How to Get from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh (2025 Guide)

Table of Contents

Introduction

You’ve just landed at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, the main gateway to Northern Vietnam — where your adventure begins. Just a few hours south lies Ninh Binh, a serene land of limestone peaks, rice paddies, and winding rivers — a peaceful contrast to the city’s lively streets.

If you’re wondering how to get from Hanoi airport to Ninh Binh, the good news is that it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re chasing your first glimpse of the countryside after a long flight or heading straight into nature’s calm, the journey itself is part of the experience — a transition from sky to stone, from runway to river.

💡 Distance: ~125 km

⏱️ Average travel time: 2–2.5 hours

There’s no direct public bus or train from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh, but travelers have several smooth, safe, and flexible ways to make the trip — from private cars waiting at the arrivals gate, to shared limousine shuttles or budget-friendly buses via Hanoi city.

planning how to get from Noi bai airport to Ninh Binh? — Noi Bai International Airport, the main gateway to this enchanting destination. (Source: Collected)

Quick Facts: Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh – Distance & Time

Total Distance: ~125 km from Noi Bai International Airport to Ninh Binh city.
Travel Time: 2 – 2.5 hours (depending on traffic and transport mode)
Popular Routes: via Phap Van – Cau Gie Expressway or National Highway 1A

Best Transfer Options from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh

Once you’ve stepped out of Noi Bai Airport’s arrival hall, a few simple choices stand between you and Ninh Binh’s peaceful landscapes. There’s no direct public train or bus from the airport, but you can easily reach Ninh Binh via private car, limousine shuttle, or a connecting route through Hanoi city.

Each option below offers a different balance of price, comfort, and flexibility — so whether you’re a solo traveler on a budget or a family looking for convenience, you’ll find what suits your journey best.

travel route map to Ninh Binh — Route map from Noi Bai airport to Ninh Binh. (Source: Collected)

Option 1 – Private Car / Airport Taxi (Fastest & Most Convenient)

If comfort and speed matter most, a private airport transfer from Noi Bai to Ninh Binh is your best bet. These cars are available 24/7 at the terminal gate, offering direct, door-to-door service to your hotel in Tam Coc, Trang An, or Bai Dinh pagoda.

⏱️ Duration: 2–2.5 hours

💰 Price: 1.4–2 million VND ($55–80)

🧳 Best for: Families, groups, or late-night arrivals

💡 Tip: Book in advance to avoid high airport taxi rates and ensure English-speaking drivers.

✅ Perfect for: Travelers who want a seamless ride straight from the runway to their riverside stay.a

you can get a taxi from Noi Bai to Ninh Binh with best price — Convenient Taxi Rides from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh! (Source: Collected)

>>> Contact us to get a BEST DEAL for PRIVATE CAR FROM AIRPORT TO NINH BINH

Hotline/What’s app: + 84 914 815 535 or + 84 974 805 797

Option 2 – Limousine Shuttle (Popular Choice)

A favorite among both locals and tourists, 9-seater limousine vans offer the ideal mix of comfort and value. These luxury minibuses run hourly from Noi Bai or Hanoi city, providing reclining seats, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and smooth rides.

⏱️ Duration: Around 2.5 hours

💰 Price: 350,000–385,000 VND ($14–16)

⏰ Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

🚪 Pick-up: Available from Noi Bai Airport or Hanoi Old Quarter

Top Providers: Trang An Limousine | Khanh An Limousine | X.E Vietnam

💡 Tip: Reserve a seat in advance during peak months (March–May, October–December).

✅ Perfect for: Couples and solo travelers seeking comfort without the private-car price tag.

Limousine 09 seater bus from Hanoi airport to Ninh Binh — Limousines are the perfect balance of comfort and price. (Source: Collected)

Option 3 – Shuttle Bus via Hanoi City (Budget-Friendly Route)

For backpackers and long-term travelers, this is the most economical way to get from Hanoi airport to Ninh Binh, though it involves one transfer.

How it works:

From Noi Bai Airport, take Bus 86 or Bus 109 to Hanoi city center (60–90 minutes).
Then head to Giap Bat or My Dinh bus station.
From there, board a local shuttle bound for Ninh Binh (every 30–60 minutes).

⏱️ Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours (including transfers)

💰 Price: 120,000–250,000 VND (~$5–10)

🧭 Bus companies: Manh Chien | Quang Dong | Cat Loi | Tien Tien

💡 Tip: Morning buses are less crowded and arrive in Ninh Binh by midday — perfect for catching a sunset boat tour in Tam Coc.

✅ Perfect for: Budget travelers who don’t mind extra time on the road.

👉 Explore more guides: How to Get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh – Complete Guide

💬 Need Local Advice Before Booking?

Don’t stress about comparing fares or schedules — our Hanoi Explore Travel team can help plan the best route from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh for your exact arrival time.

📲 Chat instantly on WhatsApp: +84 974 805 797 | +84 914 815 535

Or explore more guides before you go:

🌾 Things to Do in Ninh Binh

🚣 Ninh Binh Itinerary from 1 – 4 Days

🚐 Private Transfers & Ninh Binh Tours

🚣 Ninh Binh One Day Tour from Hanoi – if you’re short on time, this is your best pick.

city bus from noi bai aiport to hanoi — Take a bus from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi inner city bus stations. (Source: Collected)

Option 4 – Train (Scenic & Relaxed Ride)

If you love slow travel, the train journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers a charming glimpse into Vietnam’s countryside — passing small villages, green fields, and limestone silhouettes.

While there’s no direct train from Noi Bai Airport, you can connect easily:

Take Bus 86 (35,000 VND) or a taxi (~340,000 VND) from the airport to Hanoi Railway Station.

Board one of these trains: SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, or SE19.

⏱️ Duration: 2.5 hours (Hanoi – Ninh Binh leg)

💰 Price: 120,000–250,000 VND ($5–10)

🪟 Best for: Scenic travelers or those continuing south by train afterward.

💡 Tip: Choose soft seats or sleeper cabins for a smoother ride — and book online or at the station to secure your spot.

✅ Perfect for: Travelers who want to enjoy Vietnam’s landscapes at a slower, more meaningful pace.

👉 Read full guide: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train for updated timetables & prices.

train-from-ninh-binh-to-hanoi — Traveling by train between Hanoi and Ninh Binh is a convenient and scenic route. (Source: Collected)

Quick Comparison – Which Option Fits You Best?

Still deciding how to get from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh? Here’s a side-by-side look at all transport options — so you can pick what fits your time, comfort level, and budget best.

Option	Duration	Price	Comfort	Best for
🚘 Private Car / Taxi	2–2.5 hrs	$$$	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Families, late arrivals
🚐 Limousine Shuttle	~2.5 hr	$$	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	Couples, most travelers
🚌 Shuttle Bus via Hanoi	4–5 hrs	$	⭐⭐☆☆☆	Backpackers, budget trips
🚆 Train (from Hanoi)	2.5 hrs	$$	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	Scenic travelers

💡 Pro tip:

If you’re landing late or carrying heavy luggage, book a private car or limousine for the smoothest ride straight from the airport.
Morning or midday arrivals? A shuttle bus or train combo works perfectly if you don’t mind a little adventure.

Travel Tips Before You Go

Before you set off from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh, a few smart travel habits can make your first journey through northern Vietnam smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re landing early in the morning or late at night, these small details will save you time — and a few headaches.

Time Your Departure

Try to leave before 3:00 PM to avoid Hanoi’s afternoon rush hour, especially if you’re heading south via Phap Van – Cau Gie Expressway. Early departures mean quieter roads and a more scenic ride.

Book in Advance (Especially on Weekends)

Private cars and limousines can fill up quickly during March–May and October–December, when travel demand peaks. Reserve your ride a day or two ahead — online or via WhatsApp — to lock in the best rates and pickup times.

Pack Light and Smart

If possible, keep your luggage compact. Smaller bags make transfers easier, especially if you plan to take a shuttle or train from Hanoi.
Bonus tip: Bring a small backpack for essentials like water, cash, and your travel documents.

Check the Weather Forecast

Ninh Binh’s beauty shines brightest under clear skies. During rainy season (July–September), travel time may increase slightly, so plan accordingly — and always keep a light raincoat handy.

🌅 Read full guide: Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

Carry Some Cash

Many taxis and local buses don’t accept cards, and even some rural restaurants or guesthouses prefer cash. Vietnamese Dong (VND) is essential once you’re outside Hanoi.

FAQ – Hanoi Airport to Ninh Binh Transfers

Is there a direct bus from Hanoi airport to Ninh Binh?

Unfortunately, no direct public bus runs between Noi Bai Airport and Ninh Binh.
But don’t worry — you can book private transfers or limousine shuttles that pick you up right outside the arrivals gate and drop you off in Tam Coc, Trang An, or Ninh Binh City with no transfers needed.

What’s the fastest way to get from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh?

A private car or airport taxi is the quickest and easiest option — about 2 to 2.5 hours door-to-door.
It’s available 24/7, ideal for late-night flights or travelers with luggage.

What’s the cheapest way to travel from Hanoi airport to Ninh Binh?

If you’re traveling light, the budget route works well:

Take Bus 86 or 109 from Noi Bai to central Hanoi, then a local shuttle bus to Ninh Binh.
The total cost is under 250,000 VND (~$10) — though the trip takes around 4–5 hours.

Can I travel to Ninh Binh at night?

Yes — but note that limousine and shuttle services usually stop around 9 PM.
If you arrive late, book a private transfer in advance; it’s the safest and most reliable option for overnight arrivals.

What’s the best option overall?

If comfort and time matter most — choose a private car.
If you want a balance between price and experience — go for a limousine shuttle.
And if you’re on a tight budget — the bus + shuttle route still gets you there, just with a few more stops along the way.

Conclusion: From Hanoi’s Runway to Ninh Binh’s Rivers

From the moment your plane touches down at Noi Bai Airport, you’re already within reach of one of Vietnam’s most magical landscapes. In just a few short hours, the noise of Hanoi fades behind you — replaced by the quiet rhythm of paddles gliding across Tam Coc’s emerald waters and the towering limestone cliffs of Trang An.

No matter which route you take — a smooth private transfer, a comfortable limousine, or a scenic train journey — getting from Hanoi Airport to Ninh Binh isn’t just travel; it’s your first glimpse into the slower, more soulful side of Northern Vietnam.

✨ Ready to start your journey? 📲 Chat with our local experts on WhatsApp: +84 974 805 797 | +84 914 815 535

We’ll help you book the most convenient airport transfer, plan your day trip, or create a full Ninh Binh tour that fits your schedule and style.