Hue to Ninh Binh has different means of travelling, buses, scenic trains, and a combination of flights and buses via Hanoi. Both choices offer their experiences. This guide includes all the necessary information and the easiest way to do it.
Overview Of Hue To Ninh Binh
The Hue to Ninh Binh road is a very interesting trail across Vietnam with its culture and scenic landmarks. Hue had been the imperial capital, and it astonished its visitors with its ancient citadel, the royal tombs, and the poetic Perfume River. Ninh Binh is attractive with its karsts of limestone, rice paddies, and serene waterways, also known as Halong Bay on Land.
To feel the difference, many tourists choose to visit both of them and grasp a glimpse of the unique East Asian beauty of the royal heritage of Vietnam in Hue, and relax in the rhythm of temples or boat tours and countryside in Ninh Binh. Together, they represent two aspects of Vietnam: past glory and nature.
How Far Is It From Hue To Ninh Binh?
The distance from Hue to Ninh Binh is about 564-600 kilometers. The National Highway 1A topography features seaside plains and busy provincial cities, and the Ho Chi Minh Highway contains a more serene road through mountains and the countryside. It has no direct flights, and it can only be reached by road or train.
The travel time varies by route. The normal time to board a sleeper bus or train is about 10-13 hours, and the Hue to Ninh Binh train is the best because it is more comfortable and slower to see the scenery and the local culture.
Adventure lovers can ride a motorbike in 13-15 hours, usually divided into two days of rest and sightseeing. The journey is very lengthy, yet the road gives the backpacker an impressive view of plains, rice paddies, and mountains.
How To Get From Hue To Ninh Binh?
There are mainly four routes that one can take to go between Hue and Ninh Binh, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The list below gives all details and suggestions on which one will be the easiest, depending on the circumstances.
By Bus
The Hue to Ninh Binh sleeper bus (mostly overnight) is the cheapest and easiest mode of transportation on this long route. It lasts about 10-11 hours, and departures may be made nearly 24 hours a day. Ticket prices vary between 350,000 VND on a standard bed and 700,000 VND on a VIP cabin, depending on the operator.
All buses virtually travel to Tam Coc, which is convenient when you are close to the boat pier. Most buses come in the early morning, so you should book early check-in or baggage storage at the hotel. In Hue, the buses usually collect you at the company’s offices in the city center. Popular ones are Camel Travel, Queen Cafe, HK Bus Lines, Tan Kim Chi, and G8 Sapa Open Tour, which run daily and provide free hotel pick-up.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Departure time | Notes |
| Standard sleeper bus (36 beds, open layout) | 350,000 VND | Around 17:00 (overnight service) | These buses offer basic overnight facilities in an open layout and are a budget-friendly option for direct travel. |
| Premium Sleeper Bus (32 – 34 beds with curtains) |
400,000 – 450,000 VND | Around 16:30 – 22:00 (overnight service) | Modernized with curtains, charging points, TV, and more comfortable beds, these buses are loved by couples or small groups that desire more comfort without spending a lot. |
| VIP Sleeper Bus (21 – 24 private cabins) | 450,000 – 700,000 VND | Around 00:15 – 23:45 (overnight service) |
It has fewer privately owned cabins, and thus has more privacy and silence. It has amenities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi, charging, blackout curtains, a TV, and free drinks. |
By Train
The train between Hue and Ninh Binh is another great option for budget-friendly travelers who love to slowly sightsee the Vietnamese landscape.
This route normally has five trains operating daily. SE4, SE6, SE8, and SE20 state trains leave Hue at 03:43, 04:36, 15:15, and 20:40, while private brands that are attached to SE20 leave at 20:54. The travel time is usually 11-13 hours, which gives you the option of using overnight trains and daytime trains depending on how they best accommodate your Ninh Binh itinerary.
The overnight train is usually the most convenient when one has light luggage and is in a limited time. It comes to Ninh Binh somewhere around breakfast, and this way, you can do all the best things to do in Ninh Binh on your list and even save a night in a hotel.
In the meantime, early morning departures suit travelers with more luggage or a slower pace. By afternoon, it is possible to arrive and check into a hotel, rest, and even get a peaceful sunset in Ninh Binh without the worry of showing up too early or being a victim of a taxi scam at the station.
- Soft seat: The most affordable choice with basic padding. Fine for daytime travel, but not the best for long overnight journeys.
- Hard sleeper: 6-berth (3 up, 3 down) cabins. Beds are firm and space is tight, but it’s the cheapest way to sleep while on the move.
- Soft sleeper: 4-berth (2 up, 2 down) cabins with mattresses to ensure extra comfort. This is the favorite pick for overnight long-distance travel.
- VIP Sleeper (on Lotus Express or Laman Express Train): Bigger, more personalized cabins with enhanced facilities, perfect for the traveler who demands high comfort during the trip.
| Factors | Details |
| Travel time | 11-13 hours depending on train type |
| Cost | Soft seat (A/C): 675,000 – 775,000 VND
Hard sleeper (6 berths): 950,000 – 1,025,000 VND Soft sleeper (4 berths): 1,000,000 – 1,400,000 VND VIP Sleeper: 1,700,000 – 3,000,000 VND |
| Best for | Cultural immersion, scenic journey, slow-paced traveller |
| Notes | Scenic coastal views, meet locals, taste Vietnamese cuisine on board, and at station stops |
By Private Car
A private car is the most comfortable and flexible variant, where everything is on your schedule, including all door-to-door service with different types of vehicles. It is ideal for families, small groups, or traveling people who require comfort, privacy, and convenience. It is 564 kilometers and it takes 8-10 hours depending on the route and the traffic.
The majority of the trips are made on either National Highway 1A, the main north-south route in Vietnam, or the Ho Chi Minh Highway, which is not as busy but has spectacular scenery of mountains, forests, and villages. You can also stop by the sights with ease, like Phong Nha-Ke Bang or the coastal provinces, all comfortably and safely door-to-door.
One of the most expensive is a private car. But the best part is that you will be transported directly to your hotel in Ninh Binh and the hassle of having to swap vehicles. The trade-off is that the driving alternative is far more time-consuming than the flight-plus-transit transfer.
| Factors | Details |
| Duration | 8 – 10 hours (depending on traffic and stops) |
| Cost | From 6,000,000 VND per trip (varies by vehicle type and service provider) |
| Vehicle types | 4-seat sedan, 7-seat SUV, 16-seat minivan |
| Service | Door-to-door pick-up in Hue and drop-off in Ninh Binh |
| Best For | Families, small groups, and those who prefer privacy and flexibility |
| Notes | Professional drivers, AC, flexible stops |
By Motorbike
A motorbike ride between Hue and Ninh Binh would suit experienced riders who seek adventure and real experience in the beauty of Vietnam and its people.
The adventure traveler is challenged by this 600km ride. Highway 1A is faster, and the Ho Chi Minh Highway is a highway that will pay you off with winding roads, mountains, forests, and villages. The freedom to stop anywhere you wish makes the ride as good as the place you get to, which usually takes two or three days.
You can only have the liberty to stop and have some food, take pictures, or even spend time and enjoy the view at the lowest possible cost by riding a motorbike. On the negative side, long rides are exhausting, the weather is unpredictable, and we cannot pack much. Therefore, packing light is essential.
Safety tips:
- Wear excellent helmet and protective equipment
- One should not ride in rainy weather or at night.
- Check brakes, tires, and lights.
- Make fuel stops and overnight.
- The easy fix package and contacts.
| Factors | Details |
| Travel time | 13-15 hours, usually split into 2–3 days with overnight stops |
| Cost | 120,000 – 300,000 VND/day for bike rental (except fuel) |
| Route | National Highway 1A or Ho Chi Minh Highway |
| Best for | Experienced riders only, seeking a true adventure |
| Notes | Requires a motorcycle license and experience |
By Plane
To get to Ninh Binh, the quickest method is to fly out of Phu Bai Airport in Hue (15 km from the city center) to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, then take the road. Approximately, the overall travel time is 3.5-4 hours. The flights are operated daily by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, between 07:00 and 21:30, and the fare can depend on the season and the time of booking.
From Noi Bai Airport, the lowest-priced option is the limousine (Trang An Limousine, Khanh An Limousine, and Ninh Binh Car), which operates on a schedule between 04:00 AM and 21:00, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. It is better to book a morning or midday flight in Hue to align with the limousine departure. To be more comfortable, a private car takes 2 hours to Ninh Binh, is more expensive than the bus, but it will drop you off at the hotel, making it the best choice for guests with heavy luggage and a short time.
| Factors | Details |
| Total travel time | 3.5 hours to 4 hours (including flights and transfers to Ninh Binh) |
| Cost | 900,000 – 2,500,000 VND for the Hue to Hanoi flight |
| Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air |
| Notes | The quickest requires the Hanoi to Ninh Binh transfer, weather dependent |
Tips For Traveling From Hue To Ninh Binh
You may be wondering how to get from Hue to Ninh Binh smoothly. Here is a list of tips that can save you time and get the most out of your itinerary.
- To avoid waiting until check-in time, choose a bus or train that should arrive in the afternoon.
- There are plenty of buses that terminate in Tam Coc instead of Ninh Binh town. This is perfect when you are already staying at Tam Coc, since you save time and money on the additional taxi ride. Check the final stop prior to booking.
- Tam Coc has few ATMs, so you need to carry along enough Vietnamese Dong to buy food, rent a bike, and cover daily expenses. The local SIM card can also help with maps, calls, and online taxi booking.
- In high season, particularly around Tam Coc, you should book transport and accommodation early, because the fares are reduced when booked in advance.
- The tickets may be booked on the official sites (Vietnam Railways, bus, or airline websites) to ensure availability and to prevent low-quality services. Hue has also trusted travel agents to help in acquiring the tickets at reasonable costs, particularly during high holidays.
- Early morning public transport in Ninh Binh is not so much. There are other reputable local taxi services like Trang An or Xuan Thanh, but they are also limited. To avoid inconvenience and scams, it is recommended to book a hotel pick-up or book Grab or Xanh SM.
Final Thoughts
This route is to experience the culture, landscapes, and history of Hue and Ninh Binh cities. The best and cheapest of all are buses and trains. Speaking of easy transportation, a high-end Hue to Ninh Binh bus is what you would like to ride. Through the Seni World experience, you will have a partner in planning all adventures in the most creative manner within your Vietnam itinerary.
