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Hoi An to Ninh Binh is a long journey north that takes the best part of a day. You can take a direct sleeper bus, or travel to Da Nang for the Reunification Express, since Hoi An has no railway station.
Hoi An to Ninh Binh by Bus
Sleeper and cabin buses run from Hoi An to Ninh Binh, mostly leaving in the afternoon. The journey takes about 13 to 16 hours 20 minutes, and on booking platforms fares are about US$22 to US$39 (October 2026).[1] Buses to Tam Coc take about 15 hours and cost US$23 to US$25, which suits you if your hotel is there rather than in Ninh Binh town.[1]
Hoi An to Ninh Binh by Train from Da Nang
Trains leave from Da Nang station, so you need a taxi or ride-hailing car from Hoi An first. Four northbound Reunification Express trains stop at both Da Nang and Ninh Binh:
| Train | Departs Da Nang | Arrives Ninh Binh | Time on board |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE2 | 13:21 | 03:24 (next day) | 14 h 03 min[2] |
| SE4 | 12:28 | 02:14 (next day) | 13 h 46 min[2] |
| SE6 | 02:01 | 16:55 | 14 h 54 min[2] |
| SE8 | 23:41 | 13:59 (next day) | 14 h 18 min[2] |
Fares depend on the train and the class, from seats to berths in four-berth compartments. Check the price for your date on the Vietnam Railways booking site, dsvn.vn. SE10 does not stop at Ninh Binh.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Fare (October 2026) | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Hoi An | About US$22 to US$39 per person[1] | About 13 to 16 h 20 min[1] |
| Train from Da Nang | Depends on class, see Vietnam Railways | 13 h 46 min to 14 h 54 min[2] |
Timetable
| Bus Hoi An - Ninh Binh $ 21.80–38.61 13h – 16h 20m | |
|
| Bus Hoi An - Tam Coc $ 22.58–25.01 15h | |
|
| Train Da Nang - Ninh Binh $ 23.97–282.05 13h 10m – 17h 14m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hoi An to Ninh Binh, including current prices and schedules.
Sleeper buses start at about US$22 per person on booking platforms (October 2026). Train fares depend on the class, and you also have to reach Da Nang station.
Trains from Da Nang take 13 hours 46 minutes to 14 hours 54 minutes. Direct buses take about 13 to 16 hours 20 minutes, so both are similar overall.
Plan on about 13 to 16 hours by bus. By train it is 13 hours 46 minutes to 14 hours 54 minutes from Da Nang, plus the transfer from Hoi An.
SE2 (13:21), SE4 (12:28), SE6 (02:01) and SE8 (23:41) leave Da Nang and stop at Ninh Binh.
Trains stop at Ninh Binh railway station. Buses may stop in Ninh Binh town or in Tam Coc, so check the drop-off point when you book.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Hoi An to Ninh Binh. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Vietnam Railways (Đường sắt Việt 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.