The ferry from the mainland to Cat Ba Island is still the most popular way to cross — especially for travelers bringing a motorbike or car. For 2026, the operating schedule and ticket prices on the Dong Bai (Ben Got) – Cai Vieng route have been confirmed by the operator. Here is the latest information, plus tips to avoid the queues we see fill up every weekend.
2026 ferry schedule (Dong Bai – Cai Vieng)
The ferry runs roughly every 30 to 45 minutes, with around 25 departures per day. Operating hours shift between low and high season:
- High season: Dong Bai 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM · Cai Vieng 4:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Low season: Dong Bai 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM · Cai Vieng 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Always check the day-of schedule at the terminal during bad weather — crossings can be delayed or paused for safety.
2026 ticket prices (one way)
Passenger fares:
- Adult on foot: 14,000 VND / person
- Bicycle passenger: 12,000 VND / person
Vehicle fares:
- Motorbike: 44,000 VND / vehicle
- Car (under 9 seats): 194,000 VND / vehicle
- Bus 9–24 seats: 215,000 VND
- Bus 24–32 seats: 245,000 VND
- Bus 32+ seats: 336,000 VND
- Truck under 1 ton (loaded): 215,000 VND
- Truck 1–3 tons: 411,000 VND
- Truck 3–5 tons: 499,000 VND
- Truck 5–10 tons: 773,000 VND
Tickets are sold at the terminal — no advance booking system, no third-party fees. Cash works everywhere; QR payment is now accepted at most ticket counters as of 2026.
Important 2026 update: peak-day vehicle restrictions
To control congestion during peak travel periods, vehicle (car & truck) crossings are temporarily suspended between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on:
- National holidays (e.g. April 25 – May 3, 2026)
- Weekends from May 9 through September 30, 2026
During these windows, foot passengers and motorbikes still board normally, but if you're driving a car or truck you'll need to either time your crossing outside the restricted hours, or take the cable car (vehicles parked on the mainland), speedboat, or bus alternative.
Where does the ferry actually go?
The Dong Bai – Cai Vieng route connects Cat Hai Island (the mainland side) with Cat Ba Island. From Cai Vieng pier, it's another 25 km of paved road to Cat Ba Town, the main tourist center where most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are based.
The crossing itself only takes 15 to 20 minutes, but it's often one of the most memorable parts of the trip. As the ferry pulls away from the dock, the air shifts — cooler, saltier, slower. Watching limestone mountains rise out of the horizon is when most travelers realize the city is finally behind them.
Why the ferry is still the most popular option
Despite the rise of the cable car and speedboats, the ferry remains the favourite for three reasons:
- You can bring your vehicle.Motorbike riders and drivers can't use the cable car or speedboats with their bike — the ferry is the only option.
- It's the cheapest. A foot passenger crosses for 14,000 VND — under 1 USD.
- It's scenic. Open deck, sea breeze, mountains rising in front of you. Most travelers prefer it over a sealed speedboat cabin.
Tips to skip the worst of the queues
- Travel early. The 5:00 – 7:00 AM ferries are quietest, even on weekends.
- Avoid 8:30 – 10:30 AM on Saturdays, when day-trippers and weekenders converge on the terminal.
- Check weather the day before. Strong winds and tropical storms can pause service.
- Arrive 30+ minutes earlyif you're bringing a vehicle on a peak weekend — that's often the difference between the next boat and the one after.
- If you're car-bound on a restricted weekend, plan to cross before 9:00 AM or after 1:00 PM.
Ferry vs speedboat vs cable car: which to pick?
There are now three main ways to reach Cat Ba from Hai Phong:
- Ferry (Dong Bai – Cai Vieng): cheapest, flexible, allows vehicles. Best for independent travelers and anyone on a bike.
- Speedboat: fastest, around 45 minutes door to door. Best for travelers in a hurry, no vehicle.
- Cable car:a one-of-a-kind aerial crossing over Lan Ha Bay. Best for the view alone — though it doesn't solve the last-mile transfer to Cat Ba Town.
For most travelers we host, the ferry strikes the right balance of cost, flexibility, and atmosphere. If you need a door-to-door pickup from Hanoi or Hai Phong, check our transport options — we run private cars and shared buses that already include the ferry crossing.
Plan ahead, time the crossing right, and the trip from mainland to island stops being a hassle and becomes the moment your Cat Ba holiday actually begins.
