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Leaving the towering limestone karsts of Ninh Binh for the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An takes you through the middle of Vietnam. The distance is large, so most travelers make it an overnight journey. You have two main options: a direct sleeper bus to Hoi An, or a Reunification Express train to Da Nang followed by a short transfer.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Bus
The direct sleeper bus runs from Ninh Binh to Hoi An, so you avoid a change in Da Nang. On booking platforms, seats and berths cost about $23 to $39 (October 2026), and the trip takes from about 13 hours 45 minutes, up to more than 16 hours.[1] Platforms list several bus types: standard sleepers with three rows of bunks, and VIP or cabin buses with individual cubicles. If you prefer to avoid climbing, ask for a lower berth when you book.
Ninh Binh to Da Nang by Train
The train does not go to Hoi An. It stops in Da Nang, from where you continue by taxi, ride-hailing or bus. Vietnam Railways' Reunification Express trains leave Ninh Binh at 08:16 (SE7), 10:16 (SE5), 15:17 (SE9), 21:36 (SE3) and 00:03 (SE1) and reach Da Nang between about 13 and 15 hours later: SE7 at 22:30, SE5 at 00:36, SE9 at 06:03, SE3 at 10:43 and SE1 at 13:29.[2]
Fares depend on the train and class. For reference, Vietnam Airlines' rail guide lists Hanoi to Da Nang or Hue fares from VND 380,000 for a hard seat to VND 2,077,000 for a 2-berth VIP cabin, with 6-berth cabin places from VND 642,000 and 4-berth cabin places from VND 875,000; Ninh Binh is closer to Da Nang than Hanoi is, so check the exact fare for your date on the official booking site.[3]
Train Classes and Berths
The standard 4-berth and 6-berth cabins are divided into upper, middle and lower berths. Lower berths are easier to reach and give access to luggage stored beneath. A 4-berth cabin has fewer people than a 6-berth cabin. A soft seat works for daytime departures, but for the overnight trains a berth is the better choice. VIP cabins for two are essentially a private room.
From Da Nang to Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town is 29 km from Da Nang airport, and Vietnam Tourism lists a metered taxi from the airport to Hoi An at upwards of VND 450,000.[4] The railway station is also in the city, so the last leg is comparable. Use a ride-hailing app or a metered taxi and agree the price first.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct sleeper bus to Hoi An | About $23 - $39[1] | From about 13h 45m[1] | Medium to high |
| Train to Da Nang, then taxi or bus | Varies by class, see above[3] | About 13 - 15h to Da Nang[2] | Medium to high |
Tips for Traveling from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
- Book in advance: This is a popular route. Book VIP cabin buses and lower train berths a few days ahead.
- Pack a light blanket: Buses and trains in Vietnam often run strong air conditioning, so the cabin can feel cold at night.
- Arrival in Da Nang: If you take the train, use a ride-hailing app or a metered taxi instead of the touts outside the station.
- Check your pick-up point: Some bus operators pick up from their offices or specific points near Tam Coc rather than the railway station, so check the meeting point on your booking confirmation.
Timetable
| Train Ninh Binh - Da Nang $ 23.42–282.05 13h 1m – 15h 14m | |
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| Bus Ninh Binh - Hoi An $ 22.54–38.98 13h 45m – 16h 20m | |
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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 Hoi An, including current prices and schedules.
The sleeper bus. On booking platforms, seats and berths cost about $23 to $39 (October 2026), and the bus goes directly to Hoi An, so you save the transfer from Da Nang.
Both options are overnight journeys. The Reunification Express reaches Da Nang in about 13 to 15 hours, and the direct bus takes from about 13 hours 45 minutes. After the train you still need a transfer to Hoi An.
The bus takes from about 13 hours 45 minutes. The train takes about 13 to 15 hours to Da Nang, plus the transfer to Hoi An.
The bus is more convenient because it runs directly to Hoi An. The train is a classic Vietnamese experience with more space to move around, but you must change to a taxi or bus in Da Nang.
It is recommended to book a few days ahead, especially for VIP cabin buses and lower train berths, which can sell out.
Take a taxi, a ride-hailing car or a bus. Hoi An Ancient Town is 29 km from Da Nang airport, which gives an idea of the distance.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Ninh Binh to Hoi An (bus) and Da Nang. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] Vietnam Railways (Duong sat Viet Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Reunification Express (SE) trains. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [3] Vietnam Airlines: Overnight train in Vietnam. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Vietnam Tourism (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism): A traveller's guide to Vietnam's airports. Retrieved October 20, 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.