Cat Ba to Ninh Binh Bus & Ninh Binh to Cat Ba – Full Schedule, Price (Updated 2025)

Cat Ba to Ninh Binh Bus is now the most convenient and affordable way to travel between Cat Ba Island and Ninh Binh/Tam Coc, with daily buses, hotel pick-up, and ferry included in the ticket. Below is the complete 2025 schedule, travel guide, and everything you need to know.

The easiest way to travel from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh is by tourist bus including Bus + Ferry + Bus. The trip takes 4.5–5 hours, departs daily at 08:00, 09:00, 12:30, and 15:30, and costs only $13 with free hotel pick-up in Cat Ba and drop-off in Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc.

Bus Cat Ba to Ninh Binh route map with ferry connection
The full Cat Ba Island → Ninh Binh bus and ferry route map (Cai Vieng – Dong Bai Harbor)
InfoDetails
Distance~160 km
Travel Time4.5 – 5 hours
Ticket Price$13 Tourist Bus / $15 Limousine
Ticket IncludesBus + Ferry + Bus
Pick-upHotels in Cat Ba / Beo Harbor
Drop-offNinh Binh City / Tam Coc
BookingWhatsApp: +84913096281 / +84888000896
Detail information about Cat Ba to Tam Coc – Ninh Binh

How to get from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh?

You can travel from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh by a tourist bus that includes Bus → Ferry → Bus. The trip takes about 4.5 hours and costs $13 ~ 350.000 vnd. Daily departures: 08:00, 09:00, 12:30, and 15:30.

35-seat tourist bus from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh
Standard 35-seat tourist bus used on the Cat Ba to Tam Coc Ninh Binh route.

Steps to travel from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh

  1. Get picked up at your hotel in Cat Ba or Beo Harbor.
  2. Transfer by bus to Cai Vieng Harbor.
  3. Take the ferry/speedboat to Dong Bai Harbor.
  4. Board the connecting bus to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc.
  5. Arrive at your hotel or drop-off point.
Cai Vieng Harbor Cat Ba bus and ferry departure point
Cai Vieng Harbor – where passengers board the ferry to Dong Bai Harbor

Cat Ba → Tam Coc – Ninh Binh Bus 2025

Timetable (Tourist Bus $13)

Depart Cat BaArrive Ninh BinhVehiclePrice
08:0013:3029/35 Seats$13
09:0015:0029/35 Seats$13
12:3018:3029/35 Seats$13
15:3020:3029/35 Seats$13
Cat Ba to Ninh Binh Bus timetable 2025
Cat Ba to Ninh Binh bus ticket and boarding process
Example ticket and boarding information for the Cat Ba – Ninh Binh bus

Limousine Bus Cat Ba → Ninh Binh

  • Price: $15
  • Departure: 12:30, 15:30
  • Daily service
  • Pick-up at all hotels in Cat Ba
  • Drop-off at Tam Coc or Ninh Binh City
Limousine bus Cat Ba to Ninh Binh with hotel pick-up
Premium limousine bus option from Cat Ba to Tam Coc – Ninh Binh for $15

👉 See more detail information Bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

Ninh Binh → Cat Ba Bus (Reverse Route)

Timetable (Tourist Bus $13)

Depart Ninh BinhArrive Cat BaVehiclePrice
07:3012:3029/35 Seats$13
09:0014:0029/35 Seats$13
09:3014:3029/35 Seats$13
13:3018:3029/35 Seats$13
14:0019:0029/35 Seats$13
Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island Timetable

How to Book Bus Cat Ba → Ninh Binh

FULL GUIDE – Bus from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh (2025)

Traveling between Cat Ba Island and Ninh Binh has become much easier thanks to the daily tourist bus service that combines all transfers into one seamless trip. No more worrying about tickets, taxis, or ferry queues – everything is handled smoothly.

The bus will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cat Ba Town or Beo Harbor area, take you to Cai Vieng Harbor, where a ferry is already waiting. After crossing to Dong Bai Harbor, another bus continues straight to Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc depending on your request.

Dong Bai Harbor Hai Phong ferry arrival from Cat Ba
Dong Bai Harbor in Hai Phong – arrival point from Cat Ba

Alternative Option – Hydrofoil + Bus

Some travelers choose to take a hydrofoil to Hai Phong (250,000 – 290,000 VND depending on season), then a taxi to the bus station for a connection to Ninh Binh.
This option is possible, but more expensive and less convenient than the tourist bus.

Why this bus is the best option?

  • One ticket for the whole journey
  • No hidden fees
  • Free hotel pick-up
  • Reliable schedule
  • Professional drivers
  • Drop-off anywhere in Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc

Top Things to Do in Ninh Binh

If you’re heading to Ninh Binh, here are some places you really shouldn’t miss:

Trang An landscape complex in Ninh Binh
Trang An – UNESCO heritage site near Ninh Binh City

Trang An Grottoes

The classic boat route of Ninh Binh. The trip takes you through calm valleys, limestone cliffs and a series of caves — very peaceful and one of the most beautiful activities in the area.

👉 See more detail information Trang An boat tour

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

An old historical site with temples dedicated to the kings of the Dinh dynasty. It’s small but worth a visit if you want to learn a bit about Vietnam’s early history.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

A huge spiritual complex, famous for its size and architecture. It’s a popular stop for both local visitors and travelers who enjoy cultural sites.

Mua Cave (Hang Mua)

Mua Cave viewpoint Ninh Binh panoramic view
Mua Cave – 500-step climb with the best view in Ninh Binh

A short but steep climb of about 500 steps. Once you reach the top, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Ninh Binh — especially beautiful on a clear day.

Tam Coc Boat Ride

The well-known rowing boat trip through rice fields and river caves. The scenery is very relaxing and it’s a nice way to enjoy the countryside.

Tam Coc boat ride in Ninh Binh Vietnam
Scenic view of Tam Coc – a popular drop-off point for buses from Cat Ba

Bich Dong Pagoda

A small pagoda complex built into the side of a mountain. It’s quiet, atmospheric and a good spot for photos.

Cuc Phuong National Park

The oldest national park in Vietnam with dense forest, wildlife and nature trails. A good choice if you enjoy trekking or want to spend a day in nature.

👉 See more detail information at Top things to do in Ninh Binh

FAQ – Fully Optimized

Is there a direct bus from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh?
Yes. The tourist bus is a direct package including Bus + Ferry + Bus for $13.

How long is the trip from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh?
About 4.5–5 hours depending on ferry speed and traffic.

Does the ticket include the ferry?
Yes. The ferry or speedboat is included in the $13 ticket.

Where does the bus drop off in Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh City, Ninh Binh Train Station, or Tam Coc boat station.


If you’re looking for the easiest, fastest and most reliable way to travel, the Bus Cat Ba to Ninh Binh service is the top choice – affordable, convenient, and perfectly suitable for all travelers heading to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc.

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