Quick overview
Option 1
Train (recommended)
2h 15min, 70.000 VND (€3)
We recommend to take the train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, because this is a more convenient and safer option than the bus. Even better, continue this trip with a 15min taxi ride to Tam Coc. Staying in Tam Coc will make your visit to Ninh Binh province even more memorable.
Option 2
Bus
2-3 hours, 70.000 VND (€3)
The advantage of taking the bus is that some buses drop you on the main road in Tam Coc. Check with your agency beforehand if they also stop in Tam Coc.
Option 3
Taxi
2 hours, 1.600.000 VND (€60)
An advantage of the taxi is that they can drop you directly at your guesthouse in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh. The drive takes about 2 hours and you can arrange a taxi for €60.
Day Trip to Ninh Binh
If want to visit Ninh Binh in one day, you can also choose many of the day trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
These trips include a boat trip in the Tam Coc or Trang An River, but you will miss several other amazing sights. That’s also why we recommend to stay for 2 or 3 days in Tam Coc and enjoy this great little town in Ninh Binh province.
Option 1: Train
Route: Hanoi Ninh Binh
Duration: 2h 15min
Costs: 70.000 VND (€3)
The railway station in Ninh Binh is in the center of the city and about a 15-minute ride from Tam Coc. Once you arrive at Ninh Binh railway station, we advise to continue your journey by taxi to Tam Coc.
If you prefer to stay in Ninh Binh you can also find several hotels around the railways station.
There are 6-7 trains leaving from Hanoi to Ninh Binh railway station every day. We advise to take a morning or afternoon train so you won’t arrive in the late evening (after 22:00) at your accommodation.
SE5 is the most popular option since it offers very convenient travel times.
See the suggested options in the table below:
| Train | Departure/Arrival | Duration | Soft Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE5 | 09:00-11:17 | 2h 17m | 88.000 VND (€3,50) |
| SE35 | 13:10-15:35 | 2h 25m | 88.000 VND (€3,50) |
| SE9 | 14:30-17:13 | 2h 43m | 88.000 VND (€3,50) |
| SE3 | 19:30-21:44 | 2h 14m | 71.000 VND (€3) |
| SE19 | 20:10-22:22 | 2h 12m | 70.000 VND (€3) |
Soft seats sell between 75.000 VND (€3)) and 100.000 VND (€4). You can also buy a sleeper berth starting from 105.000 VND (€4). A sleeper berth is a great option if you take the early morning train at 6:00 and want to get some more sleep.
Book your train tickets online
Taxi: Ninh Binh Tam Coc (optional)
Duration: 15min
Costs: 25.000-50.000 VND (€0,90-€1,90)
You will find several accommodations in a walkable distance from Ninh Binh railway station. But, we recommend to continue your journey to Tam Coc. This little town is 6km south of Ninh Binh and takes about 15min by taxi.
See our Ninh Binh destination page why we prefer Tam Coc.
There are no public buses from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc, so you have to take a (motor)taxi which costs around 25.000-50.000 VND (€0,90-€1,90).
Option 2: Bus
Route: Hanoi Ninh Binh
Duration: 2-3 hours
Costs: 70.000 VND (€3)
There are a few public buses leaving from Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi to Ninh Binh every hour. You can buy a bus ticket at Giap Bat bus station for 70.000 VND (€3). Make sure to buy the ticket at the ticket offices to avoid overpaying.
The disadvantage of taking the bus from Giap Bat station is that this station is a 30 min drive from the Old Quarter. That’s why we recommend to ask your hotel to book a bus which picks you up at your hotel or leaves from the Old Quarter.
The bus from Giap bus station stops at Ninh Binh bus station which is close to the railway station. When you booked a bus at your hotel, they can likely also drop you off in Tam Coc. Ask if the bus indeed stops in Tam Coc. If it does, this will be even easier than taking the train. But keep in mind that taking the bus is less safe than the train.
Another option is to book the Queen Cafe Bus. This bus leaves next to the Old Quarter at 18:00 and arrives at 20:30 next to the railway station. You can book the Queen bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for 165.000 VND (€6) at Baolau.
My favourite places to stay in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
Tam Coc Family Hotel
Want to stay in a real Vietnamese Guesthouse? Tam Coc Family Hotel is a perfect example why you don't have to spend more than €15 for a great guesthouse.
The super friendly owners will tell you the best spots to visit and will make sure you have a good start of your day with a delicious breakfast. It's a 1-minute walk from the Tam Coc river and drop-off point of the bus.
Tam Coc Bungalow
Or do you prefer to stay close to the river? Tam Coc Bungalow has beautiful bamboo bungalows with spacious rooms from €23 or dorm rooms for just €5.
What we really liked about this place is that they have a great common area. Watch locals paddling back to Tam Coc town during sunset and dare the staff to play a game of pool in the evening.
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