Cable Car Cat Ba Guide: Should you choose it over the ferry?

Cable Car Cat Ba Guide: ticket prices, schedule, tips & views you can’t miss. Find out if the cable car is better than the ferry for your Cat Ba trip.

1. Introduction

Cat Ba Island, nestled in Northern Vietnam, is one of the country’s most stunning island destinations. One of the most exciting ways to reach the island is by the cable car Cat Ba. Unlike the ferry, this ride is not only faster but also gives you panoramic views of the entire bay. Imagine gliding above emerald waters, limestone karsts, and floating fishing villages—it’s more than just transport, it’s an experience.

Cable car Cat Ba

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before hopping on the Cat Ba cable car: from ticket prices and schedules to practical travel tips and FAQs.

2. What is the Cat Ba Cable Car?

The Cat Ba cable car is a modern gondola system connecting Cat Hai Island to Cat Ba Island. When it opened, it was recognized as the world’s longest 3-cable gondola line, a true engineering marvel in Vietnam.

Cat Hai station

Route: From Cat Hai Station on Cat Hai Island to Phu Long Station on Cat Ba Island.
Capacity: Each cabin can carry up to 30–40 passengers, making it suitable for large groups.

What makes this ride unique is not just its efficiency but also the design and views. The gondolas are spacious and comfortable, with large windows that allow passengers to soak in the stunning landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, towering limestone peaks, and the vibrant fishing communities below. It’s not just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s an attraction in itself.

3. Why take the Cable Car to Cat Ba?

Cat Ba cable car guide

Save Time: While ferries often deal with waiting times and congestion, the cable car provides a smooth and direct connection.
Scenic Views: From above, you’ll get postcard-perfect views of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba’s green hills, and scattered islets. It’s the kind of scenery you won’t see from the ferry deck.
Comfort & Safety: The cabins are modern, enclosed, and stable, making them ideal even for travelers with kids or elderly companions.
Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, the cable car makes the journey easy and enjoyable.

4. Cat Ba Cable Car ticket price & opening hours

Planning your ride on the cable car Cat Ba is simple. Here are the essentials:

Cable car ticket gate

Ticket price: 60,000 VND (~$3)
Children (based on height):

Under 1 meter: free
Over 1 meter: adult ticket price applies

Operating hours: (see the table below)

Where to buy tickets:

On-site ticket counters at Phu Long or Cat Hai station
Online booking via Cat Ba Du Ky Travel – 0989745338

Tips to avoid long queues:

Travel early in the morning or late afternoon.
Buy tickets in advance, especially during summer weekends and public holidays.
If traveling in groups, book together to save time.

5. How to get to the Cable Car station

To board the Cat Ba cable car, you first need to get to Cat Hai Station on Cat Hai Island. Here’s a quick guide:

Guiding visitors to board the cable car

From Hanoi:

Take a bus or limousine to Hai Phong (approx. 2 hours).
From Hai Phong city, continue to Cat Hai station.

Connection Options:

Bus: Convenient and budget-friendly.
Private Car/Taxi: Comfortable and flexible, ideal for families or groups.

Once you arrive at Cat Hai, it’s easy to spot Cat Hai cable car station, a modern terminal that serves as the gateway to Cat Ba Island. From there, your scenic ride begins.

6. Traveler tips & what to expect

Here’s what you should know before boarding the cable car Cat Ba:

Duration: The ride takes around 10 minutes, making it one of the quickest ways to reach Cat Ba.
Cabin Capacity: Each gondola holds 30–40 passengers comfortably.
Photo Opportunities: Sit by the window for the best shots of Lan Ha Bay.

Check-in on the cable car

Safety Notes:

The gondolas are safe even in windy conditions, but service may pause in extreme weather.
Light luggage is allowed, but large suitcases are better transported separately.
Always keep kids supervised inside the cabin.

Overall, the ride is smooth, comfortable, and offers plenty of chances to capture stunning memories of your trip.

7. FAQs about Cable Car Cat Ba

Q: Is the cable car open all year?
Yes, it usually operates year-round, but schedules may change during maintenance or stormy weather.

Q: Can I bring luggage on board?
Small bags are fine. For large suitcases, it’s better to arrange separate transport.

Q: Is it safe for kids and elderly passengers?
Absolutely. The cabins are enclosed and stable, making them safe for all ages.

Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of strong winds or storms, the service may temporarily stop for safety. Check updates before your trip.

Conclusion

The cable car Cat Ba is more than just a transport option—it’s an unforgettable start to your island adventure. With breathtaking views, a quick ride, and a safe, modern system, it’s the best way to reach Cat Ba while enjoying the journey itself.

If you’d like to explore Cat Ba Island, feel free to contact Cat Ba Du Ky Travel at +84 989 745 338 for travel advice. You can also check out our full-package Cat Ba tours below: