How to get from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh: A Detailed Guide

The route from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh is perfect for tourists exploring Northern Vietnam’s main attractions. After enjoying a wonderful vacation in Ha Long Bay, you can head directly to Ninh Binh through various travel options, which Vietnam Adventure will detail in this article.

Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh: Our best option?

There are four ways to travel from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh: by tourist bus/limousine, motorbike, private car/taxi, local bus, or train. Personally, we like to take a taxi because it offers a certain comfort and convenience.

Taxis typically provide a private space for you to relax without the hassle of navigating yourself. Plus, you get to enjoy the scenic views along the way without any interruptions. The drivers are also typically knowledgeable about the best routes and can make the journey more pleasant by sharing interesting facts and stories about the region.

How far from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh?

The distance from HaLong International Cruise Ship Port to Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh is about 190 km. Here are some routes to travel from HaLong Bay to Ninh Binh you can choose from:

Route	Estimated distance	Estimated Travel time
Ha Long Bay -Ninh Binh City	210 km	3 hrs and 30 mins
Ha Long Bay – Trang An Complex	190 km	3 hrs and 10 mins
Ha Long Bay – Bai Dinh Pagoda	215 km	3 hrs and 50 mins
Ha Long Bay – Cuc Phuong National Park	240 km	5 hrs

How to get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?

Here is detailed information about four popular ways to travel from HaLong Bay to Ninh Binh that you should know.

By Tourist/ Limousine Bus

This is one of the most convenient and recommended routes from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh. These vehicles travel on open highways with specified pauses, taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours in total.

One significant advantage of this option is the limited number of passengers, as each limousine seats approximately nine individuals. This strategy is particularly suitable for couples or lone travelers because sharing the journey with others is a less expensive alternative to renting a private automobile.

Here are some popular tour bus and limousine companies that operate along the Ha Long-Ninh Binh route:

• Ninh Binh Bus: +84 888 333 630
• Limousine Quang Muoi: 1900 0287

By Private Car/ Taxi

Taking a private car or taxi from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is the most efficient and pleasant way to travel. This option is ideal for families with children, groups of friends, or anyone who prefer the freedom to choose their vacation itinerary and route. However, this convenience comes with a higher price tag, with each car costs around $135.

Here are some suggested taxi brands:

• Mai Linh: 0203 362 86 28
• Hon Gai: 0203 384 84 84
• Thanh Cong: 0203 367 57 57

By Local Bus

Traveling by local bus may not be as comfortable as a tourist bus or taxi. But this is the most economical option, ideal for budget-oriented travelers. 

Local buses from Ha Long City to Ninh Binh run daily, with travel times typically around 4 to 5 hours.  You’ll need to head to Bai Chay bus station to get a ticket at the ticket counter, with prices ranging from 160,000 to 250,000 VND per person. 

Never buying tickets from random individuals to prevent being ripped off. Additionally, you should keep a close eye on your belongings and stay vigilant since  pickpocketing and theft are common at bus stations.

Here are some local buses with direct routes from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh:

• Vu Ngu bus
• Quan Nam bus
• Anh Thang bus
• Hai Thang bus

By Train

Travelling by train will let you observe the rustic beauty en route. Unfortunately, there is no direct train connection between the Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, so you will have to make some extra moves. You first need to go to Hanoi or Hai Phong station before taking another train to Ninh Binh.

By Motorbike

In case an adventure is your thing, why not take a motorbike journey around the scenic views of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. It also allows you to stop whenever you want for a photo shot or rest. Just don’t forget that a personal driver’s license should be international and always put on your helmet for safety purposes.

Comparison Table

Transport options	Estimated Time	Pros and Cons
Tourist/ Limousine Bus	3.5 to 4 hours	Pros: Comfortable, less crowded, budget-friendly  Cons: Limited availability, often fully booked
Private Car/ Taxi	3.5 hours	Pros: Quickest option, hassle-free, flexible schedule, easy booking Cons: Expensive, not suitable for large groups or solo travelers
Local Bus	4 to 5 hours	Pros: Cheapest option, buses run throughout the day Cons: Crowded, potential safety concerns because of local crimes
Train	4 hours	Pros: Regular service, avoids traffic Cons: Longer overall travel time from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh
Motorbike	4.5 hours (including 2 hours to transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi)	Pros: Flexible, scenic route, economical Cons: Risky, challenging for inexperienced riders

Local tips

• You should book your tickets early to avoid overbooking and price hikes, especially during peak seasons or public holidays.
• If you plan to travel independently, you should thoroughly check any rented vehicles beforehand.
• Always stay vigilant against minor crimes in public areas and tourist attractions.

The Bottom Line

Above is all the information about getting from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh that all the tourists need to know. Vietnam Adventour hopes this guide helps you have a safe trip and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way!