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How to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
As Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi is a vibrant mix of heritage and modernity. At its heart is the iconic Old Quarter with its lively mix of cozy hotels, residential buildings and neighbourhood cafes. Composed of 36 streets, it is a maze of many amazing discoveries.
When in Hanoi, make sure to try as much street food as you can, lounge at one of their many coffee shops, and stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Must-visit sites include Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the 19th-century Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
3 ways to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
You have 3 options when travelling the 95 km from Ninh Binh to Hanoi: you can take a 1.5-hour limo van, a 2.5-hour train, or a 1.5-hour private transfer. Rates range from 85,000 VND ($3.60) to 968,000 VND ($41).
We think the limo van is the most cost-efficient way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, if you’re staying in Tam Coc. There are limo vans that operate directly from Tam Coc to Hanoi city centre so you won’t have to take any additional transfers.
There is also an option to take a cheap public bus for only 70,000 VND ($2.90), but we don’t really recommend this option. The bus station in Hanoi is located well outside the city centre. You will still need extra costs to get to and from bus stations.
If you’re staying in Ninh Binh City, then it might be more convenient to take the train. Ninh Binh Railway Station is located just within walking distance of many hotels in the city centre. Ticket prices for a train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi start from 85,000 VND ($3.60).
If you’re travelling in a group, you can also consider taking a private transfer. Rates start from 968,000 VND ($41) for a 3-seater car from Ninh Binh to Hanoi.
Itinerary from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Limo Van
The limo van is a convenient way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. There are plenty of companies operating this route so you’ll have a number of choices depending on your preferred departure & arrival points as well as your budget
Rates start from 178,000 VND ($7.50) for the 1.5-hour limo van ride from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc.
Departure and arrival station
Different limo van companies have varying departure points. Some depart from Tam Coc, some depart from Ninh Binh City, while others offer free hotel pick-up.
Most limo vans park at their own office in Hanoi city centre. Some vans also offer free hotel drop-off.
Limo Van Schedule from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
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Alternative: Public bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
The public bus is the cheapest option when travelling from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. A ticket costs only 70,000 VND ($2.90).
However, we don’t recommend taking the public bus because its departure and arrival points are located well outside the city centre. You’ll have to spend extra costs on transfers to and from bus stations.
Also, public buses make too many stops to pick up and drop off passengers. Travel time takes longer at 2-3 hours.
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from Ninh Binh Bus Station, located 7 km northeast of Tam Coc. This is just within walking distance of many hotels in Ninh Binh City. But if you’re coming from Tam Coc, you’ll have to take a 15-minute taxi ride that costs around 120,000 VND ($5).
They park at Giap Bat Bus Station, located 7 km southwest of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If you’re headed to the city centre, a taxi ride would cost another 120,000 VND ($5).
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Train
The train is cheaper than a limo van and a great option if you’re coming from Ninh Binh City.
At least five trains operate daily from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. Note that most of them depart after midnight or early in the morning. Train fares start from 85,000 VND ($3.60) for a soft seat.
The train journey from Ninh Binh to Hanoi takes around 2.5 hours.
Departure and arrival station
Trains depart from Ninh Binh Railway Station in Ninh Binh city centre. If your hotel is located in Tam Coc, then you’ll have to take a 15-minute taxi to get here. Taxi rates start from 120,000 VND ($5).
You are to get off at Hanoi Railway Station, located 3 km west of the Old Quarter. You can reach your hotel on foot for about 20 minutes or via a short taxi ride for around 70,000 VND ($2.90).
Train schedules from Nihn Binh to Hanoi (Soft Seat)
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Private Transfer
If you’re travelling in a group or heading straight to Hanoi Airport, you can also take a private transfer from Ninh Binh to Hanoi.
Rates start from 968,000 VND ($41) for the 1.5-hour journey. It’s quite expensive, but a private transfer is a great solution if you’re in a hurry and need to make it in time for your flight.
For long-distance trips like this, we recommend booking your ride beforehand through BookAway. It offers spacious cars with professional drivers. Just click the link below.
Check Private Transfers with BookAway
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Hanoi from Ninh Binh
What are the options when travelling from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
There are 3 ways you can get to Hanoi from Ninh Binh: by limo van (1.5 hours), by train (2.5 hours) or by taxi (1.5 hours). Prices are between 85,000 VND ($3.60) and 968,000 VND ($41).
What is the most cost-efficient way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
The Ninh Binh-Hanoi limo van offers the most value for money, particularly if you’re coming from Tam Coc. With fares from 178,000 VND ($7.50), you can travel directly from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh city centre to Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Is it recommended to take a bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
We don’t recommend taking a bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi because the bus station in Hanoi is far from the city centre. This would result in additional costs (and time) for transportation from the bus station to your hotel.
How much is a train ticket from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
A train ticket from Ninh Binh to Hanoi costs around 85,000 VND ($3.60)
Will I save money with a private transfer if travelling in a group?
Getting your own private car from Ninh Binh to Hanoi is another cost-efficient option — but only if you’re travelling in a group and heading straight to Hanoi Airport. It’s a bit pricey, but you won’t need to worry about your transfer from Hanoi centre to the airport.
Where to travel next?
Hanoi to Sapa: 6-9 hours
- Explore the rice fields in Sapa
Hanoi to CatBa: 5-4 hours
- Enjoy the stunning views of the karst mountains
Hanoi to Phong Nha: 3.5-11 hours
- Visit the world’s largest caves in Phong Nha
Hanoi to Hoi An: 3-17 hours
- Enjoy the great atmosphere of Hoi An with a mixture of Japanese, Vietnamese and French influences
Hanoi to Ninh Binh: 2-3 hours
- When you want to travel in the opposite direction
Our favourite places to stay in Hanoi
Nova Luxury Hotel
Just landed in Hanoi? In this hotel, you will get the best night of sleep you had since ages. The friendly staff will give you a warm welcome and serve a wonderful breakfast buffet the next morning! Located in the middle of the center, but completely isolated from all the noise.
Double rooms with city view from: $42
Visiting Halong Bay
For many travellers, Halong Bay is one of the highlights of Vietnam. The stunning landscape and breathtaking views over the limestone rocks look almost unreal!
To experience Halong Bay in the best way, you can book a boat cruise departing from Hanoi. Organized tours departing from Hanoi are often cheaper than tours sold by agencies in Halong Bay and another advantage is that you don't need to organize your transport to get there.
We recommend to book your boat tour online to get the best prices and be certain that you book with a trusted company. I already spoke to many travellers who booked boat trips from a random agency on the street and were very disappointed by the service and conditions of this boat.
See here our recommendtion of well-rated boat cruises
- Halong Bay Day trip (from $39 pp)
- Halong Bay Cruise (from $185 for 2 pers)
*Both tours include free pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi.
Want to have a broader choice of tours? Check out Halongbaytours for more boat cruises around Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba).
More routes to Hanoi
More routes from Ninh Binh
Most popular routes in Vietnam
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.
