Limousine / shuttle bus + ferry
Best mix of comfort, price, and seamless transfer
Standard bus + ferry
Cheapest option with simple all-in-one ticket
Private car + ferry
Flexible door-to-door journey via Hai Phong
Train + ferry
Multiple transfers, slower and less convenient
Quick answer: Travelling from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh is straightforward thanks to direct bus/minivan + ferry connections. You can also travel via Hanoi using a bus + train + ferry combination, or choose a private car for the fastest and most comfortable option. The bus is the best budget-friendly choice, the Hanoi route is useful if you plan to visit the capital anyway, and the private car offers maximum flexibility and convenience.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 160 km via Hai Phong, or approx. 260 km via Hanoi.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan + ferry ~4–6 hours | Bus + train + ferry (via Hanoi) ~7–8 hours | Private car/taxi + ferry ~4–5 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan + ferry US$10–20/pp | Bus + train + ferry (via Hanoi) US$12–17/pp | Private car/taxi US$70–180/car.
- 🚍 Bus/minivan + ferry: Best balance of cost and convenience with direct connections.
- 🚆 Bus + train + ferry: A good option if you want to combine the journey with a visit to Hanoi.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Fastest and most flexible, ideal for groups or travellers with luggage.
Last updated in March 2026
From Cat Ba to Ninh Binh you can get by ferry + bus, bus + train or taxi.
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- Traveling from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh covers approximately 160 km via Hai Phong route. Conveniently, there are tourist buses available from Cat Ba town to Ninh Binh. These buses include a stop at Cai Vieng, followed by a short ferry/boat transfer to Hai Phong. From Hai Phong, the journey continues by bus to Ninh Binh. Expect a travel duration of 4-6 hours by bus or private minivan/minibus, with tickets priced around $10-21 per person. Opting for a direct tourist bus from Cat Ba town on Cat Ba Island is advisable for a seamless journey.
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- Note that there are no direct flights between Cat Ba and Ninh Binh. You can also search and book a private taxi/car with a driver from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh, it is the most expensive option of trnasfer. Secure your bus/train tickets from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc, Trang An Complex, or Hoa Lu) conveniently online. Once in Ninh Binh, you can easily travel to Hoi An and Da Nang or Phong Nha in central Vietnam, with available trains and tourist buses.
- Ninh Binh – it is a famous tourist and historical place in northern Vietnam. Karst sceneries, boat trips, pagodas, temples and Hoa Lu – former capital of Vietnam, ecotourism… It is only about 100 km south of Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam, so it is a very good idea to visit this beautiful place. Lots of travelers and tourist travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba and then they travel to the southern Vietnam. Ninh Binh has several tourist and interesting places – eg. Trang An Scenic complex, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda or Van Long nature reserve. The best way how you can visit all these nice places is to rent a motorbike (or bicycle) in Ninh Binh/Tam Coc and travel on your own.
| Transfer Mode – Cat Ba to Ninh Binh | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus + Ferry | 5 hours | $10–20 per person |
| Bus + Train + Ferry (via Hanoi) | 7–8 hours | $13–17 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car + Ferry | 4-5 hours | $70–180 per car |
How do I get from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?
1. BUS / VAN + FERRY from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh
👉 Most popular and budget-friendly bus + ferry from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those looking for an easy combined transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~4–6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $10–21 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern buses + short ferry ride)
- ✅ Best option: Combined bus + ferry ticket with companies like Cat Ba Express or Good Morning Cat Ba
- 💡 Tip: Book a combined ticket in advance to ensure smooth transfers without hassle.
The most used and low-cost transportation option from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh is traveling by bus and a short boat transfer via Hai Phong. This transfer also includes boat transport from Cat Ba to Hai Phong (or Ha Long city) and from there continue by bus to Ninh Binh.
On this route between Cat Ba Island and Ninh Binh, several companies offer bus services such as Techbus VN, Duc Duong Bus, Good Morning Cat Ba, Daiichi Travel, Cat Ba Express, The Long Travel. These bus companies will offer you mostly modern buses with comfortable seats.
Buses mostly depart from Cat Ba city center and arrive at various places in Ninh Binh, such as Tam Coc, Trang An or Ninh Binh city. You will always see this information about departures in Cat Ba and arrivals in Ninh Binh when ordering tickets.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Ninh Binh ➜
The bus and boat transfer from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh takes approximately 4-6 hours and combined bus and ferry tickets cost between $10-21/pp. The boat transfer from Cat Ba Island to the mainland takes about 20 minutes.
Bus tickets from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh can be easily searched and booked easily online even in advance, including the transfer by ferry from the Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong / Ha Long.
Always read all transfer and ticket instructions carefully, some buses also accept mobile phone tickets. Traveling by bus to Ninh Binh will be the best and fully sufficient mode of transportation to Ninh Binh for most solo travelers.
| Bus Company | Departs in Cat Ba Island | Arrival in Ninh Binh | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Techbus VN | 07:40 | 12:40 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 08:00 | 11:40 | From $18.00 |
| Techbus VN | 12:45 | 16:25 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 15:45 | 19:25 | From $18.00 |
| The Long Travel | 09:30 | 14:00 | From $15.00 |
| The Long Travel | 12:30 | 17:00 | From $15.00 |
| The Long Travel | 15:30 | 20:00 | From $15.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba | 07:30 | 12:00 | From $18.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba | 09:30 | 14:30 | From $18.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba | 12:30 | 17:30 | From $18.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba | 15:30 | 20:30 | From $18.00 |
| Good Morning Cat Ba | 16:30 | 21:00 | From $18.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 09:00 | 13:00 | From $19.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 12:30 | 16:30 | From $19.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 16:00 | 20:00 | From $19.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 09:00 | 13:20 | From $19.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 12:30 | 16:50 | From $19.00 |
| Daiichi Travel | 16:00 | 20:20 | From $19.00 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | 08:00 | 11:40 | From $17.00 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | 09:00 | 12:40 | From $17.00 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | 13:00 | 16:40 | From $17.00 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | 15:00 | 18:40 | From $17.00 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | 15:00 | 18:40 | From $17.00 |
| Full Moon Party | 07:45 | 11:10 | From $12.00 |
| Full Moon Party | 12:30 | 15:55 | From $12.00 |
| Full Moon Party | 15:40 | 19:05 | From $12.00 |
| Grouptour | 12:10 | 16:40 | From $12.00 |
| Grouptour | 12:25 | 16:55 | From $12.00 |
| Grouptour | 16:00 | 20:30 | From $12.00 |
| Grouptour | 17:00 | 21:00 | From $12.00 |
| Sapa Discovery | 08:00 | 12:30 | From $10.00 |
| Sapa Discovery | 12:30 | 17:00 | From $10.00 |
| Ninh Binh Footprint | 08:00 | 12:00 | From $10.00 |
| Ninh Binh Footprint | 12:00 | 16:00 | From $12.00 |
| VietNam Travel Bus | 08:00 | 13:00 | From $16.00 |
| VietNam Travel Bus | 12:30 | 17:30 | From $16.00 |
| Duc Duong | 08:00 | 12:20 | From $17.00 |
| Duc Duong | 12:15 | 16:35 | From $17.00 |
| To Vietnam Travel | 08:30 | 13:00 | From $11.00 |
| To Vietnam Travel | 12:15 | 16:45 | From $11.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 08:30 | 12:30 | From $13.00 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | 12:30 | 16:30 | From $13.00 |
2. BUS / TRAIN from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh (via Hanoi)
👉 Flexible and budget-friendly route via Hanoi with a mix of bus, ferry and train.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want more departure options and a train experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–9 hours total (bus + ferry + train)
- ✔️ Price: $15–32 per person (total)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus/minivan + train seats)
- ✅ Best option: Bus + ferry to Hanoi + Vietnam Railways train to Ninh Binh
- 💡 Tip: Allow enough transfer time in Hanoi and book tickets in advance for smoother connections.
Another low-cost transport option is a trip by bus and train via Hai Phong and Hanoi. You can also take the train directly from Hai Phong to Hanoi and from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, but it will take a little more time. This transport option therefore has 2 steps, the 1st step is a bus + ferry trip from Cat Ba to Hanoi and the 2nd step is a train trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
The journey by bus + ferry from Cat Ba to Hanoi takes approximately 4-6 hours. You can use a number of transport companies on this route such as Cat Ba Express, Techbus VN, Ha Long Bus Travel, Duc Duong, To Vietnam Travel, Daiichi Travel, VietNam Travel Bus, Cat Ba Panorama, Full Moon Party Tour, Ariang Travel, Vietnam Luxury Travel, Grouptour, Hoang Long and others.
Most companies offer modern buses with seats for transfer to Hanoi, or comfortable minivans for groups of travelers. These transfers also include boat transfers from Cat Ba to Hai Phong or Ha Long. From Hai Phong, the bus transfer to Hanoi continues.
Transportation by bus + ferry from Cat Ba to Hanoi costs approximately $11-25/pp, this combined fare usually includes a boat transfer to the mainland. You can easily find and buy bus tickets from Cat Ba to Hanoi online and in advance. Companies often accept mobile tickets as well, but it is important to read all ticket and transfer instructions.
The second step is to travel by Vietnam Railways train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. There are several train connections on the route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh every day, the journey takes about 2-2.5 hours and the tickets cost between $4-7/pp, you can use the comfortable seats, they are the cheapest.
The Ninh Binh train station is located a short distance from the city center and about 5 km from the Tam Coc area, you can use e.g. a private transfer or a taxi to get there. Hanoi Railway Station is a short walk from Hoan Kiem district and is easily accessible by foot. You can again search and buy train tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh online, regular trains also accept tickets on mobile phones, so there is no need to print them.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Ninh Binh ➜
3. TAXI / CAR + FERRY from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh
👉 Most comfortable and fastest private taxi + ferry from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh.
- ✔️ Good for: groups, families or travelers seeking maximum comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~4–5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $70–180 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private car, SUV or minivan with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private car with ferry transfer included and hotel pickup/drop-off
- 💡 Tip: Share the vehicle cost with others to make this option more cost-effective.
The most convenient but at the same time the most expensive transfer option from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh is by private car/taxi with driver. It is therefore a private car/taxi reservation where you also have your own experienced driver at your disposal. Private cars depart from Cat Ba town.
Modern and comfortable cars, SUVs or minivans for multiple people from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh are offered by Ouros Travel, Saigon DMC, APT Travel Limousine Bus, Hanoi VIP Transfer and the journey time by this option is approximately 4-5 hours.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Ninh Binh ➜
A private car is not suitable for low-cost travelers, a private car/taxi ride from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh costs around $70-180/vehicle. Smaller cars are usually cheaper, minivans or SUVs are usually more expensive. However, if you book a minivan for several people in a group of travelers, such a transfer can pay off in the end.
You can search and book your private car from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh online even in advance. Always read all instructions carefully before ordering your car to Ninh Binh.
| Taxi Company | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Ouros Travel | 04:00 | From $90.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Ouros Travel | 04:00 | From $98.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Ouros Travel | 04:00 | From $150.00 / Van 9pax |
| APT Travel | 03:00 | From $110.00 / SUV 5pax |
| APT Travel | 03:00 | From $119.00 / Limousine 9pax |
| Saigon DMC | 04:00 | From $89.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Saigon DMC | 04:00 | From $99.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Saigon DMC | 04:00 | From $145.00 / Van 9pax |
| Hanoi VIP Transfer | 04:00 | From $70.00 / SUV 5pax |
| Hanoi VIP Transfer | 04:00 | From $90.00 / Van 10pax |
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh:
1. How to book and buy tickets from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?
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- You can book bus+ferry tickets from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
2. Do you want to book a tour or trip in Ninh Binh?
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- You can search and book a tour in Ninh Binh with KLOOK.
3. How long does it take from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?
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- Travel by bus/minivan+ferry from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh takes about 4-6 hours.
- Travel by bus + train + ferry from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh (via Hanoi) takes about 7-8 hours.
- Travel by private taxi/car + ferry from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh takes about 4-5 hours.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?
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- Travel by bus/minivan + ferry from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh costs about $10-20/pp.
- Travel by bus + train + ferry from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh (via Hanoi) costs about $12-17/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/car + ferry from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh costs about $70-180/car.
5. What is the travel distance from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?
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- Travel distance from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh (via Hai Phong) is about 160 km by bus/minivan. Travel distance from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh (via Hanoi) is about 260 km.
6. Is there a boat/ferry transfer from Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong?
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- Yes, there is a short boat/ferry transfer from Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong. You will be transported by boat/ferry to Hai Phong and then you will continue to travel by bus from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh.
7. Is it possible to travel from Cat Ba directly to Tam Coc?
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- Yes, you can travel by bus directly to Tam Coc (about 5 km from Ninh Binh.) Some buses have the end bus station right in this place. Check Baolau and book tickets easily online.
8. Is there a flight from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?
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- No, there is no flight from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh. Cat Ba Island and Ninh Binh have no airports. The only way how to get to Ninh Binh is to travel by bus, bus+train or motorbike.
9. Is there a direct train from Ha Long to Ninh Binh?
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- No, there is not a direct train between Ha Long and Ninh Binh. There is a train from Ha Long (or Hai Phong) to Hanoi (from Ha Long via Kep, about 7 hours) or train from Hai Phong to Hanoi (about 2.5 hours).
10. How to explore thea area of Ninh Binh?
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- The best way how to explore Ninh Binh is to rent a motorbike or bicycle. It is very easy to move in Trang An Scenic Complex, Tam Coc, Van Long Reserve, Bai Dinh Temple Complex. Drive slowly and carefully. International Driving Permitt (IDP) for your motorbike is necessary.
11. Where you can travel from Ninh Binh?
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- From Ninh Binh you can travel to central Vietnam, e.g. to Hue (Thua Thien province) or Da Nang + Hoi An. There are various trains or tourist buses to these places, you can book and buy train and bus tickets on Baolau or 12go.asia
12. Are there some buses from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi?
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- Yes, there are various tourist buses and you can travel by bus+ferry to Hanoi and from Hanoi you can travel by train or bus to Ninh Binh. Check this schedule: Cat Ba to Hanoi – Bus Schedule.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
These practical tips are based on real transport options and traveler experience along the route from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh — a popular journey combining ferry crossings and overland travel in northern Vietnam.
Best Departure Times
Morning departures (around 7:00–9:00 AM) are usually the most convenient, as they allow smoother ferry connections from Cat Ba and help you reach Ninh Binh by mid-afternoon. Earlier travel also reduces the risk of delays caused by weather or traffic later in the day.
Ferry & Transfer Coordination
Most bus services from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh include a ferry or speedboat segment to the mainland, followed by a bus journey south. Choosing a combined ticket ensures that ferry and bus connections are synchronized, avoiding long waits at ports or transfer points.
Luggage & Comfort Tips
The full journey typically takes around 5–6 hours, so keep essentials like water, snacks, and power banks easily accessible. Luggage is usually stored in the bus hold during ferry crossings, so pack valuables in a small daypack you can keep with you.
Bus vs Private Transfer – What to Expect
Tourist buses are the most common and budget-friendly option, offering hotel or central pickup on Cat Ba. Private transfers are faster and more flexible but cost significantly more. Buses may include short breaks along the way, while private cars travel more directly.
Weather & Sea Conditions
Since this route involves a sea crossing, rough weather can occasionally affect ferry schedules, especially during the rainy season. Building a small buffer into your plans is wise if you have onward connections from Ninh Binh.
Tip: Bus, ferry, and combined transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance, which helps secure your seat and preferred departure time — especially important during weekends, peak tourist months, and holiday periods.