Limousine / shuttle bus
Best balance of comfort, price, and hotel pickup
Train
Cheapest and reliable, good for budget travelers
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door transfer, ideal for groups
Local public bus
Less convenient, no hotel pickup, extra transfers needed
Quick answer: Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is easy and quick. Limousine buses and minivans are the most popular (fast, comfortable, affordable). The train is a reliable budget option, while a private car offers the most comfort and flexibility. The journey takes about 1.5–3 hours, and tickets or transfers can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~90–100 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: 1.5–2 h (limousine/taxi) | 2–2.5 h (train) | up to 3 h (bus)
- 💰 Cost: Train $3–6 | Bus $6–14 | Private car $35–170
- 🚕 Best comfort: Limousine bus or private car (door-to-door)
- 🚆 Best budget: Train by Vietnam Railways (cheap, reliable)
Last updated April 2026
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?
1. TRAIN from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
👉 Train is the cheapest and easiest way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: good (seats, scenic ride)
- ✅ Best option: Regular Vietnam Railways train (cheap, reliable, central arrival)
- 💡 Tip: Choose a daytime train for better countryside views.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance to secure your seat easily.
The train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is a cheap and reliable option. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and trains arrive directly in Ninh Binh city center (see Vietnam Railway Map).
Train tickets cost around $2.80–6.00 per person, with about 5–6 departures daily. It is a good choice for budget travelers and those who prefer a quiet and comfortable ride.
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Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Ninh Binh station in the city center, close to Tam Coc and Trang An Scenic Complex. From the station, you can continue by taxi or motorbike taxi.
| Train | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Ninh Binh | Train Ticket – Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SE11 (soft seat, sleeper) | 21:25 | 23:40 | From $3.90 |
| Train SE3 (soft seat, sleeper) | 19:20 | 21:32 | From $3.90 |
| Train SE7 (soft seat, sleeper) | 06:00 | 08:14 | From $4.50 |
| Train SE9 (soft seat, sleeper) | 12:50 | 15:05 | From $4.50 |
| Train SE5 (soft seat, sleeper) | 08:55 | 11:08 | From $4.50 |
| Train SE1 (soft seat, sleeper) | 20:50 | 23:04 | From $4.50 |
| Train SE19 (soft seat, sleeper) | 19:45 | 21:52 | From $7.50 |
| Train QB1 (soft seat, sleeper) | 20:05 | 22:13 | From $6.50 |
2. BUS / MINIVAN from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
👉 Bus or van is the best option for direct transport to tourist areas (Tam Coc, Trang An, Hoa Lu).
- ✔️ Good for: comfort and door-to-door travel
- ✔️ Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (best with minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Modern minivan / limousine (faster, more comfortable, hotel drop-off)
- 💡 Tip: Minivans often include hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you time.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book in advance as minivans fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
Another popular and affordable way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is by bus, minivan or minibus. Modern minibuses are often faster and can take you directly to places like Tam Coc, Trang An or Bai Dinh. A bus trip costs about $6–14 per person and tickets can be easily booked online in advance.
Private companies such as XE Vietnam, Trang An Limousine or Duc Duong operate on this route, offering comfortable buses and minivans. Minivans are usually the best choice thanks to better comfort and similar prices.
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Most buses go to Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc, while some minibuses continue to Trang An Complex or Bai Dinh. Tickets are usually accepted on mobile, but it is better to have a printed copy.
Minivans and buses also depart from Noi Bai Airport, making them a convenient option if you want to travel directly from the airport without entering Hanoi city center.
🚐 My experience – minibus from Hanoi to Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
I personally used a modern shared minibus to travel from Hanoi to Tam Coc, which is part of the Ninh Binh province. The ride was smooth, comfortable, and departed from the Hanoi Old Quarter. The bus was clean, air-conditioned, and offered enough space for legs and small luggage.
It took around 2 hours to reach Tam Coc directly, without needing to transfer in Ninh Binh city. This saved time and effort, especially if you’re staying near the river or exploring the famous limestone scenery.
💡 My tip: Book a minibus with departure in Hanoi city center and drop-off in Tam Coc – it’s the most convenient and scenic way to reach this area. Bring a bottle of water and a power bank if you’re planning to explore right after arrival.
| Bus | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Ninh Binh |
|---|---|---|
| Truly Ha Giang | 06:30 | 07:55 |
| Truly Ha Giang | 07:30 | 09:00 |
| Truly Ha Giang | 08:30 | 10:00 |
| Truly Ha Giang | 13:30 | 15:00 |
| Truly Ha Giang | 14:30 | 15:55 |
| Trang An Limousine | 07:00 | 08:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 08:00 | 09:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 09:00 | 10:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 10:00 | 11:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 11:00 | 12:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 12:00 | 13:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 13:00 | 14:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 14:00 | 15:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 15:00 | 16:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 16:00 | 17:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 17:00 | 18:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 18:00 | 19:20 |
| Trang An Limousine | 19:00 | 20:20 |
| Grouptour | 07:10 | 09:10 |
| Grouptour | 08:15 | 11:15 |
| Grouptour | 09:10 | 11:10 |
| Grouptour | 10:10 | 12:10 |
| Grouptour | 11:10 | 13:10 |
| Grouptour | 12:10 | 14:10 |
| Grouptour | 13:10 | 15:10 |
| Grouptour | 14:10 | 16:10 |
| Grouptour | 15:10 | 17:10 |
| Grouptour | 16:10 | 18:10 |
| Grouptour | 17:10 | 19:10 |
| Grouptour | 15:45 | 18:45 |
| Binh Minh | 06:30 | 08:30 |
| Binh Minh | 07:30 | 09:30 |
| Binh Minh | 08:30 | 10:30 |
| Binh Minh | 09:30 | 11:30 |
| Binh Minh | 10:30 | 12:30 |
| Binh Minh | 11:30 | 13:30 |
| Binh Minh | 12:30 | 14:30 |
| Binh Minh | 13:30 | 15:30 |
| Binh Minh | 14:30 | 16:30 |
| Binh Minh | 15:30 | 17:30 |
| Binh Minh | 16:30 | 18:30 |
| Binh Minh | 17:30 | 19:30 |
| Binh Minh | 18:30 | 20:30 |
| Sapa Dragon | 08:00 | 11:00 |
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
👉 Private taxi/car is the best option for maximum comfort and door-to-door transfer.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups, or private travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5–2 hours (fastest option)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private car, no stops)
- ✅ Best option: Private car with driver (flexible departure, hotel-to-hotel transfer)
- 💡 Tip: Ideal for groups — the price per person can be similar to a minivan.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Agree on pickup time and exact address in advance to avoid delays.
The most comfortable and fastest way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is by private taxi or car. You can book a modern vehicle with driver and travel directly from your hotel or from Noi Bai Airport after arrival.
Private companies such as Saigon DMC, Booking Car, Dichung Taxi or Ouros Travel offer standard cars, SUVs and minivans. A minivan is a good option for groups who want to share the cost and have the whole vehicle for themselves.
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Private transfers cost about $35–170 per car, depending on vehicle type. The main advantage is door-to-door service and flexible departure time.
Most providers have good reviews, so it is recommended to choose based on recent customer ratings when booking online.
| Taxi Company | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Saigon DMC | 02:00 | From $34.00 |
| Viet Techn. Travel | 01:30 | From $34.00 |
| Ouros Travel | 02:15 | From $36.00 |
| Hanoi VIP Transfer | 01:30 | From $54.00 |
| Travel Holic Bus | 02:00 | From $70.00 |
| Mui Ne Go Travel | 01:30 | From $130.00 |
| Trang An Limous. | 02:30 | From $85.00 |
| April Adventure | 02:00 | From $100.00 |
| Halong Transport. | 02:00 | From $40.00 |
| APT Travel | 02:00 | From $60.00 |
| Mui Ne Sky Travel | 01:30 | From $59.00 |
| Dichung Taxi | 02:00 | From $80.00 |
| GoAir Travel | 02:30 | From $44.00 |
| Grouptour | 01:40 | From $90.00 |
| Muine Express | 02:30 | From $70.00 |
| Cat Ba Express | 02:00 | From $80.00 |
4. TRAVEL BY MOTORBIKE to Ninh Binh
👉 Motorbike is the best option for adventure and flexible travel experience.
- ✔️ Good for: experienced riders and independent travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~2–3 hours (depending on stops)
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (depends on riding skills)
- ✅ Best option: Rent a motorbike in Hanoi and travel at your own pace
- 💡 Tip: Only choose this option if you have riding experience and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- 🌏 Extra tip: Start early to avoid traffic and enjoy quieter roads.
Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by motorbike is a popular option for experienced riders who want to explore the countryside at their own pace. The journey covers about 95 km and takes around 2–3 hours, depending on the route and traffic.
The roads are generally in good condition, and you can stop at attractions such as the Perfume Pagoda or Van Long Nature Reserve along the way. Motorbike rentals are widely available in Hanoi, with prices starting at about $7–15 per day.
This option is recommended only for experienced riders. Make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP), wear a helmet, and check your travel insurance before starting your journey.
How to get from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Ninh Binh?
-
- from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Ninh Binh you can travel by van/minivan or private car
- Noi Bai International Airport is about 30 km north of Hanoi
- travel by van/minivan from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes about 2.5-3 hours
- transport company from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh: XE Vietnam, Daiichi Travel, Techbus VN, Ninh Binh Excursion Company
- one-way ticket from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh costs about $15-30/pp
- there are also some private taxi companies, private car costs about $35-170/pp
- Book tickets from Noi Bai International Airport to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc, Trang An) on 12go.asia ➜
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh – Transport Guide
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh covers about 85–95 km and is possible by train, bus, minivan, private car, or motorbike. The most popular options are Vietnam Railways trains and modern tourist minivans, both offering an affordable and convenient transfer. There are no direct flights because Ninh Binh has no airport.
The train is usually the best choice for budget travelers, while minivans provide faster door-to-door service to popular places such as Tam Coc, Trang An, Hoa Lu, and Mua Cave. Private cars offer the highest level of comfort and flexibility, making them ideal for families or small groups.
Ninh Binh is one of the most beautiful destinations in northern Vietnam, famous for its limestone mountains, rivers, rice fields, and historic temples. It is home to attractions such as Trang An Landscape Complex, Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. From Ninh Binh, you can continue south by train or bus to Hue, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, or other destinations in central Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is one of the most popular short travel routes in northern Vietnam. You can travel by train, tourist bus, limousine van or private car.
- Best Option: Tourist buses and limousine vans are fast, cheap and very popular.
- Train Travel: Trains are comfortable and arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station near the town center.
- Best Departure: Morning departures are usually less crowded and more punctual.
- Avoid Cheap Offers: Use trusted companies and avoid unofficial minibuses in Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Rainy Season: Heavy rain from May to October can occasionally slow road transport.
- Book Early: Tickets can sell out quickly during weekends and holidays.
Tip: Bus, train and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.