🚆 How to Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (2025): Buses, Trains, Schedules & Booking Guide
Ninh Binh is what most people imagine when they dream of Vietnam: misty mountains, peaceful villages, lush fields, and river valleys that wind through limestone cliffs. Located just 100 km (62 miles) south of Hanoi, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips or overnight getaways from the capital.
Let’s get rolling 🚐🚆🚖
🗺️ Where is Ninh Binh, Vietnam?
Ninh Binh is both a province and a city. Most travelers go for its surrounding attractions:
Tam Coc – “Halong Bay on land”
Trang An – UNESCO-protected cave river system
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Vietnam’s first capital city
Bai Dinh Pagoda – Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex
Mua Cave Viewpoint – That famous dragon back view 👇
📍The actual city of Ninh Binh is about 5–10km away from Tam Coc and Trang An, so where you arrive matters!
🚍 Best Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Let’s compare your options—travel time, convenience, and cost.
| Transport | Duration | Price (USD) | Pros | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Minivan) | 1.5–2 hours | $7–$12 | Fast, hotel pickup, drops in Tam Coc | ✅ Book Now |
| Train | 2–2.5 hours | $5–$10 | Scenic, comfortable, but fixed times | ✅ Book Train |
| Private Car | 1.5 hours | $45–$60 (per car) | Door-to-door, great for groups | ✅ Reserve Here |
| Motorbike (Rental) | 2.5–3 hours | ~$8/day | Adventurous, scenic | Local Rentals Only |
🚌 Bus or Minivan: Fastest & Most Convenient
🚐 Why Choose a Bus?
Multiple daily departures from Hanoi Old Quarter
Hotel pickup/drop-off in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh city
Air-conditioned, comfortable seats
Great for spontaneous travelers
🕐 Typical Bus Schedule
| Departure | Arrival in Ninh Binh | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | 9:00 AM | SSB Travel |
| 9:00 AM | 10:30 AM | Queen Cafe |
| 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | Ninh Binh Express |
| 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM | Local minivans |
✅ Click here to see all departure times & book
🚆 Train: Most Scenic Route
Want to kick back and take the slow train through Vietnam’s countryside? We feel you.
Pros:
Beautiful views
Budget-friendly
More room to move around
🚉 Hanoi to Ninh Binh Train Info
| Train | Departure (Hanoi) | Arrival (Ninh Binh) | Class Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE5 | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM | Soft seat, AC |
| SE7 | 6:00 AM | 8:20 AM | Hard seat, Soft bed |
| SE19 | 8:10 PM | 10:00 PM | Overnight sleeper |
🎟️ Buy your ticket online here:
✅ Hanoi to Ninh Binh Train Tickets
📌 Note: Trains arrive at Ninh Binh Train Station, about 10–15 mins by taxi to Tam Coc.
🚖 Private Car: Most Comfortable
If you’re in a group or just want a stress-free, direct ride with no stops, book a private car.
Why it rocks:
Door-to-door hotel pickup & drop-off
Air-conditioned and comfortable
Great if you’re carrying a lot of luggage
You can stop for photos or coffee on the way
✅ Book a private car transfer here:
Private Transfer Hanoi to Ninh Binh
🏍️ Motorbike: For the Adventurers
Yes, you can rent a motorbike and ride the 2.5–3 hour journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
Pros:
Scenic and exciting
Full control of your schedule
Cheap
Cons:
Not beginner-friendly (traffic out of Hanoi is intense!)
Risky in bad weather
No official drop zones, so plan ahead for where you’ll park or stay
📍Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
🧘 Budget
Tam Coc Nature Lodge – Peaceful with nature views
Go Ninh Binh Hostel – Social vibe and scooter rentals
💦 Mid-Range
Lotus Field Homestay – Stunning rice field surroundings
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel – Pool and spa options
🌅 Luxury
Tam Coc Garden Resort – Top-rated, romantic escape
Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh – Vietnamese-style villas
🏞️ Top Things to Do in Ninh Binh
| Attraction | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Tam Coc Boat Ride | Rowed by feet, through rice fields & caves |
| Trang An | UNESCO heritage boat caves & temples |
| Mua Cave Viewpoint | The best panoramic view in the province |
| Bai Dinh Pagoda | Massive Buddhist site with giant statues |
| Hoa Lu Ancient Capital | Historical ruins, former royal city |
📸 Tip: Most travelers rent scooters for $5/day or hire a car + guide to explore.
💬 Traveler Testimonials
“Took the train for the views, and it was so chill. Bookaway made booking easy and stress-free.”
– Samantha, Canada
“Used the minivan from Hanoi with hotel pickup. Door-to-door and fast!”
– Arjun, India
“Rented a motorbike—totally worth it if you’re confident on the road.”
– Jakob, Germany
🙋♀️ FAQs – Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Q: Is Ninh Binh worth a day trip?
A: 100% yes. But even better if you stay 1–2 nights.
Q: What’s the fastest way to get there?
A: A private car or express minivan—about 1.5 hours.
Q: Can I book my return trip from Ninh Binh to Hanoi in advance?
A: Yes! All operators offer round-trip options or open returns.
Q: Are tickets refundable?
A: Some are. Always check cancellation policy on the booking page.
Q: Is Tam Coc or Ninh Binh city better to stay?
A: Tam Coc is more scenic and tourist-friendly. Ninh Binh is more local and city-like.
🚀 Ready to Book Your Ride?
Don’t waste time at Hanoi’s chaotic bus stations or train counters. Book online in minutes and get straight to the good part—exploring Ninh Binh!
✅ Book your Hanoi to Ninh Binh transport now
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