What to expect when visiting Hanoi
Hanoi is Vietnam’s bustling capital, where heritage and modernity collide. At its heart is the iconic Old Quarter bustling with cosy hotels, old residential buildings and neighbourhood cafes. Composed of 36 streets, just walking around this area will reward you with many amazing discoveries.
Must-visit sites include the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the 19th-century gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral. We recommend munching on as much street food as you can, strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, and our favourite: watching the world go by from one of the many coffee shops in Hanoi.
3 ways to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
There are three ways to travel the distance of 95 km (59 miles) from Ninh Binh to Hanoi: by limo van (2h-3h), private transfer (1.5 hours) and train (2h14m-2h42m). The journey takes between 1h30m - 3h and the quickest way is by private transfer. The lowest priced tickets start from 70,000 VND ($2.80) for the limo van.Where to stay in Hanoi?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Hanoi at the bottom of this page.
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 ($7.00) 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
PRO TIP: Use the free N26 debit card to avoid the extra fees charged by your bank. This N26 debit card is becoming very popular among travellers, because they don’t charge any fees on payments in foreign currencies (most banks charge 3%-5%). New members can order one for free on the N26 website
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 ($2.80).
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 ($4.90).
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 ($4.90).
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 ($3.50) 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 ($4.90).
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 ($2.80).
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 ($39.50) 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.
Our favourite places to stay in Hanoi
Siva Luxury Hotel - Budget Friendly
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 centre, but completely isolated from all the noise.
Double rooms with city view from: $42
Frequently Asked Questions about Ninh Binh to Hanoi
What are the options when travelling from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
What is the most cost-efficient way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
Is it recommended to take a bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
How much is a train ticket from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
Will I save money with a private transfer if travelling in a group?
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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.
