If you’ve ever dreamed of watching Vietnam’s countryside unfold from your window — golden rice fields, karst peaks, and quiet villages passing by — then taking the train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh might be your perfect start.
While there are many ways to reach Ninh Binh, the train offers a slower, more scenic journey that lets you relax and enjoy the ride rather than rush from one destination to another. It’s also ideal for travelers arriving from Hanoi’s city center or connecting from northern routes like Sapa or Ha Long Bay.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from train schedules and ticket types to station details, travel tips, and what to expect upon arrival.
💡 Looking for other ways to get there? Check out our main guide: 👉 How to Get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Complete Travel Guide
Why Choose the Train to Ninh Binh?
Train travel between Hanoi and Ninh Binh is about more than convenience — it’s a small journey into Vietnam’s heartland. Here’s why many travelers love this route:
- Scenic experience – Watch endless rice paddies and limestone peaks glide past your window.
- Comfortable & simple – Air-conditioned cabins, assigned seating, and smooth tracks make it relaxing.
- Affordable – Tickets start from 100,000–150,000 VND, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Central arrival point – Ninh Binh Railway Station sits right in the city center, just minutes from hotels and attractions.
Hanoi – Ninh Binh Train Schedule (Updated 2025)
| Route | Train Code | Departure (Hanoi) | Arrival (Ninh Binh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi → Ninh Binh | SE7 | 06:10 AM | 08:30 AM |
| Hanoi → Ninh Binh | SE5 | 15:30 PM | 17:40 PM |
| Hanoi → Ninh Binh | SE3 | 19:30 PM | 21:30 PM |
| Hanoi → Ninh Binh | SE19 | 19:50 PM | 22:05 PM |
| Hanoi → Ninh Binh | SE1 | 21:10 PM | 23:30 PM |
💺 Ticket range: 105,000–150,000 VND (soft seat, air-conditioned).
🕓 Duration: Around 2–2.5 hours depending on the train.
👉 Tip: During weekends and holidays, book online or via a local travel agent to secure your preferred seat and time slot.
Where to Board & Arrive
📍 Hanoi Railway Station
- Address: 120 Le Duan Str, Dong Da, Hanoi.
- Google Map: View here
Centrally located, Hanoi Railway Station is easy to reach by taxi or bus. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check your platform, validate your ticket, and enjoy a quick coffee before departure.
📍 Ninh Binh Railway Station
- Address: 01 Lane 14, Hoang Hoa Tham Str, Ninh Binh City.
- Map: View here
Once you arrive, you’ll be just minutes away from top attractions like Tam Coc, Trang An, and Bai Dinh Pagoda. Taxis and local shuttles are available right outside the station.
💡 Want to continue exploring? Check our curated trips:
Essential Travel Tips
🕓 Travel early morning for best light and cooler weather.
🎟️ Book 1–2 days ahead during weekends or national holidays.
💼 Pack light — there’s limited luggage space in cabins.
💳 Bring cash — smaller trains may not accept cards.
📸 Sit on the left side for the best countryside views heading south.
What to Do After Arriving in Ninh Binh
Once in Ninh Binh, you’re perfectly placed to explore its natural wonders. Here are the top highlights near the station:
🚣 Trang An Boat Ride – caves, temples, and emerald waterways.
🏞️ Mua Cave Viewpoint – climb 500 steps for the best panorama.
🕍 Bai Dinh Pagoda – Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex.
🏯 Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Vietnam’s first capital city.
🚴 Tam Coc village – cycling through rice paddies and karst cliffs.
👉 Read next:
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by train is more than just transportation — it’s part of the experience. You’ll arrive refreshed, inspired, and ready to explore one of Vietnam’s most peaceful destinations.
📲 Chat on WhatsApp for train bookings or custom travel plans: +84 974 805 797 | +84 914 815 535
📧 info@hanoiexploretravel.com
Or discover your perfect trip:
FAQ – Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train
How long is the train journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?
- It takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on which train you choose. All trains are air-conditioned and comfortable for short-distance travel.
Where can I buy train tickets?
- You can purchase tickets online, directly at Hanoi Railway Station, or via local agencies like Hanoi Explore Travel. Booking in advance ensures you get your preferred seat, especially during weekends or holiday seasons.
Which train is best for travelers?
- The SE5 and SE7 morning trains are the most popular — they offer daylight views and arrive in Ninh Binh before noon, perfect for same-day sightseeing.
How far is Ninh Binh train station from main attractions?
- It’s only about 5–10 minutes by taxi to Tam Coc or Trang An, and most hotels are within a short drive.
Is it safe to travel by train in Vietnam?
- Yes. Trains in Vietnam are reliable, well-maintained, and safe for solo travelers, families, and groups alike. Just keep your valuables close and enjoy the journey.
Can I take the train from Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai)?
- There’s no direct train from Noi Bai Airport. You’ll need to take a taxi or Bus 86 to Hanoi Railway Station, then board your train to Ninh Binh.
👉 Read our detailed airport guide here: How to Get from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh
Conclusion – A Slow Journey Worth Taking
Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by train is more than a transfer — it’s a pause.
It’s the hum of steel tracks, the smell of morning coffee at Hanoi Station, the sight of golden rice fields flickering past your window before the limestone cliffs rise on the horizon.
Whether you’re an explorer chasing landscapes or a traveler seeking quiet, this short train ride brings you closer to the soul of northern Vietnam.
When you arrive in Ninh Binh, the rhythm changes — motorbikes give way to rowboats, and the hum of the city becomes birdsong. It’s a perfect prelude to days of exploration and peace.
