Looking for the best ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong aka Pu Luong nature reserve? Pu Luong offers a magnificent view of lush green rice paddy fields and incredible bamboo waterwheels.
My guide to travelling Pu Luong from Ninh Binh covers a different type of transport: by private transfer, by taxi, local bus and suggest combing the itinerary from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong.
This travel guide to travelling from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong with everything you need to know to plan your transport to Pu Luong from Ninh Binh without hassle-free.
Table of Contents
How long does it take from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong?
3-hour drive by private transfer, including coffee break along the way
Three and a half hour by sharing limousine bus, including stopover
Should I book a bus ticket to Pu Luong from Ninh Binh in advance?
I recommend reserving a seat in advance, so you may choose a better seat or avoid disappointment because of unavailability in the peak season, such as Christmas and New Year.
Is there any direct local bus from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong?
Unfortunately not. Tourists usually stay in the Tam Coc area, so it’s convenient to take a sharing touristy-friendly limousine bus from Tam Coc. For the local bus option, you need to take a taxi from Tam Coc to the central bus terminal in Ninh Binh City, which costs around $5 US, and another Xe Om (motorbike taxi) from the main road to your accommodation in Pu Luong which costs around $3. It wastes more time and money than taking a limousine bus so you know which options to stick with.
Can I book a Grab car to Pu Luong?
I don’t think so. Since drivers pay high commissions to Grab, they prefer that you book with them directly.
There is a couple of reputable transport companies who is servicing limousine bus from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong such as
Suggested Itinerary with Pu Luong Express:
7.30am to 8.15am : Hotel pick up
8.30am : Departs from Van Long boat station
11.30am : Arrive in Pu Luong
Timetable : Daily departure at either 7.30am or 13.30pm from Ninh Binh
Ticket fare : $20 each way per person
They used to run the transfer services from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong but stop the route at this moment.
They only offer transfer services from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau, you need to take a taxi to Pu Luong, which costs around $35 per trip. It will be an alternative if you miss the limousine bus from other transport companies.
If you are travelling in a party from 4 people like groups of friends or families, I highly recommend using the private transfer since you could stop on the way whenever you want or combine a visit with some of the tourist attractions along the way such as Cuc Phuong national park or Cam Luong stream fish.
Please see the price table of the private transfer service to Pu Luong from Ninh Binh (Currency : USD)
Route | 4 seaters car (2 people with luggage | 7 seaters cars (family of four with luggage) | 16-seater minivan (up to 8 people with luggage) |
Ninh Binh to Pu Luong | 80 | 90 | 120 |
If you would like to combine your visit with Cuc Phuong national park, an additional cost is applied from $30 to $40 depending on the type of vehicle.
It’s absolutely possible to travel to Pu Luong from Ninh Binh by motorbike. I only recommend taking this option for experienced riders in good weather conditions (no rain), or if you have your own scooters or motorbike from Hanoi. Just use Google maps and follow the route.
Follow the instructions for safety: wear a full-head helmet, bring an international motorbike license, and don’t forget to pump your motorbike full of gasoline.
Check out : The Limestone route with Vietnam Coracore
It seems that it’s a good option for budget-friendly travelers who want to travel in comfort. It is slightly less expensive than the private transfer option, but there are only options for 4-seaters and 7-seaters cars.
The only thing is the language barrier between you and the driver, you may need to use Google Translate if you want to communicate with the driver.
Be aware that you may encounter an inexperienced driver who doesn’t know the route since he rarely travels to Pu Luong.
I hope this Ninh Binh to Pu Luong transfer guide helps you some ways to plan your transport to Pu Luong from Ninh Binh.
If you need a private transfer service from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong, feel free to contact us via Whatsapp at +84974313104
Read more : Ninh Binh itinerary guide
Ninh Binh to Halong transfer guide
Hanoi to Pu Luong private transfer