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How to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
When travelling the 700 km distance from Ninh Binh to Hoi An, you have 3 options: a 14.5-hour train, a 5.5-hour flight, and a 16-hour bus. Fares range between 480,000 VND ($20) and 1,530,000 VND ($64).
3 ways to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
We recommend taking an overnight train when travelling from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. It will be a long 14.5-hour journey, but you can spend half of that sleeping, and the other half enjoying the rural views from your train window. Note that you can only take the train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang, from where you can transfer to a minivan to Hoi An.
The flight is the fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. There are no direct flights for this route, though. You’ll first have to take a 3-hour van from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport, then a 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang, and finally a 1-hour shuttle to Hoi An. You will likely spend an entire day on this flight journey, which is why we think it is more convenient to take a night train.
The advantage of the bus is that it brings you directly from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. The disadvantage is that the bus journey takes 16 hours and you will not have the same comfort you can get from a train ride. The bus will also allow you to save a night on accommodation, but it is unlikely that you will actually get a good night’s sleep.
Itinerary from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Train
When you want to travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An by train, you will first take a train to Da Nang. From here, you can take a minivan or taxi to Hoi An. Combined travel time is around 14.5 hours.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Da Nang by Train
Travelling by train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang takes around 13.5 hours. The good thing is, most trains on this route operate overnight, so you won’t have to lose a lot of daytime.
Train fares start from 860,000 VND ($36) when you book a 4-berth sleeper, which gives you the most comfort for this long journey. Cheaper 6-berth cabins are also available if you don’t mind spending the room with more people.
Train schedules from Ninh Binh to Da Nang (Sleeper berth)
Trains depart from Ninh Binh Train Station in the city centre. If you’re coming from Tam Coc, you can get to the railway station by taxi for around 120,000 VND ($5).
You are to get off at Da Nang Railway Station.
Step 2: Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An by Minivan
From Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An centre takes about an hour by minivan or taxi.
The minivan is the more affordable choice with ticket prices from 155,000 VND ($6.50). Book your minivan trip beforehand through BookAway and the driver will pick you up from the train station at your desired time. Minivans are available daily from 07:00-21:00 and they park in the centre of Hoi An.
If you prefer to be dropped off at your hotel’s doorstep, taxis are also available with rates from 440,000 VND ($18.50).
See the page about Da Nang Railway Station for more details.
IMPORTANT: Previously, there were cheap public buses (Bus #1) operating from Da Nang to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (March 2023), these were no longer available.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Flight
If you’re looking to travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An in the fastest time possible, a flight is your best choice. It’s not exactly the most convenient, though.
Neither Ninh Binh nor Hoi An has its own airport. That means you can only take a flight from Hanoi (3 hours away from Ninh Binh) to Da Nang (1 hour away from Hoi An). Combined travel time takes about 5.5 hours, excluding the waiting time at the airport.
Do you still want to take a flight? Read on for a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport by Minivan
The most convenient way to get to Hanoi Airport from Ninh Binh is by direct minivan. Rates start from 475,000 VND ($20) for the 3-hour journey.
You can purchase your ticket from any minivan office in Ninh Binh or you can book it online through BookAway and just wait to be picked up at your hotel.
Cheaper option: Van + Express Bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport
On a strict budget? You can divide this leg of the journey by first taking a van to Hanoi city centre and then transfering to an express bus to Hanoi Airport. Combined fares start from 220,000 VND ($9) and travel time is 3.5-4 hours.
You can save about 255,000 VND ($10.50) when you take this alternative route. But keep in mind that this will also require some extra time, depending on the availability of your connecting bus. We recommend this option only if you can depart from Ninh Binh at least 6 hours before your flight.
For an even cheaper alternative, you can also take a combined train and express bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport. The disadvantage of this option is that train trips are limited. You can take this only if it fits with your flight schedule.
See our pages on Ninh Binh to Hanoi and Hanoi Airport for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Hanoi to Da Nang by Flight
There are a good number of flights available daily from Hanoi to Da Nang so you can be flexible with your schedule. When booking your flight, consider that you will be coming all the way from Ninh Binh. It’s best to pick a flight that departs in the afternoon.
Airfares range from 900,000 VND ($38) to 1,500,000 VND ($63). Flight time is around 1.5 hours.
Step 3: Da Nang to Hoi An by Shuttle Bus
From Da Nang Airport, there are 2 ways you can get to Hoi An: by shuttle bus for around 155,000 VND ($6.50) or by private transfer with rates from 320,000 VND ($13.50).
If you’re travelling solo, the minivan is already a convenient option as it drops you off at Hoi An town centre. But if you’re with at least one other companion, it will be more cost-efficient to take a taxi straight to your hotel.
For more info, check out our page on Da Nang Airport.
IMPORTANT: There used to be cheap local buses available from just outside Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (March 2023), these were no longer operating.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Bus
You can book a direct bus from Ninh Binh to Hoi An for as low as 480,000 VND ($20) — less than half the price of a train or plane ride.
Despite that, we do not recommend travelling by bus for this route because it will be a long and exhausting journey. Also, most of the buses operating from Ninh Binh to Hoi An do not really get the best reviews. The train offers more comfort and is also much safer.
Departure and arrival station
There are two departure points in Ninh Binh. Queen Cafe and Camel Travel depart from Ninh Binh Central Hotel in the city centre. The Long Travel and Grouptour leave from The Long Hotel in Tam Coc.
In Hoi An, Camel Travel and The Long Travel arrive at Camel Bus Ticket Office, 2 km east of the town centre. Queen Cafe and Grouptour park at their own terminals along Ton Duc Thang, 1.5 km northwest of the Old Town.
Bus schedules from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Our favourite places to stay in Hoi An
HaLo HomeStay
HaLo Homestay is an incredible budget option. You won't quite believe the standard of the rooms for the price you're paying. They're large, modern and very clean. The owners serve a delicious breakfast and will do everything they can to guarantee you a perfect stay. They even have free bikes for you to use. From the homestay you can reach the Old Quarter or beach within 5 minutes.
Double rooms from: $11
Flame Flowers Homestay
Expect a warm welcome when you arrive at Flame Flowers Homestay. The owners feel like family from the moment you meet them. Guests have been known to extend their stays here as they just can't face leaving. The spacious rooms provide you with everything you need - a good nights sleep and ultimate comfort!
Double rooms from: $25
Vina Beach Pool Villas
Dreaming of a luxurious retreat right next to the beach? Vina Beach Pool Villas tick all the boxes. There's a relaxing pool, lush gardens and it's only steps away from the beach. And after a hard day of relaxing, their super comfortable beds offer the best nights sleep. On top of that, the owners can't do enough to ensure you have an unforgettable stay.
Double rooms from: $40
Things to do in Hoi An
Things to do in Hoi AnThe online activity platform Klook offers many tours in Hoi An at great prices. I used it now for a couple of times and had great experiences. And the prices are often even lower than when you book with a local travel agent!
And most important, by booking the activity in advance, you avoid the problem of fully booked tours.
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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.
