How to travel from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình, Vietnam

The distance between Phong Nha and Ninh Bình is around 383km (238 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 3h 55m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình by train, bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Ninh BìnhPhong Nha if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+
bus
+

Plane and Bus

Fly from Dong Hoi (VDH) to Noi Bai International (HAN) then take the bus to Ninh Binh.

  • Duration3h 55m
  • Flight time1hr
  • Typical cost
    ₫2,011,885($86)
Operated by

Multiple operators

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Ninh Binh.

  • Duration9hrs
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ₫561,455($24)
Operated by

Queen Cafe

3
train
+

Train

Take the train to Ninh Binh.

  • Duration9hrs
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ₫1,052,730($45)
Operated by

Vietnam Railways

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Ninh Bình.

  • Duration5h 35m
  • Distance386km (240 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Phong Nha and Ninh Bình

There are several options for getting from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình by train, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ₫561,455 ($24) and will take around 9hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the bus and arrive in approximately 3h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₫2,011,885 ($86).

The distance between Phong Nha and Ninh Bình is around 383km (238 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 296km (184 miles)

It takes around 9hrs to get from Phong Nha and Ninh Bình by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 3h 55m and will set you back approx ₫2,011,885 ($86).

The cheapest way to travel between Phong Nha and Ninh Bình, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ₫561,455 ($24) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Phong Nha and Ninh Bình. It typically takes around 9hrs and departs once daily.

There are no direct train services that runs from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Minh Le. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 9hrs.

Vietnam Railways run train services between Phong Nha and Ninh Bình. Trains depart once daily and will take around 9hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Phong Nha and Ninh Bình. It typically takes around 9hrs and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Phong Nha Ke Bang. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 9hrs.

Queen Cafe run regular bus services between Phong Nha and Ninh Bình. Buses run once daily and take around 9hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình. We recommend that you fly from Dong Hoi (VDH) to Noi Bai International (HAN) then take the bus to Ninh Binh. instead which will take 3h 55m.

The closest major airport to Ninh Bình is Bai Thuong Airport (THD) (THD) which is approximately 66km (41 miles) from Ninh Bình. Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) (HPH) and Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) (HAN) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Phong Nha and Ninh Bình. The distance is around 386km (240 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình is to take the train which takes, on average, 9hrs and will usually cost around ₫1,052,730 ($45).

How do I get from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình

Compare travel optionsbetween Phong Nha and Ninh Bình

Transport options from Phong Nha to Ninh Bình
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Plane and Bus
3h 55m
₫2,011,885($86)
every 4 hours583km (362 miles)
Bus
9hrs
₫561,455($24)
once daily383km (238 miles)
Train
9hrs
₫1,052,730($45)
once daily411km (255 miles)
Drive
5h 35m
₫1,052,730($45)
on demand386km (240 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Phong Nha and Ninh Bình

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near Ninh Bình

The following major airports near Ninh Bình offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Vietnam and internationally.

THD
Bai Thuong Airport (THD)
Domestic Airport
Distance
66km (41 miles) from Ninh Bình
HPH
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH)
International Airport
Distance
101km (62 miles) from Ninh Bình
HAN
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
International Airport
Distance
108km (67 miles) from Ninh Bình