1. Bus – Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
2. Bus + Train to Ninh Binh
3. Bus + Flight to Ninh Binh
🎫 Book a Tour to Ninh Binh
🎫 Book Tickets to Ninh Binh
From Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh by bus or bus+train.
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- The travel distance from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh spans approximately 400 km by land. Given that Phong Nha lacks an airport, land travel options prevail. You can opt for a sleeper bus to Ninh Binh or choose the regular train service from Dong Hoi, located approximately 45 km from Phong Nha, operated by Vietnam Railways. To reach Dong Hoi from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, you can rely on local public buses, private taxis/cars, or motorbikes. Traveling by tourist sleeper overnight bus from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh typically takes about 6.5-9 hours, with one-way tickets costing approximately $14-26 per person.
- Alternatively, taking the train from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh requires about 6.5-9 hours, with sleeper berths available for booking. For those preferring air travel, direct flights from Dong Hoi to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport take merely 1 hour. From Hanoi, you can then continue your journey to Ninh Binh by train or bus, with the trip lasting approximately 2.5-3 hours. Upon arriving in Ninh Binh, you can explore its attractions, such as Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, or embark on a journey to Sapa, another renowned destination in northern Vietnam. Easily book and purchase bus or train e-tickets from Phong Nha-Ke Bang or Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh online by following the instructions below.
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- Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh – it’s a well-traveled route from central to northern Vietnam. Ninh Binh serves as an ideal first stop for those journeying from central to northern Vietnam, boasting a plethora of captivating historical sites and attractions. Notable highlights include the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Bai Dinh Temple Complex, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, and Hoa Lu ancient city. Exploring Ninh Binh at your own pace is a breeze – simply rent a bicycle or motorbike. Moreover, Ninh Binh’s lowland terrain facilitates easy travel within the area.
| Transfer Mode – Phong Nha to Ninh Binh: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper Tourist Bus | 6.5-9 hours | $14-26/pp |
| Bus + Train (Vietnam Railway) | 10-12 hours | $10-40/pp |
| Plane (Direct Flights) | 1 hour | $25-70/pp |
How do I get from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh?
1. SLEEPER BUS from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
A popular low-cost transportation option to Ninh Binh from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the sleeper bus trip. Several companies operate bus routes between Phong Nha and Ninh Binh, and they will offer you older, but also very new and modern sleeper buses, which sometimes surpass Vietnam Railways trains in terms of comfort.
But it depends on the specific company, not all buses are very modern and comfortable, so it is advisable to do research on online platforms first, look at photos, etc. Some companies that operate sleeper buses from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh are Duc Duong, Sapa Discovery Travel, Duy Khanh, Ninh Binh Footprint, Luxury Van Limousine, Queen Cafe, Green Trips, TP Booking, Techbus VN, Grouptour, Full Moon Party Tour or Hey Travel.
According to the comfort and type of bus, the prices of bus tickets from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh also vary, which cost between $14-26/pp, older buses are cheaper, very new and modern buses are more expensive. The fastest buses can travel to Ninh Binh in about 6.5 hours, but the average travel time from Phong Nha is between 6.5-9 hours.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Ninh Binh ➜
It should also be taken into account that these sleeper buses also make other stops, e.g. for refreshments, the toilet or pick up other travelers during the journey. Driving times can also vary slightly, buses can also have delays in departure and arrival, this happens in Vietnam and it is good to expect this.
Buses depart from and arrive at various locations in Ninh Binh, such as the popular area of Tam Coc, Trang An and or downtown Ninh Binh. You can search and book bus tickets from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh online even in advance. Always read all instructions for these bus transfers and tickets carefully. It is also advisable to arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the departure of the bus.
🚍 Bus from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh – Schedule + Bus Tickets:
| Bus Schedule – Phong Nha to Ninh Binh: | Departs in Phong Nha | Arrival in Ninh Binh | Bus Ticket – Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP Booking | 08:50 | 16:50 | From $26.00 |
| TP Booking | 21:00 | 05:00 | From $16.00 |
| Duc Duong | 08:50 | 16:20 | From $26.00 |
| Duc Duong | 14:10 | 21:40 | From $26.00 |
| Duc Duong | 20:15 | 03:45 | From $21.00 |
| Duc Duong | 21:00 | 04:00 | From $21.00 |
| Techbus VN | 09:00 | 16:30 | From $25.00 |
| Techbus VN | 20:10 | 03:40 | From $19.00 |
| Techbus VN | 21:00 | 04:50 | From $15.00 |
| Sapa Discovery Travel | 09:30 | 16:30 | From $23.00 |
| Sapa Discovery Travel | 20:30 | 03:30 | From $16.00 |
| Sapa Discovery Travel | 21:30 | 04:30 | From $16.00 |
| Full Moon Party | 20:40 | 05:00 | From $17.00 |
| Full Moon Party | 20:40 | 05:00 | From $17.00 |
| Grouptour | 21:00 | 06:00 | From $15.00 |
| Greentrips | 21:00 | 04:00 | From $15.00 |
| Queen Cafe | 21:00 | 05:00 | From $15.00 |
| Luxury Van Lim. | 21:00 | 05:30 | From $24.00 |
| Ninh Binh Foot | 21:00 | 05:00 | From $24.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 21:00 | 04:30 | From $26.00 |
2. BUS + TRAIN from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
There is no direct railway to Ninh Binh from Phong Nha, but it is possible to travel by train from Dong Hoi City to Ninh Binh. So this option has 2 steps, first is a local bus trip (or taxi) from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi and then a train trip from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh. Please note that this option takes longer than the sleeper bus. It is about 45 km from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi city and you can use the local public bus that arrives at Bến xe Nam Lý stop in the center of Dong Hoi town.
This stop is approx. 400 m from Dong Hoi train station. The trip by local bus from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi can take around 1.5 hours and you buy tickets when you get on the bus. It is also advisable to ask in advance in Phong Nha about the timetable of these buses, it can be more limited and can change over time. Bus tickets from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi cost around $2/pp and prepare Vietnamese dongs for payment. If you are tight on budget, you can also use a private taxi/car, ask about this option in Phong Nha.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Ninh Binh ➜
So the second step is to travel by train from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh. Regular Vietnam Railways trains with seats or sleeping beds, as well as tourist sleeping trains to Ninh Binh depart from Dong Hoi Railway Station. There are about 6 trains every day, and the regular trains also include tourist sleeper and more comfortable trains by Violette Train, Livitrans Express, Laman Express and Lotus Train.
The train travel time from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh is about 8-10 hours, so it is better to choose a sleeper bed and get some rest. Train tickets from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh cost between $12-35/pp (seat or sleeper berth) and tourist sleeper trains between $50-75/pp (sleeper berth). Trains arrive at Ninh Binh train station, which is a short distance from the city center, and from there you can take a taxi to, for example, the popular area of Tam Coc, where many tourists stay.
Traveling by train in Vietnam is mostly trouble-free, and for longer journeys it is always better to choose a sleeper bed, but these are more expensive than regular seats. Train tickets to Ninh Binh can be easily searched online and in advance, regular trains also accept mobile tickets, tourist sleeper trains may have different conditions. So always read all the instructions for the tickets and the given train transfer.
3. BUS / TAXI + FLIGHT from Phong Nha to Hanoi
It is not possible to travel from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh by air, but you can use the air connection from Dong Hoi to Hanoi, and from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, you can travel by bus or minivan to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh city itself does not have an airport, most flights from other major cities go to Hanoi.
So this mode of transportation has a total of 3 steps, a bus or taxi trip to Dong Hoi Airport, then a flight from Dong Hoi to Hanoi, and the last step is a bus trip from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
You can take a local bus to Dong Hoi Airport from Phong Nha, it should also stop at the airport, however it is advisable to check this in Phong Nha. Alternatively, you would take this bus to Dong Hoi city. You can also use a private transfer / taxi to the airport, but this is a more expensive transport option. The journey to Dong Hoi Airport from Phong Nha takes about 1.5 hours.
The second step is a direct flight from Dong Hoi to Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport. Noi Bai Airport is approximately 130 km north of Ninh Binh city. Direct flights from Dong Hoi to Hanoi are very limited and are operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam’s largest and well-rated airline. A direct flight from Dong Hoi to Hanoi takes about 1 hour and tickets range from $60-100/pp for Economy class.
However, it is advisable to first research the flight schedule, direct flights are unfortunately limited. Then there are also connecting flights on offer, however, at such a distance it makes no sense to search for a connecting flight.
From Noi Bai Airport, you can use some private minivans or buses to Ninh Binh. If you would like to travel to Ninh Binh by train, you have to take a bus or a private taxi to Hanoi, for example, and trains to Ninh Binh depart from Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan street). The third step is to travel by private minivan or bus from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh.
The advantage is that minivans go to different places in Ninh Binh, so you can choose an arrival point such as Ninh Binh city, Tam Coc or even the popular area of Trang An. The travel time by these minivans or buses from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh is approximately 3-4.5 hours, depending on where the bus is going and whether it also makes other stops before arriving in Ninh Binh.
Fares in these minivans and minibuses from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh range from $15 to $20/pp. These connections are operated by various companies such as Grouptour, Trang An Limousine, Daichii Travel, Duy Khang Limousine, Techbus VN, Truly Ha Giang, Ninh Binh Excursion and XE Vietnam.
Another option for transportation from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh can be a private car/taxi, but this is a slightly more expensive option, ranging from $35 to $120/car. You can search and book tickets for all the mentioned connections to Ninh Binh, Tam Coc or Trang An easily online. Always read all instructions and terms of these transfers.
BOOK TICKETS – Noi Bai to Ninh Binh ➜
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh:
1. How you can book tickets from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh?
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- You can book tickets from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- You can search, book another tickets, e.g. train, bus tickets from Dong Hoi > Ninh Binh…
2. What is the travel time from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh?
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- Travel by sleeper tourist bus from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh takes about 6.5-9 hours.
- Travel by bus + train of Vietnam Railway from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh takes about 10-12 hours.
- Travel by bus + plane from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh (via Dong Hoi, Hanoi) takes about 8-9 hours.
3. What is the price of transfer from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh?
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- Transport by sleeper bus from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh costs about $14-26/pp.
- Transport by bus + train of Vietnam Railway from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh costs about $10-40/pp
- Travel by bus + plane from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh (via Dong Hoi, Hanoi) costs about $70-100/pp.
4. How far is Ninh Binh from Phong Nha-Ke Bang?
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- Travel distance from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh is about 400 km by bus and about 360 by plane from Dong Hoi.
5. What is the best way of transport from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh?
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- The best and fastest way of getting from Phong Nha-ke Bang to Ninh Binh is to travel by public bus or taxi to Dong Hoi and in Dong Hoi there are direct flights to Hanoi. From Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport or from Hanoi city you can travel by tourist bus or train to Ninh Binh.
6. What is the most cheapest way of transport from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh?
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- The most cheapest way of transport from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh is to travel by local bus to Dong Hoi and from take a train (hard seat) to Ninh Binh. But hard seat is not comfortable. It is almost the same – bus or train…
7. Is there a direct flight from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh?
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- No there are no flights from Phong Nha-Ke Bang to Ninh Binh because there are no airports in this sites.
8. Where you can travel and go from Ninh Binh?
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- From Ninh Binh you can travel by train, bus, taxi to Hanoi (it takes about 2-3.5 hours to get there) or you can travel by tourist bus to Ha Long Bay (it takes about 4 hours).
9. How to travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang?
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- If you want to travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang, you can travel by sleeper bus or by train+bus via Dong Hoi. It is the same way how you want to travel to Ninh Binh.
10. When to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang?
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- The best time to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang is in dry season, when there are limited rainy showers.
11. How to get and travel to Ninh Binh from Noi Bai Airport?
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- Traveling from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh offers a range of transportation options to suit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you opt for the economical convenience of buses, the comfort of private taxis, or the adventurous combination of bus and train travel, your journey promises to be filled with excitement and memorable experiences awaiting you in the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Ninh Binh ➜
