How to Get From Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Train · Bus · Flight
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 700 kilometre (435 miles) distance from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Hoi An as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An?
There are three ways to travel the 700 km distance from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. You can choose between the train, bus, and flight.
The journey takes between 5h 30m–17h and the quickest way is by flight (5h 30m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 455,000 VND ($17).
14h 30m - 18h 30m
814,000 VND ($31)
13-17h
455,000 VND ($17)
5h 30m
1,530,000 VND ($58)
Where to stay in Hoi An?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Hoi An at the bottom of this page.
Already in Hoi An?
Onward from Hoi An
Once you're in Hoi An, here's where to next — 11 researched onward routes to pick from.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Train
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Da Nang by Train
Travelling by train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang takes around 13h 30m - 16h 30m. 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 697,000 VND ($27) 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.
Ready to book your train?
Booking Tip
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
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 ($4.60).
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 45m - 2h by minivan or taxi.
The minivan is the more affordable choice with ticket prices from 117,000 VND ($4.50). 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 ($17).
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 (November 2024), these were no longer available.
Ready to book your minivan?
Booking Tip
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 ($4.60).
You are to get off at Da Nang Railway Station.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Bus
You can book a direct bus from Ninh Binh to Hoi An for as low as 455,000 VND ($17) — 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 schedule from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
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 5h 30m, 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 ($18) for the journey that takes 3 hours.
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 ($8.40) and travel time is 3.5-4 hours.
You can save about 255,000 VND ($9.70) 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 start from 900,000 VND ($34). 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 ($5.90) or by private transfer with rates from 320,000 VND ($12).
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 (November 2024), these were no longer operating.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite places to stay in Hoi An
Here are our favourite places to stay in Hoi An for every budget.
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
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Ninh Binh to Hoi An is 700 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Hoi An?
Hoi An is a charming city on Vietnam's central coast. Once a major port, the mixed influences of Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants are still visible here.
Its Old Town is a well-preserved fusion of foreign and indigenous architecture, laid out in a small-scale model of a 15th to 19th-century trading hub. No wonder it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Travelling to Hoi An feels like walking back in time.
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About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
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.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
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