How to get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh

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!

There are 3 ways to travel the 700 kilometers (435 miles) from Hoi An to Ninh Binh. You can choose between the bus, train and flight. The journey takes 5 hours 5 minutes to 17 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 450,000 VND ($17.30).

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 13 to 17 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 450,000 VND ($17.30).

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.

Taking the train from Hoi An to Ninh Binh can be quite convenient even though the journey takes about 16 to 17 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.

Da Nang Railway Station is 30 km north of Hoi An. There are 2 ways you can get there: by minivan with fares from 68,000 VND ($2.60) or by taxi for around 440,000 VND ($16.90).

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 (August 2024), these were no longer available.

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 604,000 VND ($23) 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.

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

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.

Da Nang Airport is 45 minutes away from Hoi An.

If you’re travelling solo, we recommend taking a shuttle bus that costs 155,000 VND ($6). 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 ($12.30).

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

Visit our Da Nang Airport page for more info.

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

Airfares start from 620,000 VND ($24). 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.

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 ($1.70) for the journey that takes 1 hour.

See our page on Hanoi Airport for more transport options.

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 ($3.20).

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.