Dong Bai – Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal is the main transport route connecting the mainland with Cat Ba Island. Explore the latest 2025 ferry schedule, operating hours, and the most cost-effective travel tips.
Introduction to Dong Bai – Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal
Dong Bai Ferry Terminal (Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City) is the main ferry route connecting the mainland with Cat Ba Island through Cai Vieng Terminal. It is the most economical and widely used means of transportation for both tourists and locals.
Operating Hours of Dong Bai – Cat Ba Ferry
Peak Season (June 9 – August 31, 2025)
- Monday to Thursday: 52 trips/day, every 30 minutes.
- Friday to Sunday: 78 trips/day, every 20 minutes.
- Opening time: 05:00
- Closing time: 18:00
From September 1 – December 31, 2025
There are 24 trips/day, divided into two time periods:
- Morning: 05:00 – 11:30
- Afternoon: 11:30 – 18:00
Travel time: about 20–25 minutes/trip.
Note: A 20-ton backup ferry operates 4 trips/day when needed.
Dong Bai – Cat Ba Ferry Ticket Prices 2025
| Passenger / Vehicle Type | Price/Trip (VND) |
|---|---|
| Pedestrians | 10,000 |
| Bicycle riders (including cargo bicycles) | 12,000 |
| Motorbike passengers | 45,000 |
| Cars under 9 seats (excluding passengers) | 190,000 |
| Passenger buses 9–23 seats | 210,000 |
| Passenger buses 24–31 seats | 240,000 |
| Passenger buses 32+ seats | 330,000 |
| Trucks – depending on type | |
| – Under 1 ton, loaded | 220,000 |
| – Under 1 ton, unloaded | 145,000 |
| – 1–3 tons, loaded | 420,000 |
| – 1–3 tons, unloaded | 250,000 |
| – 3–5 tons, loaded | 510,000 |
| – 3–5 tons, unloaded | 380,000 |
| – 5–10 tons, loaded | 790,000 |
| – 5–10 tons, unloaded | 470,000 |
| – 10–13 tons, loaded | 970,000 |
| – 10–13 tons, unloaded | 520,000 |
📌 Notes
- Prices apply to tourists and private vehicles.
- Does not include discounts for local residents, teachers, or students.
- Cat Hai residents, teachers, and students are eligible for free or 50% discounted fares upon presenting ID.
- Tickets are sold directly at the ferry terminal; online booking is not yet supported.
Latest Dong Bai – Cai Vieng Ferry Schedule 2025
From June 9 to August 31, 2025
Monday – Thursday: 52 trips/day (every 30 minutes)
Friday – Sunday: 78 trips/day (every 20 minutes)
| No. | Cai Vieng Departure | Dong Bai Arrival | No. | Cai Vieng Departure | Dong Bai Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 05:00 | 05:30 | 14 | 11:30 | 12:00 |
| 2 | 05:30 | 06:00 | 15 | 12:00 | 12:30 |
| 3 | 06:00 | 06:30 | 16 | 12:30 | 13:00 |
| 4 | 06:30 | 07:00 | 17 | 13:00 | 13:30 |
| 5 | 07:00 | 07:30 | 18 | 13:30 | 14:00 |
| 6 | 07:30 | 08:00 | 19 | 14:00 | 14:30 |
| 7 | 08:00 | 08:30 | 20 | 14:30 | 15:00 |
| 8 | 08:30 | 09:00 | 21 | 15:00 | 15:30 |
| 9 | 09:00 | 09:30 | 22 | 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 10 | 09:30 | 10:00 | 23 | 16:00 | 16:30 |
| 11 | 10:00 | 10:30 | 24 | 16:30 | 17:00 |
| 12 | 10:30 | 11:00 | 25 | 17:00 | 17:30 |
| 13 | 11:00 | 11:30 | 26 | 17:30 | 18:00 |
From September 1 – December 31, 2025
There are 24 daily trips:
- Morning: 05:00 – 11:30
- Afternoon: 11:30 – 18:00
Restricted Hours for Cars at Dong Bai Ferry
Applicable period:
- From April 26 to May 4, 2025 (National Holidays April 30 – May 1),
- And weekends (Saturday & Sunday) from May 10 to July 30, 2025.
Restricted hours for cars and trucks: from 09:00 to 13:00 daily.
Note:
- Not applicable to priority vehicles (ambulance, official vehicles, etc.).
- This aims to reduce congestion and ensure safe, smooth traffic from Cat Hai to Cat Ba Island.
⚠️ Alternative Options During Restricted Hours
- Use high-speed boats, the Cat Hai – Phu Long cable car, or other ferry routes (such as Tuan Chau – Gia Luan).
Important Notes
- The 20-ton backup ferry is always ready with 4 trips/day to ensure traffic safety.
- Departure times may be adjusted based on real-time conditions.
Money-Saving Tips for Traveling to Cat Ba
- Ride a motorbike or drive to Dong Bai terminal and take the ferry to Cai Vieng.
- Avoid peak hours from 09:00–11:00 and 15:00–17:00.
- Consider taking a high-speed boat from Ben Binh if you want to save time.
- Choose the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry to enjoy Lan Ha Bay’s scenery and avoid congestion.
Conclusion
Dong Bai – Cai Vieng remains the most economical, convenient, and flexible option for traveling to Cat Ba Island. Staying updated with the ferry schedule and planning ahead will save time and reduce waiting.
