Sapa to Ninh Binh: How to travel

The journey from Sapa to Ninh Binh spans about 450 kilometers, connecting two of northern Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. Though they offer contrasting scenery—Sapa’s mountain peaks and Ninh Binh’s rice fields—both are must-visits on any Vietnam itinerary. Depending on your budget, you can choose to take a bus, train, or private car.

Bus

Bus is the most budget-friendly way to get from Sapa to Ninh Binh. It’s cheap, direct, and easy to book—even last minute. Prices typically range from 300,000 to 500,000 VND (around $12–$20 USD), making it one of the cheapest long-distance travel options in northern Vietnam.

The ride takes about 8 to 10 hours and typically runs twice a day:

Day buses, departing at 6:30–8:00 AM, are usually limousine-style vans, offering fewer seats and extra legroom. They’re ideal if you prefer traveling during the day and would like to see the view of Vietnam’s countryside along the way.

Night buses depart at 7:00–8:00 PM. They are typically sleeper buses with fully reclining berths. They’re perfect if you want to save on a night’s accommodation and arrive in Ninh Binh early the next morning.

Most buses depart directly from Sapa town, with pickup at the Sapa bus station. Drop-off points vary—some buses stop at Ninh Binh bus station, while others continue on to Tam Coc—the hub of the tourist area.

Here’s some reliable bus companies:

Train

Train is the most popular option for traveling from Sapa to Ninh Binh, thanks to its comfort and the convenience of overnight travel. While there is no train station in Sapa itself, you can catch a direct train from Lao Cai Station, located about 35 km from Sapa, to Ninh Binh Train Station.

The full journey covers approximately 420 kilometers, takes about 11 to 13 hours, and requires one stop in Hanoi. Expect to spend around $26 to $68 USD, depending on how you book and which class you choose.

Sapa to Hanoi

Your journey begins with a 1-hour ride (35 km) from Sapa to Lao Cai Railway Station. Shared shuttle buses run frequently and cost around $3–$5 USD (75,000–125,000 VND), or you can book a taxi with your hotel for about $10–$15 USD (250,000–375,000 VND).

From Lao Cai, you’ll board an overnight train to Hanoi. These trains offer boutique cabin-type, with 4 berth or 6 berth per cabin. Prices typically range from $20–$45 USD (500,000–1,100,000 VND), depending on the class and operator.

Here are some trains available:

Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Once you arrive in Hanoi early in the morning, you’ll need to transfer to a North-South train to Ninh Binh. All trains to Ninh Binh leave from the same station (Hanoi Railway Station), and there are several options depending on how much time you have between trains. Tickets usually cost between $4–$8 USD (100,000–200,000 VND) and could be booked via Offical Vietnam Railway Website.

Here are some train schedules:

Private Car

For those who value comfort and privacy and are willing to spend a bit more, booking a private car from Sapa to Ninh Binh is the best option. It’s much more expensive than buses or trains but offers door-to-door service and flexible departure times.

The drive takes around 6.5 to 7.5 hours under normal traffic. This is a convenient choice if you have a tighter schedule or families traveling with kids.

Here are the pricing options for private cars: