Sapa - Ninh Binh

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Ninh Binh and Sapa are always two major destinations attracting thousands of tourists here every year. Finding a coach for this trip is not a simple matter. Understanding this issue, Viet Transfers has compiled for you information about the route from Sapa to Ninh Binh and vice versa from Ninh Binh to Sapa; along with details of the best ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Sapa for everyone to refer to.

Overview of transport from Sapa to Ninh Binh

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– Ninh Binh to Sapa: ~ 410 Km

– Travel time: 8 – 8.5 hours

– Ways to get from Sapa to Ninh Binh: Train, Standard sleeper bus, VIP cabin bus, VIP-34 Sleeper bus, private car/van/bus (5-7-10-12-16-29-34-45 seater).

– Ticket prices:

Shared transfer: 18.00 USD – 38.00 USD
Private transfer (4-seater to 45-seater vehicle): 190.00 USD – 600.00 USD

– Pick-up/drop-off points:

• Hotels in Sapa center;
• Bus office in Sapa and Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc
• Noi Bai International Airport Terminal

How far and how long from Sapa to Ninh Binh?

The distance from Sapa to Ninh Binh is approximately 400 km. Traveling by road typically takes around 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen mode of transportation. It takes about 8.5 hours to travel by bus, 9 hours by train, and more or less 7 hours by private car.

How to get from Sapa to Ninh Binh

The journey is not just a transportation, but also an opportunity to explore the unique beauty of two renowned destinations in Vietnam. Along this journey, you will experience various modes of transportation and stunning landscapes stretching along the way. Let’s discuss how to travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh and the important factors to consider when planning your trip.

Travel by bus

As these are two major tourist destinations attracting many travelers, bus services are also invested and operated by various companies. Daily bus services are available, running directly from Sapa to Ninh Binh. As this is a long-distance route, buses will pass through offices in Lao Cai and Hanoi to pick up and drop off passengers.
Currently, there are three main types of buses: VIP Private Cabin Bus, VIP-34 Sleeper Bus and Standard Sleeper Bus

Type 1: VIP Private Cabin Bus

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This is currently the best bus model, with spacious cabins measuring W:90cm x L:180cm x H:120cm, divided into 22-24 separate cabins, each equipped with discreet curtains. Each cabin is equipped with charging ports, LED entertainment screens, headphones, and complimentary drinks. The cabin beds are all upholstered with premium leather padding, providing comfort, and additionally equipped with a standard massage system, ensuring passengers have the most comfortable journey.

Departure time: 11:00; 16:30 & 22:00 from Sapa; 11:00; 21:00 & 22:30 from Ninh Binh

Travel time: 8.5 hours

Pick-up/drop-off points: hotels and bus office in Sapa center; bus office in Hanoi, Noi Bai airport; bus offices in Ninh Binh city and Tam Coc

Ticket price: from 26.00 USD to 38.00 USD

Type 2: VIP-34 Sleeper Bus

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Belonging to the same type of vehicle as the VIP cabin, the VIP-34 sleeper bus is designed with 34 individual beds, each measuring W: 50cm x L: 180cm. All beds are equipped with curtains, charging ports, complimentary drinks, and premium leather reclining seats.

Departure time: 17:00 from Sapa; 22:45 from Ninh Binh

Travel time: 8.5 hours

Pick-up/drop-off points: hotels and bus office in Sapa center; bus office in Hanoi, Noi Bai airport; bus offices in Ninh Binh city and Tam Coc

Ticket price: from 19.00 USD

Type 3: Standard Sleeper Bus

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This is a popular coach model, featuring 40-45 single beds for trips to Sapa, arranged in 2 tiers and 3 rows. However, the bed dimensions will be smaller, approximately W: 40cm x L: 175cm. Viet Transfers does not recommend using this type of bus for larger passengers. Nevertheless, the bus is still equipped with WiFi, complimentary drinks, and reclining seats to ensure passenger comfort on long journeys.

Departure time: 06:30 from Sapa; 12:30 from Ninh Binh

Travel time: 8.5 hours

Pick-up/drop-off points: hotels and bus office in Sapa center; bus offices in Ninh Binh city and Tam Coc

Ticket price: from 18.00 USD

Travel by train

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While there’s no direct train service from Sapa to Ninh Binh, travelers can take a train from Lao Cai, the nearest train station to Sapa, then going to Hanoi train station. After that, taking train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

From Hanoi, there are regular train services to Ninh Binh, with journey times averaging around 2 to 3 hours. Total travel time might take 9-10 hours.

Train tickets can be booked in advance through the official website of Vietnam Railways or at train stations.

Travel by private car or bus

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Hiring a private car offers flexibility and comfort for travelers who prefer a personalized and hassle-free journey. Many travel agencies and car rental companies in Sapa and Ninh Binh provide private car services. The travel time by private car is similar to that of buses, typically taking around 7 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions. It will stop less, no picking-up any other passengers, so it will be faster.
Booking a private car in advance allows for customization of the itinerary and ensures a smoother travel experience.

Depending on size of group, you can choose suitable types of car/bus to travel. There are types: 4-seater or 7-seater car; 9-seater limousine van, or 16-29-34-45 seater buses. Price range from 190.00 USD – 600.00 USD, also rely on travel time.

Top 2 best bus companies for tourists to travel between Sapa and Ninh Binh

As two major tourist destinations in the country, the demand for travel between Ninh Binh and Sapa is also increasing day by day. Transport companies are seizing the opportunity to expand their transportation market. Therefore, among the many transportation companies in the market today, choosing a reputable one is extremely difficult. Everyone should carefully research the various companies to find the one that suits them best. Below are the top 2 transportation companies that you can consider for your trip.

HK Open Tour departs from 697 Dien Bien Phu (SAPA – Office 697 Dien Bien Phu)

HK Open Tour is a reputable bus company, specializing in providing passenger transportation services on the route from Sa Pa – Lao Cai to Ninh Binh. The company owns a fleet of luxury buses, upholstered with imported leather and adjustable reclining seats, ensuring passengers’ comfort throughout the long journey. If you are looking for a reliable bus service from Sa Pa – Lao Cai to Ninh Binh, HK Open Tour is also a perfect choice that should not be overlooked.

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Route, departure times, and arrival times of HK Open Tour buses

Departure times from Sa Pa – Lao Cai: 11:00, 22:00

Departure times from Tam Coc, Ninh Binh: 11:00, 21:00

Approximate travel time from Sa Pa – Lao Cai to Ninh Binh by HK Open Tour bus: 8.5 hours

Pick-up an drop-off points of HK Open Tour bus

SAPA: Hotels in Sapa center or Bus Office 697 Dien Bien Phu str.

NINH BINH: Tam Coc Boat Pier; bus office 2A, 27/7 street, Ninh Binh

Ticket prices for buses from Sa Pa – Lao Cai to Ninh Binh by HK Open Tour

VIP Private Cabin Bus:

26.00 USD/upper bunk (for 1 person/cabin)
28.00 USD/lower bunk (for 1 person/cabin)
38.00 USD/lower bunk (for 2 persons/cabin)

Ha Son Bus departs from 1985 Nguyen Dang Khue, Sa Pa Town (Sapa Bus Station)

Ha Son Bus Company is a reputable unit, specializing in providing passenger transportation and freight services on the route from Sa Pa – Lao Cai to Ninh Binh. With safety as the top priority, Ha Son to Ninh Binh from Sa Pa – Lao Cai always focuses on investing in upgrading service quality, ensuring passengers have the most comfortable experience throughout the journey.

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Route, departure times, and arrival times of Ha Son Bus:

Departure times from Sa Pa – Lao Cai: 06:30, 16:30, 17:00

Departure times from Tam Coc, Ninh Binh: 12:30; 22:30; 22:45

Approximate travel time from Sa Pa – Lao Cai to Ninh Binh by Ha Son Bus: 8.5 hours.

Pick-up/drop-off points of Ha Son Bus:

Sapa Bus Station

Tam Coc Boat Pier, Ninh Binh bus office

Ticket prices for buses from Sa Pa – Lao Cai to Ninh Binh by Ha Son Bus:

VIP Cabin Bus

27.00 USD/upper bunk (for 1 person/cabin)
38.00 USD/lower bunk (for 2 persons/cabin)

VIP-34 Sleeper Bus: 19.00 USD/ticket

Standard Sleeper Bus: 18.00 USD/ticket

Different routes you can go from Sapa and Ninh Binh

Here are different bus routes you can take from Sapa to Ninh Binh:

From Sapa: Sapa – Hanoi, Sapa – Ha Giang, Sapa – Cat Ba island, Sapa – Ha Long

From Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh – Hanoi, Ninh Binh – Cat Ba island, Ninh Binh – Ha Long, Ninh Binh – Phong Nha/Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An

FAQs

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2 popular ways: Direct bus and private transfer.

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The best way to get from Sapa to Ninh Binh depends on your preferences for comfort, time, and budget. I suggest using VIP Private Cabin Bus

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