How to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

By the GoPhuot editors · Updated 20 August 2026

Distance: 295 kmstraight line
Fastest: 8h 30m - 10h 30mby bus
Cheapest: 14 - 28 USDby bus
Ways to go: 3train, bus

All three, side by side

OptionTimePriceDeparts

Train + TaxiTime9h 15m - 12h 15mPrice25 - 60 USDDepartsDailyOvernightRead more
Sleeper BusTime8h 30m - 10h 30mPrice14 - 28 USDDepartsDailyOvernightRead more
Train + BusTime9h 30m - 12h 30mPrice18 - 45 USDDepartsDailyRead more

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

Train + Taxi

Fast and flexible, ride the overnight train to Dong Hoi, then take a private hop into the caves.

1Ninh Binh Railway StationDong Hoi Railway Station
Train8h 30m - 11h 30m12 - 35 USDDaily
2Dong Hoi Railway StationPhong Nha
Taxi45m - 1h10 - 25 USDOn demand

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paid link

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

12 - 35 USD8h 30m - 11h 30mDaily

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

Train + Bus

Comfortable and reliable, take the rails to Dong Hoi, then finish with a short road glide to Phong Nha.

1Ninh Binh Railway StationDong Hoi Railway Station
Train8h 30m - 11h 30m12 - 35 USDDaily
2Dong Hoi Railway StationPhong Nha
Bus1h - 1h 30m2 - 10 USDFrequent

Book this leg

paid link

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

12 - 35 USD8h 30m - 11h 30mDaily

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

Sleeper Bus

Cheapest and simplest, ride overnight straight through Vietnam’s heartland and wake near Phong Nha’s limestone caves.

Book this leg

paid link

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

14 - 28 USD8h 30m - 10h 30mDaily

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

Now that you’re there

What to do in Phong Nha

Phong NhaVietnam

A small gateway town to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, famous for caves, river scenery, and budget-friendly adventure travel.

7 attractionsOpen the Phong Nha guide

Ninh Binh, before you leave — What to eat and see at the start of the routeCity guide

Other ways out of Ninh Binh

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