How to Get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, Halong, Cat Ba, Mai Chau... and vice versa

How to go to Ninh Binh? Which transportation vehicles are available between Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Halong, Cat Ba Island, Mai Chau, Hue, and Phong Nha?
Ninh Binh is not only famous for Tam Coc - the Halong Bay on land - but also for many other scenic destinations that are not to be missed during your trip to Vietnam. It attracts you with its unique natural beauty and unmatched historical and cultural values.
How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, Mai Chau, Hue, Phong Nha, Halong Bay, and Cat Ba Island? This article will give you useful and detailed information about transportation between Ninh Binh and these destinations. You can easily choose a vehicle that is the most suitable for your tour.

1. How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and vice versa?

Ninh Binh is about 100 km from Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can travel to Ninh Binh on National Highway 1A, the new expressway or by train. So you have a lot of transportation options for this route

1.1. Limousine D car bus

Currently, the D Car Limousine bus is very popular in Vietnam, not only for Vietnamese but also for foreigners: 9 comfortable seats with free wifi, no stop along the road, especially no increase in prices on festival holidays, Vietnamese New Year holidays. And it is easy to book from the website on the Internet. Therefore, more and more tourists choose this means of transportation.
There are many Limousine bus companies operating the Hanoi - Ninh Binh route and vice versa.

Some trusted bus companies:

• Khánh An Limousine - Hotline +84 19008629 or +84 19001035
• Trang An limousine - Hotline +84 327330336
• X.E Vietnam – Hotline +84 19001731
• Tu Tai limousine – Hotline +84 912 291 840
• The Long Travel - Hotline +84 91 6868 355 (Drop off at Tam Coc and Ninh Binh city)
• Huu Binh Limousine - Hotline +84 190096981
• Non Nước Limousine - Hotline +84 19007075

Pick up and drop off in Hanoi: bus companies have the pickup and drop off points in Hanoi city:

• Hanoi Opera House – 1 A Trang Tien str
• Hanoi central Circus – 67 Tran Nhan Tong Str ( about 2km from the city center)
• No 31- 33 - 49 Hang Dong Str, Hanoi old quarter
• No 78 Tran Nhuat Duat Str, Hanoi
• By the Noi Bai airport

Pick up/Drop off in Ninh Binh:

• Tam Coc pier
• Hidden Charm Hotel
• Bai Dinh pagoda gate
• Emeralda Resort in Van Long
• Ninh Binh city

Departure time: From 5.00 AM – 09.00 PM daily.
Travel time: 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Tam Coc Ninh Binh

Reference price

• From Hanoi to Ninh Binh city: 170.000 VND (7 USD)
• From Hanoi to Hang Mua – Dancing Cave, Trang An Pier, Tam Coc Pier: 200.000 VND (8.5 USD)
• From Hanoi to Hoa Lu ancient capital: 200.000 VND (8.5 USD)
• From Hanoi to Bai Dinh temple: 230.000 VND (9.5 USD)
• From Hanoi to Emeralda Resort, Van Long nature reserve: 250.000 (10.5 USD)

How to book a bus ticket?

• Online at website vexere.com (English available)
• App Vexere: download the app to your phone and book
• Bus companies’ hotline: could ask the hotel’s reception to book for you
• Through a travel agency: You could contact any travel agency

For Limousine D car, you do not need to book many days in advance, but just only 1 day, even 2 hours prior to the departure. If you change your plans or want to change the departure date, and time, please notify the bus company at least 2 hours before departure.

1.2. Local public bus

From Giap Bat bus station, there are many buses going to Ninh Binh during the day. But they are for local people, small seats, often overloading passengers, stopping along the road, being delayed.

• Price: 70.000 – 80.000 VND/pax (about 3,4 USD)
• Travel time: 2 hours

You have to travel on your own from the hotel to the bus station and vice versa.

Address:

• Giap Bat Bus station: km6 – Giai Phong str – Hoang Mai – Hanoi
• Ninh Binh Bus station: 207 Le Dai Hanh str – Ninh Binh city

How to book the local public bus?
The local public bus requires no reservation. To buy a ticket, you can go directly to the bus station.

Choosing to travel by a local public bus in Vietnam, you will have an unforgettable experience. At the beginning, the bus runs slowly to wait and pick up more passengers along the way. There are always more passengers than seats. What a real adventure!
Because of these inconveniences, this type of transportation is not recommended for foreigners, especially now that you can easily book a limousine that is much more comfortable.

1.3. Train

Ninh Binh train station, built in 2015 and becoming the most modern train station in Vietnam, is one of the main stops on the North-South railway. Therefore, the train is also a popular means of transportation between these two cities.
The distance between Hanoi Station (120 Le Duan) and Ninh Binh Station (1 Alley 41 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ninh Binh City) is 115 km. The travel time from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by train is more than 2 hours.

Train timetable from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:

• SE19: depart at 20.10 – Arrive at 22.20 – Travel time: 2h15
• SE5: depart at 9.00 – Arrive at 11.20 – Travel time: 2h20
• SE7: depart at 6.00 – Arrive at 08.20 – Travel time: 2h20
• SE1: depart at 19.30 – Arrive at 21.45 – Travel time: 2h15
• SE3: depart at 22.00 – Arrive at 00.10 – Travel time: 2h10

Train timetable from Ninh Binh – Hanoi:

• SE20: depart at 10.00 – Arrive at 12.30 – Travel time: 2h30
• SE6: depart at 17.30 – Arrive at 20.00 – Travel time: 2h30
• SE8: depart at 13.15 – Arrive at 15.30 – Travel time: 2h15
• SE2: depart at 02.30 – Arrive at 04.50 – Travel time: 2h30
• SE4: depart at 03.20 – Arrive at 05.30 – Travel time: 2h10

Price: Train tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh vary depending on the type of seat in the cabin (soft seat, 6-bed cabin, or 4-bed cabin) and the date of travel. The fare is from 90.000 – 250.000 VND

How to book a Hanoi - Ninh Binh train ticket?

There are 3 ways to book train tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:

• Book online at the website: dsvn.vn. It is easy to choose a travel date, train, seat, and then book. After that, the ticket will be sent to your email.
• Buy directly at the railway station: You can easily buy at the Hanoi railway station or Ninh Binh railway station.
• Book through travel agency: You can also buy train tickets through local travel agencies, but the price is more expensive than buying directly because there is an additional service fee. But you will be assured because you can contact them anytime and receive the necessary travel information as well as valued advice.

Note: Train ticket is only available 1 month before the departure date.

1.4. Motorbike
If you have a long time to stay in Vietnam and want to enjoy the feeling of 'adventurous traveling by motorbike' you can rent a motorbike from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. One advantage of this vehicle is you do not need to rent a car to explore Ninh Binh.
However, the motorbike route is the old National Highway 1A, with many bad sections and quite dangerous because of many trucks and other vehicles. You will ride about 2.5 hours for this nearly 100 km.

• Travel route: Hoan Kiem Lake – Giai Phong str – Ngoc Hoi town – National Road 1 A – Phu Ly city – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc. Use your Google map on your phone for better direction.
• Note: Motorbike is not allowed on the highway Phap Van – Cau Gie

Where to rent a motorbike in Hanoi?
In the Hanoi Old Quarter, there are some motorbike rental shops. Price from 150.000 – 200.000 VND/day ( 7-9 USD) not including gasoline.

2. How to get from Halong/Hai Phong/Cat Ba to Ninh Binh and vice versa?

Halong Bay is definitely a must-see destination for your trip to Vietnam. You can travel to Halong first, then Ninh Binh or vice versa. Currently, there are many buses to travel between Ha Long and Ninh Binh, so you do not need to return to Hanoi to continue the trip as in the past. You need to pay attention to the arrival time of your cruise, and which pier in Halong to book the suitable buses.

Normally, there are some pick-up and drop-off points at Bai Chay Center, Tuan Chau Habour, Hon Gai Wharf, Pha Got Pier, and Cat Ba Center.
In Ninh Binh, you can choose to pick up and drop off point in Ninh Binh city center or Tam Coc tourist area at the same fares.

Note: Overnight cruises usually start at 12:00 PM and end at 11:00 AM of the following day. Therefore, if you travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, you need to choose the early morning bus, from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM, and if you go from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh, choose the bus time after 12:00 PM.

2.1. Recommended tourist bus operators

2.1.1. The Long Travel Operator

Currently, The Long bus runs all the bus routes from Ninh Binh to Halong/Bai Tu Long/Lan Ha Bay and vice versa.

• Bus type: Limousine 9 seaters, 16 seaters
• Hotline: 091 6868 355 (English available)

Departure time:

• Ninh Binh – Got pier ( Hai Phong): 7.30  - 12.30 – 18.30 and vice versa: 8.30 – 13.30 – 19.00
• Ninh Binh – Cat Ba island: 7.30 – 13.30 and vice versa: 7.30 – 16.30
• Ninh Binh – Hon Gai/Halong: 7.30 – 12.30 – 18.30 and vice versa: 7.00 – 12.00 – 18.00
• Ninh Binh – Bai Chay/Tuan Chau/Halong: 7.30 – 12.30 – 18.30 and vice versa: 7.30 – 12.30 – 18.30

Travel time: 3 – 4 hours

Price of Limousine Dcar The Long: 300.000 VND ( 13 USD)

Departure time, price of 16 seat bus The Long:

• Ninh Binh – Got pier ( Hai Phong): 7.00  - 9.00 – 13.00 – 14.00
• Ninh Binh – Cat Ba island: 7.00  - 9.00 – 13.00 – 14.00 and vice versa: 7.30 – 9.30 – 12.30 – 15.30 – 17.00
• Ninh Binh – Hon Gai/Halong: 6.30 – 7.00 – 11.30 and vice versa: 12.00 – 13.30 – 17.00
• Ninh Binh – Bai Chay/Tuan Chau/Halong: 6.30 – 7.00 – 11.00 and vice versa: 12.00 – 13.00 – 17.00
• Travel time: 3 – 4 hours
• Price: 200.000 - 300.000 VND ( 9 - 13 USD)

2.1.2. Good Morning Cat Ba

• Bus type: D car limousine 9 seats and 6- 34 seat bus
• Address: 13 Hang Huong str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Website: Goodmorningcatba.com
• Pick up/Drop off point: All hotels in Cat Ba and Ninh Binh City/Tam Coc pier

Departure time:

From Cat Ba to Ninh Binh:

• From Cat Ba at 7.30 - Arrive in Ninh Binh at 12.00 – Limousine D Car – Price: 18 USD
• From Cat Ba at 7.30 - Arrive in Ninh Binh at 12.30 – 16/29/35 seat bus – Price: 14 USD
• From Cat Ba at 9.30 - Arrive in Ninh Binh at 14.30 – 16/29/35 seat bus – Price: 14 USD
• From Cat Ba at 12.30 - Arrive in Ninh Binh at 17.30 – 16/29/35 seat bus – Price: 14 USD
• From Cat Ba at 15.30 - Arrive in Ninh Binh at 20.30 – 16/29/35 seat bus – Price: 14 USD
• From Cat Ba at 17.00 - Arrive in Ninh Binh at 21.30 – Limousine D Car – Price: 18 USD

From Ninh Binh to Cat Ba:

• From Ninh Binh  at 6.30 – Arrive in Cat Ba at 11.30 – 16/29/35 seat bus – Price: 14 USD
• From Ninh Binh  at 7.00 – Arrive in Cat Ba at 11.30 – Limousine Dcar – Price: 18 USD
• From Ninh Binh  at 9.30 – Arrive in Cat Ba at 14.30 – 16/29/35 seat bus – Price: 14 USD
• From Ninh Binh  at 13.00 – Arrive in Cat Ba at 18.00 – 16/29/35 seat bus – Price: 14 USD
• From Ninh Binh  at 14.00 – Arrive in Cat Ba at 19.00 – 16/29/35 seat bus – Price: 14 USD
• From Ninh Binh  at 14.00 – Arrive in Cat Ba at 18.30 – Limousine Dcar – Price: 18 USD

2.1.3. Cat Ba Discovery

• Bus type: 29 seater
• Web: catbadiscovery.com
• Pickup/Drop off points: All hotels in Cat Ba and Ninh Binh City/Tam Coc pier
• Departure time:
  • Ninh Binh to Cat Ba: 8.00 – 9.00 – 13.00 – 14.00
  • Cat Ba to Ninh Binh: 8.00 – 9.00 – 13.00 -15.00
• Price: 300.000 VND/pax

2.1.4. Daiichi Bus

• Bus type: 29-seater Samco Felix and 45-seater Huyndai Universe Express
• Web: daiichibus.vn
• Hotline: 1900 2141
• Pick up/Drop of point:
  • In Cat Ba: 217 Road 1 April, Cat Ba, Hai Phong
  • In Ninh Binh: Tam Coc pier and Go! Market, Ninh Binh

• Departure time:
  • Ninh Binh to Cat Ba: 7.00 – 10.00 – 14.00
  • Cat Ba to Ninh Binh: 7.30 – 9.00 – 12.30 – 16.00
• Price: 300.000 VND/pax

2.1.5. Ninh Binh Limousine

• Bus type: Limousine D Car 19 seats
• Hotline: 1900 70 70
• Pickup/Drop off point:
  • In Quang Ninh: All hotels in Halong city, Bai Chay city, Tuan Chau Pier and Hon Gai (5km from Vincom Plaza Halong)
  • In Ninh Binh: Bus office, 53 Tran Hung Dao str, Ninh Binh Railway station, Tam Coc, Trang An, Bai Dinh, Hang Mua and Van Long Nature Reserve
• Departure time:
  • From Ninh Binh: at 6.40 – 7.30
  • From Quang Ninh: at 12.45 – 13.20
• Price: From 250.000 – 350.000 VND/pax

3. How to get from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?

From Ninh Binh, you can now go straight to Mai Chau, which is also a remarkable destination in the North of Vietnam. You can use the bus service of The Long bus operator.

• Bus type: 16 seat
• Travel time: 4 hours
• Hotline: 091 6868 355 (English available)
• Departure time and price:
  • From Ninh Binh to Mai Chau: 7.30 – 14.00 – 18.30
  • From Mai Chau to Ninh Binh: 18.00
• Price: 300.000 VND  (13 USD)

4. How to get from Hue/Phong Nha to Ninh Binh?

If you travel from Central Vietnam, the most convenient way to get directly to Ninh Binh is by train. From Phong Nha, you need to move to Dong Hoi station at Sub-zone 4, Nam Ly ward, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh, 6 km from Dong Hoi town center, 45 km from Phong Nha. The distance between Ninh Binh station and Dong Hoi station is 407km, and the train runs about 7.5 hours. The distance from Hue to Ninh Binh is 573km and it takes about 11 hours on the train.
You can choose SE7, SE5, SE3, SE9, SE19 for the direction from Ninh Binh to Hue/Dong Hoi or SE8, SE6, SE2, SE20 for the vice versa.

4.1. Train timetable Ninh Binh – Dong Hoi – Hue:

• SE 7 departs from Ninh Binh at 8.15 - arrive in Dong Hoi at 16.20 - arrive in Hue at 19.45
• SE 5 departs from Ninh Binh at 11.20 - arrive in Dong Hoi at 19.15 - arrive in Hue at 22.20
• SE 3 departs from Ninh Binh at 17.15 - arrive in Dong Hoi at 01.20 - arrive in Hue at 04.40
• SE 9 departs from Ninh Binh at 21.45 - arrive in Dong Hoi at 05.20 - arrive in Hue at 08.30
• SE 19 departs from Ninh Binh at 22.25 - arrive in Dong Hoi at 06.00 - arrive in Hue at 09.25

4.2. Train timetable Hue – Dong Hoi – Ninh Binh

• SE 8  depart from Hue at 01.40 – Arrive in Dong Hoi at 04.55 – Arrive in Ninh Binh at 13.10
• SE 6  depart from Hue at 05.00 – Arrive in Dong Hoi at 08.40 – Arrive in Ninh Binh at 16.50
• SE 2  depart from Hue at 16.25 – Arrive in Dong Hoi at 19.40 – Arrive in Ninh Binh at 03.15
• SE 20  depart from Hue at 21.30 – Arrive in Dong Hoi at 00.55 – Arrive in Ninh Binh at  09.20

4.3. Price

The fare depends on the type of seat, the type of cabin you book. There are soft chairs, 4-bed cabins and 6-bed cabins. All are equipped with an air conditioner.

• Soft seat Ninh Binh – Dong Hoi: 348.000 VND (14.5 USD) and Ninh Binh – Hue: 466.000 VND (19.5 USD)
• 4-bed cabin Ninh Binh – Dong Hoi: 635.000 VND (26 USD) and Ninh Binh – Hue: 800.000 VND (33 USD)
• 6-bed cabin Ninh Binh – Dong Hoi: 521.000 VND (22 USD) and Ninh Binh – Hue: 726.000 VND (30 USD)

Note: During the peak period (traditional Tet, summer holidays, 30/4 - 1/5, National Day 2/9), the demand for local travelers increases, so the price will be higher.

4.4. Tourist train

Besides the ordinary carriages of the Vietnam Railways Corporation, you can book the luxury carriages run by private companies, equipped with wooden floors, wooden cladding and cozy soft beds. In addition, it also includes drinks and snacks for passengers. The staff on the train could speak English. If you take a night train you should choose a comfortable berth throughout the journey.

Violet Train (violetexpresstrain.com)

• Ninh Binh - Dong Hoi on SE3 (21h44 - 5h45) (Deluxe 4 Berths) – Price is 1.650.000 VND (69 USD)
• Ninh Binh - Dong Hoi on Lotus Train SE19 (22h00 – 6h02) (Deluxe 4 Berths) – Price is 1.650.000 VND (69 USD)
• Ninh Binh Dong Hoi in VIP 2 berth-cabin on SE19 (22h00-06h02) – Price is 3.100.000 VND (129 USD)
  • Note: Price per person

4.5. How to book a Hue/Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh train ticket?

There are 3 ways to book train tickets from Hue/Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh:

• Book online at the website: dsvn.vn. It is easy to choose a travel date, train, seat, and then book. After that, the ticket will be sent to your email.
• Buy directly at the railway station: You can easily buy at the Hanoi railway station or Ninh Binh railway station.
• Book through a reliable travel agency: You can also buy train tickets through local travel agencies, but the price is more expensive than buying directly because there is an additional service fee. But you will be assured because you can contact them anytime and receive the necessary travel information as well as valued advice.

Note: Train ticket is only available 1 month before the departure date.

Hopefully, you have all the necessary information for your plan to Ninh Binh. If you need any further information, do not hesitate to contact us.

>> Book A Ninh Binh Tour and Excursion from a reliable travel agency

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