Contents
Leaving the imperial city of Hue for the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh takes you from Vietnam's royal past to one of its most scenic landscapes. The journey north is a long one, and most services run overnight. You can compare and book tickets for all options on GoAsia.cc.
Hue to Ninh Binh by Train
Trains on the Reunification Express line connect Hue and Ninh Binh. Hue is 688 km and Ninh Binh 115 km from Hanoi on the Vietnam Railways timetable, so the trip covers about 570 km.[1] Northbound train SE8 passes Hue at 02:17 and reaches Ninh Binh at 13:59, about 11 hours 40 minutes later.[1] Not every train stops in Ninh Binh: northbound SE10 does not.[1]
On booking platforms, train tickets from Hue to Ninh Binh cost about $21 to $149, depending on the class (October 2026).[2] The platforms list seat and sleeper classes as well as VIP sleeper cabins operated alongside the national trains.[2]
Hue to Ninh Binh by Bus
Booking platforms list buses from Hue to Ninh Binh at about $15 to $39, taking 10 to 13 hours (October 2026).[2] Most are sleeper buses with standard, VIP and cabin layouts, and the departures are in the afternoon, mainly between 15:00 and 19:00.[2] Some buses go directly to Tam Coc, the main tourist hub of Ninh Binh. These are listed at about $15 to $25 and take 11 to 12 hours.[2]
Hue to Ninh Binh by Van
Booking platforms list a combined cabin bus and van service at about $52 to $92, taking about 14 hours (October 2026).[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | $15 - $39 | 10h - 13h[2] |
| Train | $21 - $149 | About 11h 40m[1] |
| Cabin bus + van | $52 - $92 | 14h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Hue to Ninh Binh
- Book Sleeper Berths Early: Train berths and VIP cabins can sell out days in advance. If you have a specific date, book through GoAsia.cc as soon as your plans are firm.
- Pack a Light Jacket: Air conditioning on trains and buses can be strong at night, even if it is hot outside.
- Choose Tam Coc for Convenience: If your hotel is near the river and the main tourist area, a bus that drops you in Tam Coc saves a taxi ride from Ninh Binh city.
- Arrival Times: Overnight options can arrive very early in the morning. Check whether your hotel allows early check-in or can store your bags.
Timetable
| Bus Hue - Ninh Binh $ 14.59–38.80 10h – 13h | |
|
|
| Train Hue - Ninh Binh $ 20.56–148.04 11h 46m – 12h 55m | |
|
|
| Van Hue - Ninh Binh $ 51.85–91.55 14h | |
|
| Bus Hue - Tam Coc $ 15.23–25.38 11h – 12h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hue to Ninh Binh, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest way. Booking platforms list tickets from about $15 (October 2026), depending on the operator and cabin type.
Buses are listed at 10 to 13 hours on booking platforms. On the Vietnam Railways timetable, train SE8 takes about 11 hours 40 minutes from Hue to Ninh Binh.
Buses take 10 to 13 hours, the train about 11 hours 40 minutes, and the combined cabin bus and van about 14 hours.
Yes. Several Reunification Express trains run between Hue and Ninh Binh on the north-south line, although not every train stops in Ninh Binh. Check the timetable of the train you want.
Yes. Booking platforms list buses from Hue to Tam Coc at about $15 to $25, taking 11 to 12 hours (October 2026).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Vietnam Railways (Duong sat Viet Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Reunification Express (SE) trains. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Hue to Ninh Binh. 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.