Bus / minivan
Direct, cheapest, most popular
Private car
Door-to-door, flexible travel
Train + bus via Hanoi
Indirect, longer route
Train only
No direct connection
Quick answer: Traveling from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay is easy thanks to frequent tourist buses and minivans. These are the most popular transport options, offering a good balance of price, comfort and travel time. Private cars are available for faster and more flexible transfers.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 200 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Minivan ~2.5–5 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Minivan US$5–20/pp | Train + Bus US$10–30/pp | Private Car US$65–170.
- 🚍 Bus/Minivan: Most popular and budget-friendly option.
- 🚆 Train + Bus: Travel via Hanoi by train and bus.
- 🚕 Private Car/Taxi: Fastest and most comfortable for groups.
Last updated in March 2026
From Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay you can travel by bus, minivan, train + bus or private car.
The travel distance from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay is about 200 km. The fastest and most popular option is a tourist bus or minivan, taking about 2.5–5 hours, with tickets costing $5–20 per person. Buses depart from Ninh Binh town, Tam Coc, Trang An, and Hoa Lu.
You can also travel by train via Hanoi, as there is no direct railway to Ha Long Bay. Another option is a private car, offering a comfortable door-to-door transfer in about 3 hours. Some buses continue directly to Cat Ba Island, while from Hai Phong you can also travel by ferry to Cat Ba.
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous natural attractions, known for its limestone islands, caves, and cruises. From Ha Long you can continue to Hanoi or Sapa.
| Transfer Mode – Ninh Binh to Ha Long | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 2.5-5 hours | $5-20 per person |
| Train + Bus (via Hanoi) | 6-7 hours | $10-25 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi | 3 hours | $70-170 per vehicle |
How do I get from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
1. BUS / MINIVAN from Ninh Binh to Ha Long
👉 Best value and popular option with a bus or minivan from Ninh Binh to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and quick direct transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $5–20 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (seated buses or modern minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Minivan to Tuan Chau or Bai Chay with companies like Techbus VN or Grouptour
- 💡 Tip: Choose departure from Tam Coc or Trang An and arrive early at pickup point.
The bus or minivan is the fastest and most popular way to travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. The journey takes about 2.5–5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $5–20 per person. For more information, see bus travel in Vietnam.
Companies such as Duc Duong, Duy Khanh, Luxury Van Limousine, Vietnam Easy Go Travel, Ninh Binh Footprint, Ha Long Bus Travel, Ninh Binh Excursion, Sapa Discovery Travel, Techbus VN, The Long Travel, Grouptour, and Full Moon Party Tour operate on this route. Buses depart from Ninh Binh City, Tam Coc, Trang An, and Hoa Lu, arriving in Ha Long City, Bai Chay, or Tuan Chau Island.
Modern minivans are usually the fastest and most comfortable option, while standard buses offer the lowest fares. It is recommended to arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure.
| Bus Company | Departs in Ninh Binh | Arrival in Ha Long | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Techbus VN | 06:45 | 09:45 | From $10.00 |
| Techbus VN | 07:00 | 10:00 | From $10.00 |
| Techbus VN | 07:15 | 10:15 | From $12.00 |
| Techbus VN | 07:30 | 10:30 | From $12.00 |
| The Long Travel | 06:30 (Tam Coc) | 11:30 | From $14.00 |
| The Long Travel | 07:00 (Tam Coc) | 12:20 | From $14.00 |
| The Long Travel | 13:30 (Tam Coc) | 16:30 | From $14.00 |
| Grouptour | 06:45 | 10:45 | From $16.00 |
| Grouptour | 06:50 | 10:50 | From $18.00 |
| Grouptour | 07:00 | 11:00 | From $16.00 |
| Grouptour | 07:15 | 11:15 | From $18.00 |
| Grouptour | 07:30 | 11:30 | From $18.00 |
| Grouptour | 09:55 | 13:55 | From $21.00 |
| Grouptour | 13:30 | 17:30 | From $18.00 |
| Full Moon | 07:00 | 10:00 | From $10.00 |
| Full Moon | 07:10 | 10:10 | From $10.00 |
| Full Moon | 07:20 | 10:20 | From $10.00 |
| Full Moon | 07:30 | 10:30 | From $10.00 |
| Sapa Discovery | 06:00 | 09:30 | From $11.00 |
| Sapa Discovery | 07:00 | 10:30 | From $11.00 |
| Sapa Discovery | 08:00 | 11:30 | From $11.00 |
| Sapa Discovery | 09:00 | 12:30 | From $11.00 |
| Sapa Discovery | 10:00 | 13:30 | From $11.00 |
| Sapa Discovery | 11:00 | 14:30 | From $11.00 |
| Quang Muoi | 07:00 | 10:30 | From $10.00 |
| Quang Muoi | 08:00 | 11:30 | From $10.00 |
| Quang Muoi | 09:00 | 12:30 | From $10.00 |
| Quang Muoi | 10:00 | 13:30 | From $10.00 |
| Quang Muoi | 11:00 | 14:30 | From $10.00 |
| Quang Muoi | 12:00 | 15:30 | From $10.00 |
| Quang Muoi | 13:00 | 16:30 | From $10.00 |
| Duc Duong | 06:00 | 10:00 | From $13.00 |
| Duc Duong | 07:00 | 10:50 | From $13.00 |
| Duc Duong | 08:30 | 12:30 | From $13.00 |
| Duc Duong | 09:30 | 13:30 | From $13.00 |
2. TRAIN from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong (via Hanoi)
👉 Scenic but slower option with train transfers via Hanoi to Hai Phong.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to visit Hanoi or prefer trains
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–8 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $6–12 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (seats on regular trains)
- ✅ Best option: Train to Hanoi + train to Hai Phong, then continue to Ha Long or Cat Ba
- 💡 Tip: Use this option if you plan a stop in Hanoi; otherwise buses are faster.
A) Train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
There is no direct train from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. If you prefer rail travel, you need to travel first by train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and then continue by another train to Hai Phong. This route is slower than the bus but is a good option if you also plan to visit Hanoi.
Vietnam Railways trains from Ninh Binh to Hanoi take about 2.5–3 hours, with seat tickets costing around $3–6 per person. For this short journey, a standard soft seat is the most practical choice.
B) Train from Hanoi to Hai Phong
The second step is to travel by train from Hanoi to Hai Phong. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with tickets priced at $3–6 per person. Hai Phong is a convenient gateway if you also want to continue to Cat Ba Island by ferry or cable car.
After arriving in Hai Phong, you can continue by local bus or taxi to Ha Long Bay, about 45 km away. Although this route takes longer than a direct bus, it is a good choice for travelers who prefer train travel or want to explore Hanoi and Hai Phong along the way.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Hai Phong ➜
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Ninh Binh to Ha Long
👉 Most comfortable and fastest option with a private car from Ninh Binh to Ha Long.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–3.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $70–170 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Ouros Travel or Halong Transportation
- 💡 Tip: Ideal for groups—split the cost and choose pickup in Tam Coc or Trang An.
A private car or taxi with a driver is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. The journey takes about 2.5–3.5 hours, with prices ranging from $70–170 per car. This option is ideal for families, small groups, or travelers looking for a door-to-door transfer.
Companies such as Saigon DMC, Taxi with VTS, Viet Technology Travel, The Long Travel, OUROS Travel, and Halong Transportation operate modern sedans, SUVs, and spacious minivans. Most transfers arrive in popular areas such as Bai Chay or Tuan Chau Island.
Private cars can be booked from popular tourist areas including Tam Coc and Trang An, making them a convenient choice for visitors staying outside Ninh Binh city.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Saigon DMC | 3:15 | From $70-130 / car |
| Ouros Travel | 3:15 | From $70-160 / car |
| VT Travel | 3:30 | From $70-120 / car |
| Halong Transp. | 3:30 | From $75-120 / car |
| Hanoi VIP Transfer | 3:30 | From $85-120 / car |
| Taxigo vn | 3:30 | From $80-100 / car |
| Grouptour | 3:55 | From $110 / car |
| The Long Travel | 3:30 | From $65 / car |
| Vietnam Trans. Service | 3:00 | From $110-170 / car |
4. TRAIN + BUS from Ninh Binh to Ha Long (via Hanoi)
👉 Flexible option with a train and bus transfer to Ha Long from Ninh Binh via Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to visit Hanoi or prefer a mixed transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–7 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $7–26 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (train seat + bus or minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Train to Hanoi + minivan to Ha Long with companies like Techbus VN or Grouptour
- 💡 Tip: Plan a short stop in Hanoi and choose a minivan for faster onward travel.
You can also travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay by a combination of train and bus via Hanoi. This option takes about 6–7 hours in total and is ideal for travelers who want to spend some time exploring Vietnam’s capital before continuing to Ha Long.
The first step is a Vietnam Railways train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. The journey takes about 2.5–3 hours, with seat tickets costing around $3–6 per person.
The second step is to travel by bus or minivan from Hanoi to Ha Long. The journey takes about 2.5–3.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $4–20 per person. Some buses also continue directly to Cat Ba Island, including the ferry transfer.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay:
How to book tickets from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
You can book tickets online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
Can you book a cruise to Ha Long Bay?
You can search and book cruises or tours online with KLOOK ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
Bus or minivan travel takes about 2.5–5 hours. Train + bus via Hanoi takes about 6–7 hours.
How much does transport from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay cost?
Bus tickets cost about $5–20/pp, train + bus via Hanoi about $8–25/pp and private cars about $70–170/car.
What is the travel distance from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
The distance is about 200 km by road.
What is the fastest way to get to Ha Long Bay?
The fastest options are minivans, tourist buses or private taxi/car transfers.
Is there a flight from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
No, there are no flights because Ninh Binh has no airport.
Is there a direct train from Ninh Binh to Ha Long?
No, there is no direct train connection. Train travel is possible only via Hanoi.
Can you travel by motorbike?
Yes, experienced travelers can travel by motorbike. An IDP is recommended for driving in Vietnam.
Can you travel from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island?
Yes, there are direct bus + ferry transfers to Cat Ba Island with travel time of about 5–6 hours.
| ⭐ The Best Rated Cruises in Ha Long Bay:⭐ | |
|---|---|
| ➡️ Signature Halong Cruise | ➡️ Alise Cruise Halong |
| ➡️ Victory Star Cruise | ➡️ Halong Athena Cruise |
| ➡️ La Regina Legend Cruise | ➡️ Era Cruises Halong |
| ➡️ Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise | ➡️ Victory Cruise |
| ➡️ Halong Sapphire Cruise | ➡️ Santa Maria Cruise |
| ➡️ Royal Palace Cruise | ➡️ Peony Cruise |
Practical Travel Tips for Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay is a popular route from limestone valleys to the famous coastal karst landscapes of northern Vietnam. Buses and minivans are the most common transport options.
- Leave Early: Morning departures help avoid traffic and give more time in Ha Long Bay.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers and some cash for short stops.
- Dress Comfortably: A light jacket is useful for strong air conditioning on buses.
- Enjoy the Views: The route passes rice fields, rivers and coastal scenery.
- Take Short Breaks: Use rest stops to stretch and refresh during the trip.
- Book Ahead: Tourist buses and minivans can sell out during holidays and weekends.
Tip: Bus and transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.