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How to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh offers a great change of scenery after exploring Hoi An’s Old Town.
You can find here the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, located in the tranquil town of Tam Coc. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An boasts of amazing viewpoints, limestone peaks, temples and pagodas.
Join a boat tour that follows the Trang An River through rice paddies surrounded by karst mountains. Such a sight to behold!
3 ways to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh
There are 3 ways to travel the 700 km from Hoi An to Ninh Binh: a 15.5-hour train, a 6-hour flight, or a 16-hour bus. Rates range from 520,000 VND ($21.00) to 903,000 VND ($37.00).
When travelling from Hoi An to Ninh Binh, you will have to cross quite a big distance. For this reason, we recommend choosing the most comfortable option which is to travel by train. With the night train, you don’t waste your time travelling during the day and you earn a good night’s sleep.
You can also take a flight from Hoi An to Ninh Binh, but we don’t really recommend this option because there are no airports in both cities. You’ll have to make at least 4 transfers to complete this journey. Taking a flight may be faster at only 6 hours, but you’ll be more tired from all the transfers.
The bus is the only direct way to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh. However, the bus can be a very tiring ride that takes around 16 hours. If you still want to take the bus, you can get a ticket starting from 520,000 VND ($21.00).
Hoi An to Ninh Binh by Train
Taking the train from Hoi An to Ninh Binh can be quite convenient even though the journey takes about 15.5 hours. You can take an overnight train so that you can save on valuable day time and a night on accommodation.
Keep in mind that Hoi An does not have its own railway station. You’ll have to take the train from Da Nang to Ninh Binh city centre. If you’re staying in Tam Coc, you’ll need a short taxi ride from Ninh Binh Railway Station.
Step 1: Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station by Minivan
Da Nang Railway Station is 30 km north of Hoi An. There are 2 ways you can get there: by minivan with fares from 155,000 VND ($6.00) or by taxi for around 440,000 VND ($18.00).
Minivans depart from Hoi An centre and drop you off outside the train station. These are available daily from 06:00 to 20:00. If you’re carrying bulky luggage, you can consider taking a taxi so you can be picked up from your hotel.
Some drivers try to take advantage of tourists by offering overpriced taxis from Hoi An to Da Nang. For fixed rates and comfortable cars, we recommend that you book your minivan or private transfer online through BookAway.
Check out our page on Da Nang Railway Station for more details.
IMPORTANT: There used to be cheap local buses (Bus #1) operating from Hoi An to Da Nang. But the last time we checked (March 2023), these were no longer available.
Step 2: Da Nang to Ninh Binh by Train
There are 5 trains operating daily from Da Nang to Ninh Binh. Travel time is 14 to 16 hours, depending on which train you take.
We think the most convenient train is SE12, which departs in the afternoon and arrives in the morning. Although this train journey takes 16 hours, you’ll be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep as well as save a night on accommodation.
Train fares start from 821,000 VND ($33.50) for a bunk in a 4-berth sleeper. Cheaper rates are also available for soft seats and 6-berth sleeper, but they may not be very comfortable for the long journey.
Trains depart from Da Nang Railway Station and arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, which is just within walking distance of many hotels in the city.
Train schedules from Da Nang to Ninh Binh (Sleeper berth)
Optional: Taxi from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc
Tam Coc is located 6 km southwest of Ninh Binh Railway Station. If you’re staying in Tam Coc, you can take a motorbike taxi or regular taxi to your hotel.
If you’re travelling light, a motorbike taxi is the cheaper option with fares from 25,000 VND ($1.00) to 50,000 VND ($2.00). Otherwise, you can hail a regular taxi for about 120,000 VND ($4.90).
Hoi An to Ninh Binh by Flight
This may be the fastest option, but we don’t really recommend taking a flight from Hoi An to Ninh Binh. There is no airport in both cities so you’ll have to make at least 4 transfers. Catching a train ride is still the more convenient option.
Step 1: Hoi An to Da Nang Airport by Shuttle Bus
Da Nang Airport is a 1-hour ride from Hoi An.
If you’re travelling solo, we recommend taking a shuttle bus that costs 155,000 VND ($6.00). This bus departs from Hoi An centre and takes you straight to the airport.
If you’re travelling in a group, it might be more cost-efficient to just take a taxi with rates from 320,000 VND ($13.00).
You can book a shuttle bus or private transfer online beforehand on BookAway.
Visit our Da Nang Airport page for more info.
Step 2: Da Nang to Hanoi by Flight
Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines all offer daily flights from Da Nang to Hanoi.
Airfares range from 620,000 VND ($25.50) to 860,000 VND ($35.00). Make sure to book your flight weeks or months in advance to get the best rates!
The flight from Da Nang to Ninh Binh takes around 1hr 20m.
Step 3: Hanoi Airport to Hanoi Railway Station
From Hanoi Airport, the best way to get to Hanoi Railway Station is via Express Bus #86. This bus makes its last stop at the train station so it’s very convenient.
A ticket costs 45,000 VND ($1.80) for the 1-hour journey.
See our page on Hanoi Airport for more transport options.
Step 4: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train
There are 5 trains operating daily from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, with departures from 06:00 to 22:15.
Travel time takes around 2 hours and ticket prices start from 83,000 VND ($3.40).
Check Train Tickets with Baolau
Your last stop is at Ninh Binh Railway Station. If you’re staying in the city, you can simply walk to your hotel. But if your accommodation is in Tam Coc, you can take a 15-minute taxi.
For more info, check out our page on Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
Hoi An to Ninh Binh by Bus
We do not recommend travelling by bus from Hoi An to Ninh Binh. Taking a train or a flight is a much safer choice to travel long distances.
When travelling by bus, you will spend 14-16 hours on the road and will arrive in Ninh Binh very early morning. Chances are you’ll still have to spend on accommodation even when you take the night bus.
Bus fares from Hoi An to Ninh Binh start from 520,000 VND ($21.00).
Departure and arrival station
Different bus companies have varying departure and arrival points. Make sure to check this detail when booking your ride so you can pick the bus that has the most convenient pick-up and drop-off points.
All buses depart from Hoi An town centre. Queen Cafe and Camel Travel park at Ninh Binh City. If you’re heading to Tam Coc, take The Long Travel.
Bus schedules from Hoi An to Ninh Binh
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.
