Full Travel Guide From Da Nang To Ninh Binh: Distance, Time, Transport, Tips

Da Nang is one of the most lively cities in Vietnam, while Ninh Binh is considered “Ha Long Bay on land” with many alternating limestone mountains creating a majestic natural scene and is famous for landmarks such as Trang An, Tam Coc and Cuc Phuong National Park. Da Nang serves as the starting point with its international airport and modern infrastructure, while Ninh Binh marks the destination with its dramatic karst scenery and rich cultural heritage.

If you are in Da Nang and want to visit Ninh Binh, are you wondering how far it is between them or what means of transport and what is the best travel route to get from Da Nang to Ninh Binh? In this article, GTrip will provide you a guide explaining everything you need to know about traveling between these two popular Vietnamese destinations, including transportation options, costs, and practical tips for a smooth journey.

 How far is it from Da Nang to Ninh Binh?

To calculate the exact distance between Da Nang and Ninh Binh, you need to determine the specific route taken, as it spans approximately 700 kilometers across Vietnam’s central and northern regions. The travel time varies significantly based on different travel methods – flying cuts the distance to 550 kilometers but requires additional transit time from Hanoi, while road routes can extend to 750 kilometers depending on your chosen path.

With more than 700 km, the route from Da Nang to Ninh Binh will take about 13 – 14 hours by road. In addition to wasting time, traveling such a long distance will make the driver quite tired.

During the festival in Ninh Binh, everyone will be able to travel on boats and go through Trang An

Best ways to travel from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

So how to get to Ninh Binh from Da Nang?  There are four main transportation options, each offering different advantages depending on your preferences. To help you decide, we’ll break down each method, considering factors like cost, comfort, travel time, and convenience.

 1. By bus

Taking a bus ride from Da Nang to Ninh Binh offers one of the most budget-friendly options, with travel time typically ranging from 12-15 hours. To book your journey, you can choose from several reputable bus companies: Hung Thanh operates modern sleeper buses with daily departures at 17:30 and 18:30, The Sinh Tourist provides reliable services with comfortable seats, and Hoang Long Bus Company runs direct routes with minimal stops.

Bus ticket prices are quite reasonable, generally ranging from 350,000 VND to 500,000 VND ($14 to $20 USD) for a one-way trip. Sleeper buses with reclining seats are also available, providing more comfort for the long journey.

The bus route often includes stops in major cities and towns between Da Nang and Ninh Binh, such as Hue, Dong Hoi, and Phat Diem (where Phat Diem cathedral is located). While this adds to the overall travel time, it allows you to stretch your legs, have a meal, or even explore some sights along the way. Just be sure to factor in the extra time needed for these stops when planning your itinerary.

For the best experience, book your tickets at least 2-3 days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can do this through either the companies’ official websites or authorized ticket offices in Da Nang’s central bus station.

Travelling to Ninh Binh by bus at the bus station

 2. By train

Boarding a train is another popular option for the journey from Da Nang to Ninh Binh. The route is serviced by the Reunification Express line, with trains departing from Da Nang Railway Station and arriving at Ninh Binh Station.

When it comes to the train schedule, there are a few popular options to choose from:

• SE1 train: Departs Da Nang in the evening and arrives in Ninh Binh early the next morning.
• SE3 train: Departs Da Nang in the afternoon and reaches Ninh Binh in the early hours of the next day.
• SE5 train: Leaves Da Nang in the morning and pulls into Ninh Binh in the evening.

Ticket prices vary depending on the class of travel. Hard seats start at around 400,000 VND, soft seats are priced at 600,000 VND, and sleeper berths range from 700,000 to 900,000 VND. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred train and seating.

The total duration of the journey by train takes approximately 13 – 15 hours, providing you with a comfortable and scenic ride through the Vietnamese countryside. With multiple daily departures and various ticket options, the train offers a convenient and popular mode of transportation for this long-distance route.

Many people choose to travel by train to see the scenery

 3. By flight

For the fastest travel option between Da Nang and Ninh Binh, you can consider flying from Da Nang International Airport to Hanoi. This direct flight takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Once you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you’ll need to transfer to continue your journey to Ninh Binh. This transfer can be done by taking a bus or taxi, which will add an additional 2 hours to your overall travel time. The total journey time when flying is around 3-4 hours, depending on your connection in Hanoi.

Flight prices from Da Nang to Hanoi can range from 800,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND ($32 to $118 USD), depending on the airline, class of service, and time of booking. Popular airlines operating this route include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways.

The additional transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh will cost around 500,000 VND ($20 USD) for a taxi or shuttle bus service. This makes the flying option the most expensive travel cost but also the fastest way to travel between the two destinations.

Many people travel from Ninh Binh to Ninh Binh by plane because of convenience

 4. By private car or taxi

For maximum flexibility and comfort on your journey from Da Nang to Ninh Binh, you can choose to hire a private car or take a taxi for the 700-kilometer drive. This option allows you to set your own schedule, make stops along the way, and travel at your own pace.

The cost for renting a private car for the entire trip typically ranges from 3,000,000 VND to 4,000,000 VND ($120 to $160 USD). Taxis may have a bit more affordable price, but you’ll be charged by the meter, which could add up over such a long distance.

Travel time by private car or taxi is estimated to be around 10-12 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route you choose. If you want to enjoy scenic views along the way, you can opt for the route via National Highway 1A, which runs along the coast. This adds about 50 kilometers to the journey but offers more opportunities to stop and explore. For a faster road trip, the express route using the highways can shave a couple of hours off the travel time.

The main advantages of going by private car or taxi are the flexibility to customize your itinerary, the ability to make unscheduled stops, and the comfort of having a dedicated driver throughout the journey. However, this option is also the most expensive, so it’s best suited for travelers who value convenience and are willing to pay a premium for a more personalized experience.

We do not encourage you to ride a motorbike on your own for a long distance like this because it will be very dangerous and tiring. Instead, you should choose one of the above means of transportation. Take advantage of the vehicles to rest and explore famous landmarks in Ninh Binh.

You can stop at any time if you choose to go by private car

 Travel costs and travel time from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

Let’s take a closer look at travel costs and travel time by 4 different means of transportation. You should consider choosing between those options which suit your budget.

Sleeper bus from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

You can use online platforms to book online tickets such as 12go.asia or vexere.com. There are several sleeper bus brands that you can choose.

There are 4 famous bus company works on Da Nang – Ninh Binh route with estimated bus fare

• HK Bus Line: price from 700k ~ $27 with 14 hours (from No 79 Nguyen Truong Pho, Da Nang to No 2A, 27/7 Street – VP No 2A, 27/7 Street, Ninh Binh City)
• Kim Chi Limousin: price 450k ~ $17 within 12 hours (from 97 Nam Tran, Hoa Minh, Lien Chieu – Da Nang Office to Ninh Son Ward. Ninh Binh – Ninh Son Gasoline Plant)
• Thuy Ngan Limousine: price from 700k ~ $27 with 14 hours (from 90 Hoang Thi Loan Street, Da Nang to Traffic light Tam Coc – Ninh Binh)
• Camel Travel price from 650k ~ $26 with 15 hours (from 65, 3/2 Street – Da Nang Office to No 46 Street 27/7 (Near Ninh Binh Gas Station), Nam Binh Ward)

Sleeper bus from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

Train from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

There are 4 popular train companies in Da Nang with a fixed number of trains that you can refer to buy train tickets.

This information is compiled by GTrip to make it more convenient for you to find preliminary information about trains. Depending on the time you read, ticket prices or departure times may change, but the different costs won’t be high.

Train from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

Flight from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

There are 3 famous and popular airlines in Vietnam. These airlines also serve direct flights from Da Nang (airport) to one of two airports: Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) or Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa), with quite reasonable flight prices and time.

• Vietjet Air: 1h 20m – Nonstop – from ₫2,117,200 ~ $90
• Vietnam Airlines – 1h 25m – Nonstop – from ₫2,184,000 ~ $90
• Bamboo Airways – 1h 25m – Nonstop – from ₫2,694,000 ~ $90

Flight from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

 Private car/taxi from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

We highly recommend 2 companies for car rental service in Da Nang.

• This is basic information about Dai Gia Dinh Travel Service & Trading Company Limited for the car rental services.

1. Price for renting a 4-seat car

2. 7-seat car rental price

Please note that the prices published above are for reference only, the actual prices may have slight differences depending on the general situation of operating maintenance fees, gasoline fees, road tolls, etc at different times. You should check them carefully before booking.

Taking a private car will be suitable for stopping to admire the scenery when you move from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

• This is basic information about Golden Global Services And Trading Company Limited.

 Things to see along the way

If you have the flexibility of traveling by private car or taxi, consider making a stop at the stunning Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The highlight of a visit to this UNESCO-protected region is exploring the Phong Nha Cave system. Boat tours take visitors deep into the cave, allowing you to marvel at the impressive underground river, towering stalactites and stalagmites, and unique rock formations. Many tours also include a stop at the stunning Nuoc Mooc spring, where you can swim in the turquoise waters. Other activities in Phong Nha include:

• Trekking and hiking through the dense jungle landscapes
• Visiting the Phong Nha Botanic Garden to see the diverse flora
• Exploring the area’s many smaller cave systems, like Tien Son Cave
• Visiting the Phong Nha Information Center to learn about the region’s geology and ecology

Visit by boat when coming to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

The winding Hai Van Pass is one of the most picturesque sections of the journey from Da Nang to Ninh Binh. Stopping at the Hai Van Pass viewpoint allows you to take in the stunning panoramic vistas stretching from the mountains to the East Sea. Some top activities along the Hai Van Pass include:

• Hiking up to the Hai Van Quan ancient citadel ruins for panoramic views
• Stopping at Lang Co Beach for a stroll along the golden sands
• Visiting the Hai Van Gate, an ancient fortification built to protect the ancient Champa Kingdom
• Exploring the Hai Van Tunnel, an impressive engineering feat completed in 2005 to bypass the pass

You have to cross Hai Van Pass to get from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

Other potential stops include the historic city of Hue, the beaches of Lang Co, and the seaside town of Dong Hoi. These destinations provide opportunities to stretch your legs, sample local cuisine, and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, building in time to visit these attractions can transform your journey into a truly memorable sightseeing experience. Just be sure to factor in the additional travel time required for any stops along the way.

 Tips for traveling from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

Here are 8 main travel tips for traveling comfortably provided to you by GTrip.

• Pack snacks and water: We suggest packing some snacks and water to have on hand, as meal and rest stops can be infrequent, especially on longer bus or train journeys.
• Bring a small pillow and blanket: It helps you rest more easily, whether you’re traveling by sleeper bus or train.
• Travel with a lightweight, easy-to-carry bag: This will make getting on and off different modes of transportation much simpler.
• Keep valuables secure in a dedicated bag or pocket: This will help you a lot to keep essentials.
• Choose seating strategically (front/rear for buses, soft seats/sleepers for trains): For buses, aim for the front or rear seats, which tend to have more legroom. On trains, splurge on a soft seat or sleeper berth if your budget allows. And for flights, request an aisle or window seat if you prefer more personal space.
• Dress in comfortable, breathable layers: You should wear comfortable clothes to enjoy your trip to the best.
• Download offline maps and travel apps in advance: These tools ensure you do not to be lost.
• Check the weather and pack accordingly: Because the weather of Ninh Binh is unpredictable, you should always do those things to have a good trip.

Female tourist cycling through rice fields in Ninh Binh

Frequently asked questions (FAQS) about travel from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

GTrip will help you answer frequently asked questions about the trip from Da Nang to Ninh Binh to know more about the travel details.

Q: How long is the bus ride from Da Nang to Ninh Binh?
A: The bus ride takes approximately 12 – 15 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific bus route or your address.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Da Nang to Ninh Binh?
A: The best way to travel depends on your preferences and budget:

• By train: The train journey takes around 10-12 hours and offers more comfort than the bus, with options like soft seats and sleeper berths.
• By private car/taxi: This provides the most flexibility and comfort, but is also the most expensive option, costing around $120-$160 for the full trip.
• By bus: The bus is the most budget-friendly choice, but the trip can be long and less comfortable compared to the train.
• By flight + transfer: Flying from Da Nang to Hanoi and then transferring to Ninh Binh is the fastest option at 3-4 hours total, but also the most expensive.

Q: What is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
A: The best time to visit Ninh Binh is generally considered to be during the dry season, which runs from March to August. The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The shoulder season of September to November is also a good time, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. You can assuage your concerns by knowing your favorite activities in Ninh Binh and then choose the best time to travel here.

Q: Are there any direct flights from Da Nang to Ninh Binh?
A: No, there are no direct flights. The closest airport to Ninh Binh is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Travelers wishing to fly would need to take a flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, and then transfer to Ninh Binh by bus or taxi, which would take an additional 2-3 hours.

Boat tour in Ninh Binh

 Conclusion

Summarizing the options, the journey from Da Nang to Ninh Binh can be undertaken by train, private car/taxi, bus, or a combination of flight and ground transfer. Each mode of transport offers a distinct travel experience, so we encourage you to carefully consider your priorities and budget when deciding how to make the trek.

Regardless of which mode of transport you select, we encourage you to plan your journey carefully, taking into account your personal preferences, travel style, and budget. With a little preparation, the journey can be a truly memorable experience. Let’s explore the beautiful landscapes of Ninh Binh by choosing the most convenient travel methods by GTrip with our recommendations.