Ninh Binh to Hanoi

How to Get From Ninh Binh to Hanoi

4Options
1h 40mFastest
$4.40From
ElaMaartenWritten by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten · Updated 1 week ago

Train · Bus · Limo Van · Private Transfer

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.

~86 km
Distance
~104 km
Road distance
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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

2h 15m - 3hFrom $4.40 (114,000 VND)

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

2h 15m - 3h$4.40 (114,000 VND)
Vietnam RailwaysSecond Class Seat2h 14m
02:0103:1203:4616:12
From $4.40
114,000 VND
Vietnam RailwaysSecond Class Sleeper2h 14m
03:1203:4616:12
From $6.60
174,000 VND
Vietnam RailwaysFirst Class Sleeper2h 14m
02:0103:1203:4616:12
From $8.10
213,000 VND
Vietnam RailwayFirst Class Sleeper (Reunification Express)2h 30m
09:17
$13
345,000 VND

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

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Booking Tip

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Bus

2h - 4h 30mFrom $6.90 (182,000 VND)

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

TBusTourist2h 30m
10:30
$6.90
182,000 VND
Duc Duong BusTourist Bus 163h
10:00
$7
184,000 VND
Duc Duong BusTourist Bus 163h 30m
10:00
$7
184,000 VND
The Long TravelTourist2h
07:3009:0013:0014:30
$8.10
213,000 VND
Ninh Binh InterbusVIP 92h
08:4510:4511:4512:4514:4516:45+2
$8.70
229,000 VND

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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

1h 40m - 4hFrom $7.50 (197,000 VND)

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

Khanh An LimousineLuxury1h 40m
06:0007:0008:0009:0010:0011:00+9
$7.50
197,000 VND
Khanh An LimousineLimo2h
05:3006:3007:3008:3009:3010:30+7
$7.90
208,000 VND
The Long TravelLuxury2h
07:3009:0013:0014:30
$8.10
213,000 VND
Duy Khang LimousineVIP2h
04:3005:3006:3007:3008:3009:30+9
$8.20
216,000 VND
Duy Khang LimousineVIP2h
04:3005:3006:3007:3008:3009:30+9
$8.20
216,000 VND

Limo Van tickets are available on Bookaway.

View minivan stations on map

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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

3hFrom $51 (1,342,000 VND)

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.

Taxigo.vn
SUV Car 5 PAX
$51 (1,342,000 VND)
$10 (268,000 VND) per person

Private Transfer tickets are available on Bookaway.

STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Hanoi

Here are our favourite places to stay in Hanoi for every budget.

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

Check availability

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?

There are 3 ways you can get to Hanoi from Ninh Binh: by limo van (1.5 hours), by train (2.5 hours) or by taxi (1.5 hours). Prices are between 85,000 VND and 968,000 VND.

What is the most cost-efficient way to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?

The Ninh Binh-Hanoi limo van offers the most value for money, particularly if you're coming from Tam Coc. With fares from 178,000 VND, you can travel directly from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh city centre to Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Is it recommended to take a bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?

We don't recommend taking a bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi because the bus station in Hanoi is far from the city centre. This would result in additional costs (and time) for transportation from the bus station to your hotel.

How much is a train ticket from Ninh Binh to Hanoi?

A train ticket from Ninh Binh to Hanoi costs around 85,000 VND

Will I save money with a private transfer if travelling in a group?

Getting your own private car from Ninh Binh to Hanoi is another cost-efficient option — but only if you're travelling in a group and heading straight to Hanoi Airport. It's a bit pricey, but you won't need to worry about your transfer from Hanoi centre to the airport.

About the Authors

Ela
Ela

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.

Maarten
MaartenReviewer

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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