
Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, 86 kilometres (53 miles) north of Ninh Binh. Its Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, street food and scooters. The train is the cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi at $4.40 (114,000 VND), taking 2h 15m - 3h. The limo van does the run in 1h 40m - 4h. The bus costs a bit more than the train, and a private transfer costs far more.
Distance from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
Ninh Binh and Hanoi are about 86 km (53 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 104 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 40m and 4h 30m.
4 ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
There are four ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. You can choose between the train, bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 40m–3h and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $4.40 (114,000 VND).
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Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Train
The train is cheaper than a limo van and a great option if you’re coming from Ninh Binh City.
Several trains operate daily from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. Note that most of them depart after midnight or early in the morning. Train fares start from $4.40 (114,000 VND) for a soft seat.
The train journey from Ninh Binh to Hanoi takes around 2h 15m - 3h.
Departure and arrival station
Trains depart from Ninh Binh Railway Station in Ninh Binh city centre. If your hotel is located in Tam Coc, then you’ll have to take a 15-minute taxi to get here. Taxi rates start from $4.60 (120,000 VND).
You are to get off at Hanoi Railway Station, located 3 km west of the Old Quarter. You can reach your hotel on foot for about 20 minutes or via a short taxi ride for around $2.70 (70,000 VND).
Train schedules from Nihn Binh to Hanoi
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. Bus fares start from $6.90 (182,000 VND) and the journey takes around 2h - 4h 30m.
You can choose from ten bus companies operating on this route: TBus, Duc Duong Bus, The Long Travel, Ninh Binh Interbus, Sapa Dragon Express, Daiichi Travel, Full Moon Party, Sapa Discovery Travel, Grouptour and Techbus VN JSC.
Bus schedule from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Alternative: Public bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
The public bus is the cheapest option when travelling from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. A ticket costs only $2.70 (70,000 VND).
However, we don’t recommend taking the public bus because its departure and arrival points are located well outside the city centre. You’ll have to spend extra costs on transfers to and from bus stations.
Also, public buses make too many stops to pick up and drop off passengers. Travel Time takes longer at 2-3 hours.
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from Ninh Binh Bus Station, located 7 km northeast of Tam Coc. This is just within walking distance of many hotels in Ninh Binh City. But if you’re coming from Tam Coc, you’ll have to take a 15-minute taxi ride that costs around $4.60 (120,000 VND).
They park at Giap Bat Bus Station, located 7 km southwest of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If you’re headed to the city centre, a taxi ride would cost another $4.60 (120,000 VND).
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Limo Van
The limo van is a convenient way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. There are plenty of companies operating this route so you’ll have a number of choices depending on your preferred departure & arrival points as well as your budget
Rates start from $7.50 (197,000 VND) for the limo van ride from Ninh Binh to Hanoi that takes around 1h 40m - 4h.
Departure and arrival station
Different limo van companies have varying departure points. Some depart from Tam Coc, some depart from Ninh Binh City, while others offer free hotel pick-up.
Most limo vans park at their own office in Hanoi city centre. Some vans also offer free hotel drop-off.
Limo Van schedule from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
Limo Van tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
PRO TIP: Use the free N26 debit card to avoid the extra fees charged by your bank. This N26 debit card is becoming very popular among travellers, because they don’t charge any fees on payments in foreign currencies (most banks charge 3%-5%). New members can order one for free on the N26 website
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Private Transfer
If you’re travelling in a group or heading straight to Hanoi Airport, you can also take a private transfer from Ninh Binh to Hanoi.
Rates start from $51 (1,342,000 VND) for the journey that takes 3h. It’s quite expensive, but a private transfer is a great solution if you’re in a hurry and must make it in Time for your flight.
For long-distance trips like this, we recommend booking your ride beforehand through BookAway. It offers spacious cars with professional drivers. Just click the link below.
Private Transfer tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Hanoi
Here are our favourite places to stay in Hanoi for every budget.
Siva Luxury Hotel
Just landed in Hanoi? In this hotel, you will get the best night of sleep you had since ages. The friendly staff will give you a warm welcome and serve a wonderful breakfast buffet the next morning! Located in the middle of the centre, but completely isolated from all the noise.
Double rooms with city view from: $42
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Hanoi?
Hanoi is Vietnam’s bustling capital, where heritage and modernity collide. At its heart is the iconic Old Quarter bustling with cosy hotels, old residential buildings and neighbourhood cafes. Composed of 36 streets, just walking around this area will reward you with many amazing discoveries.
Must-visit sites include the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the 19th-century gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral. We recommend munching on as much street food as you can, strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, and our favourite: watching the world go by from one of the many coffee shops in Hanoi.
Rounding it up
That's the Full picture for getting from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, roughly 86 kilometres (53 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $4.40 (114,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 1h 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 Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
The distance from Ninh Binh to Hanoi is 86 kilometres (53 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
Journey times from Ninh Binh to Hanoi overlap: train 2h 15m - 3h, bus 2h - 4h 30m, limo van 1h 40m - 4h, private transfer 3h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
The cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi is by train with ticket costs starting from 114,000 VND.
What are the options when travelling from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
What is the most cost-efficient way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
Is it recommended to take a bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
How much is a train ticket from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?
Will I save money with a private transfer if travelling in a group?
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