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: Traveling from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh gives you several convenient options depending on your budget and style of travel. Minivans and buses provide an affordable and fairly quick journey, typically taking 3 to 4.5 hours. Private taxis offer a more comfortable and flexible ride with travel times around 3.5 to 4 hours. For the adventurous, motorbiking to Ninh Binh takes about 5 to 6 hours and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
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, motorbike.
-
- Travel distance from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is about 130 km by road (the fastest route). The best and popular option how to reach Ninh Binh is to travel by tourist bus. Travel by tourist bus to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau takes about 3-4.5 hours and bus tickets cost about $10-21/pp. Another option is to travel by private taxi/minivan but for this option you have to ask at your hotel in Mai Chau. If your driving skills are very good you can also travel by motorbike (IDP necessary). Travel on motorbike takes about 5-6 hours from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh. You can also travel via Hanoi, take a bus to Hanoi and from Hanoi you can take a train of Vietnam Railways to Ninh Binh. There is no train connection between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh. Book your bus tickets to Ninh Binh easily online. From Ninh Binh you can travel to central Vietnam, e.g. to Da Nang + Hoi An or you can travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
-
- Due to the karst scenery, the Ninh Binh area is sometimes also called Halong on land – dramatic limestone hills stand out from the green rice fields. The unadulterated atmosphere of the picturesque Vietnamese countryside and visit fascinating pagodas and caves. Ninh Binh is located about a hundred kilometers south of Hanoi, in the Red River Delta. The ideal way to explore the area is by motorbike or bicycle, which is not a problem to rent in the village or in the hotel. Ninh Binh attracts many visitors and tourists all the year because there you can see top tourist places.
- Which places? Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An Scenic Complex, Bai Dinh temple complex, Tam Coc, Van Long Nature Reserve or Bich Dong Pagoda and other historical sites and monuments or you can try various boat trips in Trang An. There are 3 popular options how you can get to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau – by tourist bus, private car/taxi or motorbike. It is not possible to travel by train because there is no railway between these towns and there are no airports. Read the instructions how you can reach Ninh Binh from Tuan Chau below in this article.
| 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.
The most used and cheapest option of transportation from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is by bus or comfortable minivan / minibus or tourist bus. Since there is no railway, most travelers will use this option of transport. Several companies such as Techbus VN, Thais Travel, Xe Mai Chau, Daiichi Travel, Vietnam Luxury Travel, Asian Bus Travel, HT Travel, Ninh Binh Interbus, Vietnam Easy Go Travel, Ninh Binh Footprint, Grouptour, Duy Khang and The Long Travel operate various buses and minivans on this route between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh.
These companies will offer you buses with seats or very modern and comfortable minivans and minibuses, which are even more comfortable than classic buses. The travel time from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh by bus or minivan is approximately 3-4.5 hours. However, take into account that traveling by bus in Vietnam can be delayed, sometimes the exact departure and arrival times are not observed.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
Bus tickets from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh range from $10-18/pp, with classic seater buses usually being cheaper. Buses or minivans can depart from different places or from different hotels and homestays and also arrive at different places, you will see this information when ordering tickets.
You can search and buy bus and minivan tickets from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh online even in advance. Most private minivans also accept mobile phone tickets. But always carefully read all instructions and conditions of individual transfers. Bus and minivan is a good option for most solo travelers, it is relatively fast and the tickets are cheap.
| 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.
The most convenient, fast, but at the same time the most expensive way to get to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau is by private car/taxi with a driver. It is suitable for those who do not have a budget for the trip and want privacy during fast transport, it is not suitable for solo low-cost travelers. Ouros Travel, Hanoi VIP Transfer, The Long Travel and Saigon DMC operate various modern air-conditioned cars between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh.
These companies will offer you modern and fast smaller cars, SUVs, Jeeps and even minivans and minibuses for up to 9 people in the vehicle. So, for example, it may be advisable to reserve a minivan if you are traveling in a group of travelers and then calculate the fare among the individual passengers.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR on 12go.asia ➜
The driving time by private car / taxi from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is given as approximately 3.5 hours, but this may vary slightly depending on the traffic situation in the area. A private car with driver is the most expensive mode of transportation from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh, and prices per car range from $65-130 (vehicle).
A smaller classic car is usually cheaper than a larger minivan or minibus for more people. With these private cars, you can go to various places in Ninh Binh, such as the city center or the popular areas of Tam Coc, Trang An and others. Most tourists mainly go to Tam Coc and Trang An, here you can stay in a beautiful natural area, it is much nicer than staying in the city.
You can search and book a private car/taxi with driver from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh online. Always read all the terms and conditions of these private transfers to avoid complications.
| 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.
Many travelers also ride motorbikes or scooters in Vietnam. So even this transport option from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is possible, but it will be more suitable for more adventurous travelers. But on this route you have the opportunity to see the rural areas of Vietnam even without tourists. To drive a motorcycle in Vietnam, you must have an International Driving Permit and you should definitely have some experience driving a motorcycle.
Roads in Vietnam can be unpredictable at times and traffic can be dangerous, especially in cities. The most convenient and interesting route from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh will be the boosters QL6 and QL12B via Thung Khe Pass. The motorbike ride time from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh can vary, depending on how fast you go, whether and where you stop for breaks, etc., but it takes approximately 4 hours.
If you will be renting a motorcycle in Vietnam, you should also receive valid documents of the owner of the motorcycle. Renting a motorbike in Vietnam for 1 day of riding costs on average $7-15/pp, some stronger motorbikes are even more expensive. A motorbike is also a convenient means of exploring the area in Ninh Binh, you won’t have to deal with other private transfers to popular spots that may be very far apart.
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh:
1. How to book and buy tickets from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
-
- You can book and buy tickets from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- It is also possible to search another route, e.g. Mai Chau > Hanoi, Hanoi > Ninh Binh…
2. What is the travel time from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
-
- Travel by minivan / bus to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau takes about 3-4.5 hours.
- Travel by private taxi/car to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau takes about 3.5-4 hours.
- Travel by motorbike from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh takes about 5-6 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
-
- Travel distance to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau is about 135 km by bus or private taxi, motorbike.
4. How much does it cost to get from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
-
- Travel by bus or minivan to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau costs about $10-21/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/car to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau costs about $60-130 (vehicle).
- Travel by motorbike from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh costs about $10-15.
5. Is it possible to travel by train from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
-
- No it is not possible to travel by train to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau because there is no railway between these sites. The only way how to travel between these towns is to take a bus, taxi or motorbike.
6. Is there a flight from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
-
- No, there are no flights to Ninh Binh from Mai Chau, Mai Chau and Ninh Binh do not have any airport.
7. What is the fastest way of transport from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
-
- The fastest and comfortable way is to travel by private taxi, but it is not a cheap option. Take a tourist bus.
8. Where to accommodate in Ninh Binh?
-
- Ninh Binh is a popular tourist site and has almost every types of accommodation. There are cheap and luxury hotels, guesthouses or typical local homestays and also various bungalows in Trang An Complex or Tam Coc.
- Search your hotel/homestay in Ninh Binh > Book your accommodation in Ninh Binh ➜.
9. Where to travel from Ninh Binh? Hanoi or Halong Bay.
-
- From Ninh Binh you can travel by train or bus to Hanoi or you can take a bus/minivan to Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island. There is no train from Ninh Binh to Halong City, if you want to travel by train you have to travel via Hanoi.
10. What are the most visited places in Ninh Binh?
-
- Definitely it is one of the most beautiful places in Ninh Binh – Trang An Scenic Complex. In this amazing site you can enjoy boat tour to this protected area. Another popular and visited places are Hang Mua Caves, Bich Dong Pagoda, Bai Dinh Temple Complex and Tam Coc. These places are also very easily accessible.
11. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
-
- Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Mai Chau to Ninh Binh
These tips are based on real traveler experiences for the journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh — a scenic route that takes you from rural valleys and stilt‑house villages into the dramatic river plains and limestone karst landscapes around Ninh Binh. While the distance isn’t huge, the changing scenery and road conditions make this trip particularly enjoyable if you plan it right.
Time Your Departure for Comfort
Leaving in the morning (before about 9:00 AM) helps you avoid midday heat and gives you more daylight for stops along the way. Early starts also make it easier to arrive in Ninh Binh with time to explore its natural highlights.
Enjoy the Transition of Landscapes
This route showcases a gentle change from rolling green valleys and rice fields around Mai Chau into the flatter agricultural plains and towering limestone hills near Ninh Binh. Keep your camera ready, especially as light changes in the late afternoon.
Pack Snacks & Water
Even though the ride is relatively short compared with long cross‑country routes, having water and light snacks on hand keeps you refreshed between stops — especially in warmer months when humidity can rise.
Dress for Variable Temperatures
Morning chill in Mai Chau’s valley can turn into warm plains near Ninh Binh by midday. Dress in layers so you can adjust comfort on buses, vans, or motorbike rides, and bring a light rain layer just in case.
Use Breaks to Explore Local Spots
If your ride makes a rest stop, use it to stretch your legs, visit small local markets, or try a roadside snack. These small pauses make the trip feel more like part of the adventure rather than just a transfer.
Carry Cash for Small Purchases
Small vendors and village stalls often only accept cash. Having vietnamese money ready means you can quickly grab drinks, fruit, or snacks without needing to hunt for ATMs in rural areas.
Tip: Bus, minivan, motorbike, and taxi tickets can be searched and booked online in advance, which helps secure your seat and preferred departure time — especially useful during weekends and holiday seasons.