How to Get From Ninh Binh to Sapa
Train · Bus · Private Transport
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 410 kilometre (255 miles) distance from Ninh Binh to Sapa. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Sapa 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 Sapa?
There are three ways to travel the 410 km distance from Ninh Binh to Sapa. You can choose between the train, bus, and private.
The journey takes between 6h 45m–10h 30m and the quickest way is by bus (6h 45m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 371,000 VND ($14).
10h 30m - 12h
841,000 VND ($32)
6h 45m - 9h 50m
371,000 VND ($14)
8h
5,316,000 VND ($200)
Already in Sapa?
Onward from Sapa
Once you're in Sapa, here's where to next — 4 researched onward routes to pick from.
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
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 114,000 VND ($4.40) for a soft seat.
Check out our page on Ninh Binh to Hanoi for more train options.
Ready to book your train?
Step 2: Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train
Starting October 2022, Vietnam Railways is back to its nightly operations from Hanoi to Lao Cai. This route previously operated with fewer weekly departures because of the pandemic.
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 505,000 VND ($19) 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.
Ready to book your train?
Step 3: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van
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 221,000 VND ($8.40) 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 30,000 VND ($1.10) and travel time is around 1 hour.
Ready to book your minivan?
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 371,000 VND ($14).
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
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 5,316,000 VND ($200).
You can also save money when travelling in a larger group. A private minivan that can fit up to 10 people costs 6,468,000 VND ($245).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa. 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 Sapa is 410 km.
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