Van Don Airport to Ha Long and Bai Chay: Bus, Taxi, Private Transfer and Travel Time
Updated: 31 October 2026. Transport fares are market reference figures and vary by company, vehicle and date; please re-check flight and bus schedules before you travel.
- Distance: Van Don Airport is about 50–55 km from central Ha Long and about 55–60 km by road from Bai Chay; the Ha Long – Van Don Expressway usually takes 50–70 minutes.
- Fastest and easiest: a taxi or pre-booked transfer, roughly VND 450,000–850,000 per car one way depending on vehicle and drop-off point.
- Budget: shared vans sold per seat cost about VND 150,000–300,000 per person; buses are cheapest but depend on timetables and pick-up points.
- 2026 flights have changed: after regular commercial flights paused from 1 April 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City – Van Don route resumed on 15 June 2026; check the current schedule before booking.
- Return trip: leave Bai Chay about 2.5–3 hours before departure so you reach the airport at least 90 minutes ahead.
How do you get from Van Don Airport to Ha Long and Bai Chay?
The easiest way from Van Don Airport to Ha Long and Bai Chay is a taxi or pre-booked transfer: about 50–70 minutes on the Ha Long – Van Don Expressway, at a reference cost of VND 450,000–850,000 per car. Solo travellers on a budget can take a shared van or a bus, but check schedules first, because Van Don has only a few flights a day.
This guide is for travellers flying into Van Don, usually from Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam. If you are coming overland from Hanoi, read how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long. If you have not chosen an area yet, Bai Chay, Hon Gai or Tuan Chau: where to stay will help you decide before booking a car.
How far is Van Don Airport from Ha Long?
Van Don Airport lies north-east of Ha Long, and the fastest route is the Ha Long – Van Don Expressway. Bai Chay sits on the western side of the Cua Luc strait, so it is slightly farther than Hon Gai. The times below are reference driving times in light traffic; weekends, holidays or heavy rain can add 15–30 minutes.
| Destination from Van Don Airport | Approx. distance | Driving time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hon Gai city centre | about 50–55 km | 45–60 min | Closer than Bai Chay, good for business trips or stays in Hon Gai |
| Bai Chay | about 55–60 km | 50–70 min | Main hotel area, walking street, close to the bay cruise port |
| Tuan Chau International Cruise Port | about 70 km | 65–80 min | Useful if you board an overnight cruise on arrival day |
| Cai Rong Port (Van Don) | about 20 km | 25–35 min | Speedboats to Quan Lan and Co To |
| Yen Tu (Uong Bi) | about 100 km | 1.5–2 hours | Best as a separate day trip, not right after landing |
Comparing transport from Van Don Airport to Ha Long
The costs below are reference figures, not an official price list from any operator.
| Option | Reference cost | Time | Best for | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | about VND 450,000–700,000 per car one way to Bai Chay | 50–70 min | Families, groups of 3–4, lots of luggage | Prices vary by company; agree a fixed fare first |
| Pre-booked transfer (4–7 seats) | about VND 600,000–850,000 per car | 50–70 min | Older travellers, young children, late arrivals | Must be booked ahead with your flight number |
| Shared van sold per seat | about VND 150,000–300,000 per person | 60–90 min (multiple stops possible) | Solo travellers or couples | Waits to fill up; less flexible departure times |
| Bus | from a few tens of thousands of dong, or free depending on route and period | 70–120 min | Light luggage, no rush | Few departures; some routes do not stop at the terminal |
| Self-drive / car rental | depends on the rental contract | 50–70 min | Travellers continuing to Yen Tu or Cua Ong | Requires expressway confidence and parking costs |
Taxis and ride-hailing apps
Taxis usually wait outside the arrivals area when flights land. For the run to Bai Chay, many companies quote a fixed fare instead of using the meter, typically around VND 450,000–700,000 per car depending on vehicle size. Ask whether the fare includes expressway tolls and confirm your exact drop-off point. Ride-hailing apps work, but cars can be scarce in the evening.
Pre-booked private transfers
A pre-booked transfer suits travellers with older relatives, small children or evening arrivals: the driver tracks your flight and waits in the arrivals hall. When booking, send your flight number, number of passengers and suitcases, and the name of your accommodation, and ask what happens if your flight is delayed.
Shared vans sold per seat
Some operators run 7–16-seat vans sold per seat, at a reference price of VND 150,000–300,000 per person. This is economical for solo travellers, but the van may wait to fill up and drop passengers at several points. Ask beforehand whether it drops you at your hotel in Bai Chay or only at fixed stops.
Buses: cheap, but check the timetable
The airport has previously operated bus routes 14A to Hon Gai and 14B to the Sun World area in Bai Chay, timed to flights and requiring advance booking. Because flight schedules at Van Don changed a lot in 2026, ask the airport information desk or check the airport’s official website for routes currently running. The provincial Bai Chay – Van Don bus follows National Highway 18; it is cheap but does not stop at the terminal and takes about 2 hours, so it only suits travellers with light luggage and time to spare.
Flights to Van Don in 2026: what to know before booking
Van Don has few routes, so the flight schedule shapes your ground transport plan. In 2026 the airport had no regular commercial flights from 1 April 2026. From 15 June 2026 the Ho Chi Minh City – Van Don route resumed with 4 flights a week, increasing to one flight daily from 4 August to 24 October 2026. Check the winter schedule directly on the airline or airport website.
- Check your arrival time before booking a car: a midday arrival leaves time to check in and stroll around Bai Chay in the afternoon; for late-afternoon or evening arrivals, book a transfer in advance.
- Have a backup plan: if your flight is rescheduled or cancelled, the usual alternative is flying into Noi Bai or Cat Bi and continuing by road to Ha Long.
- Follow new route announcements: our article on new air links and tourism growth summarises plans for additional routes at Van Don Airport.
Which option suits which traveller?
A quick way to choose: consider group size, luggage and arrival time, then compare with the table below.
| Situation | Suggestion | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo, light luggage, daytime arrival | Shared van, or a bus if one is running | Low cost if you can wait a little |
| Couple wanting speed | Fixed-fare taxi | Reasonable when split, straight to your accommodation |
| Family with small children or older relatives | Pre-booked 7-seat transfer | Driver waiting, room for suitcases and a stroller |
| Group of 8–15 | 16-seat van hire | Cheaper than several taxis, everyone arrives together |
| Boarding a bay cruise on arrival day | Pre-booked car straight to the port | Avoid missing the boat’s check-in time |
If you plan to board a boat on the day you land, see tips for visiting Ha Long Bay for port check-in times. The bay entrance ticket is about VND 250,000 per person, plus a port fee of about VND 80,000 return from 1 July 2026.
How early should you leave Ha Long for Van Don Airport?
For domestic flights, aim to be at Van Don Airport at least 90 minutes before departure. Adding 50–70 minutes of driving and a buffer, leave Bai Chay about 2.5–3 hours before your flight. On weekends, holidays or rainy days, leave 30 minutes earlier and book your car the evening before.
- Check-out: ask your accommodation about check-out time and luggage storage if your flight is in the afternoon.
- Souvenirs: if you want to bring squid cakes or dried seafood, check your airline’s baggage rules first; ideas are in Ha Long specialties to take home.
Van Don, Noi Bai or Cat Bi: which airport for Ha Long?
Van Don is closest to Ha Long but has the fewest flights. Cat Bi (Hai Phong) is about 60–70 km from Bai Chay, roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes via the Hai Phong – Ha Long Expressway, with more flights from Ho Chi Minh City and central Vietnam. Noi Bai (Hanoi) is about 170 km from Bai Chay, 2.5–3 hours away, but offers the most flights and times.
| Airport | To Bai Chay | Advantages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Don | 50–70 min | Closest, usually quiet terminal, quick formalities | Few flights; schedules can change by season |
| Cat Bi (Hai Phong) | about 1 hr – 1 hr 15 min | More flights than Van Don, direct expressway | Book a car or intercity taxi |
| Noi Bai (Hanoi) | 2.5–3 hours | Most flight times, easy to combine with Hanoi | Long drive; book a limousine van or private car |
A simple rule: if a direct flight to Van Don fits your dates, fly into Van Don; otherwise compare the total time and cost of Cat Bi and Noi Bai including the drive. For short trips, see the Ha Long 2-day, 1-night itinerary and how many days you need in Ha Long.
Combining Van Don, Quan Lan and Co To in one trip
Landing at Van Don is an advantage if you want to visit the islands. Cai Rong Port is about 20 km from the airport, with speedboats to Quan Lan, Minh Chau and Co To. It makes sense to visit the islands first and then head to Ha Long, so you do not have to return to Van Don twice. Boat schedules depend on sea conditions and may be suspended in strong winds.
Allow at least 2 days per island; if you only have 2–3 days, focus on Ha Long. For more on Co To, see sustainable tourism on Co To.
Choosing where to stay when flying into Van Don
When arriving by air, check a few things before booking: whether the property helps arrange airport transfers, whether check-in time matches your arrival, whether you can store luggage after check-out, and whether the beach, walking street and dinner options are within walking distance. A detailed checklist is in questions to ask before booking a hotel in Ha Long.
If you stay in Bai Chay, two Anstay properties are worth adding to your comparison list: A La Carte Hạ Long Bay by Anstay offers serviced resort apartments near the sea with a restaurant, pool and spa, suited to families staying several nights; Anstay Marina Hotel Hạ Long is a hotel in Bai Chay close to the beach and dining area. As with any property, ask directly about airport transfer support, early check-in and luggage storage. For area criteria, see choosing a Bai Chay hotel near the beach, centre and port.
FAQ: Van Don Airport to Ha Long
How far is Van Don Airport from Bai Chay?
About 55–60 km by road via the Ha Long – Van Don Expressway, usually 50–70 minutes by car; weekends, holidays or heavy rain can add 15–30 minutes. Central Hon Gai is slightly closer, about 50–55 km.
How much is a taxi from Van Don Airport to Ha Long?
A reference fare is about VND 450,000–700,000 per car one way to Bai Chay, depending on the company, a 4- or 7-seat car and the drop-off point. Many companies offer fixed fares; confirm whether tolls are included before you get in. Pre-booked transfers usually cost about VND 600,000–850,000 per car.
Is there a bus from Van Don Airport to Ha Long?
The airport has previously run bus routes 14A to Hon Gai and 14B to the Sun World area in Bai Chay, timed to flights. Because 2026 schedules changed a lot, ask the airport information desk which routes are running. The provincial Bai Chay – Van Don bus is cheap but does not stop at the terminal and is slow.
Which flights currently serve Van Don?
In 2026 the main route is Ho Chi Minh City – Van Don, which resumed on 15 June 2026 and ran daily for a period (4 August – 24 October 2026). Schedules change by season, so check the airline or airport website before arranging your transfer.
How early should I leave Ha Long for Van Don Airport?
Leave Bai Chay about 2.5–3 hours before departure: 50–70 minutes of driving, plus a buffer and at least 90 minutes at the airport for a domestic flight. On weekends, holidays or rainy days, leave 30 minutes earlier.
Is Van Don or Cat Bi more convenient for Ha Long?
Van Don is closest, about 50–70 minutes to Bai Chay, but has few flights. Cat Bi is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Bai Chay via the expressway and has more flights. If a direct flight to Van Don fits your plans, choose Van Don; otherwise Cat Bi is usually the next best option.
Read more: What’s new in Ha Long in 2026 · Things to do in Ha Long at night · What to see on Tuan Chau Island.
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