How to Get From Hoi An to Ninh Binh

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5h 5mFastest

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Written by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten · Updated 3 weeks ago·

Bus · Train · Flight

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Map showing route from Hoi An to Ninh Binh - 545 km

Hoi An → Ninh Binh545 km

Ninh Binh is karst country, 545 kilometres (339 miles) north of Hoi An. Limestone towers rise out of the rice fields, and rowing boats thread the rivers at Tam Coc. Flying is the quickest way, taking 5 hours 05 minutes. Overland, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh at $17 (455,000 VND). The train costs more and takes about as long.

DISTANCE

Distance from Hoi An to Ninh Binh

Hoi An and Ninh Binh are about 545 km (339 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 709 km by road. The quickest way to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh is by taking the flight, which takes around 5h 05m.

~545 km

Straight-line distance

~709 km

Route distance

5h 5m

Fastest

Travelling the other way?Ninh Binh to Hoi An→

COMPARE

3 ways to travel from Hoi An to Ninh Binh

There are three ways to travel from Hoi An to Ninh Binh. You can choose between the bus, train, and flight. The journey takes 5h 5m–16h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $17 (455,000 VND).

TransportDurationPrice

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 13h-17h 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 $17 (455,000 VND).

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 schedule from Hoi An to Ninh Binh

16hQueen Cafe BusSleepingQueen Cafe Hoi An officeNinh Binh Central Hotel13:00$17455,000 VNDTickets

17hGreen TripsSleeping105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnNinh Binh Central Hotel13:00$17455,000 VNDTickets

16h20mGrouptourSleepingHoian Luxury SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB13:0013:1013:20$18475,000 VNDTickets

14hQueen Cafe BusSleeping105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnMike's Travel Agency13:00$19490,000 VNDTickets

14h55mTechbus VN JSCSleepingHoi An Full Moon BusNinh Binh13:25$19490,000 VNDTickets

Show all 30 companies

15h25mTechbus VN JSCSleepingHoi An Full Moon BusMr Khanh Travel Agency Ninh Binh13:25$19490,000 VNDTickets

14hTBusSleeping105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnMike's Travel Agency13:00$19495,000 VNDTickets

16hQueen Cafe BusVIP CabinQueen Cafe Hoi An officeNinh Binh Central Hotel13:00$19500,000 VNDTickets

16hQueen Cafe BusLuxury SleepingQueen Cafe Hoi An officeMike's Travel Agency13:00$21540,000 VNDTickets

16hFull Moon PartySleepingHoi An Full Moon BusFull Moon Bus Tam Coc13:0013:1013:20$21560,000 VNDTickets

17hGreen TripsVIP Cabin105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnNinh Binh Central Hotel13:00$23590,000 VNDTickets

13h10mGrouptourSleepingHoian Luxury SSBNinh Binh SSB12:1512:3012:45$23600,000 VNDTickets

16h20mFull Moon PartyVIPHoi An Full Moon BusFull Moon Bus Tam Coc12:5513:0513:1513:25$24620,000 VNDTickets

12h45mTan Kim ChiVIP SleepingHoi An OfficeThe Long Hotel, Tam Coc16:1516:45$24620,000 VNDTickets

16hCamel TravelSleepingCamel Travel office Hoi AnNinh Binh Central Hotel13:00$24620,000 VNDTickets

16h5mCamel TravelVIP SleepingHoi An CityThe Long Hotel12:00$24620,000 VNDTickets

16h20mCamel TravelVIP SleepingHoi An CityNo 46, 27/7 street12:00$24620,000 VNDTickets

15h50mGrouptourVIP SleepingHoian Luxury SSBNinh Binh SSB12:3812:50$24620,000 VNDTickets

14h55mTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingTbus HoianTbus Ninh Binh12:5513:05$24630,000 VNDTickets

15h25mTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingTbus HoianMr Khanh Travel Agency Ninh Binh12:5513:05$24630,000 VNDTickets

14h55mTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingTbus HoianThe Long Hotel Tam Coc12:5513:05$25640,000 VNDTickets

14h55mTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingTbus HoianNinh Binh12:5513:05$25640,000 VNDTickets

15h25mTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingTbus HoianNinh Binh Central Hotel12:5513:05$25640,000 VNDTickets

14hTBusLuxury Sleeping105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnMike's Travel Agency13:00$25640,000 VNDTickets

16hThe Long TravelSleepingCamel Travel office Hoi AnThe Long Hotel, Tam Coc13:00$26680,000 VNDTickets

15hCua Ong LimousineVIP SleepingHoi An CityNo 46, 27/7 street13:30$26680,000 VNDTickets

13hDuy Khanh LimousineVIP CabinNo 103 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnNinh Binh13:30$33870,000 VNDTickets

14h40mTechbus VN JSCVIP CabinHoi An Full Moon BusTbus Ninh Binh13:4514:00$34890,000 VNDTickets

12h30mTan Kim ChiVIP CabinHoi An OfficeNinh Binh16:0016:15$431,120,000 VNDTickets

13h15mTan Kim ChiVIP CabinHoi An OfficeNinh Binh16:1516:30$451,180,000 VNDTickets

Available atBookaway

Ninh Binh

Taking the train from Hoi An to Ninh Binh can be quite convenient even though the journey takes about 15h 54m - 17h 09m. 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

45m - 2h$2.60 (68,000 VND)

Da Nang Railway Station is 30 km north of Hoi An. There are 2 ways you can get there: by minivan with fares from $2.60 (68,000 VND) or by taxi for around $17 (440,000 VND).

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: Cheap local buses (Bus #1) run from Hoi An to Da Nang every 20 to 30 minutes, from about 05:30 to 18:00.

1hHoi An Food TourShuttleHighlands CoffeeA La Carte Danang Beach16:3019:3020:30$368,000 VNDTickets

1hHoi An Food TourTouristHighlands CoffeeRom Cafe16:3019:3020:30$4114,000 VNDTickets

45miHome TransferStandard445 D. Hai Ba TrungA La Carte Danang Beach07:0009:0012:0016:0020:00$5134,000 VNDTickets

45miHome TransferStandardLa Siesta Hoi An Resort & SpaDa Nang International Airport06:0007:0009:0010:0012:0013:00+5$6156,000 VNDTickets

1hHoi An Food TourShuttleHoi An Food TourBa Na Hills - Parking Lot21:15$7172,000 VNDTickets

Show all 11 companies

1hBarri Ann TravelTouristHoi An Express officeDa Nang International Airport (DAD06:0007:0009:0010:0012:0013:00+5$7186,000 VNDTickets

1hViet Nam Travel BusVIP445 D. Hai Ba Trung133 Bui Trang Chuoc17:0019:00$7186,000 VNDTickets

1h30mBarri Ann TravelTouristHoi An Express officeDa Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture06:0007:0009:0010:0012:0013:00+5$7186,000 VNDTickets

45miHome TransferTouristLa Siesta Hoi An Resort & SpaDa Nang International Airport (DAD06:0007:0009:0010:0012:0013:00+5$7192,000 VNDTickets

45miHome TransferTouristLa Siesta Hoi An Resort & SpaA La Carte Danang Beach07:0009:0012:0016:0020:00$7194,000 VNDTickets

2hHoi An Food TourTouristHoi An Food TourBa Na Hills - Parking Lot08:00$12320,000 VNDTickets

Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 2: Da Nang to Ninh Binh by Train

15h 09m$23 (610,000 VND)

There are 5 trains operating daily from Da Nang to Ninh Binh. Travel time is 15 hours 09 minutes, 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 $23 (610,000 VND) 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.

15h28mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangNinh Binh10:30$23610,000 VNDTickets

15h13mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangNinh Binh00:56$25640,000 VNDTickets

15h55mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangNinh Binh15:43$27690,000 VNDTickets

14h12mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangNinh Binh12:57$27710,000 VNDTickets

13h48mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangNinh Binh13:55$30780,000 VNDTickets

Show all 22 companies

15h28mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh10:30$381,000,000 VNDTickets

15h9mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh18:05$411,060,000 VNDTickets

15h55mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh15:43$411,060,000 VNDTickets

15h13mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh00:56$411,080,000 VNDTickets

14h12mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh12:57$421,120,000 VNDTickets

15h28mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh10:30$451,160,000 VNDTickets

13h48mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh13:55$461,220,000 VNDTickets

15h13mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh00:56$471,220,000 VNDTickets

15h55mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh15:43$471,240,000 VNDTickets

14h12mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh12:57$481,260,000 VNDTickets

13h48mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh13:55$521,360,000 VNDTickets

15h9mVietnam RailwaysCabin 2 XDa NangNinh Binh18:05$782,060,000 VNDTickets

14h29mViolette Express TrainShared Cabin for 4Da NangNinh Binh12:5713:51$792,060,000 VNDTickets

15h10mLaman ExpressShared Cabin for 4Da NangNinh Binh18:05$802,100,000 VNDTickets

13h48mVietnam RailwaysCabin 2 XDa NangNinh Binh13:55$1002,650,000 VNDTickets

15h10mLaman ExpressFirst Class SleeperDa NangNinh Binh18:05$1453,850,000 VNDTickets

15h10mLaman ExpressPremium ClassDa NangNinh Binh18:05$1654,300,000 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 eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Optional: Taxi from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc

15m$1 (25,000 VND)

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 starting from $1 (25,000 VND). Otherwise, you can hail a regular taxi for about $4.60 (120,000 VND).

Ninh Binh

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.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: Hoi An to Da Nang Airport by Shuttle Bus

45m$5.90 (156,000 VND)

Da Nang Airport is 45 minutes away from Hoi An.

If you’re travelling solo, we recommend taking a shuttle bus that costs $5.90 (156,000 VND). 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 $12 (320,000 VND).

You can book a shuttle bus or private transfer online beforehand on BookAway.

Visit our Da Nang Airport page for more info.

Book a Ride with BookAway

Step 2: Da Nang to Hanoi by Flight

1h 20m$24 (620,000 VND)

Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines all offer daily flights from Da Nang to Hanoi.

Airfares start from $24 (620,000 VND). 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 1h 20m.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Step 3: Hanoi Airport to Hanoi Railway Station

1h$1.70 (45,000 VND)

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 $1.70 (45,000 VND) for the journey that takes 1 hour.

See our page on Hanoi Airport for more transport options.

Step 4: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train

2h$3.20 (83,000 VND)

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 $3.20 (83,000 VND).

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.

Check Train Tickets with Baolau

Ninh Binh

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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 Hoi An to Ninh Binh, roughly 545 kilometres (339 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $17 (455,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 5h 5m.

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 Hoi An to Ninh Binh?

The distance from Hoi An to Ninh Binh is 545 kilometres (339 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh?

The fastest way to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh is by flight and takes 5h 05m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh?

The cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 455,000 VND.

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 Hoi An to Ninh Binh

Distance from Hoi An to Ninh Binh