Contents
Ninh Binh and Hanoi are 115 km apart on the railway line.[1] The route is one of the most traveled in northern Vietnam, whether you are heading back to the Old Quarter or catching a flight at Noi Bai Airport. You can browse and book tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Train
Four Reunification Express trains stop at Ninh Binh on the way to Hanoi station: SE8 leaves at 13:59 and arrives at 16:20, SE6 leaves at 16:55 and arrives at 19:14, SE4 leaves at 02:14 and arrives at 04:36, and SE2 leaves at 03:24 and arrives at 05:42.[1] Each ride takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. SE4 and SE2 leave in the middle of the night, so they only suit travelers who are continuing straight on.
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Van
Luxury vans are the most popular road option. Booking platforms list them with departures through the day, taking 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic and the drop-off point in the city, at about $15 to $17 (October 2026).[2]
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Bus
The bus service mostly consists of limousine buses with 11 seats. They are listed with hourly departures, taking about 4 hours at about $17. To Noi Bai Airport the listings include limousine buses and minivans with about 3 to 4 hours of travel time at about $12 to $25. Vans to the airport are listed at about $12 to $16 and 2 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours.[2]
Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Private Transfer
For families, groups and travelers with a lot of luggage, a private transfer to Noi Bai Airport avoids bus stations and waiting for other passengers. Booking platforms list private cars and vans from about $32 up to about $184 depending on the vehicle size, taking 2 hours to 2 hours 40 minutes.[2] The driver can pick you up at your homestay in Tam Coc or your hotel in Ninh Binh city.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Train | See class prices on the operator's site | About 2h 20m[1] |
| Van to Hanoi | About $15 - $17[2] | 2h - 4h[2] |
| Bus to Hanoi | About $17[2] | About 4h[2] |
| Private Transfer to Noi Bai | About $32 - $184[2] | 2h - 2h 40m[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Ninh Binh to Hanoi
- Book in Advance: Popular morning slots and luxury vans can fill up, especially on weekends when people return to Hanoi.
- Check Drop-off Locations: Hanoi is a large city. Make sure your bus or van drops you near the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake if that is where you are staying.
- Airport Timing: If you are heading to Noi Bai Airport for an international flight, allow an extra hour for traffic on the way into the Hanoi area.
- Luggage Space: Luxury vans have limited trunk space. For oversized items, a private SUV or a larger van is more comfortable.
Timetable
| Bus Ninh Binh - Hanoi $ 16.73 4h | |
|
|
| Van Ninh Binh - Hanoi $ 15.07–16.84 2h – 4h | |
|
| Bus Ninh Binh - Noi Bai Airport $ 11.97–24.86 3h – 4h | |
|
|
| Taxi Ninh Binh - Noi Bai Airport $ 32.13–184.35 2h – 2h 40m | |
|
|
| Van Ninh Binh - Noi Bai Airport $ 12.48–16.40 2h 20m – 4h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, including current prices and schedules.
Booking platforms list vans and limousine buses into Hanoi from about $15 and airport transfers from about $12 as of October 2026. Train fares depend on the class, so check them with Vietnam Railways.
The train timetable shows about 2 hours 20 minutes to Hanoi station. A private transfer to Noi Bai Airport is listed at 2 hours to 2 hours 40 minutes.
The journey takes about 2 hours 20 minutes by train and 2 to 4 hours by van or bus, depending on traffic and where in Hanoi you are dropped off.
Yes. Booking platforms list vans, limousine buses, minivans and private transfers that go from Ninh Binh directly to the airport.
Both offer reclining seats and air conditioning. Vans are smaller and are listed with shorter travel times from 2 hours, while the 11-seat limousine buses are listed at about 4 hours.
Many van and bus operators offer drop-off points in the Old Quarter or at their city offices, and private transfers let you choose an exact address.
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 16, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Ninh Binh to Hanoi and Noi Bai Airport. Retrieved October 16, 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.