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 by bus, minivan, train + bus or private car.
- Travel distance from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay is about 200 km by road. The most popular and fastest option is traveling by tourist bus or minivan. Travel time is about 2.5–5 hours and tickets cost about $5–20/pp. Departure points are available in Ninh Binh town, Tam Coc or Hoa Lu.
- There is no direct train from Ninh Binh to Ha Long. If you want to travel by train, you have to go via Hanoi and continue by bus or train to Hai Phong or Ha Long. This option takes about 6–7 hours in total.
- From Hai Phong you can also travel by ferry to Cat Ba. Some buses from Ninh Binh continue directly to Cat Ba Island.
- Private taxi or car transfers are also available and offer the most comfortable and flexible option. Travel time by private car is about 3 hours.
- Ha Long Bay is one of the most visited places in northern Vietnam, famous for cruises, limestone islands and coastal scenery. From Ha Long you can also travel to Hanoi or continue to 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 most popular low-cost transportation option from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay is a bus, minivan or minibus. It is also a fast transport option, as there is no direct railway connection between Ninh Binh and Ha Long or Hai Phong. So if you go directly by bus or minivan from Ninh Binh city to Ha Long, you will also save some time on transportation.
The travel time by bus or minivan from Ninh Binh to Ha Long can take approximately 2.5-5 hours, depending on where the bus departs from, whether and how many other stops it makes before arriving at the destination, and what type of bus you choose. These buses and minivans can depart from various places in Ninh Binh, such as Tam Coc, Trang An, Hoa Lu, or Ninh Binh City, and arrive at various places in Ha Long.
Buses come to, for example, the popular Tuan Chau Island, Bai Chay urban area, Ha Long city and other areas. On this route from Ninh Binh to Ha Long, you can use different private transport companies that mainly offer minivans, minibuses or smaller buses with seats. These are the companies Duc Duong, Duy Khanh, Luxury Van Limousine, Vietnam Easy Go Travel, Ninh Binh Footprint, Ha Long Bus Travel, Ninh Binh Excursion, Sapa Discovery Travel, Quang Muoi, Techbus VN, The Long Travel, Grouptour or Full Moon Party Tour.
Bus tickets from Ninh Binh to Ha Long cost between $5-20/pp, depending on the type of bus or minivan, the cheapest are usually older buses. You can search and book one-way bus/van tickets to Ha Long or nearby places from the Ninh Binh area easily online in advance. Always read all bus transfer instructions carefully and 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.
If you would like to travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long by train, it is possible, but there is no direct train connection between these cities. You have to take a train to Hanoi first and then another train to Hai Phong city, so it’s a 2-step transfer. There is also a low-class train from Hanoi to Ha Long, but the journey time on this train is long (up to 6 hours), so it is better to go to the city of Hai Phong (approx. 2.5 hours), approx. 45 km from the city of Ha Long.
From Hai Phong you can, for example, travel by boat to the popular and largest island in Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Island. However, it is a good idea to first consider whether to use the train connection at all, because the train travel time can be significantly longer than the bus journey, depending on the transfer to the next train in Hanoi. It is therefore more suitable for those who want to visit Hanoi and make a short stop here.
The first step is to travel by train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. The train journey time to Hanoi from Ninh Binh is approximately 2.5-3 hours, depending on the type of train. Every day there are approximately 6 regular regular trains from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, which also include more luxurious tourist sleeper trains. However, for this short route, you just need to use a seat, which is the cheapest option.
Train tickets to Hanoi from Ninh Binh range from $3-6/pp per seat, sleepers can be more expensive. Ninh Binh Train Station is approximately 6 km from the popular Tam Coc area. You can buy train tickets from Ninh Binh to Hanoi easily online and in advance. Regular trains to Hanoi also accept mobile e-tickets, it is not necessary to print them.
The second step is again to travel by Vietnam Railways train from Hanoi to Hai Phong city, which is located approximately 45 km from the Ha Long urban area. Hai Phong can be a convenient transfer point if you want to go to Cat Ba Island. You can get to this island by boat/ferry or you can also use the cable car, which is a big interesting tourist attraction that connects the Bến phà gót boat terminal with Cat Ba Island in its western part.
The train from Hanoi to Hai Phong offers seats and the travel time is approximately 2.5 hours, train tickets are cheap and cost between $3-6/pp. Trains arrive at Hai Phong Railway Station (75 Lương Khánh Thiện), which is in the city center. Train tickets to Hai Phong can again be easily booked online.
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.
The most convenient, fast, but at the same time the most expensive way to get from Ninh Binh to Ha Long is by private car/taxi. The advantage is that you can choose a departure and arrival point in Ninh Binh and Ha Long, but the cars usually arrive again at popular places like Tuan Chau or Bai Chay in Ha Long.
Several private taxi companies such as Saigon DMC, Taxi with VTS, Viet Technology Travel, The Long Travel, Saigon DMC, Ouros Travel or Halong Transportation will offer you modern and very comfortable smaller cars, SUVs, Jeeps or minivans for more people. Some cars, such as minivans / minibuses, can sometimes be advantageous if you are traveling in a group of travelers, e.g. up to 9 travelers, then you calculate the fare per individual passenger.
Booking a private car/taxi with a driver from Ninh Binh to Ha Long costs between $70-170/car, smaller cars tend to be cheaper options, minivans or SUVs are more expensive options. The driving time by private car/taxi from Ninh Binh to Ha Long is approximately 2.5-3.5 hours, it depends on where and where you are going and what car you choose for the transfer.
You can book your private car/taxi from Ninh Binh to Ha Long online, where you can also choose the departure and arrival points, or select the recommended ones. They mostly depart from the Tam Coc, Trang An and Ho Lu areas, where most tourists are accommodated. A private car is probably not suitable for solo low-cost travelers, as it is the most expensive option, but those who do not have a budget for the trip can use this option.
| 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.
An alternative way to get to Ha Long Bay from Ninh Binh is also by train and bus via Hanoi. So, as it was written above, first go by train to Hanoi and from there by various buses or minivans to various places in Ha Long. It is again a suitable choice especially for those who want to visit Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam.
The train journey from Ninh Binh to Hanoi takes approximately 2.5-3 hours and train tickets are in the price range of $3-6/pp per seat. There are about 6 Vietnam Railways regular trains every day, including several sleeper tourist trains. For this route, it is enough to use a comfortable seat, which is the cheapest option on the train. You can easily find and book train tickets to Hanoi online in advance.
The second step is to travel by bus or minivan from Hanoi to Ha Long. It is a very popular and frequented route among tourists and many bus and other transport companies operate between these cities. Some companies operating services to Ha Long include Phuc Xuyen, Kumho Viet Thanh, Techbus VN, Hung Duc, GreenLion, Grouptour, Duy Khanh Transport, Van Donh Xanh, Co To Limousine, Daichi Travel or Cat Ba Express.
Travel time by bus or comfortable minivan is approximately 2.5-3.5 hours and tickets cost between $4-20/pp, depending on the type of bus or minivan you choose. Modern and luxurious minivans tend to be a more expensive option than regular classic buses with seats. Buses depart from various areas and stops in Hanoi and also arrive at various locations in Ha Long.
There are also buses from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, where this transfer includes a short boat transfer to the island. You will see this information about arrivals, departures and bus schedules online when ordering tickets. Always carefully read all information and instructions for transfers to avoid complications.
❓ 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.