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Ninh Binh and Ho Chi Minh City are 1,611 km apart by rail.[1] Ninh Binh has no commercial airport, so there are two realistic ways to make the trip: the Reunification Express, which takes more than a day, or a transfer to Hanoi and a flight. You can check availability and book through GoAsia.cc.
Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City by Train
Five Reunification Express trains (SE7, SE5, SE9, SE3 and SE1) call at Ninh Binh on the way south, and all of them end at Saigon station.[1] Counting from the timetable, the trip takes about 30 to 36 hours.
| Train | Leaves Ninh Binh | Arrives Saigon |
|---|---|---|
| SE7 | 08:16 | 17:00 (next day)[1] |
| SE5 | 10:16 | 18:20 (next day)[1] |
| SE9 | 15:17 | 03:26 (day after next)[1] |
| SE3 | 21:36 | 05:30 (day after next)[1] |
| SE1 | 00:03 (next day) | 06:30 (day after next)[1] |
Seat Types
The timetable lists soft seats, hard seats and sleeper compartments with 2, 3, 4 or 6 berths.[1] On a trip of more than a day, a berth is the practical choice, and fares depend on the class you pick.
Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City by Flight via Hanoi
Fly from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN). From Ninh Binh, booking platforms list buses and vans to the airport at about $12 to $25 and 3 to 4 hours, and private transfers at about $32 and up in 2 to 2 hours 40 minutes (October 2026).[2] Vietnam Airlines flies Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City nonstop in about 2 hours 10 minutes, with 26 to 32 flights a day, and lists one-way economy fares from VND 888,181 (fares collected within the previous 48 hours).[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Train | About 30h - 36h[1] | Five Reunification Express trains daily, seats and sleeper berths |
| Transfer to Noi Bai plus flight | 2h - 4h to the airport, then about 2h 10m in the air[2][3] | One-way economy fares from VND 888,181[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City
- Book in Advance: This is the main north-south route, so sleeper berths can sell out ahead of holidays and peak season.
- Pack Snacks: On a trip of more than a day, bring your own water and food in addition to what the train or the stops offer.
- Prepare for Temperature Changes: Air conditioning on Vietnamese trains is often strong, so keep a light jacket in your carry-on bag.
- Keep Valuables Close: Keep your passport, electronics and money in a small bag that stays with you at all times, especially when sleeping.
Timetable
| Bus Ninh Binh - Binh Duong $ 64.49 1days 11h 52m | |
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| Train Ninh Binh - Binh Duong $ 35.25–89.26 1days 6h 2m – 1days 11h 58m | |
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| Bus Ninh Binh - Ho Chi Minh City $ 54.66–128.38 1days 2h 12m – 1days 12h 52m | |
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| Train Ninh Binh - Ho Chi Minh City $ 36.40–89.38 1days 6h 38m – 1days 12h 32m | |
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| Bus Ninh Binh - Ca Mau $ 54.66 1days 11h | |
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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 Ho Chi Minh, including current prices and schedules.
Train fares depend on the class you choose, and Vietnam Railways sets them. Vietnam Airlines lists one-way economy flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from VND 888,181, and the transfer from Ninh Binh to the Hanoi airport comes on top.
Transferring to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport and flying is the fastest way. The transfer takes 2 to 4 hours, and the nonstop flight about 2 hours 10 minutes.
By train the timetable shows about 30 to 36 hours depending on the train. By road transfer and flight it takes a day at most, depending on the flight you book.
The train is slow, but it lets you see the country and sleep in a berth. If time matters more, the transfer to Hanoi plus a flight is much quicker.
Yes. The Reunification Express offers sleeper compartments with 2, 3, 4 or 6 berths as well as seats.
Bring a warm layer or blanket because the air conditioning is often cold, plus headphones, a power bank, water and snacks.
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.
- [3] Vietnam Airlines: Flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. 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.