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How to get from Ninh Binh to Da Nang
When travelling the 670 km journey from Ninh Binh to Da Nang, you have 3 options: a 14-hour train, a 4.5-hour flight (including transfers), and a 15-hour bus. Rates range from $21 (494,000 VND) to $42.50 (1,008,000 VND).
We recommend taking the train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang. The train ride takes around 14 hours, but you can travel overnight so you don’t lose a lot of daytime on the journey. Train beds are also quite comfortable which means you can catch up on some sleep and be fully recharged by the time you arrive in Da Nang.
The flight is the fastest option, but it includes several transfers. Ninh Binh doesn’t have its own airport. You will first have to take a limo van to Hanoi centre, take a bus to Hanoi Airport, and then take a flight Da Nang. You will be constantly on the move, as opposed to just enjoying your bed when you take the train.
Travelling on a budget? The bus is the cheapest option with fares from $21 (494,000 VND) for the 15-hour journey. Keep in mind that the bus companies operating on this route do not get the best reviews and it can be an uncomfortable ride.
Ninh Binh to Da Nang by Train
Both day and night trains are available from Ninh Binh to Da Nang. Travel time varies — from 12 to 15 hours — depending on which train you take.
We recommend taking one of the overnight trains, SE5 or SE3, so that you don’t lose an entire day on travelling. Another advantage is that you’ll be able to save a night on accommodation. You can enjoy a good night’s sleep and wake up to views of Vietnam’s rural landscape.
Ticket prices start from $42.50 (1,008,000 VND) for a 4-berth sleeper. You can also get a cheaper bunk in a 6-berth sleeper, but they are not as spacious. We don’t recommend getting a soft seat because they will be uncomfortable for such a long train ride.
Departure and arrival station
Trains depart from Ninh Binh Railway Station and arrive at Da Nang Train Station. Both are in the city centre.
Train Schedule from Ninh Binh to Da Nang
Ninh Binh to Da Nang by Flight
Are you short on time? Taking a flight from Ninh Binh to Da Nang cuts the travel time in half compared to the train, but you will be constantly on the move from one transfer to another.
Ninh Binh doesn’t have its own airport. You’ll need to travel 95 km to the nearest airport, which is in Hanoi.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Van
There are plenty of limo vans operating throughout the day from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. What we like about these vans is that they pick you up from your hotel and drop you off in the centre of Hanoi, from where you can transfer to a shuttle bound for the airport.
Ticket prices start from $7.50 (185,000 VND) and the journey takes 2 hours. You can book your tickets online beforehand through BookAway.
Check Van Tickets with BookAway
Buses are also available for this route, but they are usually slower and don’t offer any advantage over the minivan. For more info, check out our page on how to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi.
Alternative: Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport by Limo Van
There are also limo vans that can take you directly from Ninh Binh to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport. This option is slightly more expensive than a combined limo van & shuttle bus, but we think it’s well worth it if you prefer convenience over saving a few bucks.
Ticket prices for a direct limo van from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport start from $16 (377,000 VND). Travel time is around 4 hours.
Check Van Tickets with BookAway
If you’re taking this direct limo van, you can already skip Step 2 and go straight to Step 3 of this guide.
Step 2: Hanoi to Hanoi Airport by Bus or Taxi
From downtown Hanoi, we recommend taking Express Bus 86 to Noi Bai Airport. This bus makes fewer stops compared to other buses and can take you to the airport in around an hour. A ticket costs $1.90 (45,000 VND).
Check out our page on Hanoi Airport for other transport options.
Step 3: Hanoi to Da Nang by Flight
Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines offer several daily flights from Hanoi to Da Nang. Flight time is around 1.5 hours.
Airfares range from $25.50 (600,000 VND) to $36 (850,000 VND), but can cost over a million dong during the peak season and holidays.
Book your flight early for a better chance of getting good rates!
Step 4: Da Nang Airport to City Centre by Taxi
From Da Nang Airport, the city centre is some 2 km away. You can take a short taxi ride to get to your hotel. Fares start from $3.40 (80,000 VND).
Ninh Binh to Da Nang by Bus
The bus is the cheapest option with fares from $21 (494,000 VND), but we don’t really recommend it when travelling from Ninh Binh to Da Nang.
We have yet to see a good review for any of the companies on this route. Some complaints include disorganised schedule, rude staff, and overbooked buses resulting in some passengers sleeping on the floor.
These aren’t the best conditions to endure during a 15-hour bus ride. But do let us know if you have a different (better) experience when taking the bus from Ninh Binh to Da Nang!
Departure and arrival station
Queen Cafe and Camel Travel depart from Ninh Binh Central Hotel in Ninh Binh city centre. Grouptour departs from its office in Tam Coc.
Camel Travel and Grouptour park at their own offices located across from each other in Da Nang city centre. Queen Cafe stops at Vietsheen Travel Office in Da Nang’s tourist centre, close to My Khe Beach.
Bus schedules from Ninh Binh to Da Nang
Routes from Da Nang
Most popular routes in Vietnam
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.