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Hoi An is a lantern-lit old town on Vietnam's central coast. Its riverside centre is UNESCO-listed, and tailors still work there late into the evening. Flying is the quickest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An, taking 5h 30m. Overland, the bus is the cheapest at $17 (455,000 VND), but it will take a long time, around 13-17h. The train costs more and adds a road leg at the end.
Distance from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Ninh Binh and Hoi An are about 547 km (340 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 704 km by road. The quickest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An is by taking the flight, which takes around 5h 30m.
3 ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
There are three ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. You can choose between the bus, train, and flight. The journey takes 5h 30m–14h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $17 (455,000 VND).
3 legs — see itinerary
- Ninh Binh→Hanoi Airport3h
- Hanoi→Da Nang1h 30m
- Da Nang→Hoi An1h
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Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Bus
You can book a direct bus from Ninh Binh to Hoi An for as low as $17 (455,000 VND) — less than half the price of a train or plane ride.
Despite that, we do not recommend travelling by bus for this route because it will be a long and exhausting journey. Also, most of the buses operating from Ninh Binh to Hoi An do not really get the best reviews. The train offers more comfort and is also much safer.
Departure and arrival station
There are two departure points in Ninh Binh. Queen Cafe and Camel Travel depart from Ninh Binh Central Hotel in the city centre. The Long Travel and Grouptour leave from The Long Hotel in Tam Coc.
In Hoi An, Camel Travel and The Long Travel arrive at Camel Bus Ticket Office, 2 km east of the town centre. Queen Cafe and Grouptour park at their own terminals along Ton Duc Thang, 1.5 km northwest of the Old Town.
Bus schedule from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Train
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Da Nang by Train
Travelling by train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang takes around 13h 30m - 16h 30m. The good thing is, most trains on this route operate overnight, so you won’t have to lose a Lot of daytime.
Train fares start from $27 (697,000 VND) when you book a 4-berth sleeper, which gives you the most comfort for this long journey. Cheaper 6-berth cabins are also available if you don’t mind spending the room with more people.
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
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.
Trains depart from Ninh Binh Train Station in the city centre. If you’re coming from Tam Coc, you can get to the railway station by taxi for around $4.60 (120,000 VND).
You are to get off at Da Nang Railway Station.
Step 2: Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An by Minivan
From Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An centre takes about 45m - 2h by minivan or taxi.
The minivan is the more affordable choice with ticket prices from $4.50 (117,000 VND). Book your minivan trip beforehand through BookAway and the driver will pick you up from the train station at your desired time. Minivans are available daily from 07:00-21:00 and they park in the centre of Hoi An.
If you prefer to be dropped off at your hotel’s doorstep, taxis are also available with rates from $17 (440,000 VND).
See the page about Da Nang Railway Station for more details.
IMPORTANT: Previously, there were cheap public buses (Bus #1) operating from Da Nang to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (November 2024), these were no longer available.
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Trains depart from Ninh Binh Train Station in the city centre. If you’re coming from Tam Coc, you can get to the railway station by taxi for around $4.60 (120,000 VND).
You are to get off at Da Nang Railway Station.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Flight
If you’re looking to travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An in the fastest time possible, a flight is your best choice. It’s not exactly the most convenient, though.
Neither Ninh Binh nor Hoi An has its own airport. That means you can only take a flight from Hanoi (3 hours away from Ninh Binh) to Da Nang (1 hour away from Hoi An). Combined travel time takes about 5h 30m, excluding the waiting time at the airport.
Do you still want to take a flight? Read on for a step-by-step guide.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport by Minivan
The most convenient way to get to Hanoi Airport from Ninh Binh is by direct minivan. Rates start from $18 (475,000 VND) for the journey that takes 3 hours.
You can purchase your ticket from any minivan office in Ninh Binh or you can book it online through BookAway and just wait to be picked up at your hotel.
Cheaper option: Van + Express Bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport
On a strict budget? You can divide this leg of the journey by first taking a van to Hanoi city centre and then transfering to an express bus to Hanoi Airport. Combined fares start from $8.40 (220,000 VND) and travel time is 3.5-4 hours.
You can save about $9.70 (255,000 VND) when you take this alternative route. But keep in mind that this will also require some extra time, depending on the availability of your connecting bus. We recommend this option only if you can depart from Ninh Binh at least 6 hours before your flight.
For an even cheaper alternative, you can also take a combined train and express bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport. The disadvantage of this option is that train trips are limited. You can take this only if it fits with your flight schedule.
See our pages on Ninh Binh to Hanoi and Hanoi Airport for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Hanoi to Da Nang by Flight
There are a good number of flights available daily from Hanoi to Da Nang so you can be flexible with your schedule. When booking your flight, consider that you will be coming all the way from Ninh Binh. It’s best to pick a flight that departs in the afternoon.
Airfares start from $34 (900,000 VND). Flight time is around 1.5 hours.
Step 3: Da Nang to Hoi An by Shuttle Bus
From Da Nang Airport, there are 2 ways you can get to Hoi An: by shuttle bus for around $5.90 (155,000 VND) or by private transfer with rates from $12 (320,000 VND).
If you’re travelling solo, the minivan is already a convenient option as it drops you off at Hoi An town centre. But if you’re with at least one other companion, it will be more cost-efficient to take a taxi straight to your hotel.
For more info, check out our page on Da Nang Airport.
IMPORTANT: There used to be cheap local buses available from just outside Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (November 2024), these were no longer operating.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Our favourite places to stay in Hoi An
Here are our favourite places to stay in Hoi An for every budget.
HaLo HomeStay
HaLo Homestay is an incredible budget option. You won't quite believe the standard of the rooms for the price you're paying. They're large, modern and very clean. The owners serve a delicious breakfast and will do everything they can to guarantee you a perfect stay. They even have free bikes for you to use. From the homestay you can reach the Old Quarter or beach within 5 minutes.
Double rooms from: $11
Flame Flowers Homestay
Expect a warm welcome when you arrive at Flame Flowers Homestay. The owners feel like family from the moment you meet them. Guests have been known to extend their stays here as they just can't face leaving. The spacious rooms provide you with everything you need - a good nights sleep and ultimate comfort!
Double rooms from: $25
Vina Beach Pool Villas
Dreaming of a luxurious retreat right next to the beach? Vina Beach Pool Villas tick all the boxes. There's a relaxing pool, lush gardens and it's only steps away from the beach. And after a hard day of relaxing, their super comfortable beds offer the best nights sleep. On top of that, the owners can't do enough to ensure you have an unforgettable stay.
Double rooms from: $40
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Hoi An?
Hoi An is a charming city on Vietnam's central coast. Once a major port, the mixed influences of Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants are still visible here.
Its Old Town is a well-preserved fusion of foreign and indigenous architecture, laid out in a small-scale model of a 15th to 19th-century trading hub. No wonder it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Travelling to Hoi An feels like walking back in time.
Rounding it up
That's the Full picture for getting from Ninh Binh to Hoi An, roughly 547 kilometres (340 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $17 (455,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 5h 30m.
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 Hoi An?
The distance from Ninh Binh to Hoi An is 547 kilometres (340 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An?
The fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An is by flight and takes 5h 30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An?
The cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An is by bus with ticket costs starting from 455,000 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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