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 or motorbike.
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- The travel distance from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is about 130 km by road. The most popular option is a tourist bus or minivan with travel time of about 3–4.5 hours and tickets from $10–21/pp. Private taxis are faster but more expensive.
- You can also travel by motorbike if you have driving experience and an IDP. There is no railway between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh, but you can travel via Hanoi and continue by train. Bus tickets to Ninh Binh can be booked online in advance.
- From Ninh Binh you can continue to central Vietnam, e.g. to Da Nang + Hoi An or Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
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- Ninh Binh is famous for limestone mountains, rice fields, caves and boat trips. The area is often called “Halong Bay on land”.
- Popular places include Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An, Van Long Nature Reserve or Tam Coc. Renting a bicycle or motorbike is the best way to explore the area.
| 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:
How to book tickets from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
What is the travel time from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
Minivans or buses take about 3–4.5 hours, private cars about 4 hours.
What is the distance from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
The travel distance is about 135 km by road.
How much does travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh cost?
Bus or minivan tickets cost about $10–21/pp and private taxis about $60–130/car.
Is there a train from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
No, there is no railway between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh.
Is there a flight from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh?
No, Mai Chau and Ninh Binh do not have airports.
What is the fastest way to travel to Ninh Binh?
The fastest option is a private taxi or car, but buses are cheaper.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh offers hotels, homestays, resorts and 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 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 useful travel tips and destination ideas.
💡 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.