Which bus companies do you recommend from Sapa to Ninh Binh?

Hi Angela, the bus companies from SaPa to Ninh Binh (bookaway.com) generally get positive reviews on platforms like BookAway. They offer sleeper or luxury buses, ensuring a comfortable experience during the 7 to 10-hour trip to Ninh Binh. While some bus companies drop passengers off at Ninh Binh city centre, there are also some that go all the way to Tam Coc. You can book with Grouptour or TBus for a direct ride from SaPa to Tam Coc. PD: Esta respuesta está escrita en inglés para que sea útil para los viajeros de todo el mundo. Recomiendo usar Google Translate para traducir esta respuesta al español.

Sapa to Ninh Binh in 5.5-10 hours (2026)

3 ways to travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh

There are three ways to travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh. You can choose between the bus, train, and private transport. The journey takes 5h 20m–10h 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

Taking a direct bus is a cheap and easy way to travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh. Buses normally depart in the afternoon and arrive in Ninh Binh around midnight or very early morning.

The fastest bus can take you from Sapa to Ninh Binh in around 7 hours. A bus ticket costs $16 (415,000 VND).

Departure and arrival station

The Long Travel and Ha Son depart from Sapa Bus Station in Sapa city centre. Grouptour departs some 350m away from its Sapa headquarters.

All buses drop off passengers in Ninh Binh city centre, but The Long Travel and Grouptour also bring passengers all the way to Tam Coc.

Bus schedule from Sapa to Ninh Binh

5h20mGrouptourSleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB21:5022:0022:10$14370,000 VNDTickets

7hKet DoanSleepingKet Doan Bus office (Hey Hotel207 Le Dai Hanh21:30$14370,000 VNDTickets

8h10mGrouptourVIP 32 SeatsSapa SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB07:0007:10$14370,000 VNDTickets

8h10mGrouptourVIP 32 SeatsSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB06:5507:00$14375,000 VNDTickets

8h10mGrouptourSleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB21:0021:30$14375,000 VNDTickets

Show all 25 companies

8h40mGrouptourSleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB21:0021:1021:2021:30$14380,000 VNDTickets

8h40mGrouptourSleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB06:1006:30$15395,000 VNDTickets

8h40mGrouptourSleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB16:1516:30$16420,000 VNDTickets

8h10mGrouptourVIP 32 SleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB21:0021:15$16430,000 VNDTickets

8h40mGrouptourSleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB20:50$16430,000 VNDTickets

9h10mGrouptourSleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB21:15$17435,000 VNDTickets

8h40mGrouptourVIP SleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB16:0016:1516:30$17445,000 VNDTickets

9hTechbus VN JSCVIP SleepingTbus Sapa OfficeMr Khanh Travel Agency Ninh Binh16:1016:2520:3020:4521:00$17455,000 VNDTickets

6h45mHa SonVIP SleepingSapa Bus StationTam Coc Park06:3017:15$18475,000 VNDTickets

8h10mGrouptourVIP 32 SeatsSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB16:2516:4020:4521:0021:20$18480,000 VNDTickets

9hGrouptourSleepingGrouptour officeTam Coc 0Km Restaurant06:3016:3020:30$22560,000 VNDTickets

6h45mHa SonVIP CabinSapa Bus StationTam Coc Park16:45$24630,000 VNDTickets

9h50mGrouptourVIPSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB05:4006:4007:4008:4009:4010:40+2$26680,000 VNDTickets

8h30mGrouptourVIP 32 SleepingSapa SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB15:4015:5016:00$27690,000 VNDTickets

9hTBusSleepingTBUS Sapa OfficeMike's Travel Agency06:1521:30$27700,000 VNDTickets

8h40mGrouptourVIP 20 SeatsSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB10:3010:4513:0021:45$27710,000 VNDTickets

8h40mGrouptourVIP 20 SeatsSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB16:0116:15$28730,000 VNDTickets

9hTBusVIP SleepingTBUS Sapa OfficeMike's Travel Agency16:30$28730,000 VNDTickets

9h30mGrouptourVIPSapa SSBNinh Binh Luxury SSB06:3007:3007:4508:0009:3010:30+2$30790,000 VNDTickets

5h20mGrouptourDouble cabinSapa SSBNinh Binh SSB10:4513:0022:00$34900,000 VNDTickets

Available atBookaway

Ninh Binh

There are no direct trains operating from Sapa to Ninh Binh so you will have to make a few transfers for this route.

The journey by train takes 4 hours longer than the bus and is also a bit more expensive. However, unlike the bus, you’ll be able to save one night on accommodation with the train.

Step 1: Sapa to Lao Cai by Van

45m$1.50 (40,000 VND)

In Sapa, you can take a van or a public bus to Lao Cai Railway Station.

We recommend taking one of the last van or bus trips of the day so you won’t have to wait a long time at the train station. The last van/bus usually departs from Sapa around 17:00-18:30.

Fares start from $1.50 (40,000 VND) for the journey that takes 45 minutes.

Read more about this route on our page from Sapa to Hanoi.

Step 2: Lao Cai to Hanoi by Train

7h 20m - 7h 55m$13 (355,000 VND)

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

Trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi now depart every night at 21:30 and arrive around 05:25 the next day. Travel time is around 7h 20m - 7h 55m, enough time for a good night’s sleep.

A bed in a 4-berth cabin costs $13 (355,000 VND). You can also get a bed in a cheaper yet less spacious 6-berth cabin for $9.10 (240,000 VND).

You are to get off at Hanoi Railway Station, the same station where you can catch your connecting train to Ninh Binh.

7h18mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperSapa Lao CaiYen Vien21:30$13355,000 VNDTickets

7h32mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperSapa Lao CaiGia Lam21:30$14360,000 VNDTickets

7h55mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperSapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$14365,000 VNDTickets

7h55mNewLivitrans ExpressShared Cabin for 4Sapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$26680,000 VNDTickets

7h55mViolette Express TrainShared Cabin for 4Sapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$27720,000 VNDTickets

Show all 13 companies

7h55mSapaly Express TrainShared Cabin for 4Sapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$31800,000 VNDTickets

7h55mOrient ExpressShared Cabin for 4Sapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$31810,000 VNDTickets

7h50mChapa Express TrainShared Cabin for 4Sapa Lao CaiHanoi21:40$32850,000 VNDTickets

7h55mNewLivitrans ExpressCabin 2 XSapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$521,360,000 VNDTickets

7h55mNewLivitrans ExpressSuite 2 XSapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$601,580,000 VNDTickets

7h55mOrient ExpressFirst Class SleeperSapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$621,620,000 VNDTickets

7h55mSapaly Express TrainFirst Class SleeperSapa Lao CaiHanoi21:30$651,720,000 VNDTickets

7h50mChapa Express TrainFirst Class SleeperSapa Lao CaiHanoi21:40$711,860,000 VNDTickets

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 3: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train

2h - 2h 30m$4.90 (128,000 VND)

There is only one train that departs in the morning from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. This leaves at 06:00, which means you’ll have around 35 minutes to stretch your legs or grab a bite before boarding your connecting train.

The train journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes a little more than 2h - 2h 30m. Ticket prices start from $4.90 (128,000 VND) for a soft seat.

Trains arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, located within the city centre and 6 km from Tam Coc.

For more details, check out our page on how to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

2h11mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatHanoiNinh Binh19:20$5128,000 VNDTickets

2h12mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatHanoiNinh Binh20:55$6156,000 VNDTickets

2h13mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatHanoiNinh Binh06:10$6158,000 VNDTickets

2h13mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatHanoiNinh Binh15:30$6168,000 VNDTickets

2h11mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh19:20$8214,000 VNDTickets

Show all 17 companies

2h13mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh15:30$8216,000 VNDTickets

2hVietnam RailwaySecond Class SeatHanoi Train StationNinh Binh Train Station06:1015:3019:2020:50$9226,000 VNDTickets

2h12mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh20:55$9234,000 VNDTickets

2h13mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh06:10$10260,000 VNDTickets

2h13mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh15:30$10260,000 VNDTickets

2h11mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh19:20$10260,000 VNDTickets

2h12mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh20:55$11280,000 VNDTickets

2h13mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh06:10$12305,000 VNDTickets

2h8mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperHanoiNinh Binh19:40$12325,000 VNDTickets

2hVietnam RailwayFirst Class SleeperHanoi Train StationNinh Binh Train Station06:1015:3019:2020:55$13330,000 VNDTickets

2h30mVietnam RailwayFirst Class Sleeper (Reunification Express)Hanoi Train StationNinh Binh Train Station19:40$13340,000 VNDTickets

2h12mVietnam RailwaysCabin 2 XHanoiNinh Binh20:55$20510,000 VNDTickets

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Optional: Taxi from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc

15m$1 (25,000 VND)

If you’re staying in Tam Coc, you have 2 ways to get to your hotel from Ninh Binh Railway Station: a motorbike taxi or a regular taxi.

If you’re travelling solo and don’t have a lot of luggage, you can take a motorbike taxi with fares starting from $1 (25,000 VND). Alternatively, you can take a regular taxi with rates from $4.60 (120,000 VND).

Ninh Binh

For a door-to-door transfer, you can take a taxi from Sapa to Ninh Binh. Rates start from $200 (5,300,000 VND) for a 5-seater car. Travel time is around 8h.

We recommend booking your private transfer with BookAway, which offers nice cars with professional drivers.

Sapa

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 Car with BookAway

Ninh Binh

Why Visit Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh is a natural paradise in northern Vietnam. The province is home to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which you can find in the tranquil town of Tam Coc.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An boasts amazing viewpoints, limestone peaks, temples and pagodas. A boat tour along Trang An River is the most popular activity because it gives one a glimpse of traditional village life. Backdropped by rice paddies and karst mountains, Ninh Binh is a sight to behold!

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Sapa to Ninh Binh, 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 5h 20m.

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 Sapa to Ninh Binh?

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

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

Journey times from Sapa to Ninh Binh overlap: bus 5h 20m - 9h 50m, train 10-11h, private transport 8h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

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

The cheapest way to get from Sapa to Ninh Binh 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 Sapa to Ninh Binh

Distance from Sapa to Ninh Binh