How to get from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh

    By the GoPhuot editors · Updated 15 August 2026

    Distance
    123 kmstraight line
    Fastest
    4h 15m - 6hby ferry
    Cheapest
    8 - 16 USDby ferry
    Ways to go
    4ferry, train

    All four, side by side

    • Private Car + FerryTime4h 15m - 6hPrice55 - 110 USDDepartsHourlyRead more
    • Taxi + Ferry + Train + BusTime6h 30m - 9hPrice15 - 30 USDDepartsDailyRead more
    • Bus + Ferry + BusTime5h 30m - 7h 30mPrice8 - 16 USDDepartsHourlyRead more
    • Limousine Bus + FerryTime4h 30m - 6h 30mPrice13 - 23 USDDepartsHourlyRead more

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    Private Car + Ferry

    Most flexible and smooth, this door-to-door option saves energy and turns the transfer into a quiet, scenic escape.

    1. 1Cat Ba IslandNinh Binh

      Private Car4h 15m - 6h55 - 110 USDOn demand

    2. 2Cat Ba IslandHai Phong

      Ferry30m - 1h2 - 3 USDHourly

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    12Go

    No direct link for this ferry — 12Go lists the route on their search

    2 - 3 USD30m - 1hHourly

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    Bus + Ferry + Bus

    Cheapest and widely used, this practical chain trades speed for savings while keeping the route simple and reliable.

    1. 1Cat Ba IslandHai Phong

      Bus1h 30m - 2h 15m3 - 6 USDHourly

    2. 2Cat Ba IslandHai Phong

      Ferry30m - 1h2 - 3 USDHourly

    3. 3Hai PhongNinh Binh

      Bus2h 30m - 3h 30m3 - 7 USDDaily

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    12Go

    No direct link for this ferry — 12Go lists the route on their search

    2 - 3 USD30m - 1hHourly

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    Paid link — we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which option we recommend.

    Limousine Bus + Ferry

    Fast and comfortable, this popular island-to-valley ride glides across the water and lands you in Ninh Binh with ease.

    1. 1Cat Ba IslandNinh Binh

      Limousine Bus4h - 6h11 - 22 USDDaily

    2. 2Cat Ba IslandHai Phong

      Ferry30m - 1h2 - 3 USDHourly

    Book this leg

    paid link
    12Go

    No direct link for this ferry — 12Go lists the route on their search

    2 - 3 USD30m - 1hHourly

    Search 12Go

    Paid link — we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which option we recommend.

    Taxi + Ferry + Train + Bus

    Best for rail fans, this slower but steady route mixes water, tracks, and a final short hop into town.

    1. 1Cat Ba IslandHai Phong Railway Station

      Taxi1h 15m - 2h10 - 18 USDOn demand

    2. 2Hai Phong Railway StationNinh Binh Railway Station

      Train2h 30m - 3h 30m3 - 8 USDDaily

    3. 3Ninh Binh Railway StationNinh Binh City Center

      Bus15m - 30m1 - 2 USDFrequent

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    paid link
    12Go

    No direct link for this train — 12Go lists the route on their search

    3 - 8 USD2h 30m - 3h 30mDaily

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    Now that you’re there

    What to do in Ninh Binh

    Ninh BinhVietnam

    Known as Ha Long Bay on land, Ninh Binh stuns with towering limestone mountains, flooded rice paddies, and historic sites including Trang An, Tam Coc, and the ancient capital Hoa Lu.

    10 attractions7 local dishes3 things to doOpen the Ninh Binh guide
    Cat Ba Island, before you leave — What to eat and see at the start of the routeCity guide

    Other ways out of Cat Ba Island

    How we make money: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through one we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which option we recommend.

    Schedules and fares last verified 15 August 2026. Fares vary by season.

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