Vietnam

How to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
1h 5min
💶
From
4€
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Distance
87 km
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There are 2 way(s) to get from Ninh Binh to Hanoi

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Ninh Binh
📍The main departure point in Ninh Binh for both trains and buses is the Ninh Binh Railway Station (Ga Ninh Binh) for trains, and the Ninh Binh Bus Station for buses. Both are centrally located and easy to access from Tam Coc or Trang An.
🚇From popular tourist areas like Tam Coc or Trang An, you can reach Ninh Binh Railway Station or Bus Station by taxi or Grab (ride-hailing app) in about 10-15 minutes, costing around 50,000-80,000 VND (approx. 2-3€). Many hotels can also arrange a transfer for a similar price.
Trains depart frequently throughout the day, usually every 1-2 hours from early morning to late afternoon. Buses are even more frequent, often departing every 30 minutes to an hour from early morning until around 6 PM.
💸 Transport from 4€ per person
Fastest: 1h 5min
Recommended: Reunification Express — 8€
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Practical tips

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Book Train Tickets in Advance

Even for short routes like Ninh Binh to Hanoi, booking your train ticket a day or two in advance is wise, especially during peak season or holidays. This ensures you get your preferred class and avoid last-minute availability issues.

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Choose Bus Station Wisely

In Ninh Binh, most buses depart from the main Ninh Binh Bus Station. In Hanoi, they arrive at Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam. Check which station is most convenient for your accommodation in Hanoi to save travel time after arrival.

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Avoid Overnight Buses for Short Trips

For a short 1-hour journey like Ninh Binh to Hanoi, there's no need to consider an overnight bus. These are generally for much longer routes. Opt for daytime travel to fully enjoy the experience and arrive refreshed.

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Check Train Seating Options

The Reunification Train offers various seating classes. For a 1-hour journey, a soft seat is perfectly comfortable and economical. Hard seats are cheaper but less comfortable for even short durations. Consider your budget versus comfort.

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Plan Your Hanoi Arrival Transfer

Hanoi's bus and train stations can be bustling. Have a plan for how you'll get to your hotel upon arrival, whether by Grab (ride-hailing app), taxi, or local bus. Agree on taxi fares beforehand or ensure the meter is used.

🛣️ The journey experience

Heading from Ninh Binh to Hanoi is a popular and straightforward journey for independent travellers exploring Vietnam's classic north-south route. You're looking for efficiency and comfort, and thankfully, this short leg offers excellent options. No need to stress about lengthy overnight travel or complex ferry schedules here; it’s all about making a quick, smooth transition to your next adventure in the capital. Let's look at the most reliable ways to get there.

For this short trip, you have two main choices: the Reunification Train or a local bus. The train is a comfortable and scenic option, costing around 8€ and taking about 1 hour. It offers a chance to relax and enjoy the countryside. Buses are even more budget-friendly at about 4€ and also take approximately 1 hour. You'll find several operators running this route frequently throughout the day, ensuring flexibility for your schedule.

Given the short duration, picking the right option for Ninh Binh to Hanoi is simple. Both train and bus are efficient, so it really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a bit more space and a chance to stretch your legs, the train is a great choice. If you’re looking to save a few euros and don’t mind a bus, that’s perfectly fine too. You won't lose a day or a night on this journey, making it one of the easiest legs of your Vietnam trip.

Frequently asked questions — Ninh Binh → Hanoi

✨ Why visit Hanoi?

  • Explore the historic Old Quarter on a cyclo or walking tour, with its narrow streets and traditional shophouses.
  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, a tranquil oasis in the city center.
  • Discover the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university.
  • Savor authentic street food like Pho, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee at local eateries.
  • Attend a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form.
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — to experience the city's main attractions and soak in the local atmosphere.

☀️ When to visit Hanoi?

HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE

October to April — cooler, drier weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Jan 😐
Feb 😊
Mar 😊
Apr 😊
May 😐
Jun 😞
Jul 😞
Aug 😞
Sep 😐
Oct 😊
Nov 😊
Dec 😐
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In Hanoi — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Hanoi
Compare the best rates available
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What to do in Hanoi?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🏛️
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Explore the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple on its island. A tranquil escape in the bustling city. Go early in the morning to witness locals doing tai chi. Entrance to the temple is around 1€.
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Temple of Literature
Visit Vietnam's first national university, a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Dedicated to Confucius, it's a serene complex of courtyards, pavilions, and ponds. Allow 1-2 hours for your visit. Admission is around 1.50€.
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Old Quarter Street Food Tour
Immerse yourself in Hanoi's culinary scene by sampling various street food delicacies in the Old Quarter. Try pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee. Many organized tours are available from 20€, or explore independently with a good guide.
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Water Puppet Show
Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique art form depicting rural life and legends. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake is the most famous. Book tickets in advance, especially for evening shows, starting from 3€.
St. Joseph's Cathedral
Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of St. Joseph's Cathedral, reminiscent of Notre Dame in Paris. It's a striking landmark in the city center. Mass is held daily, and it's free to visit the exterior. Perfect for a photo stop.
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Cyclo Ride in Old Quarter
Enjoy a leisurely cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. It's a great way to observe daily life and soak in the atmosphere without getting lost. Negotiate the price beforehand; a 30-minute ride typically costs around 5-10€.
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Dong Xuan Market Exploration
Delve into the vibrant chaos of Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi's largest indoor market. You'll find everything from clothes and electronics to local produce and street food on the lower levels. It's best experienced in the morning when it's most active. Entry is free.
Hidden Coffee Shops Hunt
Seek out Hanoi's charming hidden coffee shops, often tucked away down narrow alleys or on upper floors of old buildings. These provide a unique glimpse into local life and offer excellent egg coffee or traditional Vietnamese brews. Look for signs down small lanes, expect to pay around 1.50-3€ per drink.

⏱️ How long to visit Hanoi?

3 to 7 days

For an independent francophone traveler, 3 to 5 days is ideal. You can comfortably explore the Old Quarter, historical sites, and enjoy the local food scene. Extend to 7 days if you plan day trips to Ninh Binh or Halong Bay.

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