Are you planning to visit Ninh Binh and wondering how to get there from Hanoi, Vietnam? In this article, I’ll share with you all the details on reaching Ninh Binh and Tam Coc from Hanoi, as well as from the charming city of Sapa, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Island and Cat Ba Island, and the central towns of Hoi An, Hué, and Da Nang.
You’ll discover valuable information about various transportation options, such as transfers, buses, minibuses, ferries, taxis, trains, or organized tours. This way, you can easily choose the option that suits your preferences or fits your budget.
Whenever you travel abroad, it’s crucial to have reliable travel insurance that covers medical expenses, theft, and unexpected transportation or luggage issues. Plus, you can benefit from a 5% discount!
All-inclusive packages
if you prefer to simplify things and make the most of your time. With these packages, you can visit Ninh Binh without any worries and even have the opportunity to explore other areas like Sapa and Halong Bay. Here are some recommended options for you to consider.
¿How to get from HANOI to Ninh Binh & Tam Coc?
I’ll provide you with a rundown of all the transportation routes from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. In the subsequent sections, you’ll find comprehensive information for each mode of transport.
Transportation options to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
There are several transportation options available to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi. Below, I will list the different alternatives and provide a brief informative description for each. Further down, you will find a section with all the details:
- TOUR: You can opt for a one-day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. This option is perfect if you prefer to have the planning taken care of by professionals and enjoy a guided experience.
- SHUTTLE or TAXI: For a more personalized and convenient journey, you can choose to take a taxi or hire a private transportation service. This option offers greater flexibility in terms of schedules and ensures a comfortable ride.
- BUS: Another option is to take a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Buses are a cost-effective and convenient choice, with regular departures throughout the day. The bus journey usually takes around two hours, depending on traffic conditions.
- TRAIN: You can also consider taking a train from Hanoi’s train station to Ninh Binh. Trains provide a comfortable and scenic ride, with various departure times available. The travel time by train generally ranges from two to three hours.
- FROM the AIRPORT: If you’d rather skip going to Hanoi city and head straight to Ninh Binh, you have the option to take a bus, transfer, or taxi directly from the airport to your destination.
How to go to Ninh Binh from Hanoi on a TOUR
If you’re planning to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and want to explore the region in a comfortable and organized way, joining a 1-day 1-DAY TOUR (👉prices) can be the perfect option for you.
These tours typically last between 10 and 11 hours and include visits to iconic landmarks such as the Mua Cave, the Hoa Lu Citadel, and the Bai Dinh Temple, among others. These destinations will allow you to experience the breathtaking beauty of karst mountains, meandering rivers, and lush landscapes in the area.
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by SHUTTLE or TAXI
If you’re in the process of planning your trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and seeking a comfortable and personalized option, a private TRANSFER or TAXI (👉prices) can be the perfect choice for you. They will pick you up directly from your hotel in Hanoi at the designated time and transport you to your hotel in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. You also have the option to arrange for a convenient pick-up from Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (👉TRANSFER).
A private transfer or taxi service provides an exclusive transportation experience, allowing you to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh without worrying about schedules or additional stops. You’ll enjoy the convenience of a private vehicle and have the flexibility to select a departure time that best suits your itinerary.
The distance between the two cities is approximately 90 kilometers, and the travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions, typically taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi by BUS
If you’re planning your trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and looking for a budget-friendly option, there are BUSES (👉prices & schedules) available from Hanoi City. You can also catch BUSES (👉prices & schedules) from Noi Bai Airport.
The buses departing from the city have multiple pick-up points in central Hanoi, which is where most hotels are located. It’s important to note that the options can vary significantly, and some buses offer hotel pick-up services in Hanoi and drop-off services in Ninh Binh. If the bus doesn’t provide hotel drop-off, you’ll need to take a taxi to your accommodation.
The bus journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and road quality. The distance between the two cities is around 90 kilometers.
How reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi by TRAIN
If you’re planning a trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and looking for a comfortable and truly local transportation option, the TRAIN (👉prices and schedules) is an excellent choice to reach your destination.
Trains depart from the Hanoi Railway Station, also known as the Hanoi Central Train Station, located in the city center of Hanoi. The train journey takes a little over 2 hours, covering a distance of approximately 90 kilometers.
Upon arrival at the Ninh Binh Train Station, you’ll find taxis readily available just outside the station, ready to take you to your hotel in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. Tam Coc is located just 6 km away, and you can reach there in less than 10 minutes by taxi.
How to go from HALONG BAY & TUAN CHAU to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc?
There are three different ways to travel from Halong Bay and Tuan Chau Island to the town of Ninh Binh and Tam Coc: by bus or minibus, and by private transfer/taxi.
Getting to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc by transfer or taxi
Opting for a TRANSFER (👉prices) is the most comfortable and efficient way to cover the approximately 200 km distance between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. This service will pick you up directly from your hotel at the agreed-upon time and take you to your reserved accommodation in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc.
To avoid any confusion when booking the transfer, keep in mind that Tuan Chau Island is part of Halong Bay. Furthermore, there’s no need to take a ferry to leave the island as it is connected by a bridge.
Getting to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc by bus or shuttle
You also have the option of taking a BUS o MINIBÚS (👉price & schedules) to travel to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. Minibuses are a faster and more practical alternative to conventional buses. They are shared transfers with fixed schedules. Some of these services even provide the added convenience of picking you up and dropping you off directly at your hotel, while others have designated meeting points.
The journey covers a total distance of 200 km, and you can expect to arrive in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
¿How to travel from CAT BA to Ninh Binh & Tam Coc?
To get to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc from Cat Ba Island, you have two transportation options available: taking a combination of bus and ferry or opting for a transfer service that includes a ferry ride.
Getting to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc by transfer + ferry
If you’re looking for the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc, an excellent option is to use a TRANSFER/TAXI (👉price) service. For larger groups, it is recommended to consider hiring a MINIVAN TRANSFER (👉price) service.
This service will pick you up from your hotel in Cat Ba and take you to the ferry terminal that connects to Hai Phong city. From there, you will be transported directly to your hotel in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. The journey covers a distance of 150 km and typically takes around 4 hours to complete.
One of the main advantages of this transportation method is its flexibility in terms of schedules and pick-up locations. This way, you can make the most of your time in Vietnam and arrive in Ninh Binh feeling relaxed and ready to explore.
Getting to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc by bus + ferry
To travel to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc from Cat Ba on a budget, you can opt for a TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE (👉price) that includes buses to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc and the ferry to leave the island. These packages are designed to take care of all the arrangements, so you won’t have to worry about figuring out the transfers on your own.
Some companies offer complimentary hotel pick-up in Cat Ba, taking you directly to the bus stop that will transport you to the ferry terminal. During the purchasing process, you’ll have the opportunity to select your preferred pick-up location.
The total journey from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of around 150 km.
How to get from SAPA to Ninh Binh & Tam Coc?
Let’s figure out how to travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. In this case, you have two options to choose from: using a transfer service or taking a public bus.
Getting to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc by transfer/taxi or minivan
If you’re looking for the most convenient and efficient way to travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc, using the TRANSFER/TAXI (👉price) service is a fantastic option. For larger groups, it’s highly recommended to consider booking a MINIVAN TRANSFER (👉precio) service.
The great thing about this choice is its flexibility regarding schedules and pick-up locations. The transfer service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Sapa and transport you straight to your hotel in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. The journey covers a distance of 407 km and typically takes around 8 hours to complete.
Getting to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc by public bus
Most of the BUSES (👉prices & schedules) depart from Sapa’s central bus station and have different final stops in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. So, I recommend that you book with a company that has a stop closest to your hotel.
Since this is a long-distance trip, lasting approximately 9 hours, the buses operating on this route are typically Sleeping or Sleeper Buses (referred to by both names). These buses allow you to travel lying down instead of sitting, which reduces the chances of feeling motion sickness and makes the journey more comfortable.
Although these buses are commonly used for overnight travel, they also operate during the day.
¿How to get from HUÉ to Ninh Binh & Tam Coc?
To travel from Hué to Ninh Binh, you have two options: taking a bus or a train.
The BUSES (👉prices & schedule) depart from various locations in the city of Hué, and different companies have their final stops either in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh. It’s advisable to find a bus stop that is closest to your hotel to save on taxi fares to the station. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes, covering a total distance of 580 km.
The TRAINS (👉prices & schedules) depart from Hué’s train station and typically take around 12 hours to reach Ninh Binh’s train station. Once you arrive, you can easily find taxis right outside the station to take you to your hotel in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. The distance to Tam Coc is 6 km, and the taxi ride should take no more than 10 minutes.
How to go from DA NANG to Ninh Binh & Tam Coc?
To travel from Da Nang city to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, you have two options: taking a bus or a train.
The BUSES (👉price & schedules) depart from various locations in Da Nang, with some companies having their final stops in Tam Coc, while others go directly to Ninh Binh. The journey lasts around 14 hours, covering a total distance of 685 km.
The TRAINS (👉prices & schedules) depart from Da Nang’s train station and usually take approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes to reach Ninh Binh’s train station. Upon arrival, you can easily find taxis right outside the station to take you to your hotel in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. The distance to Tam Coc is 6 km, and the taxi ride shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
How to get from HOI AN to Ninh Binh & Tam Coc?
To reach Ninh Binh and Tam Coc from Hoi An, you have the choice of taking either a bus or a train. Let’s take a look at both of these options
Getting to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc by BUS
If you’re looking to travel from the charming town of Hoi An to Ninh Binh, taking a BUS (👉prices & schedules) is an option. Buses depart from various stops and agencies around Hoi An, and some companies have their final stop at Tam Coc, while others go all the way to Ninh Binh.
If you decide to book a ticket, make sure to pay attention to the departure and arrival stations to choose the one that’s closest to your hotel. The journey usually takes around 15 hours, covering a total distance of approximately 580 km.
Getting to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc by TRAIN
Whether you’re headed to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, you’ll need to depart from Da Nang station. TRAIN (👉prices & schedules) operating on this route arrive at Ninh Binh city (Ninh Binh Railway Station) in approximately 14 hours.
To get from your Hoi An hotel to Da Nang train station, you have a couple of options:
- You can easily grab a taxi to take you straight to the station. The taxi ride from your Hoi An hotel should run you about 360,000 VND (15$ or 13.5€).
- If you’re looking to be a bit more budget-conscious, the better bet is to catch a bus. The bus will drop you off very close to the train station (the bus stop’s address is Số 162 Ông Ích Khiêm), and the tickets are wallet-friendly. The bus leaves from the Hoi An Local Bus Station, and to get there, you’ll need to grab a taxi from your hotel.
See, whether you opt for the train or the bus, the travel time is pretty much the same. Considering bang for your buck, I’d suggest going with the bus, as it takes you straight to Hanoi.
How to reach TAM COC from Ninh Binh?
When planning a trip to the Ninh Binh and Tam Coc area, we come across the fact that many buses have their final stop in Ninh Binh. Additionally, if we opt to travel by train, the central station is located in the city of Ninh Binh and does not extend to the small town of Tam Coc.
If you want to reach Tam Coc from Ninh Binh, you’ll need to take a taxi to cover the short distance of 6 km between the two locations. Luckily, it’s a quick ride, and you shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to reach your destination.
I recommend checking out this transportation search engine to find buses that will take you directly to Tam Coc, which will help you avoid any inconvenience.
TOURS and activities in Ninh Binh
Uncover the wonders of Ninh Binh with an extensive selection of tours and activities. Explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Tam Coc, venture into its fascinating caves, and pay a visit to ancient temples. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this region as you embark on unique adventures in Ninh Binh.
Popular transportation routes in Vietnam
If you are planning your trip to Vietnam, here you will find some of the most popular transportation routes to visit the country.
How to get to HOI AN by plane, bus, taxi, transfer, and ferry/boat
How to get to Da Nang from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh by bus, train and plane
How to get to Cat Ba by bus, taxi, transfer, ferry, motorbike & shuttle
How to get to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh by bus, shuttle, plane & on a tour
How to get to Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh and Can Tho by plane, bus & ferry | Vietnam
How to get to Sapa from Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Cat Ba by train, bus, limousine & taxi
Is it SAFE to travel to Vietnam?
If you’re considering traveling to Vietnam, it’s important to be aware of certain risks to ensure your safety. Additionally, as with any trip, I highly recommend obtaining a reliable TRAVEL INSURANCE (👉5% off) that provides coverage for any unexpected situations abroad.
While Vietnam is generally a safe country, theft is common in larger cities, public transportation, crowded markets, and tourist areas. Taking necessary precautions and staying vigilant can help minimize any potential risks.
It’s recommended to ask for the price before buying anything and negotiate if necessary since it’s common to be charged higher prices for taxis, souvenirs, products, or services, especially in the more touristy areas of Vietnam, if you’re a foreigner.
In addition, some areas of Vietnam, especially in the central region and near the border with Laos, have landmines that can pose a danger to travelers. If you plan to visit these places, it’s important to inform yourself in advance about the mined areas and follow the recommendations of local authorities.
Safety for Women
I spent a year and a half traveling in Vietnam and never encountered any truly unpleasant situations. It’s common for men to want to take pictures with you or even blatantly put their phone in front of your face and record videos.
That being said, Vietnam is not free from sexual assaults, verbal harassment, or unwanted groping. I recommend that you:
- Be cautious at night, especially if you plan to drink at a bar (which is not advisable).
- Use Grab to move around safely at night and always avoid taxis and motorbikes you find on the street.
- If you become a victim of sexual assault, seek immediate medical assistance, contact the local police, your embassy, and make sure to file a report.
