1. Overview of the journey from Quang Ninh to Ha Long in 2025
Overview of the journey from Quang Ninh to Ha Long. (Source: Compiled).
The journey from Quang Ninh to Ha Long is becoming more convenient than ever thanks to significant improvements in transportation infrastructure in 2025. Ha Long is not just a tourist destination but also an important economic center of Quang Ninh province.
Ha Long plays the role of the heart of Quang Ninh province, holding the leading position as a political, economic, and tourism center. This city is located in the south of the province, bordering the sea and conveniently connecting with the districts of Van Don, Cam Pha, Uong Bi, Mong Cai, and Dong Trieu. This prime geographical location makes traveling from Quang Ninh to Ha Long easy from all directions.
2025 witnessed a strong wave of domestic tourism as Ha Long hosted many attractive events. Ha Long Carnival, summer festivals, and tourism stimulus programs launched by the province have attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists. The demand for business trips and trade has also increased significantly as Ha Long increasingly asserts its position as the economic gateway of the North.
The most notable point in 2025 is the completion of the Ha Long - Van Don expressway and the Van Don - Mong Cai expressway. The coastal road system has also been expanded, shortening travel time from key districts to Ha Long to just 30-90 minutes. Bus stations and transit points have been comprehensively upgraded with double the number of vehicles serving, ensuring safe circulation even during the peak tourist season.
2. Popular routes and means of transport from Quang Ninh to Ha Long
Routes and transportation from Quang Ninh to Ha Long. (Source: Collected).
2.1. Summary of main routes from key areas
The Quang Ninh – Ha Long transportation network is increasingly complete, offering many flexible travel options for tourists. From Cam Pha, the distance of 28–30 km takes only 40–50 minutes via National Highway 18 or the new coastal route. Uong Bi is 45 km away, taking about 60 minutes via National Highway 18 directly to the center. The journey from Mong Cai is also shortened to 2–2.5 hours for a distance of 180–200 km thanks to the Van Don – Mong Cai expressway, instead of over 4 hours previously.
From Van Don to Ha Long is about 55 km, taking 1–1.2 hours via the new expressway. Dong Trieu is 80–90 km away, taking 1.5–2 hours via National Highway 18 and the expressway. Comparing routes shows that National Highway 18 is still popular due to many roadside services, but prone to congestion during holidays. The Ha Long – Van Don expressway is 60 km long, modern, shortening the time to 50–60 minutes but is tolled. The coastal route is suitable for sightseeing and check-in journeys, but depends on the weather.
2.2. Intra-provincial transportation to Ha Long
Private cars and taxis are ideal choices for small groups and families who want to be proactive about their schedule. Intra-provincial taxi fares range from 5,000-10,000 VND/km, specifically Sao Quang Ninh Taxi charges 5,000 VND/km, Mai Linh Taxi charges 10,000 VND/km. Tourists can easily book cars via apps, call hotlines, or hail them directly at popular tourist spots. Ride-hailing taxi services are also developing strongly with many attractive promotions.
Inter-provincial buses operate on fixed routes from districts to Ha Long with a frequency of one trip every 20-30 minutes during the day. Ticket prices range from 50,000-120,000 VND depending on the distance, the farthest route from Mong Cai costs 120,000-180,000 VND per trip. Reputable bus companies such as Kumho Viet Thanh, Ka Long, Phuc Xuyen ensure service quality and safety.
Intra-provincial buses with fares of 10,000-30,000 VND per trip are an economical choice. The Cam Pha - Ha Long, Uong Bi - Ha Long routes have continuous schedules from 5:00-21:00, very convenient for commuters or day-trippers.
3. Tips for traveling from major districts to Ha Long
Tips for traveling from major districts of Quang Ninh to Ha Long. (Source: Collected).
3.1. From Uong Bi to Ha Long
The route from Quang Ninh to Ha Long starting from Uong Bi is considered one of the most convenient and easiest routes. Uong Bi center connects to Ha Long via National Highway 18 with a distance of 45 km, travel time is about 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Transportation options are very diverse with regular services for coaches, buses, taxis, and private cars. Coach ticket prices start from 50,000 VND, taxis from 5,000-10,000 VND/km depending on the company. Coaches and buses are suitable for budget-conscious travelers, while taxis and private cars are ideal for small groups seeking flexibility.
3.2. From Cam Pha to Ha Long
The journey from Quang Ninh to Ha Long starting from Cam Pha offers an interesting experience with a scenic coastal route. The 28-30 km distance can be traveled via the coastal road or National Highway 18, with a travel time of 40-50 minutes depending on the chosen route.
The secret to a smooth trip is to avoid departing during peak traffic hours of 7:00-8:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM. Instead, it's advisable to depart earlier or later to enjoy the journey most comfortably.
3.3. From Mong Cai, Van Don, Dong Trieu to Ha Long
These three routes best demonstrate the remarkable development of transportation infrastructure on the journey from Quang Ninh to Ha Long. Mong Cai, with a distance of 180 km, has reduced travel time to just 2-2.5 hours thanks to the Van Don - Mong Cai expressway, greatly facilitating both tourism and business. Coach ticket prices from Mong Cai range from 120,000-180,000 VND per trip.
Van Don benefits from the new expressway with a distance of 55 km, taking only 55-60 minutes to travel, making it easy for tourists to combine visits to Van Don International Airport and Ha Long in a single trip. Dong Trieu, covering 80-90 km via National Highway 18, takes about 1.5-2 hours, suitable for weekend trips.
4. Useful tips and notes for traveling from Quang Ninh to Ha Long in 2025
Useful tips and notes when traveling from Quang Ninh to Ha Long. (Source: Collected).
Choosing the right time for your journey from Quang Ninh to Ha Long will largely determine the quality of your experience. The months of March-May and September-November are considered golden periods with mild weather, moderate crowds, and stable services.
2025 will see increased traffic control along the entire route, with particularly strict enforcement of violations. Highways have speed limits of 100-120 km/h, and National Highway 18 is typically 60-80 km/h with a modern surveillance camera system.
Traffic police conduct checks at sections entering the city and toll stations, focusing on alcohol levels, vehicle documents, and speed compliance. Electronic signs are installed along national highways and expressways, providing real-time traffic information to help drivers proactively adjust their routes.
5. Visitor Support Services in Ha Long in 2025
Visitor support services from Quang Ninh to Ha Long. (Source: Collected).
5.1. Bus stations, transit points, and car rental services in Ha Long
Transportation infrastructure in Ha Long has been comprehensively upgraded to best serve tourists traveling from Quang Ninh to Ha Long . The Ha Long Bus Station in Bai Chay serves as a central hub with many inter-provincial and intra-provincial routes, equipped with full modern amenities such as free wifi, electronic ticket counters, and safe luggage storage services.
Car rental services in Ha Long are abundant with many reputable providers. Motorbikes cost from 120,000-200,000 VND/day, and self-drive cars range from 700,000-1,500,000 VND/day depending on the vehicle type. Tourists should carefully check licenses, rental contracts, and contact agents or major travel platforms to ensure safety and transparency in transactions.
5.2. Connecting from Ha Long to prominent tourist attractions in Quang Ninh
Ha Long is an ideal gateway to explore other famous attractions in Quang Ninh province. Yen Tu Pagoda, 80 km away, has frequent bus routes, taxis, and package tour services at reasonable prices.
Quan Lan and Co To require tourists to travel to Cai Rong Port in Van Don by bus or taxi, then continue the journey by high-speed ferry. Although this itinerary is more complex, it offers an interesting experience exploring both the mainland and islands.
Bai Tu Long Bay, Tuan Chau, and Bai Chay are located very close to Ha Long with convenient city tourist buses, electric vehicles, and taxis. Tours combining resort stays, entertainment, and seafood cuisine have developed strongly, meeting the diverse needs of tourists.
Mastering the travel experience from Quang Ninh to Ha Long in 2025 helps you proactively respond to any itinerary changes, enhancing a safe, economical, and convenient experience. Save this important information and update it continuously to have the most attractive and complete plan for exploring Ha Long!
