Tuan Chau to Gia Luan Ferry: 2026 Schedule and Ticket Guide

Last updated: July 24, 2026

Quick Summary: The Tuan Chau to Gia Luan Ferry
The Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry is the most direct way to travel from Ha Long City to Cat Ba Island. The sea crossing takes about 50 minutes, carrying both foot passengers (~80,000 VND) and vehicles. During the high season, it operates 5 times a day. Including the onward drive through Cat Ba National Park, the entire trip to Cat Ba Town takes roughly 90 minutes door-to-door.

The Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry connects Ha Long City to Cat Ba Island in about 50 minutes across open water, followed by a scenic overland drive through Cat Ba National Park into town. The full door-to-door journey takes roughly 90 minutes.

How does the Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry route work?

The route departs from Tuan Chau Island near Ha Long City and docks at Gia Luan pier on the northern tip of Cat Ba Island. Since it launched in 2009, this crossing has become the main link between Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago, avoiding the long overland detour through other ports.

Unlike the alternative Dong Bai ferry terminal, which can see heavier local traffic and queues, this route is built to handle both passengers and vehicles, motorbikes, private cars, and tour buses load directly onto the lower deck, so there's no need to switch vehicles partway through the trip.

What is the ferry schedule, and how much do tickets cost?

During high season (mid-April to September), the ferry runs five times a day in each direction. In low season, it drops to three daily departures. Exact times can shift slightly with tides and weather, so it's worth confirming the day before you travel.

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Vehicle tickets only cover the driver, any passengers riding along still need their own walking ticket. Bring cash; ticket counters don't reliably accept cards.

How do you get from Gia Luan Pier to Cat Ba Town?

If you're driving a private car or motorbike, you simply drive off the ferry and continue on your own. Foot passengers have two main options, Gia Luan pier is about 25km from Cat Ba Town center.

• Local public bus: timed to meet arriving ferries, taking about 40-50 minutes via the Cat Ba National Park road. Tickets run roughly 30,000-40,000 VND per person.
• Taxi or electric car: waiting at the Gia Luan parking lot. A 4-seater taxi costs approximately 300,000-400,000 VND and is faster and more comfortable for groups or heavy luggage.

Tuan Chau route or the Dong Bai (Hai Phong) route, which is better?

Both reach Cat Ba, but they suit different trips. Tuan Chau works best if you're combining a Ha Long Bay visit with Cat Ba in one trip; Dong Bai works best if you're coming straight from Hai Phong or Hanoi.

The Tuan Chau crossing is also the more scenic of the two, cutting close to the karst landscape almost like a short cruise, a genuine perk if you have the time, not just a transfer.

What can you see along the way?

The crossing works as a budget sightseeing cruise as much as a transfer. Early on, you'll pass within sight of the Bai Chay Bridge and the Kissing Rocks (Hon Trong Mai), a limestone formation that's become a symbol of the bay. As the ferry nears Gia Luan, the pier comes into view alongside a small floating fishing village, wooden houses, working nets, and karst peaks behind them.

What amenities are on board and at the terminal?

The ferries have air-conditioned indoor cabins with seating, plus an open upper deck for photos and fresh air. An onboard snack counter sells drinks, coffee, and light snacks. The Tuan Chau terminal itself has a waiting lounge, a cafe, small shops, and free WiFi, enough to pass the time comfortably before boarding.

What should you know before you go? (Booking tips)

• First-come, first-served: tickets for the public Tuan Chau ferry cannot typically be booked online in advance. You must buy them directly at the official Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal ticket booth.
• Arrive early: arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure to buy tickets and board, the ferry leaves on schedule and won't wait. During peak summer (May-August) and public holidays, give yourself an extra 45 minutes of buffer time.
• Weather conditions: typhoon season runs roughly July to September; if maritime authorities issue storm warnings, crossings can pause until conditions clear. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication about 30 minutes before boarding and sit in the center of the cabin, facing the horizon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I book Tuan Chau ferry tickets online?

No, public car ferry tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Tuan Chau terminal ticket counter. Bring cash to purchase them directly before departure.

Does Beka Travel operate the Tuan Chau ferry?

No. Beka runs tours and transport within Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay; the Tuan Chau to Gia Luan ferry is operated by independent third-party companies.

How long does the crossing take?

About 50 minutes on the water, plus a scenic overland drive through Cat Ba National Park, roughly 90 minutes door to door.

Is this faster than the Dong Bai ferry?

Similar overall travel time, but Tuan Chau tends to have less local vehicle congestion and a more tourist-oriented terminal.

Can I bring a rental motorbike on the ferry?

Yes, motorbikes load onto the lower deck for an additional fee on top of the driver's own ticket.

Plan the rest of your trip with Beka Travel

Beka's guests typically stay on Cat Ba for an average of just 1.2 nights, so it's worth booking your Lan Ha Bay tour before you arrive rather than deciding on the ferry. If you're stepping off at Gia Luan and heading straight into the bay, the Lan Ha Bay day tour is an easy first stop, or browse the full Cat Ba Island Travel Guide to plan the rest of your stay.

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