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.
The travel distance from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh is about 150–160 km. The fastest and most popular option is a tourist bus or minivan, taking about 2.5–3 hours. You can also travel by train via Hanoi or use a private car for a more comfortable transfer.
Bus tickets cost about $7–14 per person, while some tourist buses also operate directly from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh. From Ninh Binh you can continue to Phong Nha or Hoi An + Da Nang.
Ninh Binh is one of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam, home to attractions such as Tam Coc – Bich Dong and Trang An Scenic Landscape 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.
The tourist bus or minivan is the fastest and most popular way to travel from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh. The journey takes about 2.5–3.5 hours, with tickets costing $7–14 per person.
Companies such as Cua Ong Limousine, Techbus VN, Full Moon Party Tour, and Hoang Long operate on this route. Some buses also depart from Cat Ba Island, so always check the departure location before booking.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Ninh Binh ➜
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.
A) Bus or Train from Hai Phong to Hanoi
You can travel from Hai Phong to Hanoi by bus or Vietnam Railways train. The journey takes about 2.5–3 hours, with bus tickets costing around $5 per person and train tickets from $2.80–6 per person. For more details, see How to travel from Hai Phong to Hanoi.
B) Bus or Train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
From Hanoi, you can continue to Ninh Binh by bus or train. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with train tickets costing $3–6 per person and bus tickets around $6–10 per person. See How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for more information.
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.
You can also travel by private car or taxi from Hai Phong or Cat Bi Airport to Ninh Binh. A direct transfer takes about 2.5–3 hours, with prices ranging from $70–135 per car. Some tourist buses also operate directly from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh.
A) Private Car from Hai Phong to Hanoi
A private transfer from Hai Phong to Hanoi takes about 1.5–2 hours and costs around $70–80 per car. Transfers are available to Hanoi city center or Noi Bai Airport. For more information, see How to get from Hai Phong to Hanoi.
B) Private Car from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
A private car from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes about 2–2.5 hours, with prices ranging from $58–165 per car. You can also book transfers from Noi Bai Airport. See 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.