How far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi and how do I get there?
Ninh Bình is 95km south of Hanoi. Express train from Ga Hà Nội: 2 hours, 80,000–130,000 VND. Bus from Giáp Bát or Mỹ Đình: 2–2.5 hours, 70,000–100,000 VND. Train is more reliable and comfortable. Book train tickets a few days ahead on weekends; buses are usually available on the day.
Ninh Bình province is 95km south of Hanoi on the coast-bound route — a straightforward journey with two reliable options.
By train (recommended)
From: Ga Hà Nội, 120 Lê Duẩn, Hoàn Kiếm (the main Hanoi train station)
To: Ninh Bình station, central Ninh Bình town
Duration: approximately 2 hours on express trains (SE series)
Cost: 80,000–130,000 VND depending on train and class (seat vs air-conditioned seat)
Trains to take: SE1, SE3, SE5, SE19. Morning departures (6:10am, 7:30am, 8:05am — check current schedule on dsvn.vn as timetables change seasonally) arrive in Ninh Bình in time for a full day. Return trains depart Ninh Bình in the late afternoon and evening, typically 4–7pm.
Book via: dsvn.vn (official site, international cards accepted), 12go.asia (English interface), or walk-up at Ga Hà Nội ticket office. For a Saturday or Sunday, book 3–5 days ahead; weekday tickets are usually available on the day.
By bus
From: Giáp Bát bus station (southern Hanoi) or Mỹ Đình bus station (western Hanoi)
Duration: 2–2.5 hours
Cost: 70,000–100,000 VND per person
Frequency: every 30–45 minutes throughout the day from early morning
No advance booking required. The bus is cheaper than the train by 10,000–30,000 VND, slower, and less comfortable. Useful if you miss your train or if the train is sold out.
Getting around once in Ninh Bình
From Ninh Bình station, the town center and guesthouse area are 1–2km — walkable or a xe ôm for 20,000–30,000 VND.
For getting between sites (Tràng An, Tam Cốc, Hoa Lư, Bích Động pagoda):
- Bicycle: 50,000–80,000 VND per day from guesthouses. Most sites within 5–12km of each other — cycling is pleasant on the flat valley roads.
- Motorbike: 100,000–150,000 VND per day. Faster, and necessary if you want to reach more remote sites.