Route overview & Important considerations
Ninh Binh is famous for boat trips, limestone karst mountains, cycling, and peaceful countryside. Sapa is known for terraced rice fields, trekking, ethnic minority cultures, and Fansipan — the highest mountain in Vietnam.
Both are top highlights in northern Vietnam but are located far apart — around 400 km (~250 miles).
- Travel time: Minimum 6.5 to 8.5 hours, depending on traffic, stops, and route.
- Ninh Binh sits in the south of northern Vietnam, while Sapa is in the far northwest.
Important to know:
There is no shortcut around Hanoi or a direct highway between Ninh Binh and Sapa — all routes pass through Hanoi.
This means you have two main choices:
- Take a direct bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa (long but simple).
- Break the journey via Hanoi, which offers more comfort, flexibility, and more transport options.
Tip: If you don’t feel like arranging all the transfers yourself, check out the tours below. These combine Ninh Binh and Sapa with all transportation handled, plus amazing activities like boat rides, cycling, trekking, ethnic markets, and scenic drives.
Ninh Binh & Sapa Combo Tour
Sapa – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh Combo tour
Option 1: Travel via Hanoi (Recommended for comfort)
Why this option works
- No matter what, all routes from Ninh Binh to Sapa pass through Hanoi.
- Breaking the journey in Hanoi makes the trip more comfortable and flexible.
- From Hanoi, you get access to more transport options: train, day bus, night bus, limousine van, or private car.
- Avoids being stuck in a bus for 8+ hours straight.
How it works
First, take a minibus or limousine van from Ninh Binh to Hanoi — this part takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.
Then, you continue your journey from Hanoi to Sapa — either the same day (evening/night) or the next day (morning/day).
Either: Leave the same day (Evening or Night)
When you arrive in Hanoi, you have a few hours to relax, grab dinner at a restaurant of your choice (much nicer than eating at a highway stop), and then continue your trip.
From Hanoi to Sapa, you have two main options:
- Sleeper Bus to Sapa:
A direct bus that leaves Hanoi in the evening and arrives in Sapa early morning. This is faster than the train (about 6–7 hours) and goes directly to Sapa town. This way you break down the bus trip from Ninh Binh into two sections. - Overnight Train to Sapa:
The train doesn’t go directly to Sapa — it goes to Lao Cai. From there, it’s a 1-hour drive up the mountains to Sapa.
The train ride takes around 7.5–8 hours, but it’s often seen as a more comfortable and safer way to sleep compared to buses. Tourist trains have proper beds, better toilets, and feel like part of the adventure.
→ More details about the train journey are in our dedicated guide: Hanoi to Sapa by Train.
Or: Leave the Next Day (Morning or Day)
If you prefer not to travel overnight, it’s easy to stay in Hanoi for the night and leave for Sapa the next morning. This option feels more relaxed, avoids night travel, and is ideal for families or anyone who dislikes sleeping on a bus or train.
From Hanoi to Sapa during the day, you can choose between:
- Limousine Van to Sapa:
These are 9–16 seat luxury vans with big reclining seats, AC, USB ports, and plenty of legroom. It’s a comfortable way to travel during the day. - Daytime Sleeper Bus:
The same bunk-style sleeper buses that run overnight are also used for daytime trips. Some people find these more comfortable than regular seats, others prefer the limousine van. - Private Car:
A private car gives you the most flexibility. From Hanoi, it’s around 5.5–6 hours, much more comfortable than doing the full trip from Ninh Binh (which would be 8–9 hours — possible but long). If you prefer to do it all in one day from Ninh Binh by private car, it’s doable with a break halfway, but Hanoi is the more logical place to start a private transfer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Breaks the long trip into manageable parts.
- Much more comfortable than sitting in a bus for 8–9 hours straight.
- Access to more transport options — train, day buses, limousine vans, private cars.
- Enjoy a proper meal or even a short visit in Hanoi instead of eating at highway bus stops.
Cons:
- Requires a change in Hanoi.
- Slightly longer total travel time if waiting for the next bus or train.
Option 2: Night bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa (Most Popular)
How it works:
The night bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa is the most popular choice, especially for backpackers or travelers looking to save time and money. The ride includes hotel pick-up in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh city and drop-off in Sapa town.
Buses depart in the evening between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM and arrive in Sapa early morning between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Some buses allow passengers to stay onboard until sunrise if they arrive too early.
This option saves a full day of travel and often a night of accommodation — but keep in mind that you might arrive before hotel check-in time, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Bus types:
- Standard Sleeper Bus: Bunk-style sleeper beds. Basic comfort, but functional.
- VIP Limousine Sleeper: Larger, wider bunks, USB chargers, curtains, and generally better comfort.
Prices:
- Standard: ~$18 USD per person
- VIP Limousine: ~$22–26 USD per person
Pros:
- Direct — no transfers in Hanoi.
- Saves daytime for activities and skips a night of hotel costs.
- Simple hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Cons:
- Arriving very early may require extra hotel arrangements (early check-in or booking an extra night).
- Not ideal for those who struggle to sleep on moving vehicles.
- No toilet onboard (buses stop once midway).
Option 3: Day Bus From Ninh Binh to Sapa
How it works:
The day bus is a good choice if you prefer not to travel overnight. It’s more comfortable for travelers who dislike sleeping on buses or find night driving unsafe.
Buses depart in the morning between 6:00 AM and 12:30 PM depending on the company, and arrive in Sapa between 2:30 PM and 8:00 PM.
It’s a long day on the road — while the expressway section is smooth, the mountain stretch to Sapa in the final part can feel tiring.
Bus types:
- Standard Sleeper Bus: The same bunk-style sleeper buses used for night journeys, also run during the day. Some people find these more comfortable than sitting buses.
- VIP Limousine Sleeper: More spacious, better facilities, and slightly fewer beds per bus.
Prices:
- Standard: ~$18 USD per person
- VIP Limousine: ~$22–26 USD per person
Pros:
- No overnight travel.
- Direct route — no transfer in Hanoi.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
Cons:
- A long and tiring day, around 8–9 hours on the road.
- Fewer daytime departures compared to night buses.
- No toilets onboard (one stop halfway).
How to book tickets from Ninh Binh to Sapa
These booking methods apply to both ways of traveling:
- Taking a direct bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa,
- Or traveling via Hanoi (buying separate tickets for Ninh Binh → Hanoi and then Hanoi → Sapa by bus, train, or private car).
1. Online booking
The easiest option for most travelers.
- 12Go Asia: Popular with tourists, shows both direct buses and train options from Hanoi to Sapa.
- Vexere: Best coverage for Vietnamese buses, including direct Ninh Binh → Sapa and Hanoi → Sapa routes.
- Baolau: Similar to 12Go, shows trains, buses, and connections.
→ Works well for booking direct buses or for booking Ninh Binh → Hanoi plus a train or bus from Hanoi to Sapa.
2. Via travel agents or hotels
This option is very convenient, especially if:
- You prefer someone to handle all arrangements for you.
- You are doing the trip via Hanoi with separate legs.
Most hotels and travel agents in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh city can help:
- Booking direct bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa.
- They can arrange the minivan from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, plus the train or bus from Hanoi to Sapa as a single package.
- They also handle communication with drivers and bus companies, and make sure your hotel pick-up is arranged smoothly.
→ The price might be slightly higher, but it’s hassle-free and worth it for many travelers.
Tips for traveling from Ninh Binh to Sapa
- Bring snacks and drinks. There’s only one stop halfway, and options are limited.
- Use earplugs or headphones. Fellow passengers might watch videos, take calls, or chat loudly.
- Wear something warm. Bus AC can be cold, and Sapa’s mountain air (especially early morning) feels chilly.
- Plan toilet breaks. Most buses don’t have toilets on board. Expect one stop halfway.
- Confirm pick-up details. If your hotel is outside Tam Coc or Ninh Binh city, ask them to double-check pick-up times and locations with the bus company.
