Ninh Binh to Hue is a well-loved travel link for those craving variety. It combines lush rural scenery with Vietnam’s royal legacy, ideal for visitors who want both natural beauty and cultural depth in one seamless journey.
Overview of Ninh Binh To Hue
Ninh Binh and Hue show two very different sides of Vietnam. Ninh Binh is a peaceful area known for boat rides through rice fields, limestone mountains, and quiet villages. Hue offers something else entirely: royal palaces, imperial tombs, and traditional food shaped by centuries of history. Travelers who visit both get to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty and its cultural roots in one trip.
A lot of people are traveling from Ninh Binh to Hue as part of their journey south for a variety of reasons. One being, it is a logical way to connect the north and central region while not doubling back. This route will sequence well within a two or three-week itinerary, especially if the traveler includes either Da Nang or Hoi An. It also helps break up long travel days and adds more meaning to the trip than simply flying over it.
How Far Is It From Ninh Binh To Hue?
Ninh Binh to Hue distance can be covered by rail and road at a distance of approximately 570 kilometers. It takes time to go, but the majority of the passengers can do it in a day. The trip normally lasts between 10 to 13 hours, depending on the traffic, time, and the mode of transport. That is why it will be more important to plan your Hue itinerary during daylight, and it will be better to avoid overnight arrivals.
There is no direct Ninh Binh to Hue plane, as Ninh Binh does not have an airport. To fly, travelers first need to travel 2–2.5 hours to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, then take a domestic flight to Hue’s Phu Bai Airport. A flight to Hue takes approximately 1.5 hours once you have reached the airport, excluding time on both the check-in and on reaching and departing the airport.
How to Travel From Ninh Binh To Hue?
Traveling by bike from Ninh Binh to Hue involves traversing a large chunk of Vietnam: from ancient temples to signs of imperial landmarks. It is a long trip, but you will be able to find a few plausible ways to make it enjoyable, given the context of your Ninh Binh itinerary.
By Motorbike
Taking a motorbike from Ninh Binh to Hue can be fulfilling and enjoyable, but it is demanding. A motorbike is better suited for experienced riders, particularly if traveling during the best time to visit Ninh Binh, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best. Most people take the Ho Chi Minh highway, which is much quieter and far more beautiful than National Route 1.
With this trip, you have the full freedom to take a break anywhere you wish. However, it involves enduring many hours of sunlight, constant traffic, and, once in a while, damage to roads. Safely speaking, it is advisable to choose this option only when you have visited Southeast Asia in the past and have several spare days in your itinerary.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route | Ho Chi Minh Highway: Ninh Binh → Thanh Hoa → Vinh → Phong Nha (Quang Binh) → Dong Hoi → Hue. This avoids QL1A and takes you through quieter countryside. |
| Distance | About 570–600 kilometers, depending on detours. |
| Travel Time | Typically 2 days, with an overnight stop in Phong Nha or Dong Hoi. |
| Suggested Stop | Phong Nha is a popular midpoint, known for its national park and spectacular caves, perfect for an overnight rest and a bit of sightseeing.
Vinh can be a practical place to stop if you’re starting late or riding at a slower pace, with plenty of local food and budget stays. Dong Hoi offers a mix of beach, city, and decent guesthouses if you prefer to ride a bit further before resting. |
By Bus or Minivan
Taking a Ninh Binh to Hue bus is one of the cheapest ways to reach Hue, especially for budget travelers. It’s a common next step after spending a few days exploring the things to do in Ninh Binh, like boat rides or pagoda visits. The majority of the Ninh Binh to Hue sleeper bus options help you sleep at night and wake up refreshed the next morning. You will be able to make the purchase of tickets either using hotels or travel agencies in Ninh Binh.
The bus companies have services that slightly differ, and booking a couple of bus companies makes it worth looking at the differences. There are those that have clean beds and excellent air conditioning, and there are others that are primitive. Comparison of the most frequent operators on this route will be performed below:
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| Standard sleeper bus (open-style berth, shared cabin) | ~550,000–650,000 | 10–12 hours | These buses are affordable and run overnight, helping travelers save on a night’s stay. However, facilities and cleanliness vary, so it’s best to check reviews or ask your hotel to recommend a reliable operator. Bring your blanket and earplugs for a better rest. |
| VIP-34 sleeper bus (semi-private reclining berths) | ~650,000–850,000 | 9–10 hours | This type offers reclining beds with more space per passenger, but without full privacy. It strikes a good balance between price and comfort. If you’re a light sleeper, choose a lower berth away from the toilet area. |
| Private cabin sleeper bus(22–24 individual cabins) | ~750,000–950,000 | Around 9 hours | Each passenger gets a curtained-off cabin, often with USB ports and massage seats. It’s the most private and quiet option. These buses often stop less and are popular with foreign travelers, so book early in high season. |
| Limousine van or luxury minivan(9–11 reclining seats) | ~700,000–900,000 | 8.5–9.5 hours | These offer reclining leather seats, stronger air conditioning, and fewer passengers. They depart more flexibly and may pick you up directly in Tam Coc. Confirm the drop-off point in Hue; some vans stop outside the city center. |
By Private Car
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, booking a private car is one of the most comfortable ways to get from Ninh Binh to Hue. It’s a good fit for travelers who want to avoid night buses or long hours on the train, especially if you’re going with kids or elderly parents. You can plan the ride around your own pace, stop for photos, or visit cultural sites like Phat Diem Cathedral before continuing south.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-seater sedan | About ~9,600,000–10,400,000 VND (~USD 390–420) | 3 to 4 days with stops | A practical choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a smoother trip without overspending. The size is small but good enough for 2 people. |
| 7-seater SUV or MPV | About ~10,400,000–11,200,000 VND | 3 to 4 days with stops | A flexible option for families or friend groups who want extra space and comfort, especially on longer road journeys. |
| 16-seater van | About ~15,000,000–16,000,000 VND | 3 to 5 days with stops | Best for larger groups wanting to travel together. More luggage space and cost-sharing make it affordable and efficient. |
By Train
The Ninh Binh to Hue train is a convenient and safe solution when people are tired of driving along the road or traveling by bus. It’s a great option for travelers exploring Ninh Binh in September or October, when the weather is mild and the views from the train are especially scenic. Although it is not the quickest one, it allows you to sleep overnight or admire the scenery during a normal day. The majority of the passengers choose a sleeper option on this route, and then they feel more well-rested.
| Aspect | Details |
| Travel Time | The duration of the trip often ranges between 10 and 13 hours, the duration being subject to the train schedule and the number of stops to be made during the trip. |
| Cabin Types or Options |
|
| Estimated Price | Fares range from 450,000 to 1,400,000 VND depending on the class, travel time, and how early you book. |
| Best For | This option works well for travelers who value safety, prefer not to fly, or want a calm overnight journey with more space than a sleeper bus. |
| Notes | Tickets are available online, through hotels, or directly at the station. International travelers need to show a valid passport. It’s best to book early during weekends or holidays. Toilets are onboard, but bringing tissues and sanitizer is recommended. |
Tips For Traveling From Ninh Binh To Hue
Some night buses pick up from isolated roadside stops instead of central Ninh Binh, so always confirm the exact pickup point.
- Most buses operated by The Sinh Tourist or Camel Travel pick up along Highway 1A, not in Tam Coc, so ask your hotel about the nearest stop.
- Some trains like SE3 and SE19 depart late in the evening and arrive in Hue around 9:00 AM, which is more convenient than the earliest options.
- Buses with cabin sleepers offer more privacy but fewer seats, so they tend to sell out quickly on weekends.
- Most sleeper trains do not have English-speaking personnel, so take a screenshot of your train number and coach (in Vietnamese) to show when boarding the train.
- Soft-sleeper cabins close to the carriage door or toilet can be noisier and have more light due to passengers in adjacent cabins transitioning through darkness and light, disturbing light sleepers.
- Sometimes, a bus operator transfers passengers to another bus without letting them know in advance. You should confirm unequivocally if your journey is direct.
- Hard sleeper beds are three stacked high and often cramped for taller travelers, particularly when ordered in the top bunk, due to the inability to sit upright.
- The food selection at the station is limited, lessening your options to eat after 8:00 PM, so plan to bring your dinner or snacks before your train or bus.
- Mobile apps (like Grab or Be) might not work well at Hue Railway Station at an early hour unless you’ve triggered the app, so prepare to call your taxi, eventually.
- Some buses typically offer users power charging ports, though not every seat offers one, so bringing your power supply has the potential to be better.
- If you’re riding a motorbike, small repair shops become sparse between Phong Nha and Khe Sanh, so check tire pressure and oil before leaving.
- Night buses may drop you off in Hue around 4:30-5:30 AM, well before hotel check-in time, so consider booking a hostel bed just for resting.
Final Thoughts
Ninh Binh and Hue are far enough to feel like two different trips, but combining them makes sense when you’re moving south. Each travel option has its own set of surprises, some good, some less so. Knowing what to expect can make the difference between a smooth ride and a frustrating detour. If you want help choosing the best route or booking something reliable, Seni World can walk you through it.
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