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Leaving behind the limestone karsts and winding rivers of Ninh Binh for the port city of Hai Phong marks a transition from Vietnam's inland natural wonders to its maritime gateway. Hai Phong is also the main jumping-off point for Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.
The journey between these two northern destinations is relatively short but may include a ferry crossing if your final destination is the island district. Travelers can choose between local buses, shared limousine vans, or a private vehicle. You can compare these options and book your tickets on GoAsia.cc.
Ninh Binh to Hai Phong by Bus
The bus is the most popular way to travel this route, with frequent departures from early morning to afternoon.[1] On booking platforms, tickets cost from about $7 to $26 (October 2026).[1] The trip takes from about 4 hours on most direct tourist services, and some services take much longer.[1]
For a bit more comfort, platforms list VIP 29 and VIP 33 buses. If you are heading to the islands, many operators sell "Bus + Ferry" tickets that include the water crossing in a single ticket. In the evening, platforms also list local cabin and VIP 20 sleeper buses, but given the short distance you will arrive very early.[1]
Ninh Binh to Hai Phong by Van
Shared vans, often called limousines in Vietnam, are usually a little quicker than the larger buses. Platforms list limousine and VIP limousine services with a ferry crossing included, taking from about 4 hours 30 minutes.[1] Prices for a van seat are about $10 to $19 (October 2026).[1]
Because the vans are smaller, they can sometimes offer more flexible drop-off points than large coaches. Luggage space is limited, so confirm with the operator if you have large suitcases.
Ninh Binh to Hai Phong by Private Transfer
For families, small groups, or those carrying a lot of luggage, a private transfer offers the most flexibility in departure time and pick-up location, whether you stay in Ninh Binh or the Tam Coc area. On booking platforms, prices are about $70 for a small car and up to about $170 for a larger van or minibus (October 2026).[1]
A private car is the fastest way to reach Hai Phong, from about 2 hours 40 minutes, longer with traffic.[1] Vehicle types range from 3-seat sedans and SUVs to 9-seat and 14-seat vans, and some transfers include the ferry crossing so you can go straight to the island.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | about $7 - $26[1] | from about 4h[1] | Standard to High |
| Van (Limousine) | about $10 - $19[1] | from about 4h 30m[1] | High |
| Private Transfer | about $70 - $170[1] | from about 2h 40m[1] | Excellent |
Tips for Traveling from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong
- Book in Advance: The popular morning vans and VIP buses can fill up, especially on weekends when locals travel from the city to the countryside.
- Check the Destination: Hai Phong is a large province. Make sure your bus or van goes to the city center or to the ferry terminal, depending on whether you are staying in the city or heading to Cat Ba.
- Tam Coc Pick-up: If you are staying in Tam Coc, look for operators that offer departures from there to avoid a taxi ride back into Ninh Binh city.
- Luggage Space: Shared vans have limited trunk space. With large suitcases, confirm with the operator or book an extra seat.
- Ferry Transitions: If your ticket includes a ferry, keep your ticket handy. Sometimes you walk onto the ferry and board a different vehicle on the other side.
Timetable
| Taxi Ninh Binh - Hai Phong $ 69.25–169.45 2h 40m – 4h | |
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| Van Ninh Binh - Hai Phong $ 10.14–18.96 4h 30m – 5h | |
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| Bus Ninh Binh - Hai Phong $ 7.14–25.57 3h – 12h | |
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| Van Ninh Binh - Dao Cat Ba $ 12.35–13.23 4h – 4h 10m | |
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| Bus Ninh Binh - Dao Cat Ba $ 6.31–23.35 3h 30m – 5h | |
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| Bus Tam Coc - Hai Phong $ 11.59–15.51 4h – 5h | |
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| Bus Tam Coc - Dao Cat Ba $ 11.63–15.56 4h – 4h 30m | |
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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 Hai Phong, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest way is the bus. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $7 for standard or tourist bus classes (October 2026).
A private transfer is the fastest, from about 2 hours 40 minutes. It avoids the stops that shared buses and vans make.
Private transfers take from about 2 hours 40 minutes, and shared vans and most direct tourist buses take from about 4 hours. Some local services take much longer.
Vans, or limousines, usually offer better seats and fewer passengers for a slightly higher price (about $10 to $19 in October 2026). Buses are cheaper and offer more departure times, which suits budget travelers.
Yes, many providers sell a combined ticket that includes the bus or van ride and the ferry crossing to Cat Ba Island. Look for options labeled 'Bus + Ferry' or 'Limousine + Ferry'.
Booking platforms list evening departures of cabin and sleeper buses from about 18:30. Because the distance is short, they arrive very late at night or in the early morning.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Ninh Binh to Hai Phong and Cat Ba. Retrieved October 19, 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.