Ninh Binh sits just 100km south of Hanoi, making it Vietnam’s most accessible natural wonder for a day trip or overnight escape. Whether you’re choosing between train, bus, private car, or joining a guided tour, this guide covers every transport option, realistic costs, journey times, and what to expect when traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in 2026.
How Far Is Ninh Binh from Hanoi? (Distance & Travel Time Overview)
The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is exactly 100km (62 miles) via the modern expressway. Your actual travel time depends on which transport method you choose:
- Train: 2 hours 14 minutes to 2 hours 43 minutes
- Shuttle Bus/Coach: 2 to 3 hours (traffic dependent)
- Private Car: 1.5 to 2 hours (fastest option)
- Motorbike: 2.5 to 3 hours
Hanoi’s rush hour traffic (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) can add 30-45 minutes to bus and car journeys. The new expressway is significantly faster than the old national road. For day trip planning, departing Hanoi by 7:30-8:30 AM gives you a full 6-7 hours of sightseeing time in Ninh Binh.
Transport Options from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (Compared & Ranked)
Here’s an honest comparison of all available options:
| Transport | Duration | Cost (USD) | Comfort Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 2-2.5h | $3-10 | Medium | Travelers wanting authentic local experience |
| Public Bus | 2.5-3h | $3-4 | Low | Backpackers |
| Limousine Bus | 2-2.5h | $6-10 | High | Comfort seekers |
| Private Car | 1.5-2h | $60-100 | Highest | Groups/families |
| Guided Day Tour | Full day | $26-50 | High | First-timers |
Train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers authentic Vietnamese travel with comfortable seating and Red River Delta views. Trains are reliable and air-conditioned, but factor in taxi costs at both ends (approximately $4-6 total). With only 5-6 daily departures, advance booking is essential.
Shuttle Bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh comes in two categories. Limousine buses provide premium comfort with hotel pickup, WiFi, and bottled water. Public buses are the true budget option but require getting to bus stations and offer basic comfort.
Private car transfers deliver maximum flexibility and door-to-door convenience. When split among 3-4 people (around $15-25 per person), they become cost-effective. You can customize stops and aren’t bound by fixed schedules.
Guided tours represent the best overall value for most travelers. You’re getting transport, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, and complete logistics management – eliminating hours of research.
>>> Explore our Vietnam Tours including Ninh Binh for curated itineraries with hassle-free transport included.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train (Step-by-Step Booking Guide)
The railway journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers authentic Vietnamese life while providing comfortable, air-conditioned travel through the Red River Delta countryside.
Train Schedules & Ticket Prices
Vietnamese Railways operates 5-6 daily trains, with an extra departure on Sundays:
Monday to Saturday (5 trains):
- SE7: 06:00 → 08:14 (2h 14m) – Best for early day trips
- SE5: 09:00 → 11:17 (2h 17m) – Most popular
- SE9: 14:30 → 17:13 (2h 43m) – Too late for day trips
- SE3: 19:20 → 21:44 (2h 24m) – Evening option
- SE19: 20:10 → 22:22 (2h 12m) – Late service
Sunday (6 trains with earlier SE5):
- SE7: 06:00, SE5: 08:50, SE35: 13:10, SE9: 14:25, SE3: 19:25, SE19: 20:00
Ticket Pricing: 73,000-250,000 VND ($3-10 USD) depending on seat class. Hard seats are most economical, soft seats provide cushioned comfort, while air-conditioned reclining seats command premium prices. Round-trip bookings save 10%.
For day trips, the SE7 (06:00) train is ideal if you can manage early wake-up – arrive by 8:14 AM with the full day ahead. The SE5 (09:00) is most popular, offering reasonable departure time while allowing 6-7 hours of sightseeing.
How to Book Train Tickets Online
Book via dsvn.vn (Vietnamese Railways official site) for lowest prices, though the interface can be challenging for non-Vietnamese speakers. Third-party platforms like Baolau.vn and 12Go.asia charge small fees ($1-2) but provide English interfaces and customer support.
Booking timeline:
- Weekdays: 1-2 days advance
- Weekends: 3-5 days ahead (especially SE7 and SE5)
- Peak season (April-May, September-November): 5-7 days
- Tet holiday: 2-3 weeks ahead
Both printed and mobile e-tickets accepted – show your QR code when boarding.
Station Locations & Getting There
Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District) sits 2km from Old Quarter. Grab/taxi costs 40,000-60,000 VND ($1.50-2.50), taking 10-15 minutes. Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure.
Ninh Binh Railway Station is 2km west of city center. You’ll need taxis to attractions:
- Tam Coc: 8km (15 min, $2-3)
- Trang An: 10km (20 min, $2.50-3.50)
- Mua Cave: 6km (12 min, $2-2.50)
When factoring taxi costs at both ends plus local transport between attractions, total expenses reach $24-48 per person round trip – often more than limousine buses or comparable to guided tours.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Bus (Budget-Friendly Options)
Limousine Bus Services
Premium limousine buses offer comfort rivaling private cars at fraction of the cost. Top operators:
Hai Van Limousine – Hourly departures with hotel pickup from Old Quarter Grouptour Limousine – Modern amenities with USB ports and WiFi An Phu Limousine – Smallest buses (12 seats) for more space
Standard features:
- Pick-up from Old Quarter hotels (6:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Reclining leather seats, AC, WiFi, bottled water
- Cost: $6-10/person one-way
- Drop-off: Ninh Binh center or Tam Coc/Trang An (+$2)
Local Public Buses
Giap Bat Bus Station runs buses every 30-45 minutes (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM). Cost just $3-4 one-way with basic conditions – standard seats, no premium amenities, 2.5-3 hour journey with frequent stops.
Major drawback: Buses only stop at Ninh Binh’s main bus station, not tourist sites. You’ll need additional transport to reach attractions. Best for extreme budget travelers comfortable with local transport systems.
Private Car & Transfer Services from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
When to Choose Private Car
Consider private cars for groups of 3+ people (cost splits to $15-25 each), families with children or elderly travelers, those wanting flexibility to stop at multiple sites, or carrying luggage for overnight stays.
Pricing Structure
- 4-seater sedan: $60-75 round trip
- 7-seater SUV/van: $80-100 round trip
- 16-seater minibus: $120-140 round trip
- One-way: 60% of round-trip price
Includes door-to-door service, English-speaking driver, highway tolls, parking, bottled water, and up to 8 hours waiting time. Professional guide costs additional $20-30.
Important Note About Tour Transport
If you book a tour with Indochina Voyages, private transport is already included. We handle all transportation from Hanoi hotel pickup to drop-off, including transport between Ninh Binh attractions. This eliminates coordinating multiple bookings and ensures seamless travel.
Book private transfers separately only if doing DIY sightseeing, needing one-way transfer for overnight stays, or wanting customized routes beyond standard itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanoi to Ninh Binh Travel
Is Ninh Binh worth visiting from Hanoi?
Absolutely. Ninh Binh offers unique karst limestone landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and authentic rural Vietnam experiences within 2 hours of Hanoi. It’s consistently rated as one of Southeast Asia’s most stunning destinations and provides excellent value for time invested.
Can I go from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and back in one day?
Yes, completely feasible with early start (7:00-7:30 AM departure). You’ll have 6-7 hours in Ninh Binh to see 3-4 major attractions comfortably before returning to Hanoi by 7:00-8:00 PM.
Do I need to book transport in advance?
Must book ahead: Trains during weekends/holidays (SE7 and SE5 sell out), guided day tours during peak season.
Usually available: Limousine buses (hourly departures), public buses.
Flexible: Private cars accept last-minute bookings, though advance reservations (2-3 days) secure better rates.
What’s the best transport for solo travelers?
Guided day tours offer best value for solo travelers. Pay $60-100 for complete experience including transport, guide, lunch, and entrance fees. DIY arrangements cost similar amounts while requiring significantly more coordination and time.
Should I stay overnight or do a day trip?
Most visitors find day trips sufficient to experience major highlights – boat rides, Mua Cave, and either Bai Dinh Pagoda or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Day trip itineraries efficiently cover 3-4 attractions without feeling rushed.
Consider overnight stays if you’re a photographer wanting sunrise/sunset lighting, want to visit Van Long Nature Reserve early morning, or prefer slow travel without return transport pressure.
Browse our Vietnam Tours for both day trip and multi-day options.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the authentic Hanoi to Ninh Binh train experience, a comfortable limousine bus with hotel pickup, or a hassle-free guided tour with expert local guides, Ninh Binh remains Vietnam’s most rewarding and accessible day trip destination from the capital. With stunning karst landscapes, serene boat rides through caves, and panoramic valley views from Mua Cave, this “Halong Bay on land” delivers unforgettable experiences just 100km to the south of Hanoi.
Ready to explore Ninh Binh’s natural wonders? Contact our Vietnam travel experts here or drop us an offline message on the screen to customize your perfect Ninh Binh experience!
