How to get to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh province is about 94 km from Hanoi. It attracts a large number of domestic as well as foreign travelers because of its gorgeous landscape and famous tourist destinations. Especially, it is effortless to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. Besides the consideration of the distance, how to get to Ninh Binh is also one of the most concerns. There are multiple choices such as a private car, motorbike, bus, or train. Let’s find out in this article below.

How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

By private car

The distance to Ninh Binh from Hanoi by car is only 80 km with 1-hour driving. From the center of Hanoi city, you go towards Phap Van – Cau Gie highway. After that, you turn to Highway 21, turn left, go through the ticket booth, then turn right. You go straight through Tran temple and Cho Vieng and run about 9 km to stop in Ninh Binh city. However, on the way, you will have to go through the toll booth with a fare of about US$1.3. 

By motorbike

If you travel by motorbike, you can follow the old National Highway 1A in the direction of Giai Phong street through the old Ha Tay and then go through Phu Ly and Ha Nam. Finally, you stop at Ninh Binh. Please note that the highway Phap Van – Cau Gie is only for cars.

Traveling by motorbike will take about 94 km and you have to spend more than 2 hours for driving. In addition, the roads on National Highway 1A are quite old and rugged, so there are some sections which you have to be so careful.

By bus

Nearly all the buses coming from Hanoi to Ninh Binh departure are in Giap Bat bus station or My Dinh bus station. There is a variety of brands but there are mainly 2 types of car including standard bus and high-quality Limousine. The price fluctuates between US$4 – 6 according to the standard and service that you choose. 

The advantages of getting to Ninh Binh by bus is high safety and low price as the average price is US$3.5. Furthermore, the flexible time is also one of its strengths. Almost buses are available from 6:30 to 20:00 every day. Besides,  Limousine offers you a comfortable trip with free wifi access, luxury chair and water.  On the other hand, the drawback is that it takes such a long time to get Ninh Binh, which is about 3 hours. 

Normally, the buses stop at Ninh Binh bus station. Then, you will have to continue moving by motorbike taxi or taxi to enter the surrounding tourist destinations. Besides, there are also a few stops at Trang An tourist area or Bai Dinh pagoda. Our recommendation is that you should contact the bus driver for more necessary information. 

By train

Because it is located on the North-South railway line, getting to Ninh Binh from Hanoi by train is also an ideal option. Although the travel time is quite long and inconvenient, many travelers prefer to travel by train because they are able to admire the extremely beautiful natural scenery.

Every day, there are 5 trains departing from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with many different time frames for you to choose from. There is a variety of options, such as soft seat, hard seat, sleeping cabin, etc. Each type has a distinctive price, which fluctuates between US$3 – 7.5.

The train will stop at Ninh Binh station, then you have to continue moving by taxi or motorbike taxi to go to the tourist destinations. Also, you can rent a motorbike for sightseeing. 

How to get to Ninh Binh from Halong Bay

The distance between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay is about 120 km and it takes about 3.5 hours to reach Halong Bay. To get to Ninh Binh from Halong Bay, you follow the direction of National Road 18 and turn to Highway 10. Be careful with the map and traffic rules as well, and remember to follow the right lane and speed. 

Alternatively, same as the route getting to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, another ideal option for you are standard bus and Limousine.

For the former type of bus, there is a variety of bus brands departing from Halong Bay, such as Hoang Long, Vu Ngu and Hai Thang. Almost all of the buses would stop Bai Chay station in Halong city, then you can get a taxi to Halong Bay. The fare of buses from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is about from US$5 – 8 depending on the quality. However, the disadvantage of this option is that it would take you a longer time, as you have to spend about 5.5 to 7 hours on the bus. 

The advantages of Limousine are its comfort, high quality, and saving time. It just takes about 3.5 hours to get Halong Bay from Ninh Binh. In contrast, it is available from 7:30 to 18:30 every day and the fare is nearly double, compared to the one of the standard bus, which is US$16. Moreover, the seat in this kind of car is limited so you need to book the ticket in advance. 

To conclude, each type of transport has its pros and cons. Therefore, our recommendation is that you should contact Vietnam tour companies for a package tour. You will for sure have a hassle-free and all-inclusive Ninh Binh tour including transfers at the affordable price.

Suggested Ninh Binh tours

• Amazing Ninh Binh & Halong Bay 3 days
• Pu Luong To Ninh Binh Escape 4 Days
• Cycling the Northern Delta 7 days

The distance between Ninh Binh and Hanoi is not too far and it’s so convenient to get to Ninh Binh. Moreover, the type of vehicle, as well as the departing time, are numerous and flexible. The above information is helpful for you when planning a trip to Ninh Binh. One more thing is that as one of the most popular Vietnam holiday destinations, you are recommended to book a Ninh Binh tour and Ninh Binh accommodation in advance, then spending 3 or 4 days to explore the beauty of this beautiful land. 

Nguyen Ngoc Huyen – Travel Lover