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 popular and cheapest way to travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is by bus, minivan or minibus. As there is no railway on this route, most travelers choose this option.
Companies such as Techbus VN, Thais Travel, Xe Mai Chau, Daiichi Travel, Vietnam Luxury Travel, HT Travel, Ninh Binh Interbus, Grouptour and The Long Travel operate regular services between Mai Chau and Ninh Binh.
Most companies offer comfortable minivans, minibuses and seater buses. Travel time is about 3–4.5 hours, depending on the service and traffic conditions.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
Bus and minivan tickets cost about $10–18/pp. Departure and arrival points vary by company and may include hotels, homestays or central locations.
You can easily search and book tickets online in advance. Most operators also accept mobile e-tickets. Bus and minivan transfers are affordable, comfortable and suitable for most travelers.
| 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 comfortable and fastest way to travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is by private car or taxi with a driver. This option offers a direct transfer and more privacy, but it is also the most expensive.
Companies such as Ouros Travel, Hanoi VIP Transfer, The Long Travel and Saigon DMC operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans on this route.
Private transfers are ideal for families or groups, as larger minivans can accommodate several passengers and the cost can be shared.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR on 12go.asia ➜
The journey by private car takes about 3.5 hours. Prices range from $65–130/car, depending on the vehicle type.
Private cars can take you directly to Ninh Binh City, Tam Coc, Trang An or other popular tourist areas. Most travelers prefer staying in Tam Coc or Trang An for their scenic surroundings.
You can easily search and book private transfers online in advance. Always read the transfer conditions before booking.
| 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.
Traveling by motorbike from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is also possible and is popular among adventurous travelers. This route passes through rural areas and offers beautiful countryside scenery.
To drive a motorcycle in Vietnam, you should have an International Driving Permit and previous riding experience. Traffic conditions can be challenging, especially near larger towns.
A popular route follows QL6 and QL12B via Thung Khe Pass. The journey takes about 4 hours, depending on road conditions and sightseeing stops.
Motorbike rental in Vietnam usually costs about $7–15 per day, while larger motorcycles are more expensive. Always check the vehicle condition and make sure you receive the required rental documents.
A motorbike is also a great way to explore Ninh Binh, including Tam Coc, Trang An and other attractions spread across the region.
❓ 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.