Ninh Binh to Sapa

How to Get From Ninh Binh to Sapa

3Options
6h 45mFastest
$14From
ElaMaartenWritten by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten

Bus · Train · Private Transport

Sapa is a mountain town 320 kilometres (199 miles) northwest of Ninh Binh. Rice terraces stair-step down its valleys, and Fansipan, Vietnam's highest peak, rises nearby. Private transport gets you from Ninh Binh to Sapa in 8h. The bus is the cheapest at $14 (360,000 VND). The train costs more and involves changes along the way.

DISTANCE

Distance from Ninh Binh to Sapa

Ninh Binh and Sapa are about 320 km (199 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 398 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 6h 45m and 12h.

~320 km
Straight-line distance
~398 km
Route distance
Map of Ninh Binh – Sapa
Travelling the other way?Sapa to Ninh Binh→

3 ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Sapa

There are three ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Sapa. You can choose between the bus, train, and private transport. The journey takes 6h 45m – 12h and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $14 (360,000 VND).

Busfrom$146h 45m – 9h 50m25 options to bookBus6h 45m–9h 50m$14Cheapest

Ninh Binh to Sapa by Bus

When you want to travel direct and on a budget, take the bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa. Bus fares start from $14 (360,000 VND).

Ket Doan, The Long Travel, Techbus VN JSC, Ha Son, Full Moon Party, Duc Duong Bus, Grouptour and TBus operate nightly buses for this route. The advertised travel time is 6h 45m - 9h 50m. However, both companies are known for late bus departures.

Some buses leave at least an hour later than the promised time. Drivers and staff for both Ket Doan, The Long Travel, Techbus VN JSC, Ha Son, Full Moon Party, Duc Duong Bus, Grouptour and TBus can also be rude to passengers.

For these reasons, you can consider just travelling from Ninh Binh to Sapa by train, where you can expect a comfortable ride.

Departure and arrival station

The Long Travel departs from The Long Hotel in Tam Coc and arrives at Sapa Bus Station.

Sapa Grouptour departs from its headquarters in Tam Coc town centre. It parks at its office in Sapa city centre.

Bus schedule from Ninh Binh to Sapa

Ket Doan · Sleeping$14
7h
207 Le Dai Hanh → Ket Doan Bus office (Hey Hotel)
17:00
Tickets
The Long Travel · Sleeping$15
8h
The Long Hotel, Tam Coc → Sapa Bus Station
12:0020:3022:30
Tickets
Techbus VN JSC · Sleeping$15
9h
Ninh Binh → Ducduong Sapa Office
12:3012:4012:50
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
Trainfrom$3210h 30m – 12h·Via Hanoi16 options to bookTrainVia Hanoi10h 30m–12h$32

Ninh Binh to Sapa by Train

Travelling by train from Ninh Binh to Sapa involves 3 steps: 2 trains and then a van or bus.

Despite all these transfers, train travel in Vietnam is generally comfortable and come with good customer service. The same thing cannot be said for the bus companies operating on this route.

Step 1: Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Train

2h – 3h · $4.40 (112,000 VND)

There are several trains operating daily from Ninh Binh to Hanoi.

We recommend taking the last one, SE8, which departs at 16:30 and arrives at 19:12. With this train, you will arrive in Hanoi in time for dinner. You’ll have more than enough time to find a nice resto in the city and get back to the train station before 22:00.

Ticket prices start from $4.40 (112,000 VND) for a soft seat.

Check out our page on Ninh Binh to Hanoi for more train options.

Vietnam Railways · Second Class Seat$4.40
2h 28m
Ninh Binh → Hanoi
03:12
Tickets
Vietnam Railways · Second Class Seat$5.50
2h 34m
Ninh Binh → Hanoi
02:01
Tickets
Vietnam Railways · Second Class Seat$5.80
2h 14m
Ninh Binh → Hanoi
03:46
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Step 2: Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train

7h 20m – 8h 5m · $19 (490,000 VND)

Vietnam Railways runs overnight trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai every night.

Vietnam Railways train SP3 departs from Hanoi Railway Station at 22:00 every night. Travel time to Lao Cai is around 7h 20m - 8h 5m.

A ticket costs $19 (490,000 VND) for a 4-berth sleeper. You can also get a cheaper bunk in a 6-berth sleeper, but it is less spacious.

For more train choices, you can find deluxe, luxury and private cabins on BookAway.

Also, visit our page on Hanoi to Sapa for more details.

Vietnam Railways · First Class Sleeperfrom$19
7h 19m – 7h 55m
3 pickup points → Sapa Lao Cai
22:0022:2322:36
Tickets
NewLivitrans Express · Shared Cabin for 4$26
7h 55m
Hanoi → Sapa Lao Cai
22:00
Tickets
Violette Express Train · Shared Cabin for 4$27
8h 5m
Hanoi → Sapa Lao Cai
22:00
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Step 3: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van

55m · $8.40 (216,000 VND)

From Lao Cai Railway Station, you can get to Sapa by van or bus.

Vans are faster because they don’t make a lot of stops. A seat costs $8.40 (216,000 VND) for the journey that takes 55m.

The bus is a good way to travel like a local — just don’t expect a lot of space for your bags. A ticket costs $1.20 (30,000 VND) and travel time is around 1 hour.

Grouptour - obsolete · Standard$8.40
55m
06:0007:0008:00
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Private Transportfrom$200per car8h2 options to bookPrivate Transport8h$200per car

Ninh Binh to Sapa by Private Transport

Looking to travel door-to-door in a private car?

You can book a 5-seater taxi to get you from Ninh Binh to Sapa for $200 (5,200,000 VND).

You can also save money when travelling in a larger group. A private minivan that can fit up to 10 people costs $250 (6,500,000 VND).

Hanoi VIP Transfer · SUV Car 5 PAX$200
8hper car
Any time you choose
Tickets
Hanoi VIP Transfer · Standard Minivan 10 PAX$300
8hper car
Any time you choose
Tickets

Reach out to our Community

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STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Sapa

Here are our favourite places to stay in Sapa for every budget.

Budget

D&D Eco Lodge Sapa

There's no better way to wake up than opening your curtains to a stunning view over lush rice fields. Add a delicious breakfast to that, and you'll certainly be starting the day right. A stay at D&D Eco Lodge is an experience in itself. It might even turn out to be one of your best in Vietnam? And if you're travelling as a couple, this is likely to be one of the best value deals you can find.
Check availability
Treat Yourself

Eco Palms House – Mountain Retreat

Eco Palm House offers luxury bungalows with the most incredible views. You'll never want to leave your private balcony overlooking rolling hills and endless rice fields. Maybe their infinity pool with an equally spectacular view can convince you? You're guaranteed to leave this place feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Check availability
Budget

Little View Homestay Sapa

If you'd like to be near the centre of Sapa, Little View Homestay is a great choice. The private rooms boast a really unique design - they're covered top to bottom in pine wood. To add to the uniqueness of the place, instead of a traditional heating system, you'll have a heated blanket to keep you warm at night. The friendly owners and creative sapa style decorations will make this an extraordinary stay!
Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Sapa?

Sapa is a small village and popular tourist destination in northern Vietnam. Backdropped by spectacular rice terraces, the town boasts both natural and cultural beauty. Ethnic minorities make up over 80% of its population, and here you’ll get the chance to see and experience their traditional way of life.

Here you'll also find Fansipan, the highest mountain on the Indochinese peninsula and a great adventure if you're up for the hike. Don't worry, cable cars to the summit are also available. The town centre can be a bit touristy, but don’t let that deter you. The real charm of Sapa lies in its mountains and the rice fields still farmed by the hill tribes, as they have been doing so for centuries.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Ninh Binh to Sapa, roughly 320 kilometres (199 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $14 (360,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 6h 45m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Ninh Binh to Sapa?

The distance from Ninh Binh to Sapa is 320 kilometres (199 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa?

Journey times from Ninh Binh to Sapa overlap: bus 6h 45m - 9h 50m, train 10h 30m - 12h, private transport 8h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

What is the cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa?

The cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa is by bus with ticket costs starting from 360,000 VND.

About the Authors

Ela
Ela

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.

Maarten
MaartenReviewer

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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