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Ninh Binh and Dong Hoi are both on the Reunification Express line, and Dong Hoi is the gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Most travellers go by train or sleeper bus, and many choose an overnight service.
Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi by Train
Five Reunification Express pairs serve both stations. According to the Vietnam Railways timetable, southbound trains leave Ninh Binh and reach Dong Hoi as follows:[1]
| Train | Departs Ninh Binh | Arrives Dong Hoi | Time on board |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE7 | 08:16 | 16:27 | 8 h 11 min[1] |
| SE5 | 10:16 | 18:11 | 7 h 55 min[1] |
| SE9 | 15:17 | 23:57 | 8 h 40 min[1] |
| SE3 | 21:36 | 04:57 (next day) | 7 h 21 min[1] |
| SE1 | 00:03 | 07:33 | 7 h 30 min[1] |
SE7, SE5 and SE9 leave Ninh Binh in daylight, while SE3 and SE1 leave in the late evening or just after midnight.[1] 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.
Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi by Bus
Booking platforms list sleeper and cabin buses from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi, mostly leaving in the late afternoon or evening. The listed journey time is about 7 to 8 hours 30 minutes and fares in October 2026 were about US$26 to US$46 (12Go shows fares in Thai baht; converted to US dollars at the ECB rate of 15 October 2026). Services from Tam Coc to Dong Hoi are listed at about 8 hours and US$21 to US$27, and some buses are sold to Quang Binh rather than Dong Hoi city at about 6 hours 15 minutes, so check the drop-off point before booking.[2]
Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi by Private Transfer
Booking platforms list private cars to the Quang Binh area, which includes Dong Hoi, at about US$221 to US$307 per vehicle in October 2026, with a listed journey time of about 6 hours.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Fare (October 2026) | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Depends on class, see Vietnam Railways | 7 h 21 min to 8 h 40 min[1] |
| Bus | About US$26 to US$46 per person[2] | About 7 to 8 h 30 min[2] |
| Private transfer | About US$221 to US$307 per vehicle[2] | About 6 hours[2] |
From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
Vietnam Tourism lists local buses from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha that take 45 to 90 minutes, and taxis that can take you straight from the station.[3]
Timetable
| Bus Ninh Binh - Dong Hoi $ 25.41–45.26 7h – 8h 30m | |
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| Train Ninh Binh - Dong Hoi $ 20.43–251.13 7h 16m – 8h 45m | |
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| Bus Ninh Binh - Quang Binh $ 25.41–32.85 6h 15m | |
|
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| Taxi Ninh Binh - Quang Binh $ 217.52–303.93 6h | |
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| Bus Tam Coc - Dong Hoi $ 20.30–26.77 8h | |
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| Bus Tam Coc - Quang Binh $ 30.46 7h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi, including current prices and schedules.
Train fares depend on the class, so compare them on the Vietnam Railways booking site. Buses were listed from about US$21 from Tam Coc and about US$26 from Ninh Binh in October 2026, and private cars cost far more per vehicle.
A private car is listed at about 6 hours, and the quickest train takes 7 hours 21 minutes (SE3). Buses are listed at about 7 to 8 hours 30 minutes.
By train it takes between 7 hours 21 minutes and 8 hours 40 minutes depending on the train. Buses are listed at about 7 to 8 hours 30 minutes and private cars at about 6 hours.
Yes. According to the Vietnam Railways timetable in October 2026, SE7 leaves Ninh Binh at 08:16, SE5 at 10:16 and SE9 at 15:17. SE3 (21:36) and SE1 (00:03) are the overnight services.
Take a taxi or one of the local buses. Vietnam Tourism lists the bus ride at 45 to 90 minutes.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Vietnam Railways (Đường sắt Việt Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Reunification Express (SE) trains. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Vietnam Tourism (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism): A complete guide to Phong Nha. 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.