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Cat Ba is an island, so every trip to Ninh Binh includes a ferry crossing as well as a road journey. Agents sell the trip as a combined bus or van plus ferry ticket, and the listed itineraries run to Ninh Binh city and to the tourist base of Tam Coc.[1] You can compare the combined options and book through GoAsia.cc.
Cat Ba to Ninh Binh by Bus
The economical way is a tourist or express bus that includes the ferry. Booking platforms list several of these with departures from morning to late afternoon, taking about 4 to 5 hours and costing about $12 to $17 (October 2026).[1]
Tourist Bus and Ferry Combinations
Many listings are called Tourist Bus + Ferry. You travel to the ferry terminal, cross the water and continue by road on the mainland. Check on the ticket whether the drop-off is in Ninh Binh city or in Tam Coc.
Cat Ba to Ninh Binh by Van
Limousine vans with ferry crossing are listed with evening departures, taking 4 to 5 hours at about $24 (October 2026).[1]
Cat Ba to Ninh Binh by Private Transfer
Private cars and vans are listed from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh at about $70 to $174 depending on the vehicle, including options with a ferry, and take 3 to 4 hours (October 2026).[1] From Cat Ba itself the ferry crossing comes on top, so ask the provider whether it is included in the price.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus + Ferry | About $12 - $17[1] | 4h - 5h[1] | Standard |
| Limousine Van + Ferry | About $24[1] | 4h - 5h[1] | High |
| Private Transfer (from Hai Phong) | About $70 - $174[1] | 3h - 4h[1] | Premium |
Tips for Traveling from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
- Book in Advance: Book ahead in peak season and around Vietnamese holidays.
- Choose Your Drop-off: Tam Coc is the base for the boat tours, while Ninh Binh city is better if you are taking a train onward. Pick the drop-off when you book.
- Keep Valuables With You: Luggage goes in the hold of the bus or the back of the van, so keep your passport, electronics and money in a small daypack.
- Ferry Logistics: Sometimes the vehicle drives onto the ferry, sometimes you walk across and board another vehicle on the other side. The staff will guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest listed option is a tourist or express bus with ferry, with fares from about $12 on booking platforms as of October 2026.
A private transfer is listed at 3 to 4 hours for the Hai Phong to Ninh Binh leg, and buses and vans at 4 to 5 hours including the ferry crossing.
Expect 4 to 5 hours by bus or van. The exact time depends on ferry waiting times and whether you go to Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc.
Combined tickets are sold as bus plus ferry. Check that the ticket you book says the ferry is included.
Tam Coc is the base for the boat tours and limestone scenery, while Ninh Binh city suits you better if you are taking a train onward or staying in the city centre.
Booking platforms list limousine vans with ferry that leave in the evening, while the buses are listed from morning to late afternoon.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Cat Ba to Ninh Binh. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.