Ninh Binh to Halong : Transfer options and tips – 05 ways to travel

In search of ways to get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay ? This is the complete transport guide from Ninh Binh to Halong which offers  6 ways by local bus, taxi, motorbike, tourist shuttle bus and private transfer by car, minivan.

I also include some points of interest that you can see from Ninh Binh to Halong.

This Ninh Binh to Halong transfer guide is written by David Nguyen, who has 12 plus years of experience as a tour guide in Vietnam with tons of times travel from Ninh Binh to Halong on guided tours. 

NINH BINH TO HALONG DISTANCE

The distance from Ninh Binh to Halong is 220 kilometres (137 miles).

NINH BINH TO HALONG TRAVEL TIME

By car, it usually takes around 3.5 hours  to travel from Ninh Binh to Halong 

By shuttle bus, the travel time  from Ninh Binh to Halong takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes

Ninh Binh to Halong transfer FAQs

How long does it take from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay?

3.5 hour drive by private transfer, including toilet break

You are taking a sharing shuttle bus or limousine, it may take up to 4 to 4.5 hours including coffee break 

Can I reserve a ticket from Ninh Binh to Halong? 

If you want to plan everything in detail, booking a seat in advance is important. If you take a tourist shuttle bus or Dcar limousine, I recommend that you can book them through your accommodation in Ninh Binh or book online via 12Go or Bookaway. 

Highly recommend booking a seat in advance if you are traveling in the peak season during the May Day, Independence Day of Vietnam, Christmas, and New Year period to avoid disappointment because of the seats are fully booked.

If not, no need to by hurry, you can just book the ticket or private transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong one day in advance.

Is there any direct local bus from Ninh Binh to Halong?

Tourists often conveniently stay in the Tam Coc area when traveling to Halong Bay  From Tam Coc, you can easily take a sharing tourist-friendly limousine bus directly to Halong Bay. Alternatively, you can opt for the local bus option by taking a taxi/Grab from Tam Coc to the central bus terminal in Ninh Binh city, costing approximately $5 US. If you are staying in the Bai Chay area, you must take a taxi ride which costs around $3 from Bai Chay bus terminal to your accommodation. However, this option may consume more time and money than the limousine bus. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and priorities.

Can I book a Grab from Ninh Binh to Halong?

When booking a Grab car to Halong from Ninh Binh , it is possible to book a Grab car to Halong directly. Additionally, drivers who work with Grab typically pay commissions to the company, so they may prefer that you book directly with them to avoid those commissions. They may cancel the booking and call you directly to make a deal or run on the spots and deal with your in terms of price in person. 

You can check the rate online and discuss prices with your accommodation. 

How is the road condition between Ninh Binh and Halong?

Good road condition, flat and travel half way on the Expressway

How to travel from Ninh Binh to Halong : Transports, Advices and Tips

Ninh Binh to Halong by limousine Dcar/Bus (Tourist friendly option)

There is a few transport companies that offer transfer service from Ninh Binh to Halong using Limousine Dcar as followings

Duy Khanh Limousine

It’s a good option to travel with this company if you want to travel in a longer distance from Ninh Binh to Cai Rong for taking a speed boat to either Quan Lan island or Coto Island 

Quang Muoi Limousine

The Long Limousine

Thanh Trung Limousine

How to book a tourist shuttle bus from Ninh Binh to Halong

Vexere is a local platform for booking a shuttle bus from Ninh Binh to Halong

Tips for booking a shuttle bus from Ninh Binh to Halong

• The timetable might be changed without prior notice, you’d better ask a Vietnamese friend or staff at your accommodation in Ninh Binh to double-check.
• Duration can be longer than usual since the traffic might be a bit busy at the weekend. If you are taking the cruise in Halong, make sure you arrive at Halong at least one hour before departure so that you can take a taxi from the drop-off point to your place. 
• Ticket fare can be a bit higher if you book with your accommodation in Ninh Binh since they may add a few dollars to the price because they want to make a commission. it’s fair since they offer services to you. Just in case, the bus is late, there will be someone who make a call and double check
• Please prepare cash in Vietnam Dong to pay your ticket fare
• Check if the bus pick up and drop you off at your accommodation or Sunworld port or Tuan Chau port in Halong. If not, I advise you to download either Grab app or ask them to drop off at the place where you can take a taxi. 

Ninh Binh to Halong by private transfer: 4 seaters, 7 seaters, minivan

If your group of 4 people above, friends, or families with kids. I do recommend to use private transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong since it is fast, efficient, comfortable and affordable. 

Please see the price table of the private transfer service to Halong Bay from Ninh Binh (Currency: USD)

Driver language skill : Basic English

Pick up and drop off : Door to Door

Type of vehicles : 4 seaters car (Sedan) for 2 adults and 01 kid with luggage, 7 seaters car (maximum 4 adults and 01 kid with luggage), 16 seaters minibus (maximum for 10 adults with luggage) 

For booking a private transfer, kindly contact us via: WhatsApp: +84.974.313.104

Stops and things to do from Ninh Binh to Halong 

• Hai Phong city tour includes The Opera house, Du Hang Pagoda, Tam Bac lake. If time permits, take a Hai Phong foodie tour for those who love food 
• Shopping at Big C Nam Dinh supermarket to buy some groceries, food, clothes and more. 
• Tran temple in Hung Ha District, Thai Binh province – a historical site

Additional costs will be applied for extra visits to the attractions along the way from $15 to $40, depending on which place you plan to visit and type of transport 

Note

We only use reliable drivers who have been working with us many times.

When you book the trip, you will be provided with all the information for the car like the number plate, the driver’s pretty clear phone number. 

The price is for reference, it depends on the locations of both accommodation in Ninh Binh and Halong

What do provide us when booking a car

• Number of guests: How many adults and children?
• Name of one guest 
• Hotel name and address in both Ninh Binh and Halong
• If you take the cruise in Halong, please provide the cruise name and time to be at the port to make sure you will be there on time. 
• How many pieces of luggage do you have? Carry-on, backpacks, medium-sized luggage, etc.

Ninh Binh to Halong by motorbike 

Traveling from Ninh Binh to Halong by motorbike is a viable option, but it is important to consider certain factors for a safe journey. This route is recommended for experienced riders, preferably during favorable weather conditions with no rain. It is advisable to have your own scooters or motorbike from Hanoi for convenience. Utilize Google Maps for navigation, following the suggested route.

Ensure safety by wearing a full-head helmet and carrying an international motorbike license. Additionally, make sure to have a full tank of gasoline before embarking on the journey.

Duration : 4 hours including coffee break on the way

Route : From Ninh Binh, ride along National road no 10 to the city of Uong Bi, then onto the national road number 18 : Ninh Binh – Nam Dinh – Hai Phong – Uong Bi – Bai Chay

Cost : $4 for fuel

Ninh Binh to Halong by taxi/Grab

For budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort, the motorbike option provides a viable choice. It is slightly more affordable than private transfers, although limited to 4-seater and 7-seater cars.

However, it’s essential to consider the potential language barrier between you and the driver. In such cases, relying on Google Translate can be helpful for communication during the journey.

It is worth noting that there is a possibility of encountering inexperienced drivers who may be unfamiliar with the route to Halong due to infrequent travel.

I hope this Ninh Binh to Halong transport guide will help you plan your transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong

Read more : Ninh Binh to Pu Luong transfer guide

Ninh Binh private day tour from Hanoi

Private Tours in Ninh Binh 

If you need a private transfer service from Ninh Binh to Halong, feel free to contact us via Whatsapp at +84.974.313.104