Detail

Best Price: 66.00 USD/Car

CAT BA ISLAND TO VAN DON BY PRIVATE CAR

Everyone knows Cat Ba the "pearl island" famous for its towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. However, few realize that not far away lies Van Don, a destination offering a completely different atmosphere: more peaceful than Ha Long and more pristine than Bai Chay, yet rapidly transforming thanks to its international airport and eco-resorts along Bai Tu Long Bay. Despite this, traveling between Cat Ba and Van Don is far from simple. The journey requires a combination of ferries, shuttle buses, and local taxis all while managing bulky luggage. Furthermore, unpredictable ferry schedules can cause you to miss your flight or the boat to Co To Island. That is why Mui Ne Private Car has launched a private transfer service between Cat Ba and Van Don. We provide an all-inclusive, door-to-door service picking you up at your resort and taking you to your final destination so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without a care in the world. MUI NE PRIVATE CAR is operated by Minh Khoi Travel Co., Ltd. We are fully licensed and boast over eight years of experience serving international travelers in Vietnam. You can view reviews and book our services via GetYourGuide, 12Go, Viator, or Google Maps. Book with confidence.

Cat Ba Island to Van Don Private Car Transfer

ROUTE OVERVIEW

Route: Cat Ba Island → Cai Vieng / Dong Bai Ferry → Van Don (Airport / Any address / Hotel)
Total Distance: ~135 km (~84 miles)
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
Available Vehicles: 4-Seater Sedan, 7-Seater SUV

WHY GO TO VAN DON & WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?

"Should you visit Van Don after a trip to Cat Ba?" The answer is yes in fact, it is a destination well worth a dedicated trip of its own.

Cat Ba is already renowned for Lan Ha Bay cruises and jungle trekking. Van Don, however, offers a distinct atmosphere: it serves as a gateway to pristine archipelagos and boasts fascinating cultural sites alongside exceptional seafood cuisine. It is also home to the largest international airport in Northern Vietnam (outside of Hanoi). In short, it is a destination well worth experiencing.

Below is an interactive map showing the route from Cat Ba Island across the water to the mainland, continuing directly to Van Don a journey of approximately 135 km:

Van Don is home to the state-of-the-art Van Don International Airport (VDO), a key hub for both domestic and international flights. Additionally, Cai Rong Port and Ao Tien Port in Van Don serve as the main departure points for ferries taking travelers to islands such as Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, and Co To.

Van Don offers a harmonious blend of nature, spiritual sites, and coastal resorts. Highlights include:

Bai Dai Beach: A pristine, 2-km stretch of white sand with clear blue waters facing Bai Tu Long Bay—an ideal spot for swimming and water sports.

Cai Bau Pagoda (Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery): A stunning pagoda nestled against a mountainside, offering panoramic views of the bay from its grounds.

Ba Mun National Park: An island boasting lush primeval forests, a diverse array of rare wildlife, and a rich mangrove ecosystem.

Cuisine: Don't miss out on sa sung (peanut worms), cu ky (red-clawed crabs), and fragrant, hand-pounded grilled squid cakes. It is sure to be an unforgettable culinary experience.

Sa sung – a specialty of Van Don

Squid Cakes – The Flavor of the Sea

Cu ky crab – a distinctive specialty of Van Don

HOW TO GET FROM CAT BA TO VAN DON? (TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS)

"How can you get from Cat Ba Island to Van Don?" Generally, travelers choose one of two main methods:

Option 1: Direct private vehicle transfer (Recommended)

Our private driver picks you up right at your resort or hotel reception on Cat Ba Island. You, your companions, and all your heavy luggage stay in the same clean, air-conditioned vehicle as it boards the Cai Vieng – Dong Bai ferry. Upon reaching the mainland, the driver takes you directly to Van Don International Airport (VDO), Ao Tien Port, or your resort entrance. No vehicle changes or luggage transfers are required.

Option 2: Bus + ferry + local taxi

With this method, you take a local bus from Cat Ba Town to Cai Vieng Pier, buy a foot-passenger ferry ticket to Dong Bai on the mainland, board a second bus to Hai Phong or Cam Pha, and finally catch a local taxi to Van Don. This route takes 4–5 hours, carries a high risk of delays, and requires you to haul your luggage across multiple terminals.

WHY CHOOSE MUI NE PRIVATE CAR FOR YOUR VAN DON TRANSFER?

"Why should I choose Mui Ne Private Car over other options?" We specialize in reliable, long-distance interprovincial travel across Vietnam with key operational advantages:

100% Door-to-Door Service: Direct pickup at your Cat Ba hotel and direct drop-off at Van Don Airport (VDO), Ao Tien Port, or your resort desk.
Zero Vehicle Switching: Stay inside the same private vehicle across the ferry crossing—no moving heavy bags from bus to bus.
Airport Guarantee & Punctuality: Flight catchers can rest easy. We schedule pickups based on your exact flight departure or ferry boarding times.
Transparent All-Inclusive Pricing: Your quote includes car ferry tickets, passenger tickets, highway tolls, fuel, and driver fees—no hidden costs.
24/7 English Customer Support: Real-time WhatsApp assistance throughout your entire travel duration.
Modern & Well-Maintained Fleet: Travel in pristine AC Sedans, SUVs, or Minivans stocked with complimentary bottled water.

Connecting to other Northern destinations? Explore our private car connections from Cat Ba to Hanoi, Cat Bi Airport, or Hai Phong City.

TRANSFER PRICE & VEHICLE OPTIONS

Fixed, transparent all-inclusive rates for private car transfers from Cat Ba Island to Van Don (~135 km):

One-Way Private Transfer (Cat Ba Island → Van Don)

VEHICLE TYPE	MAX PAX	PRICE (USD)
4-Seater Sedan	1–3 Pax	$66
7-Seater SUV (Medium Form)	1–5 Pax	$72
7-Seater SUV (Large Form)	1–5 Pax	$78

✓ Included in the transfer price

Private air-conditioned vehicle reserved exclusively for your party.
Professional driver with long-distance route experience.
Ferry crossing tickets for vehicle and passengers.
All fuel charges and road toll fees along the ~135 km route.
Door-to-door pickup in Cat Ba Town directly to Van Don Airport / Port / Hotel.
Complimentary bottled drinking water inside the vehicle.
Full luggage assistance at pickup and drop-off points.

✕ Not included / Additional charges

Personal meals, beverages, and entrance fees.
Optional driver gratuities.
Holiday surcharge: A 15-20% surcharge applies during Lunar New Year and major national holidays.

OUR FLEET

Real photos of our clean, modern vehicles – see what you'll be riding in

Sedan 4 Seats

SUV (Medium)

SUV (Large)

Van 16 Seats

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US

Aubs Cau

★★★★★

The seats were comfortable and clean so we were able to sleep properly. The driver arrived earlier than the expected pick-up time and it lessened our worries. Excellent service... read more

Sheepy

★★★★★

I'm Malaysian and always skeptical about transport companies due to scammers in SEA. But this company just made me feel safe and secure, awesome service and highly recommended! read more

Amy McNair

★★★★★

We changed our departure time and also left a beloved stuffed animal in the car. The company was flexible and great and got the stuffed animal back for us. Highly recommend and will use again... read more

Vannessa Ng

★★★★★

Great transfer service! The customer service representative Chloé was supportive and helpful via text message. Our driver was safe and convenient, providing a very comfortable ride at reasonable prices... read more

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

How do I get from Cat Ba Island to Van Don International Airport (VDO)?

The most convenient way is booking a direct private car. Our driver picks you up from your Cat Ba hotel, accompanies the car across the ferry to the mainland, and drives directly to Van Don Airport departure terminal (~135 km, 2.5 to 3.5 hours).

Why should I visit Van Don after spending time on Cat Ba Island?

Van Don serves as the gateway to pristine outer islands like Quan Lan and Co To (via Ao Tien Port), offers cultural landmarks like Cai Bau Pagoda, features long beaches like Bai Dai, and provides convenient flights via Van Don International Airport.

Are there Grab taxis available on Cat Ba Island for trips to Van Don?

No, Grab does not operate interprovincial rides from Cat Ba Island to Van Don. Booking a private transfer in advance is essential to guarantee on-time pickup, fixed pricing, and coordinated ferry crossing logistics.

What attractions should I visit in Van Don?

Key highlights in Van Don include Bai Dai Beach, Cai Bau Pagoda (Truc Lam Giac Tam), Ba Mun National Park, and enjoying local seafood at Cai Rong market.

How much does a private car from Cat Ba Island to Van Don cost?

Rates start at $66 USD for a 4-seater Sedan, $72 USD for a 7-seater SUV (Medium Form), and $78 USD for a 7-seater SUV (Large Form). Prices are all-inclusive, covering vehicle ferry fees, passenger ferry tickets, tolls, and fuel.