Ninh Binh to Sapa in 7-10.5 hours (2026)

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–10h 30m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $14 (370,000 VND).

TransportDurationPrice

When you want to travel direct and on a budget, take the bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa. Bus fares start from $14 (370,000 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

7hKet DoanSleeping207 Le Dai HanhKet Doan Bus office (Hey Hotel17:00$14370,000 VNDTickets

8hThe Long TravelSleepingThe Long Hotel, Tam CocSapa Bus Station12:0020:3022:30$15395,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCSleepingNinh BinhDucduong Sapa Office12:3012:4012:50$15400,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCSleepingNinh BinhSa Pa Bus Station12:3012:4012:50$15400,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCSleepingNinh BinhSapa Market12:3012:4012:50$15400,000 VNDTickets

Show all 25 companies

9hTechbus VN JSCSleepingNinh BinhTbus Sapa Office12:3012:4012:50$15400,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingNinh BinhDucduong Sapa Office19:3019:4520:00$16425,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingNinh BinhSapa Garden Bungalow19:3019:4520:00$16425,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingNinh Binh599 Dien Bien Phu19:3019:4520:00$16425,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingNinh BinhTbus Sapa Office19:3019:4520:00$16425,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingNinh BinhSa Pa Bus Station19:3019:4520:00$16425,000 VNDTickets

6h45mHa SonVIP SleepingTam Coc ParkSapa Bus Station12:4522:45$18475,000 VNDTickets

8hThe Long TravelVIP Cabin 34The Long Hotel, Tam CocSapa Bus Station12:0020:3022:30$18480,000 VNDTickets

8hFull Moon PartyVIPFull Moon Bus Tam CocSaPa Full Moon21:4521:5522:0522:1522:20$18485,000 VNDTickets

8h10mFull Moon PartySleepingFull Moon Bus Tam CocSapa Sao Viet Bus18:4018:5019:0021:4021:5022:00$18485,000 VNDTickets

9hDuc Duong BusVIP SleepingMikes Travel Agency559 Duong Dien Bien Phu19:1519:30$19485,000 VNDTickets

9hGrouptourSleepingTam Coc 0Km RestaurantGrouptour office19:0020:0023:00$22560,000 VNDTickets

6h45mHa SonVIP CabinTam Coc ParkSapa Bus Station22:30$24630,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCVIP CabinNinh BinhTbus Sapa Office22:0022:15$26670,000 VNDTickets

9hTBusSleepingMike's Travel AgencyTBUS Sapa Office12:0018:00$27700,000 VNDTickets

7h40mFull Moon PartyVIP CabinFull Moon Bus Tam CocSapa Sao Viet Bus22:1022:2022:30$27710,000 VNDTickets

9hTBusVIP SleepingMike's Travel AgencyTBUS Sapa Office22:30$28730,000 VNDTickets

9h30mFull Moon PartyVIPFull Moon Bus Tam CocSapa Sao Viet Bus07:3008:2008:3009:2009:3010:20+5$30780,000 VNDTickets

9h50mGrouptourSleepingNinh Binh Viet NamSapa SSB12:1512:3016:4017:0018:4519:00$31800,000 VNDTickets

9h10mGrouptourVIP 32 SeatsNinh Binh Viet NamSapa SSB22:2022:30$34880,000 VNDTickets

Available atBookaway

Sapa

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

2-3h$4.40 (114,000 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 (114,000 VND) for a soft seat.

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

2h28mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatNinh BinhHanoi03:12$4114,000 VNDTickets

2h34mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatNinh BinhHanoi02:01$6144,000 VNDTickets

2h14mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatNinh BinhHanoi03:46$6152,000 VNDTickets

2h29mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatNinh BinhHanoi07:41$6164,000 VNDTickets

2h28mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi03:12$7174,000 VNDTickets

Show all 16 companies

2h29mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi07:41$8198,000 VNDTickets

2h28mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi03:12$8214,000 VNDTickets

2hVietnam RailwaySecond Class SeatNinh Binh Train StationHanoi Train Station02:0103:1003:3716:13$9226,000 VNDTickets

2h14mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi03:46$9232,000 VNDTickets

2h34mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi02:01$9240,000 VNDTickets

2h29mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi07:41$9242,000 VNDTickets

2h14mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi03:46$11280,000 VNDTickets

3hVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi16:12$11280,000 VNDTickets

3hVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperNinh BinhHanoi16:12$13330,000 VNDTickets

2h30mVietnam RailwayFirst Class Sleeper (Reunification Express)Ninh Binh Train StationHanoi Train Station09:17$13340,000 VNDTickets

2hVietnam RailwayFirst Class SleeperNinh Binh Train StationHanoi Train Station02:0103:1003:3716:13$15395,000 VNDTickets

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 2: Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train

7h 20m - 8h 5m$19 (510,000 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 (510,000 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.

7h19mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperYen VienSapa Lao Cai22:36$19510,000 VNDTickets

7h32mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperGia LamSapa Lao Cai22:23$20520,000 VNDTickets

7h55mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperHanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$20520,000 VNDTickets

7h55mNewLivitrans ExpressShared Cabin for 4HanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$26680,000 VNDTickets

8h5mViolette Express TrainShared Cabin for 4HanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$27720,000 VNDTickets

Show all 14 companies

7h55mOrient ExpressShared Cabin for 4HanoiSapa Lao Cai21:35$30790,000 VNDTickets

7h55mSapaly Express TrainShared Cabin for 4HanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$31800,000 VNDTickets

7h55mOrient ExpressShared Cabin for 4HanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$31810,000 VNDTickets

7h55mChapa Express TrainShared Cabin for 4HanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$32850,000 VNDTickets

7h55mNewLivitrans ExpressCabin 2 XHanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$521,360,000 VNDTickets

7h55mNewLivitrans ExpressSuite 2 XHanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$601,580,000 VNDTickets

7h55mSapaly Express TrainFirst Class SleeperHanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$651,720,000 VNDTickets

7h55mOrient ExpressVIP Double BedHanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$691,800,000 VNDTickets

7h55mChapa Express TrainFirst Class SleeperHanoiSapa Lao Cai22:00$711,860,000 VNDTickets

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 3: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van

55m$8.40 (222,000 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 (222,000 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 $1.10 (30,000 VND) and travel time is around 1 hour.

55mGrouptour - obsoleteStandardLao Cai SSBSapa SSB06:0007:0008:0009:0010:0011:00+6$8222,000 VNDTickets

Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

Sapa

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 (5,300,000 VND).

You can also save money when travelling in a larger group. A private minivan that can fit up to 10 people costs $245 (6,500,000 VND).

Ninh Binh

Hanoi VIP Transfer

SUV Car 5 PAX

$200 (5,300,000 VND)

$41 (1,060,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Hanoi VIP Transfer

Standard Minivan 10 PAX

$300 (7,900,000 VND)

$30 (790,000 VND) per person

Tickets

Book a Private Transfer with BookAway

Sapa

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 (370,000 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 370,000 VND.

About the Authors

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.

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.

How to Get From Ninh Binh to Sapa

Distance from Ninh Binh to Sapa