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Tam Coc lies just south of Ninh Binh city, so the trip from Hanoi is short enough for a day trip or an overnight stay. Known as Halong Bay on Land, the area has rice paddies, rivers and limestone karsts. Transport is listed to Ninh Binh, and you continue to Tam Coc from there or ask the operator for a drop-off in Tam Coc. You can browse the options and book on GoAsia.cc.
Hanoi to Tam Coc by Van
Vans and limousine vans are the most common way to get there. On booking platforms, they cost about $9 to $11 from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and take 2 to 3 hours (October 2026).[1] Departures are listed from the early morning to the early evening.[1]
Hanoi to Tam Coc by Bus
Booking platforms list buses at about $8 to $18, taking 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 5 minutes (October 2026).[1] The services include VIP minibuses, express buses and tourist buses, with departures from about 05:00 to 19:00.[1]
Hanoi to Tam Coc by Train
Reunification Express trains stop at Ninh Binh, which is 115 km from Hanoi.[2] Booking platforms list train tickets at about $7 to $15 and a travel time of about 2 hours 10 minutes (October 2026).[1] Ninh Binh station is in the city, so you still need a short onward ride to Tam Coc.
Hanoi to Tam Coc by Private Transfer
A private transfer is the most comfortable option for families and groups. On booking platforms, a private car or van from Hanoi is listed at about $37 to $136 per vehicle and takes 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (October 2026).[1]
Noi Bai Airport to Tam Coc
If you land at Noi Bai Airport, you can go directly to the Ninh Binh area without stopping in Hanoi. Booking platforms list private transfers from the airport at about $40 to $137 per vehicle, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes (October 2026).[1] Shared vans from the airport are listed at about $19 to $22 and take about 4 hours, with departures from 06:00 to the late afternoon.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van (from Hanoi) | $9 - $11 | 2h - 3h[1] |
| Bus (from Hanoi) | $8 - $18 | 1h 30m - 3h 5m[1] |
| Train (from Hanoi) | $7 - $15 | About 2h 10m[1] |
| Private Transfer (from Hanoi) | $37 - $136 | 1h 25m - 2h 30m[1] |
| Private Transfer (from Noi Bai Airport) | $40 - $137 | 2h 30m[1] |
| Shared Van (from Noi Bai Airport) | $19 - $22 | About 4h[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Hanoi to Tam Coc
- Book in Advance: Vans from Hanoi can fill up, especially on weekends when locals also head to the countryside.
- Check Your Drop-off Point: Most services are listed to Ninh Binh. Ask the operator whether it drops you at Tam Coc, or plan a short taxi or motorbike ride from Ninh Binh city.
- Luggage Space: If you carry large suitcases, a private car or van is more comfortable than a shared minivan.
Timetable
| Van Hanoi - Ninh Binh $ 19.54 2h 50m | |
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| Bus Noi Bai Airport - Ninh Binh $ 16.94–19.37 3h 15m – 3h 30m | |
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| Taxi Noi Bai Airport - Ninh Binh $ 37.22–136.81 2h 30m | |
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| Van Noi Bai Airport - Ninh Binh $ 17.26–24.08 3h 20m – 4h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hanoi to Tam Coc, including current prices and schedules.
Booking platforms list the train, bus and van from about $7 to $9 from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (October 2026). From Noi Bai Airport, shared vans start at about $19.
A private transfer is the fastest, listed at about 1 hour 25 minutes at the quickest from Hanoi. From Noi Bai Airport it takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
From Hanoi, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the mode. From Noi Bai Airport, a private transfer takes about 2 hours 30 minutes and a shared van about 4 hours.
Yes. Booking platforms list private transfers and shared vans from Noi Bai Airport to the Ninh Binh area, so you can skip Hanoi city.
Yes, to Ninh Binh. Trains stop at Ninh Binh station, from where you continue to Tam Coc by taxi or motorbike taxi.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Hanoi to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Vietnam Railways (Duong sat Viet Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Reunification Express (SE) trains. Retrieved October 15, 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.