Checked offer from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh: Bus, about 2h 20min – 4h 10min, from €9. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 13, 2026): The Long Travel, Cat Ba Discovery, Ha Long Bus Travel; main departure point: 243 Nui Ngoc.
One option to get from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on October 13, 2026 for a departure on November 3, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Ba Go Easy Limousine | Bus | 243 Nui Ngoc | €9 | 6 |
| The Long Travel | Bus | 243 Nui Ngoc | €9 | 47 |
| Ninh Binh Travel | Bus | Tung Quang Hotel | €9 | 9 |
| Ninh Binh Footprint | Bus | Cat Ba Full Moon Party Tour | €10 | 3 |
| Daiichi Travel | Bus | 217 Mot Thang Tu | €11 | 3 |
| Cat Ba Discovery | Bus | 6 Tung Dinh | €11 | 14 |
| Amazing Vietnam Travel | Bus | 53 Nui Ngoc | €11 | 3 |
| Vin Bus | Bus | Daiichi Travel Cat Ba | €15 | 6 |
| APT Travel Limousine Bus | Bus | Cat Ba Town No 185 Duong mung 1 thang 4 ( Tran Nguyen Travel ) | €15 | 3 |
| Ha Long Bus Travel | Bus | 217 Mot Thang Tu | €15 | 10 |
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Practical tips
Although it's a short route, booking online guarantees your seat, especially during peak travel times. This saves you hassle at the station and ensures a smooth start to your journey. Websites like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn are good options.
While buses typically have luggage compartments, lighter luggage makes transfers quicker and easier. Keep essentials like water, snacks, and any entertainment accessible in a small daypack under your seat.
Bus air conditioning can sometimes be strong, even on shorter daytime routes. A light jacket or scarf will keep you comfortable, preventing you from getting too cold during the ride to Ninh Binh.
Always double-check the exact departure terminal mentioned on your ticket or booking confirmation. Hai Phong has several bus stations, so knowing the correct one saves you time and stress on travel day.
Ninh Binh's main bus station is a bit outside the city center. Have a plan for onward travel (taxi, motorbike taxi, or hotel shuttle) to your accommodation to avoid confusion upon arrival.
The journey experience
Navigating Vietnam's 'long and thin' geography can be tricky, especially when deciding how to get from the bustling port city of Hai Phong to the tranquil karst landscapes of Ninh Binh. For this relatively short hop, you'll want to choose the most efficient and comfortable option to maximize your time exploring. Forget about trains or flights for this route; buses are by far the best and only practical choice, offering a direct link without unnecessary transfers or long waits.
Your main option for this leg is a bus, typically costing from €9 (up to €12) and taking approximately 2h20 to 4h10. Several local operators run this route throughout the day. It's a straightforward journey, often using smaller, comfortable coaches rather than the full-sized sleeper buses you'd find on longer overnight routes. This means you'll enjoy a direct ride without multiple stops, getting you to Ninh Binh quickly and hassle-free.
While longer journeys in Vietnam might involve complex decisions between sleeper buses, trains, or flights, this particular route is simple. Booking a bus ticket online in advance ensures you secure your seat and avoids any last-minute stress at the station. This direct approach lets you save time and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Ninh Binh, rather than losing precious time to travel logistics.
Frequently asked questions — Hai Phong → Ninh Binh
The best and most practical way to travel from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh is by bus. It's a direct route with no train service, and flying is unnecessary and impractical given the short distance. Buses offer a comfortable and efficient journey, taking you directly to your destination.
The bus journey from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh typically takes around 2 hours. This duration can vary slightly depending on traffic conditions and the specific operator, but it's generally a quick and straightforward trip, making it an excellent option for a daytime transfer.
A bus ticket from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh costs from approximately 9€, typically up to 12€. Prices can fluctuate slightly based on the bus company and booking platform. It's an affordable option, fitting within a traveler's typical budget for intercity transport in Vietnam. Booking in advance can sometimes offer better rates.
Yes, booking your bus ticket in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or holidays. It ensures you have a guaranteed seat, allows you to choose your preferred departure time, and helps avoid any last-minute stress or sold-out situations at the bus station. You can book easily online via platforms like 12go.asia.
No, given the short travel time of approximately 2 hours, there are no overnight bus or train options available or necessary for the Hai Phong to Ninh Binh route. All services operate during the daytime, allowing for a quick and convenient transfer without needing to spend a night on the road.
Why visit Ninh Binh?
- ✓ Explore Tam Coc's 'Halong Bay on land' by traditional sampan boat through karsts and rice paddies.
- ✓ Climb to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of the Ngo Dong River valley.
- ✓ Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and its temples dedicated to Dinh and Le dynasties.
- ✓ Discover Bich Dong Pagoda, a series of cave temples nestled into a limestone mountain.
- ✓ Cycle through picturesque villages and vast rice fields, experiencing local life.
When to visit Ninh Binh?
SUBTROPICAL HUMID
April to June or September to November — pleasant temperatures, less rain, ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do in Ninh Binh?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Ninh Binh?
For an independent traveler, 2 to 3 full days are ideal to explore Ninh Binh's highlights without rushing. This allows ample time for boat tours, cycling through rice fields, and visiting pagodas. With only one day, focus on Tam Coc or Trang An; for longer stays, venture into more remote areas like Cuc Phuong National Park.
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