Ninh Binh Train Station – a small but well-connected stop
Ninh Binh Train Station sits in the center of Ninh Binh city, directly on Vietnam’s North–South railway line — the main rail route connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. The current station opened in 2015, replacing an older one located about 1.3 kilometers to the north. At the time of opening, it was considered one of the most modern railway stations in Vietnam.
The building itself is worth a second look. Its design was deliberately inspired by Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Ninh Binh’s most visited landmarks, and the architectural resemblance is noticeable. It is an unusual touch for a train station, and one that makes it stand out from the utilitarian concrete structures found elsewhere on the network.
In terms of connections, the station is well positioned. Trains run daily in both directions, with regular services to Hanoi to the north and to Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City to the south. The station is a stop on the main line rather than a terminus, so trains pass through rather than originate here — something to keep in mind when checking schedules.
Despite handling a solid volume of traffic, the station remains small and easy to navigate. There are two platforms, a modest waiting area, and a handful of facilities. First-time visitors rarely have trouble finding their way around.
Train routes and connections
Ninh Binh Train Station sits on the main North–South line, which means it has good connections in both directions. Trains run daily to Hanoi, with around seven services spread throughout the day — making it easy to fit into most itineraries without needing to plan too far ahead. Services heading south are less frequent but cover all major destinations, including overnight options to Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
The SE trains are the best choice for most travelers. They are faster, newer, and offer better seating and sleeper options than the slower TN services. For the Hanoi route, the journey takes roughly two hours — short enough that a seat is fine. For anything south of Ninh Binh, a sleeper berth is worth the extra cost, particularly on the longer overnight runs.
Main destinations and approximate travel times from Ninh Binh:
- Hanoi – 2 hours
- Hue – 10 to 11 hours
- Da Nang – 12 to 13 hours
- Ho Chi Minh City – around 30 hours
For the southern destinations, tickets — especially sleeper berths in the better cabins — can sell out weeks in advance during peak season. Booking early is not optional on those routes, it is necessary.
How to get to the station and to your hotel
Getting to and from Ninh Binh Train Station is straightforward. The station is centrally located, options are available at all hours, and even late-night arrivals rarely have trouble finding a ride. That said, a few things are worth knowing before you step outside.
Where is Ninh Binh Train Station?
The station is in Ninh Binh city center, which puts it within easy reach of the main tourist areas. Tam Coc is around 10 to 15 minutes by road, Trang An slightly further at 15 to 20 minutes, and accommodation within the city itself is just 5 to 10 minutes away.
Grab
Grab is the most reliable option and the one worth defaulting to. Prices are fixed before you confirm the ride, there is no negotiating, and the app works well in Ninh Binh. It functions at night too, which makes it a good choice for early morning or late evening arrivals.
Taxi
Taxis wait outside the station, including at night. Stick to metered taxis or agree on a price before getting in. Avoid anyone who claims to be a Grab driver but is not using the app — a common tactic at train stations across Vietnam. A taxi to the Tam Coc area typically costs around 120,000 VND.
Motorbike taxi
Motorbike taxis are available outside the station and are the cheapest option. They work for a single traveler with minimal luggage. Agree on the price before you go.
Hotel pickup
Some hotels offer a pickup service from the station, usually by private car and typically around 350,000 VND per vehicle. It costs more than Grab, but for an early morning arrival or if you are traveling with a group and luggage, it removes any hassle. Worth asking your accommodation in advance.
Facilities at Ninh Binh Train Station
The station is small, but it covers what most travelers need. Do not expect an airport — expect a clean, functional stop with the basics in place.
Shop and minimart
There is a small shop inside the station selling snacks, drinks, and beer. It accepts both cash and card, and prices are generally reasonable — roughly in line with what you would pay in the tourist areas of town. Buying supplies before you arrive is still the smarter move for a long journey, but the shop is a decent backup. Staff can also help arrange a taxi if needed.
Toilets
Western-style toilets are available at the station. Cleanliness is inconsistent, so bringing your own toilet paper is a good idea. Use them before boarding — toilet quality on the trains themselves varies considerably.
Waiting area and platforms
The station has two raised platforms, which means boarding is level with the train — no stepping up or climbing down. It is one of the more practical setups on the network. A separate VIP waiting area is available on the right side of the building for passengers with premium sleeper tickets. Free WiFi is available throughout, and most train announcements are repeated in English.
Left luggage
The station shop offers a left luggage service. Useful if you want to explore Ninh Binh before or after your train without dragging bags around. The café directly opposite the station, An Restaurant & Coffee, also stores luggage — a good alternative if you want to sit somewhere comfortable while you wait.
Tourist information office
There is a tourist information office inside the main building. Staff are helpful and can answer questions about the station, trains, and getting around. If you are unsure about your platform or carriage, this is the first place to ask.
Near the station
Directly opposite the station entrance is An Restaurant & Coffee, a small café that comes up consistently among travelers passing through Ninh Binh. It serves coffee, breakfast, and simple meals at fair prices, and the atmosphere is relaxed — a good spot to kill time before an evening train or recover after an early arrival. They also store luggage, which is useful if you want to explore the city without your bags. You can see the station entrance from your table, so there is no risk of missing your train.
One thing worth knowing: a tout sometimes operates in the area outside, targeting travelers with backpacks and pushing tour bookings. He is not affiliated with the café itself. Ignore the pitch, and enjoy the coffee.
Buying train tickets
There are three ways to book a train ticket from or to Ninh Binh, each with its own trade-offs.
At Ninh Binh Train Station
Ticket counters are located on the right side as you enter the main building. Buying at the station is a reasonable option outside of peak season, but for popular routes — especially sleeper berths heading south — tickets can sell out weeks in advance. Do not count on walking up and getting what you want during Vietnamese public holidays or the summer travel period.
Online
The official Vietnam Railways website is dsvn.vn. It works, but the interface can be frustrating for foreign travelers. Third-party platforms like 12go.asia and baolau.com are easier to navigate, offer English-language support, and cover the same inventory. No need to print anything — showing your ticket on your phone at the station is accepted.
Through your hotel or a travel agency
Most hotels in Ninh Binh can book train tickets on your behalf, usually for a small fee. It is a convenient option if you are already sorting the rest of your trip through them. Booking a trip through Local Vietnam means train tickets and transfers are handled as part of the itinerary — no separate booking, no platform confusion, and no showing up at a counter hoping there is still availability.
Practical tips for Ninh Binh Train Station
Station-specific tips
Your ticket shows your platform, carriage, and seat number. Check it before you board and position yourself on the platform accordingly — this saves time, especially on busier trains where carriages can be spread across a long platform. Station staff are helpful if you are unsure, and the tourist information office inside the building is a reliable first stop for any questions.
Do not be surprised if local students approach you while you wait. It happens regularly at Ninh Binh and is entirely genuine — they want to practice their English. It is one of the more pleasant ways to pass time before a train.
General tips
Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Use the toilet before boarding — facilities on the train vary, and the station toilets, while imperfect, are more predictable. Stock up on snacks and drinks before you arrive, or pick up what you need at the station shop.
Train travel in Vietnam
For overnight journeys to Hue, Da Nang, or further south, a sleeper berth is worth booking over a seat. It is more comfortable, more practical for a long journey, and not significantly more expensive. For everything you need to know about sleeping on Vietnamese trains, read our guide to Vietnam sleeper trains.
Ninh Binh is one of many stops on the North–South line. For a full overview of the network and connections worth knowing, see our guide to train stations in Vietnam.
If this is your first time traveling by train in Vietnam, our guide to train travel in Vietnam covers everything from ticket classes to what to expect on board.
