Bus / minivan
Direct, cheapest, most used
Private car
Door-to-door, flexible travel
Bus + ferry
Useful from Cat Ba, combined route
Train via Hanoi
No direct route, unnecessary transfer
Quick answer: Traveling from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh is simple and well-connected. The easiest and most affordable option is the tourist bus, which goes directly between the two cities. You can also travel by train to Hanoi and continue to Ninh Binh by local transport if you prefer a more flexible route. For the fastest and most comfortable experience, a private taxi or car provides a direct, door-to-door journey.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 150 km from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~2.5–3.5 hours | Train via Hanoi ~7 hours | Private taxi ~3 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$7–14 per person | Train + bus/train via Hanoi US$7–15 per person.
- 🚍 Bus: Cheapest and easiest direct option.
- 🚆 Train: Requires travel via Hanoi; slower but possible if you prefer rail.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Fastest and most comfortable; great for groups or luggage.
Last updated in March 2026
From Hai Phong to Ninh Binh you can travel by bus, train or private taxi/car.
- Travel distance from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh is about 150–160 km. The most popular and fastest option is a tourist bus or minivan with travel time of about 2.5–3 hours and tickets from $7–14/pp.
- You can also travel by train via Hanoi with Vietnam Railways, but there is no direct railway connection. Train travel via Hanoi takes about 6–7 hours.
- Private taxi or car transfers are available as well and offer the most comfortable and flexible transport option. Some tourist buses also operate from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh.
- From Ninh Binh you can continue to Phong Nha or travel to Hoi An + Da Nang.
- Ninh Binh is one of the top tourist destinations in northern Vietnam, famous for limestone mountains, rivers and historical sites. Popular places include Tam Coc – Bich Dong and Trang An Scenic Complex.
| Transfer Mode – Hai Phong to Ninh Binh | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Van | 2.5-3.5 hours | $7 – $14 per person |
| Train + Bus | 7 hours | $6 – $10 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car | 3-4.5 hours | $70+ per vehicle |
How do I get from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh?
1. BUS / VAN from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh
👉 Best value option with a bus or van transfer from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers looking for a simple and quick transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–3.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $7–14 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (tourist buses or comfortable vans)
- ✅ Best option: Minivan transfer with companies like Techbus VN or Cua Ong Limousine
- 💡 Tip: Check departure points carefully—some buses also leave from Cat Ba Island.
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- you can travel by tourist bus from Hai Phong City to Ninh Binh
- travel by bus from Hai Phong City to Ninh Binh takes about 2.5-3.5 hours
- bus companies from Hai Phong City to Ninh Binh: Cua Ong Limousine, Techbus VN, Full Moon Party Tour, Hoang Long company
- buses also depart from Cat Ba Island, so read carefully from which bus stations you will depart
- one-way bus ticket from Hai Phong City to Ninh Binh costs about $7-14/pp
- Book your bus e-tickets from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh on 12go.asia ➜
- you will receive your bus e-tickets to Ninh Binh by email, ready to print or carry in your smartphone or tablet and present before boarding the bus/train, read carefully the instructions before you book your tickets
2. BUS / TRAIN from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh (via Hanoi)
👉 Cheapest option with a bus or train transfer to Ninh Binh from Hai Phong via Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who don’t mind a transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–6 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $6–16 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (basic buses or trains with seats)
- ✅ Best option: Train or bus to Hanoi + onward train or bus to Ninh Binh
- 💡 Tip: Choose train + train for the lowest cost or bus for more flexible departures.
You can also travel by train, but first, you have to travel by train from Hai Phong to Hanoi and from Hanoi you can take another train to Ninh Binh. There is no direct train connection from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh.
A) BUS or TRAIN from Hai Phong to Hanoi
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- from Hai Phong City to Hanoi you can travel by bus or train
- travel by bus/train from Hai Phong to Hanoi takes about 2.5-3 hours
- bus ticket from Hai Phong to Hanoi costs about $5/pp
- train ticket from Hai Phong to Hanoi costs about $2.80-6/pp
- trains from Hai Phong to Hanoi have hard or soft seats
- read this article: How to go from Hai Phong to Hanoi?
B) BUS or TRAIN from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
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- from Hanoi to Ninh Binh you can travel by bus or train
- travel by bus/train to Ninh Binh from Hanoi takes about 2.5 hours
- train tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs about $3-6/pp (hard or soft seat)
- bus tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs about $6-10/pp (depends on the type of bus)
- read this article. How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
- you will receive your bus or train e-tickets to Ninh Binh by email, ready to print or carry in your smartphone or tablet and present before boarding the bus/train, read carefully the instructions before you book your tickets
3. TAXI or CAR from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh
👉 Most comfortable but expensive option with a private car/taxi from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Price: $70–135 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private AC cars or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Direct private transfer from Cat Bi Airport or Hai Phong city
- 💡 Tip: Ideal for groups—split the cost or combine with a stop in Hanoi if needed.
It is possible to travel by private taxi/car from Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong to Ninh Binh. Private taxi from Cat Bi Airport to Ninh Binh costs about $70-135/car, it is the most expensive option of transfer, but it is a comfortable way. You can book your private car to Ninh Binh from Cat Bi Airport online. Travel by private car from Cat Bi Airport to Ninh Binh takes about 2.5-3 hours. There are also various tourist buses from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh.
A) PRIVATE CAR from Hai Phong to Hanoi
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- from Hai Phong to Hanoi you can also travel by private car or taxi
- travel by taxi or car from Hai Phong to Hanoi takes about 1.5-2 hours
- private car from Hai Phong to Hanoi costs about $70-80/car
- you can take a taxi from Hai Phong to Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport or Hanoi city center
- read this article: How to get from Hai Phong to Hanoi?
B) TAXI or CAR from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
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- from Hanoi to Ninh Binh you can also travel by private taxi or car
- travel by private car to Ninh Binh from Hanoi takes about 2-2.5 hours
- private car from Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs about $58-165/car
- there are various modern cars or private fast minivans
- you can also book your private car from Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh
- read this article. How to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh:
How to book tickets from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh?
You can book bus or train tickets online on 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh?
Bus travel takes about 2.5–3.5 hours, while train travel via Hanoi takes about 7 hours.
How much does transport from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh cost?
Bus tickets cost about $7–14/pp and train + bus connections via Hanoi about $7–15/pp.
What is the travel distance from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh?
The travel distance is about 150 km by road.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest and most practical option is usually a tourist bus or minivan.
Is there a direct train from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh?
No, there is no direct train. You have to travel via Hanoi.
Can you travel by ferry or boat?
No, there is no direct ferry or boat connection between Hai Phong and Ninh Binh.
How to travel from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?
You can travel by combined bus + ferry transfer. Read: How to get from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?
Is there a flight from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh?
No, there are no flights because Ninh Binh has no airport.
Where can you travel from Ninh Binh?
From Ninh Binh you can continue by train to Hue or by sleeper bus to Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Hai Phong in northern Vietnam:
If you’re planning your next trip from Hai Phong, here are other popular routes in Vietnam:
These are the most popular travel routes from Hai Phong for visitors exploring Vietnam.
Practical Travel Tips for Hai Phong to Ninh Binh
Traveling from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh is a popular route from the northern coast to the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh. Buses and minivans are the fastest and most common transport options.
- Leave Early: Morning departures help avoid traffic around Hai Phong.
- Enjoy the Scenery: The route passes rice fields, rivers and rural countryside.
- Bring Essentials: Carry water, snacks, chargers and some cash for stops.
- Dress Comfortably: A light jacket is useful for buses with strong air conditioning.
- Book Ahead: Weekend and holiday buses can sell out quickly.
- Plan Your Arrival: Most buses stop near Tam Coc or Ninh Binh center.
Tip: Bus/train tickets and private transfers can be searched and booked online in advance.