Overview Compare Limo Van Train Taxi Day Trip Questions To Stay
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
To travel the 95 km from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, you have 4 options: You can take a limo van, train or taxi for 1.5 to 2.5 hours or join a day trip for 10 hours. Fares range from 102,000 VND ($4.35) to 974,000 VND ($41.50).
4 ways to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The limo van is a luxurious and convenient way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Most operators offer free hotel pick-up or drop-off. The limo vans also come with plush seats, and sometimes food & drinks. Rates start from 195,000 VND ($8).
The local buses on this route only cost 70,000 VND ($2.95) per person. However, both bus stations in Hanoi and Ninh Binh are located well outside the tourist centres. This means that you’ll have to spend additional costs when getting to and from the bus stations.
The train is an affordable yet comfortable option when travelling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Ticket prices start from 102,000 VND ($4.35) for a soft seat on Vietnam Railways. Note that this can only take you up to Ninh Binh Station, which is still 6 km away from Tam Coc.
If you prefer to travel door-to-door, you can also book a private transfer. A 3-seater sedan from Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs around 974,000 VND ($41.50).
Planning to visit Ninh Binh only for a day? You can also join one of many day trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Rates per person start from 727,000 VND ($31).
Visiting Ninh Binh Province
Ninh Binh is the perfect next destination after exploring the busy city life in Hanoi. This gorgeous province boasts a number of great viewpoints, mountains, temples and pagodas to explore.
Our favourite thing to do in Ninh Binh is a boat tour that follows the river through rice paddies surrounded by karst mountains. Such a sight to behold!
Inside tip: Forget about Ninh Binh City and stay in Tam Coc!
When you travel to Ninh Binh province, we recommend staying in Tam Coc.
Ninh Binh City is busy with lots of traffic. Tam Coc, on the other hand, is a beautiful village surrounded by lime karst mountains. Here, everywhere you look is just lush green nature.
Most guesthouses in Tam Coc are located around the lake in the middle of the village or next to Tam Coc River. Imagine amazing views right from your balcony’s guesthouse. See the section at the end of this post for my favourite guesthouses in Tam Coc.
Itinerary from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Limo Van
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 Truly Ha Giang, Trang An Limousine, Khanh An Limousine, and Duy Khang Limousine.
Rates for a limo van seat from Hanoi to Ninh Binh start from 195,000 VND ($8). Travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.
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
Alternative: Public bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The public bus is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, 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 70,000 VND ($2.95), 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 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.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train
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 102,000 VND ($4.35) 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 70,000 VND ($2.95).
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 (Soft Seat)
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 25,000 VND ($1.05) to 50,000 VND ($2.10). Otherwise, you can hail a regular taxi for about 120,000 VND ($5).
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Taxi
Are you travelling in a group? You can also consider taking a taxi from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Rates start from 974,000 VND ($41.50) for a 3-seater sedan.
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.
Check Private Transfers with BookAway
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Day Trip
If you want to visit Ninh Binh in only one day, you can also join a 10-hour day trip from Hanoi.
Klook offers day trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh starting from 727,000 VND ($31). 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Our favourite places to stay in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
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.
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 and dorm rooms from $6.
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.
More routes to Ninh Binh
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About the author(s)
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.
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.
