Ninh Binh is a valley of limestone karsts and rice paddies. Travellers often call it the dry version of Ha Long Bay. Getting there from Cat Ba means a mix of water and road. The bus and ferry combination is the cheapest way to get from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh. It costs $8.60 (220,000 VND) and takes 4-5h. The ferry and bus pairing costs more, as does the shared minivan. Private transport is the priciest of the lot.
Distance from CatBa to Ninh Binh
CatBa and Ninh Binh are about 129 km (80 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 193 km. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h and 6h.
4 ways to travel from CatBa to Ninh Binh
There are four ways to travel from CatBa to Ninh Binh. You can choose between the bus + ferry, ferry + bus, shared minivan + ferry, and private transport. The journey takes 4h – 6h and the quickest way is by bus + ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + ferry with tickets starting at $8.60 (220,000 VND).
Reach out to our Community
2Hi Phuong, very interesting info! Thanks to you, we were able to add a separate option for those who are hoping to make a stop at Hai Phong. You might want to check out the above guide again if you have time, and maybe let us know if we missed an important detail! :) Again, thank you very much for sharing this tip with us. We really appreciate it!
Hi Kazy! Thanks for your recommendation! I heard good stories about buses from and to Sapa operated by Goodmorningvietnam, but I didn't know about this option yet. After checking with the company, I will add this option to the route above.
Our favourite places to stay in Ninh Binh
Here are our favourite places to stay in Ninh Binh for every budget.
BudgetTam Coc Family Hotel
Want to know what it feels like to stay with a Vietnamese family? Tam Coc Family Hotel really does make you feel at home with the family.
The friendly owners will tell you all of the best spots to visit in Ninh Binh, and start your day right with a delicious home-cooked breakfast. It's a great example of why you don't have to spend a lot for a great guesthouse.
Another plus: It's a 1-minute walk from the Tam Coc river and drop-off point of the bus.
Mid-RangeTam Coc Bungalow
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is a natural paradise in northern Vietnam. The province is home to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which you can find in the tranquil town of Tam Coc.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An boasts amazing viewpoints, limestone peaks, temples and pagodas. A boat tour along Trang An River is the most popular activity because it gives one a glimpse of traditional village life. Backdropped by rice paddies and karst mountains, Ninh Binh is a sight to behold!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from CatBa to Ninh Binh, roughly 129 kilometres (80 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $8.60 (220,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 4h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from CatBa to Ninh Binh?
The distance from CatBa to Ninh Binh is 129 kilometres (80 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from CatBa to Ninh Binh?
Journey times from CatBa to Ninh Binh overlap: bus + ferry 4-5h, ferry + bus 4h 30m - 6h, shared minivan + ferry 4-5h, private transport 4h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from CatBa to Ninh Binh?
The cheapest way to get from CatBa to Ninh Binh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 220,000 VND.
Route Update History
Updated ferry prices.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
