How to get from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh after your cruise?

Finishing a Ha Long Bay cruise is often one of the highlights of a Vietnam trip. You wake up surrounded by limestone karsts, enjoy a final brunch on board, and disembark around late morning. The next question comes quickly: how to get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh without wasting a full day going back to Hanoi?

This guide is written specifically for travelers leaving Ha Long Bay after a cruise and heading straight to Ninh Binh. It focuses on realistic routes, travel times, and transport options that actually work with cruise schedules—so you can move on smoothly and make the most of your journey.

Traveling from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh: from Vietnam's iconic seascape to inland limestone mountains
From Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh: Vietnam’s iconic seascape to limestone mountains, rivers & temples.

Quick Facts – Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh at a Glance

Transport option Duration Price range Comfort Best for
  • Private car / Taxi
  • 3–3.5 hrs
  • $$$
 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Families, groups, tight schedules
  • Shared limousine bus
  • 3.5–4 hrs
  • $$
 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Most travelers
  • Local bus
  • 4.5–5.5 hrs
  • $
 ⭐⭐
  • Budget travelers
  • Train (via Hai Phong / Hanoi)
  • 6–7 hrs
  • $$
 ⭐⭐⭐
  • Slow travel / rail fans

Distance & Travel Time from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

The distance from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh is roughly 205 km, depending on your exact pier and final destination in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc, Trang An, or Ninh Binh city). In real travel conditions, most journeys take between 3 and 5 hours.

Thanks to the Hai Phong – Ninh Binh expressway, the journey is much faster than it used to be:

  • Private car / Taxi: 3–3.5 hours
  • Shared shuttle bus/Limousine Bus: 3.5–4 hours
  • Public transport: 5+ hours (not recommended after a cruise)

Most travelers can comfortably arrive in Ninh Binh by mid to late afternoon if they leave Ha Long Bay right after cruise check-out.

👉 If you’re still deciding between sea or countryside landscapes, this comparison may help: Halong Bay vs Ninh Binh – which destination suits your travel style?

Scenic 170-210 km drive from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh via expressway.
Efficient expressway travel: Halong Bay to Ninh Binh in 3-5 hours

Best Ways to Get from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

Halong Bay to Ninh Binh by Private Car / Taxi

If comfort, privacy, and speed matter most, a private car or taxi is the best way to travel from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh.

You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel or cruise pier area (Bai Chay / Tuan Chau) and driven straight to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

  • Route: Ha Long → Hai Phong Expressway → Ninh Binh
  • Time: 3–3.5 hours
  • Price: from ~US $120–160 per vehicle (4–7 seats)

Why this option works best after a cruise:

  • Door-to-door service
  • Flexible departure time
  • Ideal for families or travelers with luggage
  • No transfers or waiting time
Private Car Rental: Best for Large Groups - Convenient and Speedy
Rent a Private Car: Ideal for Families – Convenient and Fastest Way.

Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh by Limousine bus

The shared limousine bus is the most popular and best value option for travelers who want comfort without paying for a private car.

Modern 9–11 seat limousines offer reclining seats, A/C, Wi-Fi, and hotel pickup in Ha Long with drop-off in central Ninh Binh (Tam Coc / Trang An areas).

  • Time: 3.5–4 hours
  • Price: ~US $15–20 per person
  • Best for: Solo travelers, couples, small groups

💡 Tip: Morning departures (7:00–9:00 AM) usually have smoother traffic and fewer delays.

Best value transport from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh by limousine
Comfortable limousine ride, the top option for easy journeys.

Local bus (Cheapest but Slowest)

For budget travelers, local buses run from Bai Chay Bus Station to Ninh Binh.

  • Time: 4.5–5.5 hours
  • Price: ~US $10–12
  • Arrival: Ninh Binh Bus Station

⚠️ Consider before choosing

  • Slower due to multiple stops
  • Basic comfort
  • Limited English support

This option suits backpackers who don’t mind a longer, less comfortable ride.

Ninh Binh Bus: Cheap and Ideal for Tourists with Plenty of Time
Cheap Local Bus to Ninh Binh: Best for Time-Rich Tourists in Northern Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh by train

There’s no direct train from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh.

You’ll need to:

  • Travel from Ha Long to Hai Phong or Hanoi
  • Continue by train to Ninh Binh Station
  • Total time: 6–7 hours
  • Cost: ~US $15–25

✅ Best for travelers who enjoy train journeys and have extra time.

Best Travel Option After a Ha Long Bay Cruise

Cruise itineraries usually end between 10:30 and 12:00, depending on the operator and pier location. A common timeline looks like this: 10:30 disembarkation → 11:15 pickup at the pier → 15:00 arrival in Ninh Binh. This timing makes private transfers and scheduled shuttles the most realistic choices.

Key things to consider:

  • Pier location: Tuan Chau vs. Hon Gai can affect pickup timing
  • Check-out procedures: allow 20–30 minutes buffer after disembarkation
  • Luggage: cruise luggage is often larger than day-trip bags

For most travelers, a private car or limousine departing around noon offers the smoothest transition, letting you reach Ninh Binh before sunset.

Convenient limousine bus pickup at Tuan Chau port for seamless travel adventures.
Transportation options like limousine buses, private cars… easily pick you up at locations such as Tuan Chau port.

Route Overview: Expressway vs. Old Roads

Hai Phong – Ninh Binh Expressway

For most travelers, the expressway is the clear choice. The modern expressway is the preferred route for nearly all transfers. It offers:

  • Smooth road conditions
  • Fewer traffic lights
  • Predictable travel time

This route significantly reduces fatigue after a cruise day.

Old National Roads

Older routes pass through towns and local traffic. While scenic in places, they are:

  • Slower
  • Less comfortable
  • More prone to delays

These roads are rarely used unless the expressway is unavailable.

Which Option Should You Choose?

  • Tight schedule / family travel: Private car
  • Best balance of comfort & price: Shared limousine
  • Lowest budget: Local bus
  • Slow, scenic travel: Train (via Hanoi/Hai Phong)

Practical Travel Tips

  • Leave in the late morning: this aligns best with cruise check-out times
  • Confirm your pier: not all cruises dock at the same marina—ask your cruise staff the night before to avoid pickup confusion
  • Pack essentials in a day bag: luggage access can be delayed during disembarkation
  • Book transfers in advance: especially during peak season
  • Watch the weather: rain can slightly affect road conditions

Traveling the Opposite Direction?

Traveling the other way around? Read our complete guide from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay for routes, timing, and transport tips

FAQ – Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

What is the fastest way to get from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh?

  • A private car or limousine via the expressway is the fastest option.

What is the cheapest way to travel?

  • Shared shuttle buses are usually the most budget-friendly direct option.

Do I need to go back to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay first?

  • No. You can travel directly from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh via the expressway.

Can I leave right after my cruise ends?

  • Yes. Most transfers are timed to pick up travelers shortly after cruise check-out.

Final Note

Traveling from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh is more than just a transfer — it’s a transition from sea to mountains, from cruise decks to quiet river valleys.

Choose the route that fits your pace, and you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to explore one of Northern Vietnam’s most rewarding inland destinations.

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