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Ninh Binh is karst country, 455 kilometres (283 miles) north of Hue. Limestone towers rise straight out of the rice paddies, and you can row through the caves at Tam Coc. Flying is the quickest way, taking 5 hours 40 minutes. Overland, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Hue to Ninh Binh at $13 (350,000 VND). The train costs more and takes a little longer.
Distance from Hue to Ninh Binh
Hue and Ninh Binh are about 455 km (283 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 580 km by road. The quickest way to get from Hue to Ninh Binh is by taking the flight, which takes around 5 hours 40 minutes.
3 ways to travel from Hue to Ninh Binh
There are three ways to travel from Hue to Ninh Binh. You can choose between the bus, train, and flight. The journey takes 5h 40m–12h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $13 (350,000 VND).
3 legs — see itinerary
- Hue city centre→Hue Airport30m
- Hue→Hanoi1h 10m
- Hanoi→Ninh Binh4h
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1Hue to Ninh Binh by Bus
There are a few bus companies operating from Hue to Ninh Binh. The Long Travel and Queen Cafe are two of the most popular bus operators.
Note that all buses arrive in Ninh Binh early morning. If you don’t want to spend your early morning hours on the streets, best to book accommodation for the night.
Bus fares from Hue to Ninh Binh start from $13 (350,000 VND). Travel time is 9h 45m - 12h, depending on which bus you take.
Departure and arrival station
If you’re taking the Long Travel or Camel Travel bus to Tam Coc, the drop-off point is at the Long Hotel in the town centre. As for the buses heading to Ninh Binh, they will drop you off at Ninh Binh city centre.
Bus schedule from Hue to Ninh Binh
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Hue to Ninh Binh by Train
Both Hue and Ninh Binh have their own railway stations. This makes it convenient to travel this long distance by train.
Vietnam Railways operates several trips daily. If you prefer to travel during the day, we recommend taking SE8 because of its convenient arrival time. The rest of the trains are night trains that arrive in Ninh Binh in the middle of the night.
Travel time by train from Hue to Ninh Binh can take 12h - 12h 09m. Ticket prices start from $22 (561,000 VND) for a soft seat.
Departure and arrival station
Hue Railway Station is about a 25-minute walk from the city centre. You can also take a 10-minute taxi ride if you have luggage.
You will arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, which is within walking distance of many hotels in the city centre. If you’re headed to Tam Coc, then you can get there via a 15-minute taxi.
Train schedule from Hue to Ninh Binh
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Hue to Ninh Binh by Flight
If travel time with both the train and the bus is too long for you, you also have the option to take a flight to get from Hue to Ninh Binh.
This option isn’t as quick as you’d hope, though. Ninh Binh doesn’t have its own airport, so you can only fly from Hue to Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can then take a minivan or private transfer to Ninh Binh.
We don’t think this option offers much advantage over the train, which is cheaper and more direct.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Hue city centre to Hue Airport by Taxi
Step 2: Hue to Hanoi by Flight
VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways operate daily flights from Hue to Hanoi.
Airfares start from $24 (630,000 VND) if you book your tickets early. Do note that ticket prices can go as high as $42 (1,100,000 VND) during peak season or if you book near the travel date.
The flight takes 1h 10m.
Step 3: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Minivan
Minivans are common for this route, and there are several companies offering trips from morning to night daily.
We recommend booking your ride with Duy Khang Limousine, which picks you up at Hanoi Airport and takes you straight to your hotel in Ninh Binh. Duy Khang departs every hour from 05:30 to 19:30.
Khanh Anh Limousine also offers airport pick-up and the minivan will bring you to your hotel in Tam Coc.
A minivan from Hanoi Airport to Ninh Binh costs $18 (460,000 VND) per person.
Flight tickets are available on Bookaway.
Alternative: Hanoi Airport to Ninh Binh by Taxi
If you’re travelling in a group or if you’re arriving at Hanoi Airport beyond the operating hours of the minivans, then you can also take a private transfer to Ninh Binh.
We recommend booking your private ride online beforehand via BookAway so that your driver will already be waiting for you at the airport. BookAway also offers comfortable cars with trusted drivers.
Rates for a 5-seater SUV from Hanoi Airport to any hotel in Ninh Binh start from $44 (1,150,000 VND).
Check out our page on how to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for more details.
Our favourite places to stay in Ninh Binh
Here are our favourite places to stay in Ninh Binh for every budget.
BudgetTam Coc Family Hotel
Want to know what it feels like to stay with a Vietnamese family? Tam Coc Family Hotel really does make you feel at home with the family.
The friendly owners will tell you all of the best spots to visit in Ninh Binh, and start your day right with a delicious home-cooked breakfast. It's a great example of why you don't have to spend a lot for a great guesthouse.
Another plus: It's a 1-minute walk from the Tam Coc river and drop-off point of the bus.
Mid-RangeTam Coc Bungalow
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Hue to Ninh Binh, roughly 455 kilometres (283 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $13 (350,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 5h 40m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Hue to Ninh Binh?
The distance from Hue to Ninh Binh is 455 kilometres (283 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hue to Ninh Binh?
The fastest way to get from Hue to Ninh Binh is by flight and takes 5 hours 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hue to Ninh Binh?
The cheapest way to get from Hue to Ninh Binh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 350,000 VND.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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