Bus / minivan
Most popular, cheap, direct connection, widely available
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door, flexible timing, ideal for groups
Motorbike
Scenic mountain roads, suitable for experienced riders
Train
No railway connection between these destinations
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is by tourist minivan, bus, private taxi, or motorbike. Minivans and buses take about 3–4.5 hours and are the most popular budget option. Private cars take around 3.5–4 hours and offer the most comfort, while experienced riders can travel by motorbike in about 5–6 hours.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 135 km by bus, taxi, or motorbike.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Minivan/bus 3–4.5 hours | Private taxi/car 3.5–4 hours | Motorbike 5–6 hours.
- 💰 Cost: Bus/minivan $10–21 per person | Private taxi/car $60–130 per vehicle | Motorbike $10–15.
- 🚌 Bus/minivan: Budget-friendly and widely available.
- 🚕 Private taxi/car: More comfortable and flexible, ideal for groups or luggage.
- 🏍️ Motorbike: Great for independent travelers looking for adventure and flexibility.
Last updated March 2026
From Mai Chau to Ninh Binh you can travel by bus/van, taxi or motorbike.
The distance from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is about 130 km. The most popular option is a tourist bus or minivan, taking around 3–4.5 hours, with ticket prices from $10–21 per person. Private taxis are faster and offer a more comfortable door-to-door transfer.
Experienced riders can also travel by motorbike. There is no direct railway between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh, although it is possible to travel via Hanoi and continue by train. From Ninh Binh, you can continue to Da Nang + Hoi An or Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
Ninh Binh is famous for its limestone mountains, rivers, caves, and rice fields, often called the “Halong Bay on land.” Top attractions include Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An, Van Long Nature Reserve, and Tam Coc.
| Transfer Mode – Mai Chau to Ninh Binh | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 3-4.5 hours | $10-21 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car | 3.5-4 hours | $60-130 per vehicle |
| Motorbike | 5-6 hours | $10-15 per person |
How do I get from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
1. BUS / VAN from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh
👉 Cheapest and most popular option: bus or minivan from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~3–4.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $10–18 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern minivans are more comfortable than buses)
- ✅ Best option: Comfortable minivan services by companies like Techbus VN, Thais Travel or Ninh Binh Interbus
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and double-check departure points, as buses may leave from hotels or different locations.
Traveling by bus or minivan is the most popular and cheapest way to get from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh. As there is no railway on this route, most travelers choose this comfortable and affordable transport option.
Several companies, including Techbus VN, Thais Travel, Xe Mai Chau, Daiichi Travel, Vietnam Luxury Travel, HT Travel, Ninh Binh Interbus, Grouptour, and The Long Travel, operate daily services. The journey takes about 3–4.5 hours, depending on traffic and the operator.
Bus and minivan tickets cost about $10–18 per person. Tickets can be booked online in advance, and most companies accept mobile e-tickets for boarding.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
| Bus Company | Departs in Mai Chau | Arrives in Ninh Binh | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xe Mai Chau | 09:00 | 12:30 | From $12.00/pp |
| Xe Mai Chau | 14:00 | 17:30 | From $12.00/pp |
| Daiichi Travel | 08:45 | 12:15 | From $16.00/pp |
| The Long Travel | 08:00 | 11:30 | From $10.00/pp |
| The Long Travel | 08:30 | 12:00 | From $10.00/pp |
| The Long Travel | 13:30 | 17:00 | From $10.00/pp |
| Vietnam Luxury Travel | 08:25 | 11:40 | From $21.00/pp |
| Ninh Binh Interbus | 08:30 | 12:30 | From $13.00/pp |
| Ninh Binh Interbus | 14:00 | 18:00 | From $13.00/pp |
| Asian Bus Travel | 08:00 | 11:30 | From $12.00/pp |
| Asian Bus Travel | 13:30 | 17:00 | From $12.00/pp |
| Grouptour | 08:00 | 11:40 | From $11.00/pp |
| Grouptour | 13:30 | 17:10 | From $11.00/pp |
| Duy Khang | 13:00 | 17:00 | From $14.00/pp |
| HT Travel | 08:00 | 11:30 | From $13.00/pp |
| HT Travel | 13:30 | 17:00 | From $13.00/pp |
| Ninh Binh Foot. | 08:30 | 12:30 | From $13.00/pp |
| Thais Travel | 09:00 | 13:00 | From $11.00/pp |
| Thais Travel | 13:30 | 17:30 | From $11.00/pp |
2. TAXI / CAR from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh
👉 Most convenient and fastest option: private car or taxi from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh.
- ✔️ Good for: groups or travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and flexibility
- ✔️ Duration: ~3.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $65–130 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs, or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Ouros Travel, Hanoi VIP Transfer or Saigon DMC
- 💡 Tip: Travel in a group and split the cost of a minivan to make this option more affordable.
A private car or taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh. It is the best choice for families, small groups, or travelers who prefer a direct door-to-door transfer.
Companies such as Ouros Travel, Hanoi VIP Transfer, The Long Travel, and Saigon DMC operate modern cars, SUVs, and spacious minivans. The journey takes about 3.5 hours, with prices ranging from $65–130 per vehicle.
Private transfers can take you directly to Ninh Binh City, Tam Coc, Trang An, or other nearby destinations. You can easily book your transfer online in advance and choose the vehicle that best suits your group.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR on 12go.asia ➜
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ouros Travel | 03:30 | From $90.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Ouros Travel | 03:30 | From $97.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Ouros Travel | 03:30 | From $153.00 / Van 9pax |
| Saigon DMC | 03:30 | From $86.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Saigon DMC | 03:30 | From $95.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Saigon DMC | 03:30 | From $144.00 / Van 9pax |
| Hanoi VIP Transfer | 03:30 | From $86.00 / SUV 5pax |
| Hanoi VIP Transfer | 03:30 | From $104.00 / Van 10pax |
| The Long Travel | 03:10 | From $61.00 / VIP 3pax |
| The Long Travel | 03:10 | From $65.00 / VIP 4pax |
3. TRAVEL BY MOTORBIKE to Ninh Binh
👉 Adventurous and flexible option: travel by motorbike from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh.
- ✔️ Good for: experienced riders and adventure travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~4 hours (depends on stops and riding pace)
- ✔️ Price: $7–15 per day (motorbike rental)
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (depends on experience and road conditions)
- ✅ Best option: Ride via QL6 and QL12B through Thung Khe Pass for scenic views
- 💡 Tip: Always carry an International Driving Permit and check the motorbike condition and documents before renting.
Traveling by motorbike from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is a great option for experienced riders who want to explore the countryside of northern Vietnam. Before your trip, make sure you have a valid license and an International Driving Permit for Vietnam.
The route follows QL6 and QL12B via Thung Khe Pass and takes about 4–5 hours, depending on road conditions and sightseeing stops. Along the way, you can enjoy mountain views, rural villages, and scenic landscapes.
Motorbike rental in Vietnam usually costs about $7–15 per day, depending on the type of bike. Always check the motorcycle’s condition and rental documents before departure.
A motorbike also gives you the freedom to explore Ninh Binh, including Tam Coc, Trang An, and other attractions at your own pace.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh:
How to book tickets from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
What is the travel time from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
Tourist buses and minivans take about 3–4.5 hours, while private cars usually complete the trip in around 3.5–4 hours.
What is the distance from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
The road distance between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh is about 135 km via Hoa Binh and rural northern Vietnam.
How much does travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh cost?
Bus and minivan tickets cost about $10–21 per person. Private taxis and cars usually cost around $60–130 per vehicle.
Is there a train from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
No. There is no direct railway between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh. The only rail option is to travel via Hanoi.
Is there a flight from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
No. Neither Mai Chau nor Ninh Binh has an airport, so all transport is by road.
What is the fastest way to travel to Ninh Binh?
A private taxi or car is the fastest and most comfortable option. Budget travelers usually choose buses or minivans.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh?
You can stay in hotels, homestays, resorts, or bungalows in Tam Coc or Trang An. Book accommodation in Ninh Binh ➜
Where can you travel from Ninh Binh?
From Ninh Binh, you can travel by train or bus to Hanoi or continue by bus to Halong Bay.
What are the top attractions in Ninh Binh?
How to travel solo in Vietnam?
Read this guide about solo travel in Vietnam with practical tips, suggested routes, and useful travel advice.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Mai Chau to Ninh Binh
Traveling from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is a scenic journey through rice fields, rural villages and limestone landscapes in northern Vietnam.
- Leave Early: Morning departures are more comfortable and give more time to explore Ninh Binh.
- Book Transport Online: Minivans and buses can fill up quickly during weekends and holidays.
- Bring Snacks & Water: Some routes have limited refreshment stops.
- Prepare for Weather Changes: Mai Chau mornings can be cooler than the warmer plains around Ninh Binh.
- Carry Cash: Small shops and local stops often accept only Vietnamese money.
- Enjoy the Views: The route offers beautiful countryside scenery and mountain landscapes.
Tip: Bus, minivan and taxi tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.