Ninh Binh to Sapa: A comprehensive guide on how to get to Sapa!
Are you trying to figure out how to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa? Given that both locations are in Vietnam’s northern area, it is not surprising that there are numerous transportation options available. The most common options are cars, trains, and sleeper buses among all of them. This article will cover three different travel options and contrast them based on factors like comfort, cost, and time.
For each option, we will share detailed information to help you select the mode of transportation and service provider for your upcoming trip from Ninh Binh to Sapa. Our Ninh Binh to Sapa travel guide is an essential companion for you to make the most of this wonderful journey of yours.
To prepare well for your amazing trip to Sapa, we highly recommend you read the following article carefully:
- How Many Days Are Enough for Sapa Viet Nam?
- 21+ Best Things To Do in Sapa ( Vietnam) For First-Timers
- What is the Best time to visit Sapa? A comprehensive guide for a perfect trip
How far is it from Ninh Binh to Sapa?
Both are in northern Vietnam; however, Sapa is in the northwest while Ninh Binh is in the south. It will take between six and a half to ten hours to commute between Ninh Binh and Sapa town center, which is approximately 410 kilometers away. To get to Sapa from Ninh Binh, you can choose between traveling by train, sleeper bus, or rental car, each of which has advantages and experiences of its own.
How to select the most convenient way of travel from Ninh Binh to Sapa?
As both locations are popular tourist attractions, there are numerous ways to get here that you might consider. Let’s examine what are the most convenient ways to move from Ninh Binh to Sapa!
>>> Check out the Map of Sapa Vietnam to get your perfect Sapa itinerary!
Ninh Binh to Sapa by sleeper bus
Sleeper buses are the most popular means of transportation for tourists wanting to go from Ninh Binh to Sapa due to its convenience, safety, comfort and affordable price. With a distance of about 410 kilometers, it will take you 7 – 9 hours to travel by sleeper bus.
Below are the TOP 5 bus companies that you can refer to for your trip.
| Bus company | Departure location | Arrive location | Ticket | Hotline/Phone Number |
| Sao Viet | Ninh Binh bus station | Lao Cai station | From 350.000VND to 550.000VND | 1900 888 684 |
| Ha Son | No 46, Road 27/7, Ninh Binh City | Sapa town station | From 330.000VND to 550.000VND | 0869 73 6262 |
| Hai Van | Ninh Binh bus station | Sapa town station | From 330.000VND to 550.000VND | 02143 833 507 |
| Quang Anh Limousine | Kim Son Station Trang An Bridge, Ninh Binh city |
Sapa town station | From 350.000VND to 550.000VND | 1900 888 684 |
| Hong Anh | Ninh Binh bus station | Sapa town station | From 350.000VND to 550.000VND | 0962 383 535 – 0982 97 22 97 |
Note:
- The above information is compiled from reliable sources such as vexere.com and vetaugiare24h.com. Schedules and ticket prices may be changed during peak season or holidays. Thus, you should get in touch with us ahead of time to ensure that you get the most up-to-date information and that your trip goes smoothly.
- In addition to the direct bus to Sapa, you can catch 2 buses from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and then from Hanoi to Sapa. With this option, you can choose from a wider range of services, bus companies, and departure times in Hanoi.
How to get from Ninh Binh to Sapa by train?
When taking the train from Ninh Binh to Sapa, there are three steps involved: two trains, followed by a car, bus, cab, or motorbike. In Vietnam, train travel is generally comfortable and the quality of service is good even with all these transfers.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Hanoi by Train
- Duration: 2-Hour
- Costs: 155,000 VND – 185.000VND ($6.5 – $8.5) for softseat
From Ninh Binh to Hanoi, there are multiple trains running everyday; however, we suggest boarding the last train, SE8, which leaves at 16:30 and arrives at 19:12. By taking this train, you can arrive in Hanoi in time for dinner and be back at the train station for the night train to Sapa departing at 10:00 p.m.
Step 2: Hanoi to Lao Cai by train
- Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train
- Duration: 8 hours
- Costs: Start from 380,000 VND (15USD )
It takes 8 hours by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai station, which is about 38 kilometers from Sapa town. Depending on the type of seat or sleeping cabin, ticket prices can range from 350,000 VND to 1,700,000 VND. These trains all depart at Tran Quy Cap station and arrive at Lao Cai station. Below is the train schedule:
- Train SP1 departs from Hanoi at 9:35 p.m and arrives in Lao Cai station at 5:30 the next morning.
- Train SP3 departs from Hanoi at 10 p.m and arrives in Lao Cai at 6 the next morning.
After arriving at Lao Cai station, it will take you about 45 minutes to 1 hour more to travel to Sapa town by bus or taxi. If you choose to travel by bus, the ticket price will range from 45,000 VND to 60,000 VND depending on the type of bus. Taxis are the fastest and most comfortable means of transportation, however the fare will be a bit high, from 200,000 VND – 350,000 VND for a ride.
Ninh Binh to Sapa by rental cars
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Sapa by rental car is a bit expensive, but in return it is more comfortable and the travel time is faster. There are plenty of options for renting a car. Travelers can pick from renting a car from Ninh Binh with a 4–45 person capacity, depending on your needs. On average, travel time is about 6.5 hours. The following is the average rental cost for the most common car types:
- 4-seat car: 4,600,000 VND/trip
- 7-seat car: 4,800,000 VND/trip
- 16-seat car: 6,800,000 VND/trip
Note: Information on rental car prices is for reference only and prices are subject to alter year over year or during peak season.
We really hope that this information will help you with the planning of your journey from Ninh Binh to Sapa. Possessing its majestic and charming beauty, Sapa has always been among the best tourist destinations in Vietnam. Regardless of whether you are now vacationing in Ninh Binh or are organizing a trip to the north of Vietnam, you should definitely travel to this amazing land.
