Train (sleeper)
Direct, comfortable cabins
Flight via Hanoi
Fastest, but multiple transfers
Sleeper bus
Cheapest, widely available
Taxi / private car
Very long distance, high cost
Quick answer: Traveling from Ninh Binh to Hue is possible by sleeper bus, train or flight via Hanoi. Sleeper buses are the cheapest option, while trains offer more comfort with regular and luxury sleeper cabins. The fastest option is a flight from Hanoi to Hue, combined with transport from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~570 km (train/bus), ~550 km (flight via Hanoi)
- ⏱️ Travel time: 10–12 hours (train), 9–11 hours (bus), 6–7 hours (bus + flight via Hanoi)
- 💰 Price range: Travel by bus $13-30/pp, Travel by train $15-130/pp, Flight from Hanoi to Hue $40-100/pp.
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper bus (e.g., Techbus VN, Duc Duong Bus, To Vietnam Travel, Grouptour…)
- 🚆 Train options: Vietnam Railways, Violette Train, Livitrans Express
- ✈️ Fastest option: Flight via Hanoi
Last updated in August 2026
Ninh Binh to Hue: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train | 11–12 h | $15–130 / person | ★★★★★ | Comfort & overnight travel |
| 🚌 Sleeper bus | 10.5–13 h | $13–30 / person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| ✈️ Bus / taxi + flight via Hanoi | 6–7 h* | $55–250 / person | ★★★★★ | Fastest journey |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Travel from Ninh Binh to Hue is possible by sleeper train, sleeper bus or a flight via Hanoi. For most travelers, the train is the best balance of comfort and convenience, while the sleeper bus is the cheapest option. A flight via Hanoi is fastest but requires an additional transfer to Noi Bai Airport.
* Flight option includes the transfer from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport and the flight to Hue; actual journey time depends on connections.
How do I get from Ninh Binh to Hue?
1. TRAIN from Ninh Binh to Hue
👉 Cheapest and popular option with a train transfer from Ninh Binh to Hue.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who prefer overnight travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~11–12 hours
- ✔️ Price: $15–80 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (seats or sleeper cabins; better in tourist trains)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper berth on a tourist train like Livitrans Express or Laman Express
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeper berth instead of a seat for long-distance comfort.
The train is the most popular and affordable way to travel from Ninh Binh to Hue. Vietnam Railways operates several daily trains, including luxury tourist sleeper trains. The journey takes about 11–12 hours, making a sleeper berth the best choice. For more information, see train travel in Vietnam.
Regular train tickets cost about $15–40 per person, while tourist sleeper trains such as Damitrans, Laman Express, Violette Train, Lotus Train, and Livitrans Express cost around $60–80 per person. These trains offer comfortable sleeping berths in cabins for 2–4 passengers.
Trains depart from Ninh Binh Railway Station and arrive at Hue Railway Station, close to the city center. You can also view the Vietnam Railway Map before your trip.
| Train | Departs in Ninh Binh | Arrival in Hue | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Railways (SE1) | 00:03 | 10:25 (10h 22m) | From $18 |
| Vietnam Railways (SE3) | 21:36 | 07:50 (10h 14m) | From $19 |
| Vietnam Railways (SE7) | 08:16 | 19:38 (11h 22m) | From $15 |
| Vietnam Railways (SE5) | 10:16 | 21:35 (11h 19m) | From $17 |
| Vietnam Railways (SE9) | 15:17 | 03:07 (11h 50m) | From $17 |
| Vietnam Railways (SE19) | 21:57 | 08:45 (10h 48m) | From $41 |
| Violette Trains (SE3) | 21:36 | 07:50 (10h 14m) | From $73 |
| Violette Trains (SE1) | 00:03 | 10:25 (10h 22m) | From $73 |
| New Livitrans Express (SE3) | 21:36 | 07:50 (10h 14m) | From $77 |
| New Livitrans Express (SE1) | 00:03 | 10:25 (10h 22m) | From $77 |
| Charmy Express (SE3) | 21:36 | 07:50 (10h 14m) | From $81 |
| Charmy Express (SE19) | 21:57 | 08:45 (10h 48m) | From $77 |
| Damitrans Express (SE3) | 21:36 | 07:50 (10h 14m) | From $81 |
| Damitrans Express (SE19) | 21:57 | 08:45 (10h 48m) | From $81 |
| Laman Express (SE19) | 21:57 | 08:45 (10h 48m) | From $88 |
| Tonkin Heritage Express (SE19) | 21:57 | 08:45 (10h 48m) | From $162 |
2. SLEEPER BUS from Ninh Binh to Hue
👉 Cheapest option with a sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Hue.
- ✔️ Good for: low-cost travelers and overnight journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~10.5–13 hours
- ✔️ Price: $13–30 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern sleeper buses, some with extra amenities)
- ✅ Best option: Modern sleeper bus with companies like Techbus VN or Duc Duong Bus
- 💡 Tip: Choose overnight buses to save time and secure a better sleeper spot in advance.
The sleeper bus is a cheap alternative to the train from Ninh Binh to Hue. The journey takes about 10.5–13 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $13–30 per person. For more details, see bus travel in Vietnam.
Companies such as Techbus VN, Duc Duong Bus, To Vietnam Travel, Grouptour, Hoang Long, Sapa Discovery Travel, Viet Nam Travel Bus, Ninh Binh Footprint, and Full Moon Party Tour operate modern sleeper buses, many with comfortable beds, air-conditioning, and onboard facilities.
Buses depart from different locations in Ninh Binh and arrive at various places in Hue. Many services operate overnight, making this a convenient option for budget travelers.
| Bus Company | Departs from Ninh Binh | Arrives in Hue |
|---|---|---|
| Tan Quang Dung (VIP Luxury 22) | 07:00 | 18:00 |
| Techbus VN JSC (VIP 20) | 07:30 | 19:00 |
| Full Moon Travel Asia (VIP Cabin) | 07:50 | 19:10 |
| Vietnam Easy Go Travel (VIP 20) | 08:30 | 19:30 |
| HK Buslines (Single Cabin) | 09:00 | 18:00 |
| Ninh Binh Interbus (Cabin 22) | 09:30 | 20:30 |
| Duy Khanh Transport (Single Cabin) | 10:00 | 20:30 |
| Thuan Hung Nha Trang (Sleeper 44) | 10:30 | 20:15 |
| Hoang Long Do (Sleeper Bus) | 11:00 | 22:45 |
| Thuan Hung Nha Trang (Sleeper 44) | 13:15 | 01:15 (next day) |
| Hoang Long Do (Sleeper Bus) | 14:00 | 01:45 (next day) |
| Sapa Discovery Travel (VIP 22) | 15:30 | 03:00 (next day) |
| Hoang Long Do (Sleeper Bus) | 16:00 | 03:45 (next day) |
| Duy Khanh Limousine (Double Cabin) | 16:40 | 03:10 (next day) |
| Sapa Discovery Travel (VIP 22) | 17:00 | 04:30 (next day) |
| Quang Dung Sai Gon (Limousine 22 WC) | 17:30 | 04:00 (next day) |
| Binh Hoai Limousine (Limousine 24) | 18:00 | 04:30 (next day) |
| Viet Nam Travel Bus (VIP 32 Seats) | 18:20 | 05:50 (next day) |
| Full Moon Travel Asia (VIP Cabin) | 18:40 | 06:00 (next day) |
| Grouptour (VIP 20) | 19:00 | 07:30 (next day) |
Note: This is not a complete timetable. Departure times and travel durations may vary depending on the operator and road conditions. Check current schedules, departure locations, and ticket availability before booking.
3. BUS/TAXI + FLIGHT from Ninh Binh to Hue
👉 Fastest option with a transfer and flight from Ninh Binh to Hue via Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and prefer flying
- ✔️ Duration: ~4–6 hours total (transfer 2.5–4h + flight ~1h)
- ✔️ Price: $55–250 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (minivan/taxi + short flight)
- ✅ Best option: Minivan or taxi to Noi Bai Airport + direct flight to Hue (e.g. VietJet Air)
- 💡 Tip: Book a direct minivan to the airport to save time and avoid extra transfers.
1. Bus / Private Taxi from Ninh Binh to Noi Bai Airport
The fastest way to reach Hue is by bus or taxi to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, followed by a direct flight. The transfer from Ninh Binh to the airport takes about 2.5–4 hours. You can also travel by train to Hanoi and continue to the airport.
Companies such as Techbus VN, XE Vietnam, Grouptour, Duc Duong Bus, Duy Khang Limousine, and Luxury Van Limousine operate buses and minivans to Noi Bai Airport. Tickets cost around $15–20 per person, while private cars range from $35–150 per vehicle.
2. Direct Flight from Hanoi to Hue
Direct flights from Hanoi to Hue are operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Hanh Air Systems. The flight takes about 1 hour, with fares starting at around $40–100 per person.
Flights arrive at Phu Bai Airport, about 13 km from Hue city center. You can also view the Vietnam Airports Map before your trip.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Ninh Binh to Hue:
How long does it take to travel from Ninh Binh to Hue?
Sleeper buses take about 10.5–13 hours, trains about 11 hours and bus + flight transfers via Hanoi about 7 hours.
How much does transport from Ninh Binh to Hue cost?
Bus tickets cost about $13–30/pp, trains about $15–130/pp and flights from Hanoi to Hue about $40–100/pp.
What is the travel distance from Ninh Binh to Hue?
The distance is about 570 km by train or bus.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Hue?
The cheapest option is a regular train seat or sleeper bus.
What is the fastest way to get to Hue?
The fastest option is a transfer to Hanoi and a direct flight from Hanoi to Hue.
Can you travel by luxury tourist train?
Yes, you can use luxury sleeper trains like Laman Express, Lotus Train, Violette Train or Livitrans Express.
Where can you travel from Hue?
You can continue from Hue to Da Nang and Hoi An by train, bus or private transfer.
Which beaches can you visit in central Vietnam?
Popular beach destinations are Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Quy Nhon and Hue. Read: The Best Beaches in Central Vietnam.
What is the best time to visit Hue?
The best time to visit Hue is usually from February to April with pleasant weather and less rain.
From Ninh Binh to Hue you can travel by train, sleeper bus or flight via Hanoi.
The travel distance from Ninh Binh to Hue is about 570 km. The most popular option is the Vietnam Railways train, while sleeper buses are usually the cheapest. Flights are available only from Hanoi after a transfer from Ninh Binh.
Train travel takes about 11–12 hours, with tickets costing $15–80 per person. Sleeper buses start at around $13, while flights from Hanoi to Hue cost about $40–100 per person. From Hue you can continue to Hoi An or Da Nang.
Hue – Historic city and popular destination in central Vietnam.
Hue is one of the highlights of central Vietnam, known for its Imperial City, royal tombs, beaches, and traditional cuisine. Before your visit, you can also check the weather in Hue.
Practical Travel Tips for Ninh Binh to Hue
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Hue is a popular long-distance route through central Vietnam. Most travelers choose overnight sleeper trains or buses, while flights are possible via Hanoi.
- Choose Overnight Travel: Sleeper trains and buses save daytime hours and hotel costs.
- Train Is More Comfortable: Trains usually offer more space and smoother travel than buses.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers and a small travel pillow.
- Weather Changes: Hue is often warmer and more humid than Ninh Binh.
- Book Early: Sleeper cabins and buses can sell out during holidays and weekends.
- Plan Arrival: Late-night arrivals may require a taxi to your hotel.
Tip: Bus, train and flight tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.