Bus/train + flight
Fastest and most convenient route via Hanoi
Sleeper train
Relaxed long-distance journey with a berth
Sleeper bus
Cheapest land option but very long
Long bus journey
Around 44 hours for most travelers
Quick answer: The fastest way to travel from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City is by train or bus to Hanoi followed by a direct flight. The sleeper train is a more relaxed alternative for travelers who prefer to stay on the ground, while the sleeper bus is the cheapest but takes much longer.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 1,600 km by land or around 1,100 km by air from Hanoi
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight via Hanoi 7–8 h | Train 30–32 h | Sleeper Bus about 44 h
- 💰 Price range: Flight $35–110 | Train $30–70 | Sleeper Bus $40–60 per person
- ✈️ Fastest: Train or bus from Ninh Binh + flight from Hanoi
- 🚆 Best for comfort: Sleeper train on the North–South railway
- 🚌 Budget option: Sleeper bus via Da Nang
Last updated: August 2026
Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Bus / Train + Flight | 7–8 h | $35–110 / person | ★★★★★ | Most travelers |
| 🚆 Sleeper Train | 30–32 h | $30–70 / person | ★★★★★ | Comfort & scenery |
| 🚌 Sleeper Bus | ~44 h | $40–60 / person | ★★★☆☆ | Budget travelers |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Travel from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City is possible by flight via Hanoi, direct sleeper train or long-distance bus. Flying is the fastest option, while the sleeper train offers a more relaxed alternative for travelers who prefer to stay on the ground.
1. Bus or Train + Flight from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Flying via Hanoi is the fastest and most practical choice for most travelers.
- ✔️ Best for: speed and convenience
- ✔️ Duration: about 7–8 hours total
- ✔️ Price: about US$35–110 per person
- ✔️ Flight time: about 2 hours from Hanoi
- 💡 Tip: Allow enough time between your Ninh Binh transfer and flight.
1. Travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
You can travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi by train, bus, minivan or private car. The journey normally takes about 2–3 hours.
Vietnam Railways trains and several tourist buses operate between the two cities. If you travel by train, you can continue toward Hanoi Railway Station and then use Airport Bus No. 86 or another transfer to Noi Bai Airport.
For schedules and transport details, see How to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
2. Direct Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
There are many direct flights every day from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. The flight takes about 2 hours and connects Noi Bai International Airport with Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Airlines serving this route include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Pacific Airlines and Bamboo Airways. One-way fares can start at around US$30, although prices vary considerably by travel date and booking conditions.
For more information, see How to get from Hanoi to Saigon?
2. Train from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 The sleeper train is the best choice if you prefer a slower journey and want to avoid flying.
- ✔️ Best for: comfort and scenery
- ✔️ Duration: about 30–32 hours
- ✔️ Price: about US$30–70 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good with a sleeper berth
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeper berth for the long overnight journey.
The direct train from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City follows the North–South railway and takes about 30–32 hours. It is a long journey, but sleeper berths provide a more relaxed alternative to a 44-hour bus trip.
Vietnam Railways trains offer different seating and sleeping options, including 2-, 4- and 6-berth cabins. Food and drinks are available during the journey, and several trains operate on the route each day.
One-way fares are approximately US$30–70 per person depending on the train and accommodation type. You can check the Vietnam Railway Map before planning your journey.
Train e-tickets can be kept on your smartphone, but always follow the booking instructions provided with your ticket.
3. Sleeper Bus from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 The sleeper bus is the cheapest land option, but the journey is very long and less comfortable.
- ✔️ Best for: strict budgets
- ✔️ Duration: about 44 hours
- ✔️ Price: about US$40–60 per person
- ✔️ Route: usually via Da Nang
- 💡 Tip: Consider the train instead if you want more comfort.
The sleeper bus is the slowest way to travel from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City. The route can take around 44 hours and may include a stop in Da Nang before continuing south.
Several tourist bus companies operate long-distance services on this route. Prices are generally around US$40–60 per person, depending on the operator and type of sleeper bus.
Because the journey is so long, the sleeper bus is not the most comfortable option for most travelers. It is mainly useful for passengers who want to keep transport costs low and do not mind spending almost two days on the road.
If you prefer to break up the journey, you can travel from Ninh Binh to Da Nang, spend some time there and then continue by bus from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
❓ FAQ: Traveling from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City
How long does it take from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City?
Flight via Hanoi takes about 7–8 hours, the train about 30–32 hours and the sleeper bus around 44 hours.
How can I book tickets from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City?
How far is Ninh Binh from Ho Chi Minh City?
The distance is about 1,600 km by train or bus and around 1,100 km by air from Hanoi.
How much does it cost from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City?
Flight via Hanoi costs about US$35–110, train US$30–70 and sleeper bus around US$40–60 per person.
What is the best way to travel from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City?
Flying via Hanoi is the fastest and most convenient option for most travelers.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Ninh Binh to Saigon?
The sleeper bus is usually the cheapest land option, while the sleeper train is a more comfortable alternative.
Can I use a train e-ticket on my smartphone?
Yes. Vietnam Railways e-tickets can generally be presented on a smartphone, subject to the booking instructions.
Does Ninh Binh have an airport?
No. The usual option is to travel to Hanoi and fly from Noi Bai Airport to Ho Chi Minh City.
Can I travel from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike?
Yes, but this is only suitable for experienced riders who meet Vietnam’s legal driving requirements. Motorbike rental options are available through BikesBooking.
Where can I travel from Ho Chi Minh City?
Which beaches can I visit in southern Vietnam?
Popular beach destinations include Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Vung Tau and Mui Ne. See the guide to the best beaches in southern Vietnam.
How can I travel solo in Vietnam?
Vietnam is well suited to independent travel, with trains, buses and domestic flights connecting major destinations. See the guide to solo travel in Vietnam.
How to Travel from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City?
The distance from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City is about 1,600 km by train or bus. Ninh Binh has no airport, so travelers who want to fly normally travel first to Hanoi and continue from Noi Bai International Airport.
The fastest and most convenient option is therefore a train or bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi followed by a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City. The complete journey can take around 7–8 hours, depending on the connection.
If you prefer to avoid flying, Vietnam Railways offers direct long-distance trains from Ninh Binh to Saigon. The journey takes around 30–32 hours and sleeper berths make it more comfortable than a long bus journey. A sleeper bus is another option, but the journey can take about 44 hours via Da Nang.
Ho Chi Minh City is also a useful base for continuing to southern Vietnam, including Phu Quoc, Can Tho or Con Dao.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City is a long journey, so choosing the right connection can save considerable time and make the trip easier.
- Best Option: Travel to Hanoi and take a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Train Travel: Choose a sleeper berth if you prefer a slower but more relaxed journey.
- Airport Transfer: Allow enough time to travel from Ninh Binh to Noi Bai Airport.
- Bus Journey: Sleeper buses are cheaper but can take around 44 hours.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper berths may sell out during busy travel periods.
- Break the Journey: Da Nang can be a useful stop if you prefer not to travel south in one long trip.
Tip: Train, bus and flight tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.