Checked on October 27, 2026

Cat Bi International Airport (HPH), Hai Phong

Sân bay quốc tế Cát Bi

Cat Bi is Hai Phong's airport, only a few kilometres from the city centre. It is the closest airport to Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. Most flights are domestic, with a few regional international routes.

Code: HPH · VVCI
To Hai Phong: 5–7 km
Terminals: T1
E-visa: accepted

In short

One terminal for domestic and the few international flights.
To Hai Phong centre: 15 to 20 minutes by car. To Ha Long: 60 to 90 minutes by road.
The e-visa is accepted at Cat Bi. Most international travellers arrive through Hanoi and continue by road.

Terminals

T1International and domestic

The passenger terminal, for domestic and international flights. Small and quick to get through.

Flying into Hai Phong from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang is a good way to reach Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba without going through Hanoi.

International arrival, step by step

1
Immigration
For international flights only: passport and printed e-visa approval letter, or your visa exemption.
2
Baggage reclaim
Bags come out quickly. Trolleys are free.
3
Customs
Green channel if you have nothing to declare. Cash above USD 5,000 or the equivalent must be declared.
4
Arrivals hall
ATMs and a few counters. Change only a small amount here.

Getting to Hai Phong

Option	Time	Price	Luggage
Grab car or Xanh SMApp	15–20 min	approx. ₫80,000 – ₫150,000≈ $3 – $6	Easy
Metered taxiTaxi	15–20 min	approx. ₫100,000 – ₫180,000≈ $4 – $7	Easy
Private transfer to Ha LongTransfer	60–90 min	approx. ₫1,000,000 – ₫1,600,000≈ $39 – $63	Easy
Private transfer to HanoiTransfer	90–120 min	approx. ₫1,200,000 – ₫1,800,000≈ $47 – $71	Easy

Indicative prices in Vietnamese dong (VND), per vehicle unless stated. Fares rise at night, in heavy rain and around Tet.

Grab car or Xanh SM

Fixed price in the app, short ride to the centre.

Metered taxi

Official rank outside arrivals. Make sure the meter starts at the kerb.

Private transfer to Ha Long

Fixed price, driver waiting through flight delays. The simplest way to a Ha Long Bay cruise departure.

Book a private transfer

Private transfer to Hanoi

About 120 km by expressway. Useful if you fly into Hai Phong and stay in Hanoi.

Book a private transfer

For Cat Ba Island, ride to the ferry or speedboat pier in Hai Phong, then cross by boat: check the last departure before you land.

Visa and e-visa at Cat Bi

Cat Bi is one of the international airports where the Vietnamese e-visa is accepted. Many passports enter visa-free for a limited stay; everyone else applies online before the trip.

E-visa fee: US$25 single entry · US$50 multiple entries
Maximum stay: up to 90 days
Processing: about 3 working days (apply at least 7 days ahead)
Official portal: evisa.gov.vn

39 nationalities can enter without a visa under the general rules.

E-visa step-by-step guide

Your passport

Mobile data on arrival

Few SIM counters at this small airport: an eSIM bought before you fly works as soon as you land.

Compare Vietnam eSIMs

Hotels near Cat Bi airport

For a very early flight or a late arrival, a night near the airport saves the ride into town.

See hotels near the airport

Flying out

Arrive 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 2 hours before an international one. From Ha Long, allow at least 90 minutes for the ride.

Tips

Booked a Ha Long cruise? Check the pickup point and time with the cruise company before you choose your flight.
For Cat Ba, arrive early enough to catch a boat before dark.
Check whether your international route still operates in your season: some are seasonal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cat Bi the closest airport to Ha Long Bay?

Yes, with Van Don airport. Cat Bi is 60 to 90 minutes from Ha Long by road and has more flights.

How far is Cat Bi airport from Hai Phong centre?

A few kilometres, 15 to 20 minutes by car.

Can I enter Vietnam at Cat Bi with an e-visa?

Yes, Cat Bi is one of the airports where the Vietnamese e-visa is accepted. Check whether your passport needs one with our visa checker.

Other airports

Prices and times are indicative ranges checked on October 27, 2026; they change with traffic, weather and season. Visa information comes from our visa rules register, updated from official sources.