Complete guide to taking the Ninh Binh to Hoi An train
Traveling by train is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to experience Vietnam, and the Ninh Binh to Hoi An train journey is no exception. With charming countryside views and a comfortable ride, this route is perfect for those who prefer a slower, more immersive way to travel. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best train routes, updated ticket prices, seat and berth options, as well as practical tips to help you plan your trip with ease.
Is there a direct train from Ninh Binh to Hoi An?
If you’re planning a trip from Ninh Binh to Hoi An and wondering whether there’s a direct train between the two destinations, the short answer is: there is no direct train from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. The reason is that Hoi An is not located on Vietnam’s North–South railway line and currently does not have its own train station. The railway only passes through key stations in Quang Nam Province and Da Nang City, these are the two nearest stations to Hoi An.
Therefore, to reach Hoi An by train, you’ll need to choose one of the following options:
- Book a train ticket from Ninh Binh Railway Station to Da Nang Railway Station, then continue by bus, taxi, or shuttle from Da Nang to Hoi An (about 30 km).
- Or book a ticket from Ninh Binh Railway Station to Tam Ky Railway Station (Quang Nam), then travel by road from Tam Ky to Hoi An (about 50 km).
Both options are viable and commonly chosen by travelers. However, Da Nang Station is more popular because it offers more train schedules and a wider range of connecting transport options to Hoi An compared to Tam Ky.
Distance & Travel time from Ninh Binh to Hoi An by train
The distance from Ninh Binh to Hoi An is approximately 650–700 km, depending on which transfer station you choose. As Hoi An does not have a railway station, travelers need to take a train to Da Nang or Tam Ky, then continue the journey by road to reach Hoi An.
Route 1: Ninh Binh → Da Nang → Hoi An
This is the most popular and commonly chosen route thanks to its convenient connections and frequent train services.
Ninh Binh → Da Nang Railway Station (by train): around 650–680 km
Da Nang → Hoi An (by road): approximately 30–35 km
Estimated travel time:
Train segment: about 12–15 hours
Road segment: about 45–60 minutes
This route offers multiple train departures daily and flexible scheduling. It is especially convenient if you plan to spend some time exploring Da Nang before continuing to Hoi An.
Route 2: Ninh Binh → Tam Ky → Hoi An
Taking a direct train to Tam Ky is a less common option but brings you closer to Hoi An in terms of geography. This route suits travelers who want to reduce the final road transfer distance.
Ninh Binh → Tam Ky Railway Station (by train): around 680–700 km
Tam Ky → Hoi An (by road): approximately 50–55 km
Estimated travel time:
Train segment: about 13–16 hours
Road segment: about 1–1.5 hours
While this option takes you directly into Quang Nam Province, trains stopping at Tam Ky are less frequent than those to Da Nang, so checking schedules in advance is recommended.
Step-by-step guide for taking the train from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
If you choose to travel by train from Ninh Binh to Hoi An, understanding each step of the journey will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide, especially useful for travelers taking a long-distance train in Vietnam for the first time.
Step 1: Get to Ninh Binh Railway Station
Your journey begins at Ninh Binh Railway Station, conveniently located near the city center. You can reach the station easily by taxi, motorbike, or local ride-hailing services. It’s recommended to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure to allow time for ticket checks, finding your carriage, and settling in comfortably.
Step 2: Purchase or confirm your train ticket
Tickets can be purchased directly at the station or booked online in advance. For long routes like Ninh Binh to Central Vietnam, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Soft sleeper cabins are the preferred choice for overnight journeys, offering better comfort and rest during the long ride.
Step 3: Board the train and start your journey
Once the train arrives, check your carriage and seat or berth number printed on your ticket to board correctly. During the journey, the train will stop at several major stations along the Central Coast. It’s a good idea to prepare snacks, water, and personal essentials to stay comfortable throughout the trip.
Step 4: Get off at Da Nang or Tam Ky station
Depending on your booking, you’ll disembark at either Da Nang Railway Station or Tam Ky Railway Station. These are the two most common transfer points for continuing on to Hoi An. As the train approaches your stop, make sure your luggage is ready and double-check the station name to avoid missing it.
Step 5: Continue by road to Hoi An
From Da Nang or Tam Ky, you’ll complete the final leg of the journey by taxi, private car, ride-hailing service, or bus. Travel time from Da Nang to Hoi An is typically 45–60 minutes, while the trip from Tam Ky takes around 1–1.5 hours. If you’re carrying luggage after a long train ride, a taxi or private transfer is the most convenient option.
Step 6: Arrive in Hoi An and check in
Once you arrive in Hoi An, head straight to your accommodation to rest and recharge after the journey. Travelers taking overnight sleeper trains often arrive in the morning or early afternoon, making it easy to check in and start exploring the town right away.
After hours on the train, choosing the right place to unwind makes all the difference. Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness offers a peaceful beachfront retreat where guests can truly relax after their journey. With spacious rooms, a private beach setting, and a strong focus on wellness and personalized care, Bliss Hoi An is an ideal place to slow down, restore your energy, and enjoy a refined coastal escape after arriving in Hoi An.
How to travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An by train?
Although there’s no direct train running all the way from Ninh Binh to Hoi An, you can still easily make the journey by combining a scenic train ride and a short road trip. Many travelers love this route because it’s affordable, relaxing, and a great way to experience Vietnam’s countryside. Below is the complete step-by-step guide you can follow to plan and enjoy your ninh binh to hoi train trip.
Option 1: Ninh Binh → Da Nang Railway Station → Hoi An
For most travelers, this is the smartest way to take the Ninh Binh to Hoi An train. It’s straightforward, affordable, and gives you plenty of onward transport options once you arrive in Da Nang.
Your journey begins at Ninh Binh Railway Station, located in the city center. From here, you can board one of the daily southbound trains to Da Nang. The ride takes approximately 13–14 hours. There are both daytime and overnight trains available.
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Official price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE7 | 08:17 | 22:43 | ~14h26 | 499,000 – 879,000 VND |
| SE5 | 11:11 | 01:31 (+1) | ~14h20 | ~510,000 – 910,000 VND |
| SE9 | 15:08 | 06:14 (+1) | ~15h06 | ~489,000 – 900,000 VND |
| SE3 | 21:35 | 10:36 (+1) | ~13h01 | ~510,000 – 950,000 VND |
| SE19 | 21:55 | 11:45 (+1) | ~13h50 | ~900,000 – 1,050,000 VND |
| SE1 | 23:07 | 12:12 (+1) | ~13h05 | ~520,000 – 970,000 VND |
When you arrive at Da Nang railway station, you will be about 30 km from Hoi An. From the station, it’s easy to reach Hoi An by taxi, public bus, or private car. A taxi is the fastest option, taking around 45 minutes, while the bus is more budget-friendly but slightly slower.
This route via Da Nang railway station to Hoi An is simple, with frequent trains and plenty of connecting transport options, making it the most recommended choice for traveling by train from Ninh Binh to Hoi An.
Option 2: Ninh Binh → Tam Ky Railway Station → Hoi An
If you’d like to try a different route or find that tickets to Da Nang are sold out, you can choose to travel by train to Tam Ky Railway Station instead. This station is closer to Hoi An than Da Nang, however, transportation options from Tam Ky to Hoi An are more limited. Starting from Ninh Binh Railway Station, you’ll board the southbound train for around 14–15 hours to reach Tam Ky.
From there, you’ll need to continue your journey by taxi or private car to get to central Hoi An. This route still offers a scenic journey along Vietnam’s iconic North–South railway, making it an interesting experience.
Below is a detailed table showing each train, the available seat/berth types, and their approximate price ranges so you can easily compare and choose:
| Train | Departure (Ninh Binh) | Arrival (Tam Ky) | Duration | Official price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE9 | 15:08 | 07:53 (+1) | ~16h45 | 339,000 – 873,000 VND |
| SE3 | 21:35 | 12:37 (+1) | ~15h02 | 520,000 – 950,000 VND |
| SE1 | 23:07 | 13:46 (+1) | ~14h39 | 520,000 – 970,000 VND |
Overall, the ticket prices on the Tam Ky route are not significantly different from the Da Nang route. However, the cost of continuing onward from Tam Ky to Hoi An is higher, as the distance is still about 50 km and the only options are taxis or private cars. A taxi from Tam Ky to Hoi An usually costs 500,000–600,000 VND per car and takes around 1 hour. This route is a good alternative if you want to try something different or if Da Nang tickets are unavailable, but for travelers who prioritize convenience, the Da Nang route remains the more practical option.
Tips & Things to keep in mind when taking the train from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Traveling by train from Ninh Binh to Hoi An is a long but enjoyable journey, especially for travelers who love scenic views along Vietnam’s railway. Since there is no direct train to Hoi An, you will need to get off at Da Nang or Tam Ky and continue by car. Here are some practical tips to help make your trip smoother and more comfortable:
Choose the right arrival station: Most travelers get off at Da Nang Railway Station because it has more train options, flexible schedules, and it is only about 40–50 minutes by car to Hoi An. Tam Ky Railway Station can be an alternative if tickets to Da Nang are sold out, but the transfer to Hoi An takes around 1.5 hours and taxi options are more limited.
Book your train ticket in advance: Trains on the North–South route can fill up quickly during weekends, holidays, and the summer season. Booking early gives you better choices of seats or berths. For a 13–15 hour journey, a soft sleeper cabin, especially the 4-berth option is usually more comfortable and private.
Choose the right side for better views: If you want to enjoy coastal scenery when the train passes along the central coastline and near the Hai Van Pass area, try to choose a seat or berth on the right side of the train when traveling south from Ninh Binh, as this side often offers better sea views.
Arrive at the station early: It’s recommended to arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station at least 30–45 minutes before departure so you have enough time to find your carriage and settle in. Keep your ticket and passport ready, as they may be checked when boarding or during the journey.
Bring snacks and entertainment: While food is available on the train, the options can be limited. It’s a good idea to bring water, light snacks, headphones, music, or a book to make the long journey more comfortable.
Tips to avoid motion sickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, try to choose a lower berth or a seat near the middle of the carriage, where the movement is less noticeable. You may also bring motion sickness medicine, ginger candy, or essential oils, avoid looking at your phone for long periods, and try to rest during the trip.
Plan your transfer to Hoi An in advance: When arriving in Da Nang, taxis, Grab, and shuttle buses are easy to find for the trip to Hoi An. If you arrive in Tam Ky, it’s best to pre-arrange a car through your hotel or a transport service, as taxis may be fewer and waiting times longer.
- For travelers planning connectivity on the go, you can follow this step-by-step guide on how to activate eSIM on iPhone.
After such a long journey, you’ll definitely want a place to rest and recharge as soon as you arrive. So don’t forget to book your accommodation in Hoi An in advance to ensure you have a comfortable stay waiting for you. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of relaxation and luxury, consider staying at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness – a serene beachfront retreat where you can unwind, rejuvenate, and fully enjoy your time in Hoi An.
By following these simple tips, your Ninh Binh to Hoi An train trip will be much more enjoyable and stress-free. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the charming countryside views along one of Vietnam’s most iconic railway routes!
Read more: A complete guide for your Hanoi to Hoi An train journey
Taking the Ninh Binh to Hoi An train is a memorable journey that combines comfort, affordability, and the chance to soak in Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes. Whether you choose the convenient Da Nang route or the alternative Tam Ky option, proper planning and the right seat selection can make all the difference. Book your tickets early, follow our tips, and get ready to enjoy a smooth and pleasant ride to the charming town of Hoi An.
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