How to Get From Hanoi to Ninh Binh

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Written by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten · Updated 2 weeks ago·

Bus · Limo Van · Train · Day Trip · Taxi

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Map showing route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh - 90 km

Hanoi → Ninh Binh90 km

Ninh Binh is limestone karst country south of Hanoi, often called Halong Bay on land. Rowing boats thread through the flooded caves at Trang An and Tam Coc, past rice paddies and cliffs. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh at $6.10 (160,000 VND). The train takes 2h - 2h 30m, and it costs more.

Distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Hanoi and Ninh Binh are about 90 km (56 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 122 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 20m and 10h.

~90 km

Straight-line distance

~122 km

Route distance

Travelling the other way?Ninh Binh to Hanoi→

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5 ways to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

There are five ways to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. You can choose between the bus, minivan, train, day trip, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 20m–10h and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $6.10 (160,000 VND).

TransportDurationPrice

Bus4 companies1h 30m+from$6160,000 VND

The bus is an affordable way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Bus fares start from $6.10 (160,000 VND) and the journey takes around 1h 30m - 3h 45m.

You can choose from four bus companies operating on this route: Green Trips, Sapa Dragon Express, TBus and Nam Quynh Anh.

Bus schedule from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

2h30mGreen TripsSleeping208 D. Tran Quang KhaiNinh Binh Central Hotel18:00$6160,000 VNDTickets

2h30mGreen TripsVIP Cabin208 D. Tran Quang KhaiNinh Binh Central Hotel18:00$8206,000 VNDTickets

2hSapa Dragon ExpressTourist26 Hang Tre, Old QuarterTam Coc Van Lam Pier07:45$9236,000 VNDTickets

2h30mTBusTourist8 Bat Su, Old QuarterMike's Travel Agency07:45$10255,000 VNDTickets

1h30mNam Quynh AnhVIP SleepingBến xe Nước NgầmNinh Binh 1A Highway22:30$18465,000 VNDTickets

Show all 10 companies

3hNam Quynh AnhVIP SleepingThăng Long Number OneNinh Binh 1A Highway21:00$18465,000 VNDTickets

3h15mNam Quynh AnhVIP SleepingNhonNinh Binh 1A Highway20:45$18465,000 VNDTickets

3h25mNam Quynh AnhVIP SleepingTroiNinh Binh 1A Highway20:35$18465,000 VNDTickets

3h35mNam Quynh AnhVIP SleepingPhung TownNinh Binh 1A Highway20:25$18465,000 VNDTickets

3h45mNam Quynh AnhVIP SleepingGach CrossroadsNinh Binh 1A Highway20:15$18465,000 VNDTickets

Available atBookaway

Ninh Binh

Limo Van6 companies1h 20m+from$7192,000 VND

The limo van is a quick and common way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. There are several operators for this route, among which are Trang An Limousine, Khanh An Limousine, Ninh Binh Excursion, Duy Khang Limousine, Minh Long Limousine and Truly Ha Giang.

Rates for a limo van seat from Hanoi to Ninh Binh start from $7.30 (192,000 VND). Travel time is around 1h 20m - 4h.

We highly recommend that you pick a van that offers free hotel pick-up or drop-off. This not only saves you the hassle of finding your way to/from van stations, but it also allows you to save additional costs on transfers.

Departure and arrival station

Most limo van companies offer free hotel pick-up in Hanoi or free drop-off in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. Others depart and arrive at their respective offices in the two cities.

It’s best that you pick a van with the most convenient departure and arrival stations for you.

Limo Van schedule from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

1h20mTrang An LimousineLimoPho Vong OfficeNinh Binh Office06:0007:0008:0009:0010:0010:01+11$7192,000 VNDTickets

1h20mTrang An LimousineLimoTu Mo OfficeNinh Binh Office05:5006:0106:5007:5008:0008:50+12$7192,000 VNDTickets

1h40mKhanh An LimousineLuxuryThong Nhat Park - Tran Nhan Tong GateKhanh An Limousine Ninh Binh05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+9$7194,000 VNDTickets

2hKhanh An LimousineLimoThong Nhat Park - Tran Nhan Tong GateTrang An - Any hotel05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7$8206,000 VNDTickets

2hKhanh An LimousineLimoThong Nhat Park - Tran Nhan Tong GateTicket counter for Tam Coc and Bich Dong05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7$9228,000 VNDTickets

Show all 23 companies

2hNinh Binh ExcursionLimo6 P. Bat DanElisa Hotel07:3008:3009:3011:3013:3014:30+2$9228,000 VNDTickets

2hDuy Khang LimousineVIPDuy Khang Limousine Central CircusTrang An - Any hotel05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+8$9228,000 VNDTickets

2hNinh Binh ExcursionLimo6 P. Bat DanTam Coc - Any hotel07:3008:3009:3011:3013:3014:30+2$9232,000 VNDTickets

2hDuy Khang LimousineVIPDuy Khang Limousine Central CircusDuy Khang Limousine Ninh Binh05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+8$9232,000 VNDTickets

2hDuy Khang LimousineVIPDuy Khang Limousine Central CircusTam Coc - Any hotel05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+9$9232,000 VNDTickets

2h30mDuy Khang LimousineVIPHanoi - Any hotelTrang An - Any hotel06:1007:1008:1009:1010:1011:10+7$9232,000 VNDTickets

2hKhanh An LimousineLimoThong Nhat Park - Tran Nhan Tong GateNinh Binh - Hotel List05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7$9242,000 VNDTickets

2h30mDuy Khang LimousineLuxuryHanoi - Any hotelDuy Khang Limousine Ninh Binh06:1007:1008:1009:1010:1011:10+7$9242,000 VNDTickets

2hMinh Long LimousineLimo215 Alley 42 Thinh LietTam Diep Office06:0007:0008:0009:0010:0011:00+9$10250,000 VNDTickets

2hTruly Ha GiangLimo57 P. Cua DongTam Coc Boat Station07:3008:3012:3014:30$10255,000 VNDTickets

2hTruly Ha GiangLimo57 P. Cua DongTam Coc Ninh Binh stop07:3008:3012:3014:30$10255,000 VNDTickets

4hDuy Khang LimousineLuxuryHanoi Noi Bai Airport (HANNinh Binh - Any hotel06:3007:3008:3009:3010:3011:30+6$17435,000 VNDTickets

3hKhanh An LimousineLuxuryHanoi Noi Bai Airport (HANThe Long Hotel, Tam Coc05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7$17440,000 VNDTickets

3hNinh Binh ExcursionLimoHanoi Noi Bai Airport (HANNinh Binh Central Hotel06:3007:3008:3012:3013:3014:30$17440,000 VNDTickets

4hKhanh An LimousineLuxuryHanoi Noi Bai Airport (HANTrang An - Any hotel05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7$17440,000 VNDTickets

3h30mKhanh An LimousineLuxuryHanoi Noi Bai Airport (HANKhanh An Limousine Ninh Binh05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7$17445,000 VNDTickets

4hKhanh An LimousineLuxuryHanoi Noi Bai Airport (HANTam Coc - Any hotel05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7$17460,000 VNDTickets

4hKhanh An LimousineLuxuryHanoi Noi Bai Airport (HANNinh Binh - Hotel List05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7$19490,000 VNDTickets

Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

Alternative: Public bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

The public bus is the cheapest way to get from to , but it is not as accessible as the limo vans.

The bus departure and arrival stations are located far from the tourist areas in both Hanoi in Ninh Binh. This means that even though a bus ticket only costs $2.70 (70,000 VND), you will most likely spend additional costs for your transfers to and from the bus stations.

We recommend taking the bus only if your hotels are located near the bus terminals. Travel time with the bus is around 2-3 hours.

Departure and arrival station

Buses depart from Giap Bat Bus Station, located 7 km southwest of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

They park at Ninh Binh Bus Station, located 7 km northeast of all the natural gems of Tam Coc.

Ninh Binh

Train1 company2h+from$13330,000 VND

Vietnam Railways operates 5 trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh daily. The first trip departs at 06:00 in the morning and the last train leaves Hanoi at 22:15.

Train fares from Hanoi to Ninh Binh start at $13 (330,000 VND) for a soft seat. There are also sleeping berths available, but they might not be that cost-efficient for this short journey.

Departure and arrival station

Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station, located 3 km west of the Old Quarter. A taxi ride costs around $2.70 (70,000 VND).

You are to get off at Ninh Binh Railway Station, situated some 6 km northeast of Tam Coc.

Train schedule from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

2hVietnam RailwayFirst Class SleeperHanoi Train StationNinh Binh Train Station06:1015:3019:2020:55$13330,000 VNDTickets

2h30mVietnam RailwayFirst Class Sleeper (Reunification Express)Hanoi Train StationNinh Binh Train Station19:40$23600,000 VNDTickets

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eying the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Optional: Taxi from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc

You will find several accommodations within a walkable distance from Ninh Binh Railway Station, but we recommend continuing your journey to Tam Coc.

As there are no public buses from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc, you have two ways to complete this 15-minute journey.

If you’re not carrying a lot of luggage, you can take a motorbike taxi, which costs around $1 (25,000 VND). Otherwise, you can hail a regular taxi for about $4.60 (120,000 VND).

Ninh Binh

Day Trip10 hoursfrom$30780,000 VND

If you want to visit Ninh Binh in only one day, you can also join a day trip from Hanoi that takes 10 hours.

Klook offers day trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh starting from $30 (780,000 VND). This already includes roundtrip transfers, admission to sights, a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, a rowboat tour along Tam Coc River, and lunch.

It’s worth noting that Tam Coc is a great place to spend slow days with nature, and is definitely worth 2 or 3 days of your itinerary when visiting Ninh Binh province.

Do you still want to go on a day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh? Just click the link below to book a day trip via Klook.

Hanoi

Check Day Trips with Klook

Ninh Binh

Taxi2 companies1h 30m+from$501,320,000 VND

Are you travelling in a group? You can also consider taking a taxi from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Rates start from $50 (1,320,000 VND) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $17 (440,000 VND) per person.

The advantage of taking a taxi is that you can be flexible with your schedule. You’ll also get a door-to-door pick-up, so no need to worry about finding your way to and from bus stations.

We recommend booking your ride via BookAway, which offers comfortable cars with professional drivers.

Hanoi

Taxigo.vn

Standard Car 3 PAX

$50 (1,320,000 VND)

$17 (440,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Taxigo.vn

SUV Car 5 PAX

$60 (1,580,000 VND)

$12 (315,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Taxigo.vn

Standard Minivan 12 PAX

$94 (2,480,000 VND)

$7.80 (206,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Hanoi VIP Transfer

SUV Car 5 PAX

$61 (1,600,000 VND)

$12 (320,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Hanoi VIP Transfer

SUV Car 5 PAX

$66 (1,740,000 VND)

$13 (345,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Hanoi VIP Transfer

Standard Minivan 10 PAX

$90 (2,360,000 VND)

$9 (236,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Hanoi VIP Transfer

Standard Minivan 10 PAX

$94 (2,480,000 VND)

$9.40 (248,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Check Private Transfers with BookAway

Ninh Binh

Reach out to our Community

Can I rent a motorbike, visit Tam Coc, and catch the night train?

Kunwarmeet Singh · December 2019

Hey Mart, Can we just rent a bike from Hanoi and visit Tam Coc and all the surrounding areas, in a day; Come back in the eveninig and plan to fetch a train to SAPA, the same night ?

Ela: Hi Kunwarmeet! What a great plan you have there! Yes, you can definitely rent a motorbike from Hanoi to Tam Coc. You can join a group motorb

ElaGeckoRoutes team

Hi Kunwarmeet! What a great plan you have there! Yes, you can definitely rent a motorbike from Hanoi to Tam Coc. You can join a group motorbike tour, but you can also do it on your own. The only thing about doing it on your own is that motorbikes are not allowed on some major roads, so you might have a bit of a hard time navigating on your own. I've read some really good comments on group tours though, so I suggest you consider joining one.

Be sure to be back in Hanoi before 20:00 so you can rest a bit and maybe have dinner before boarding the night train to Sapa. These depart at 21:35 and 22:00.

Another option is to book a day tour (klook.com) from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. They will drop you off at your hotel again at 6:30pm and organize everything for you so you don't have to worry about where to go and which places to visit.

Enjoy your trip!

Sarah

2019

“Very helpful! I used your website to plan many routes in VIetnam, it makes it very easy to find all options!”

Chris

2019

“Great article, just what I needed!”

Where to StayWhere we'd stay in Ninh Binh2 places we've picked out, for every budget

STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Ninh Binh

Here are our favourite places to stay in Ninh Binh for every budget.

Budget

Tam 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.

Check availability

Mid-Range

Tam Coc Bungalow

Do you prefer to stay at the riverside of Tam Coc? Tam Coc Bungalow has spacious bamboo bungalows right next to the Tam Coc river. Bungalows start from $32 (840,000 VND) and dorm rooms from $6 (158,000 VND). What we really liked about this place is their open-air restuarant. From the terrace you can watch the locals paddling back to Tam Coc town during sunset and in the evening you can play a game of pool at the open restaurant area.

Check availability

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 Hanoi to Ninh Binh, roughly 90 kilometres (56 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $6.10 (160,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 1h 20m.

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 Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is 90 kilometres (56 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

Journey times from Hanoi to Ninh Binh overlap: bus 1h 30m - 3h 45m, limo van 1h 20m - 4h, train 2h - 2h 30m, day trip 10 hours, taxi 1h 30m - 3h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

What is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

The cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 160,000 VND.

Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

The easiest way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is by bus. The benefit of the bus is that it is a direct connection and some buses even provide free pick-up at your hotel. Other options are the train or taxi.

How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

The journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your mode of transport.

Should I stay in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc?

We recommend staying in Tam Coc. In this little town, you can find several beautiful guesthouses right next to the Tam Coc River. Ninh Binh is just a busy city so we don't recommend staying in the centre of Ninh Binh.

About the Authors

Ela

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.

MaartenReviewer

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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How to Get From Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh