Display omitted •Long CNTs can be homogeneously coated on CF surface to form porous networks.•The epoxy serves as a local “welder” by the laser heating.•The networks were favourable for high-viscosity resin infiltration.•CNT/CF hybrids could afford a significantly higher interfacial bonding strength.•This method can be developed as a facile, scalable and cost-effective approach. A facile method to prepare carbon nanotube/carbon fiber hybrid fiber was explored by an intermittent ultrasonic-directed electrophoretic deposition, and a following laser transient heating was used for welding the deposited carbon nanotubes on carbon fibers at joints. The formed porous networks were favourable for resin infiltration, leading a significant increase in interfacial bonding strength of carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate composites.