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Are you searching for the best ways to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh? This guide has got you covered! Ninh Binh is a must-visit destination on your Vietnam trip. Whether you’re going on a family vacation, a romantic trip, or a quick adventure with friends, Ninh Binh is a great place to relax, away from the busy streets of Hanoi. In this guide, you’ll find all the ways to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh – the cheapest and fastest options. I’ll share the details of each option, including how to get your tickets, how long it takes, how much it costs, and how convenient it is. Keep reading to learn more!
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It is located in the north by the Red Sea and is the second-largest city in Vietnam after Saigon. Hanoi is an old city- over a thousand years old! People have lived here since at least 3,000 BC.
As you walk around, you’ll see many ancient buildings with Chinese and French influence, especially in the Old and French Quarters. The city is sometimes called the “City of Lakes” because it has over 20 lakes.
There’s always something interesting to explore. It welcomes foreigners and first-time visitors and you can also find a great range of vegan restaurants in Hanoi!
If you’re in Hanoi, you can take a short trip to other Vietnamese destinations in the north of the country like Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, or Cat Ba.
→ Also read: Is Hanoi Safe to Visit? Things to Know!
The Trang An boat tours near Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Ninh Binh is a province in northern Vietnam, around 90 kilometers from Hanoi. It is known for its beautiful limestone karst formations, lush rice paddies, and winding rivers.
Ninh Binh City has a long history going back thousands of years. It was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties, and you can still see many old things from that time.
Ninh Binh province has many popular attractions, including Tam Coc, and Trang An. Tam Coc, also known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a small village in Ninh Binh. You can learn about traditional village life, go on boat trips, and visit some of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia.
The city of Ninh Binh isn’t a place with a lot of attractions. It’s rather dusty and has a bit of a gritty vibe. But the countryside around Ninh Binh is a peaceful contrast to the bustling city of Hanoi. This is also where you’ll want to stay!
So, instead of spending your evenings on Hanoi Beer Street, consider a day trip to Ninh Binh or stay longer. The area is so beautiful that I stayed here for two weeks!
The best times to visit Ninh Binh are during the rice fields season and the dry season. You can see the green rice fields from May to early July and from September to October.
If you prefer cooler and dry weather, visit from November to April. It gets warmer and more humid from May to October with a higher chance of rain.
The average temperature is around 23.5 degrees Celsius, making it a year-round destination but do note that this region has a significant contrast in temperatures. In January and February, it can get pretty cold with daytime temperatures hovering around 18 degrees Celcius.
In the summer months, temperatures can rise to 30 degrees Celcius and more!
Hang Mua viewpoint, Ninh Binh
The distance between Hanoi and Ninh Binh is approximately 100 kilometers, making it easily accessible for a day trip or a short getaway. Depending on the mode of transportation chosen, the journey typically takes two to three hours.
There are many ways to go from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. You can choose a train (2 hours and 16 minutes), a taxi (1.5 hours), a van (about 2-3 hours), a public bus, or a day tour. The fastest option is the train, and tickets start from $7.
→ Also read: Bus Travel From Hanoi to Sapa: All You Need to Know
From fastest to cheapest, here are the 6 ways to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh!
Estimated Cost: $7 – $17
Estimated Travelling Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
The fastest way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is by train. Both cities are located along Vietnam’s North-South railway line. The train ride offers you an opportunity to enjoy the countryside views while sitting comfortably on the excellent trains.
Vietnam Railways has 7 trains going from Hanoi to Ninh Binh every day. The first train starts at 5:50 in the morning, and the last one leaves Hanoi at 22:15. The train journey typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the type of train and the specific route. The cost of tickets varies depending on the type of seat and the time of the year. They start from $7.
Hanoi Railway Station Address: 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
Ninh Binh Railway Station Address: 01, Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Thanh Binh ward, Ninh Binh City
Multiple trains operate on this route, including SE (Sinh Cafe) and TN (Thong Nhat). The SE trains are a common choice for travelers. They offer various classes, such as hard seats, soft seats, hard sleepers, and soft sleepers.
If you’re traveling during peak times, on weekends, or holidays, you should buy your train tickets in advance. If you’re in Hanoi, you can book them online using Vietnam Railways or through 12GoAsia.
If you’re planning to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by bus, you have two options: a limo bus or a public bus.
Estimated Time: 1.5-2 hours
Estimated Cost: $4 – $10
If you want to travel quickly from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, a limo bus is a great option. Bus companies like Trang An Limousine, TBus, Khanh An Limousine, Truly Ha Giang, Duy Khang Limousine, and Ninh Binh Excursion operate on this route.
These companies run fancy limousine services with modern, individual seatings. The buses have 16 seats, providing extra space for passengers. They come with useful features like USB charging ports, free WiFi, free drinking water, air conditioning, and more. A limo bus seat may cost $4 from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, and the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Most limousine companies provide free hotel pick-up in Hanoi or drop-off in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc for departure and arrival. You can buy tickets online through 12Go, your hotel tour desk, or a travel agent.
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Estimated Cost: $4- $6
The cheapest way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is by taking a public bus. The journey typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic. The cost ranges from $4 to $6 per person (100,000 VND to 160,000 VND). Buses depart every 20 minutes from 6:00 to 18:00.
Local buses might make multiple stops to pick up or drop off passengers, so be prepared for potential delays, as they usually depart when all seats are filled.
Several local companies operate buses on this route, such as Hoang Long, The Long Travel, Cat Loi, and Queen Cafe VIP Open Bus. Most buses offer both standard and sleeper options.
The buses don’t leave from the specific tourist areas in Hanoi or Ninh Binh, so you might need to spend extra money to get to and from the bus stations.
Estimated Cost: $10
Estimated Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Another convenient and affordable way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is by van. These minivans are comfortable, usually equipped with air conditioning, and have seats for about 9 passengers. Some even have USB plugs, comfy seats, air conditioning, and staff who speak English.
This reputable company runs 4 VIP vans daily from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. These vans start their journey from their Hanoi Office and end in Tam Coc. You can rent the whole van, share the cost with your group, or buy a ticket for individual seats.
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Estimated Cost: Starts from $60
If you want a convenient and hassle-free way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi, which takes about 2 hours. It is the most expensive option, as the fare is based on distance. The main perk is that you can pick your own departure time and avoid delays from picking up other passengers.
Many rental car companies provide services from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, including OUROS Travel, Nui Ne Sky Travel, Booking Car, VTS, Dichung, and Saigon DMC.
You can book your private taxi, limousine, or minivan from Hanoi to Ninh Binh through 12Go. This option is ideal for families or small groups of friends who want to go to Ninh Binh comfortably while sharing the cost.
Estimated Cost: $4-$8 (100,000 VND to 200,000 VND)
Estimated Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
If you’re feeling adventurous and have experience riding a bike, getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by motorbike is a great option. It allows you to stop and enjoy the scenery whenever you want, capturing unforgettable moments along the way.
The fastest route by motorbike is National Road 1A (QL1A), and it takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from the city center. Motorbike rentals cost between $4 and $8 for a single ride. Fill your tank in Hanoi before you start. You can make a stop at the Perfume Pagoda or in Phu Lu City for food and drinks along the way.
Check out these tips for a smooth motorbike ride.
If you only have one day to explore Ninh Binh, you can join a day trip from Hanoi. Viator offers several day trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh starting from $50.
Most day trips to Ninh Binh include visiting Tam Coc, which is like a smaller version of Ha Long Bay on land, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
You’ll probably also get to experience a boat ride in Trang An or Tam Coc, surrounded by tall limestone hills, and visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Additionally, you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the Mua Cave viewpoint.
The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, roundtrip bus transportation, lunch, water, an English-speaking guide, 1 traditional hat, entrance fees, and bike rental.
Boat dock in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
Getting around in Ninh Binh is easy. Here are some simple ways:
You have a few options for getting from Ninh Binh City to Tam Coc, where you’ll find many good places to stay. No public buses run from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc. The easiest way is to take a metered taxi, which can cost 120,000 to 150,000 VND.
If you don’t have much luggage with you, you can take a motorbike taxi, and it costs around $1 to $2 (25,000 VND to 50,000 VND). If you’re traveling at night, be ready to pay a bit more. You can also ask your hotel to arrange a car transfer for you.
That said, many buses that leave Hanoi for Ninh Binh actually stop in Tam Coc. Check the end destination well when you book your ticket on 12GoAsia! It saves you money and an unnecessary taxi ride!
Bich Dong Pagoda, Tam Coc
Don’t make the mistake some travelers make by staying in Ninh Binh City. There’s not much to do there, and you’ll need to take taxis daily to get to the main attractions like Tam Coc, Trang An, and other places in Ninh Binh province.
In Ninh Binh province, there are two main areas to stay. Tam Coc is the main town with a busy street full of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Many homestays in Tam Coc are by the beautiful Tam Coc River.
If you prefer a quieter place surrounded by nature, go to Trang An. It’s less crowded or touristy than Tam Coc, and there is no central area. In Trang An, you’ll find local shops, restaurants, and homestays.
The best place for you in Ninh Binh depends on what you want. If you like going out at night and having many choices for eating and drinking, Tam Coc is your best option.
Trang An temple, Ninh Binh
Skip Ninh Binh City; it’s better to stay outside in places like Trang An or Tam Coc. From boutique hotels overlooking rice fields to beautiful homestays, you’ll find a variety of options.
If you want a luxury stay in Ninh Binh, consider Tam Coc Homestay. This 3-star hotel offers a pleasant stay with free bikes, parking, an outdoor pool, and a garden. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with free WiFi, private bathrooms, and mountain or pool views.
If you want a budget-friendly stay, consider Tam Coc Bungalow. Whether you’re a backpacker or prefer more privacy, this accommodation offers private bungalows and dorm beds near the Tam Coc River.
This little homestay has the best vegan restaurant in Tam Coc. While there are a few plant-based eateries in Tam Coc, the vegan Vietnamese food at this homestay is the best I had in Tam Coc. Do be aware that the portions of some of the dishes can be quite small. The rooms were very clean and the fact that they looked out onto a wall didn’t bother me at all.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly stay in Ninh Binh province, Lalita Tam Coc Resort & Spa is an excellent choice. This resort has free bikes, a nice outdoor swimming pool, and a beautiful garden. You can also enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar. The rooms are comfy, featuring air conditioning, private bathrooms, and mountain-view terraces.
Rowers of the Trang An Boat tour, Ninh Binh
If you can only do one thing in Ninh Binh, make sure it’s a boat ride through the beautiful Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Your boat guide will paddle you on the many rivers, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and greenery. The boats pause at temples and pass through caves, making the journey even more exciting.
Black Asian bears, Ninh Binh
At Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary, you can see and learn about Asian black bears and sun bears ethically. The bears that reside at the sanctuary have been saved from bear bile farming, a horrible practice that is still performed in Vietnam today.
Hang Mua Viewpoint, Ninh Binh
One of the most popular places to visit in Ninh Binh is the Mua Cave Viewpoint. To get to the Mua Cave Viewpoint, you’ll need to climb 486 steps along a stone stairway with dragon sculptures on both sides. The stairway zig-zags its way to the top of the mountain, giving you an awesome view of Tam Coc.
Entrance of the Tam Coc-Bich Dong Pagoda, Ninh Binh
The Bich Dong Pagoda is near a big mountain, and its fancy gate is one of the most famous things to see in Ninh Binh. There’s a stone bridge over a lotus pond that blooms with beautiful pink flowers in the summer. After the gate, there’s a peaceful courtyard and an old-style Buddhist temple.
Bai Dinh Complex, Ninh Binh
Visit the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, Bai Dinh, known for its grand architecture and spiritual significance. You’ll find thousands of Buddha statues, fancy carved bells, and a tall 13-story tower where you can see the countryside from above.
Ninh Binh is only 100 kilometers from Hanoi, so many people take a day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
It takes about 2 to 3 hours to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, depending on how you choose to go.
If you want to store your luggage in Hanoi, you can use the Radical Storage Service. They have a few locations in the city center. It is affordable, and your luggage will be kept safe.
We recommend staying in Tam Coc. This small town offers beautiful guest houses along the Tam Coc River. Ninh Binh is a noisy city with not much to see or do. So don’t make the mistake of staying in the center of Ninh Binh City.
The cheapest way to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is by a public bus. It costs approximately $4 – $6 and takes around 2 to 3 hours.
So, there you have it – a guide on how to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. I hope this guide has helped you plan your trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. With various options like trains, buses, motorbikes, and taxis, you can choose what suits you best.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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If you’re planning to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by bus, you have two options: a limo bus or a public bus.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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