Save money for group travelling

If you are an independent traveler or a couple, the rental of a private car will be higher than the amount you pay for shuttle bus transfer. However, this means of transport is a good suggestion for groups of at least 3 people. The larger group you are in, the lower price it costs you individually. 

Best for families with kids and the elderly

If you travel with your family (3-10 members), private car is no doubt the number one choice. It is convenient for children (especially infants and toddlers) and old people to enjoy the transfer with large space and the utmost care from others. The high level of privacy without strangers will offer your family a pleasant car ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Book a Halong Bay package instead of booking a vehicle separately

Travel agents or cruise companies provide private and semi-private transfer services with high-quality conveniences and customer care in English. Therefore, you are advised to book an all-inclusive package with an agent to get a reliable private transfer without the hassle and enjoy a better deal for the package booking.

Book a private car with a English-speaking driver

Although there are not many car drivers who are good at English in Hanoi, some can use basic English communication. You should select car providers that have customer support in English or English-speaking drivers for convenient communication during the booking process and the transfer.

In conclusion, private car is the most comfortable way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, especially suitable for family groups. You can easily book a good-quality vehicle directly from transport suppliers or through travel or cruise companies. There are many car options with different brands, capacities, conveniences, costs, etc. for your choice based on your demands. Shared local tips are expected to help foreign tourists to get satisfied transfer services and enjoy a great trip in Halong Bay.

FAQs about Hanoi to Halong Bay private car

How much does it cost to rent a Hanoi – Halong private car in two days?

The rental of a private car in two days usually ranges from US$ 135 to US$ 180 depending on the car type (4-seat, 7-seat, or 16-seat). It may change due to the rising petrol price or peak season.

Do private car drivers speak English?

Not many local drivers can speak English well, however, some people can communicate in English basically. You should book a car from a travel or cruise company for English professional customer support.

Do I need to tip car drivers in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, it is unnecessary for customers to leave a tip for car drivers; therefore you are not considered rude for not doing so.

Can I rent a car for self-driving with an international driving license?

No, you cannot. According to the current laws in Vietnam, drivers without a Vietnamese driving license are not permitted to operate a motor vehicle. To qualify for driving a car independently in Vietnam, foreign travelers must convert their International Driving Permit into a Vietnamese driving license.