Ninh Binh to Hue: Transport Options & Travel Planning Guide

Traveling from Ninh Binh to Hue is a long-distance journey that connects Northern Vietnam’s limestone landscapes with the imperial heart of Central Vietnam. While this is not the fastest route in the country, it’s a rewarding option for travelers planning a deeper, more complete Vietnam itinerary.

This guide focuses purely on transportation, travel time, and planning — helping you choose the most suitable way to get from Ninh Binh to Hue based on comfort, budget, and schedule.

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Traveling from Ninh Binh to Hue lets you enjoy Hai Van Pass, one of the world's most beautiful coastal routes. — On your journey to Hue, you’ll admire the stunning Hai Van Pass, a world-renowned coastal road.

Quick Facts – Ninh Binh to Hue at a Glance

Distance: ~700 km

Average travel time:

Train: 12–14 hours
Sleeper bus: 13–15 hours
Flight (via Hanoi): 6–8 hours total

Best for: Overnight travel, cultural stopovers, long-route planning

💡 If you prefer a faster coastal hub with better flight connections, see our full guide on How to travel from Ninh Binh to Da Nang.

The distance from Ninh Binh to Hue is about 600km via National Highway 1A — Highway 1A, over 600km long, conveniently connects Ninh Binh to Hue for tourists.

Best Ways to Travel from Ninh Binh to Hue

There is no direct short transfer between Ninh Binh and Hue. Most travelers choose between overnight trains, sleeper buses, or flying via Hanoi.

Option 1: Overnight Train – Best Scenic & Cultural Experience

Traveling by train is the most balanced and authentic way to go from Ninh Binh to Hue, especially if you enjoy slow travel and overnight journeys.

Route: Ninh Binh Railway Station → Hue Railway Station
Travel time: ~12–14 hours
Train types: SE sleeper trains (4-berth or 6-berth cabins)

Why choose the train:

Comfortable sleeping berths
Beautiful coastal scenery near Hue
City-center to city-center arrival
Reliable schedules year-round

Best for: Cultural travelers, couples, solo travelers, those continuing onward to Da Nang

⚠️ Tip: Lower berths are more comfortable for long overnight journeys — book early during holidays.

Considered the finest in Vietnam, it features mountain scenery and the blue waters of Lang Co beach — This railway line is Vietnam’s most beautiful, with majestic mountains and Lang Co beach’s azure waters.

Option 2: Sleeper Bus – Budget-Friendly but Long

Sleeper buses operate daily between Ninh Binh and Hue, offering a direct but lengthy journey.

Travel time: ~13–15 hours
Comfort level: Medium
Price range: Budget-friendly

Pros:

Direct route without transfers
Cheaper than flights
Overnight travel saves accommodation cost

Cons:

Less legroom for tall travelers
Variable driving quality
Limited rest stops

Best for: Budget travelers who are comfortable with long road trips

The trip from Ninh Binh to Hue covers about 570 km, with a bus ride lasting around 10 hours 30 minutes — The 570 km journey from Ninh Binh to Hue takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes by bus.

Option 3: Flight via Hanoi – Fastest Overall

There is no airport in Ninh Binh, so flying requires a connection through Hanoi.

Route: Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Phu Bai Airport (Hue)
Total travel time: ~6–8 hours (including transfers)

Why choose this option:

Fastest way to reach Hue
Ideal if you are short on time
Multiple daily flights from Hanoi

Best for: Travelers prioritizing speed over cost

💡 If speed is your priority and Hue is not essential, consider flying directly to Da Nang instead.

Planning your airport transfer? See our full guide:

Fly to Noi Bai, then transfer to Phu Bai Airport, which is 15km from Hue city. — To fly to Hue, first go to Noi Bai Airport, then to Phu Bai Airport, 15km from the city.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Transport	Time	Comfort	Best for
Overnight train	12–14h	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Scenic & cultural travel
Sleeper bus	13–15h	⭐⭐⭐	Budget travelers
Flight via Hanoi	6–8h	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Limited time

Ninh Binh → Hue or Ninh Binh → Da Nang: Which Is Better?

This is a common planning question.

Choose Hue first if you:

Love history and imperial architecture
Prefer a quieter, cultural destination
Plan a slower north–south journey

Choose Da Nang first if you:

Want beaches and modern infrastructure
Need a major airport hub
Prefer shorter travel time

Many travelers find this route most efficient: Ninh Binh → Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An

Sample Route Planning Ideas

Option A (Cultural Route): Ninh Binh → Overnight Train → Hue → Da Nang
Option B (Fast Route): Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Flight to Da Nang → Hue by train or car

For long-route planning, see our Central Vietnam Itinerary Guide and Best Time to Visit Central Vietnam.