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How to get from Ninh Binh to Hue
The best way to travel the 575 km journey from Ninh Binh to Hue is via train. This train journey takes 11.5 hours and costs 720,000 VND ($30.50). Other options include taking the bus (10-11.5 hours) or a flight (4.5-6 hours excl. transfers).
3 ways to get from Phong Nha to Hue
When travelling from Ninh Binh to Hue, the night train is your best option. With the night train, you can get a good night of sleep and save a night on accommodation. The train ride takes 11.5 hours, and sleeper berth prices start from 720,000 VND ($30.50).
There are also buses plying the Ninh Binh to Hue route, but each bus company offers only one daily departure. Although the bus is cheaper at 390,000 VND ($16.50), buses are less safe and less comfortable for the 10-11.5-hour journey to Hue.
It’s also possible to take a flight, but there is no airport in Ninh Binh. You first need to travel to Hanoi Airport and take a flight from there to Hue. This option is more expensive and inconvenient since both Hanoi and Hue airports are outside the city centres. Total travel time is 4.5-6 hours, and the combined costs when taking a minivan, flight, and taxi cost around 1,305,000 VND ($55).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Itinerary from Ninh Binh to Hue
Flight
- Ninh Binh
- 2.5-4 hours
- Hanoi Airport
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Hue Airport
- 30 minutes
- Hue
Ninh Binh to Hue by Train
Taking the night train from Ninh Binh to Hue is convenient for the long journey to Hue. You can get a good night of sleep and won’t lose a day travelling. You can also think of it as saving a night on accommodation.
Travel time by train can take 10.5-12 hours with prices from 720,000 VND ($30.50) for the sleeper berths.
Departure and arrival station
Trains depart from Ninh Binh Railway Station in the city centre. This railway station is about a 5-minute ride from the city bus station.
From Hue Railway Station, you can take a 10-minute taxi to Hue city centre. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a 25-minute walk!
Below are our recommend night train schedules:
Train schedule from Ninh Binh to Hue
It’s best to book your train tickets in advance to secure a seat or a sleeper berth. You can read more in our post about travelling by train in Vietnam.
Ninh Binh to Hue by Bus
There are a few bus companies operating on the Ninh Binh to Hue route, including Camel Travel, Long Travel, and Queen Cafe Bus. These buses each offer one bus departure per day.
The bus ride takes 10-11.5 hours. Although this option is the cheapest at 390,000 VND ($16.50), we don’t recommend travelling this long distance by bus. The night train is much safer and offers more comfort since you will have a mattress instead of a reclined seat.
Departure and arrival station
If you’re staying in Tam Coc, you can take a Long Travel bus that departs outside their hotel. The two other buses depart from the street across the Ninh Binh train station in the city centre.
You will be dropped off at Chu Van An street in Hue city centre. From here, you can already find various accommodations and establishments in the area.
Bus schedule from Ninh Binh to Hue
We recommend booking your tickets at least a few days in advance to secure your seat on the bus.
Ninh Binh to Hue by Flight
Ninh Binh does not have an airport so you will have to catch a flight from the closest airport, which is in Hanoi. Note that the two airports are also outside the city centres, so aside from the flight itself, you will still have to take additional rides.
We think the train is the better option for this route. It’s convenient and saves you a lot of daytime compared to taking a flight.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Minivan
From Ninh Binh, you need to travel 95 km to Hanoi Airport. There are luxury minivans on this route with multiple departures throughout the day.
Khanh An Limousine offers free hotel pick-up in Tam Coc, while Duy Khang Limousine can pick you up from any hotel in Ninh Binh.
Travel time is 2.5-4 hours with rates from 455,000 VND ($19).
Minivan schedule from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport
If you miss the direct minivan to the airport or depart after their last trip, you can still travel to Hanoi Airport by minivan + taxi. This alternative is a bit cheaper than the direct minivan to the airport.
Step 2: Hanoi to Hue by Flight
There are three airlines operating the Hanoi to Hue route: Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines. There are usually flights in the morning and in the evening, so you can just book the flight that is convenient for you.
If you book early, you can find tickets as cheap as 600,000 VND ($25), but they can get up to 1,000,000 VND ($42). The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Step 3: Hue Airport to Hue city centre by Taxi
Hue Airport is located outside the city centre, so you still need to travel the 15 km distance to the city. Taxis are available right outside the airport. A 30-minute taxi ride would cost around 250,000 VND ($10.50).
Private cars are available on BookAway with rates from 270,000 VND ($11). You can also book via Klook in advance for around 300,000 VND ($12.50).
You can read more in our Hanoi to Hue.
Our favourite places to stay in Hue
Hong Thien Ruby Hotel
Hong Thien Ruby Hotel offers great value if you don't want to spent too much on an accommodation. Excellent breakfast, good location and friendly staff. What do you need more? Single beds incl. breakfast from $16 and double rooms from $24.
Hotel La Pere
Another hotel that offers great value for money is Hotel La Perle. This eco-friendly hotel is located in the same area and also offers an outstanding breakfast plus fresh fruit all day long! Double rooms start from $24.
Cherish Hue Hotel
Want to treat yourself? The experience you get a Cherish Hue Hotel would cost you over $100 in a Western country, but here it won't cost you more than $42! The staff is super professional and a breakfast buffet like this is hard to find anywhere else! The hotel also has a spa where you get a 30% discount as a guest and you can get a massage or other treatment for very reasonable prices.
Things to do in Hue
Things to do in HueThe online activity platform Klook offers many tours in Hue 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.
More routes to Hue
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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.
