When you’re mapping out your journey, knowing the closest and most convenient airport is step number one. For Indian travellers, who are often well-versed in navigating diverse landscapes and planning multi-leg journeys to reach beautiful destinations within India itself, getting to Ninh Binh will feel like a familiar adventure, even if the “airport” situation isn’t what you might initially expect. Let’s learn about Ninh Binh airport in the article below with Vietnamstory.in!
The truth about a ‘Ninh Binh Airport’
This is the most crucial piece of information, so let’s address it upfront: Currently, Ninh Binh province does not have its own operational commercial airport for passenger flights.
You might wonder why a region so popular with tourists doesn’t have its own airport. There are a few reasons:
- Proximity to a major hub: Ninh Binh is relatively close (by international travel standards) to Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, which boasts a large international airport.
- Preserving natural beauty: The stunning landscape of Ninh Binh, with its limestone karsts and wetlands (much of which is a Ninh Binh UNESCO World Heritage site), is something we Vietnamese are keen to protect. Large-scale airport development could impact this delicate ecosystem.
- Efficient ground transport: Vietnam has invested significantly in improving road and rail networks, making ground travel from nearby hubs to Ninh Binh quite efficient and comfortable.
So, while you won’t be able to book a direct flight to a “Ninh Binh airport,” rest assured, reaching this paradise is very straightforward. The journey itself can be part of your Vietnamese adventure!
The closest International Airport – Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi
For the vast majority of international travellers, including those coming from India, your primary port of entry for visiting Ninh Binh will be Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.
- Location: Noi Bai International Airport is located about 30 kilometers (approx. 18-19 miles) north of Hanoi’s city center.
- Distance to Ninh Binh: From Noi Bai Airport (HAN) directly to Ninh Binh city, the distance is approximately 120-130 kilometers (approx. 75-80 miles). The journey usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by private car or limousine bus, depending on traffic.
- Why HAN is key: Noi Bai is one of Vietnam’s largest and busiest airports, serving numerous international airlines with direct flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, and beyond. Many Indian travellers will find convenient connecting flights to Hanoi via hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or even direct flights from major Indian cities.
Think of Noi Bai (HAN) as your “Ninh Binh airport” by proxy – it’s the most practical and well-connected starting point for your adventure in the region.
Seamless transfers from Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport to your Ninh Binh destination
Once you land at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), you have several excellent options to get to Ninh Binh. Your choice will depend on your budget, comfort preference, and group size.
Private Car/Taxi
- Best for: Families, groups, travellers with a lot of luggage, or those seeking maximum comfort and convenience.
- Experience: This is the most direct and hassle-free option. You can pre-book a private car online through various reputable agencies or your hotel in Ninh Binh/Hanoi. Taxis are also available at the airport, but ensure you use reliable companies (e.g., Mai Linh, G7, Vinasun) and agree on the fare or use the meter (though for long distances, a fixed price is often better).
- Approximate cost: 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 VND (approx. ₹5,000 – ₹8,500) one way, depending on the vehicle type and booking service.
- Journey time: Around 2 – 2.5 hours.
Tourist Limousine Bus/Van
- Best for: Solo travellers, couples, or small groups looking for a balance of comfort and affordability.
- Experience: These are modern, comfortable vans (often Ford Transits or similar, converted into luxurious 9-11 seaters with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and USB charging). Many companies offer direct pick-up from Noi Bai Airport (domestic or international terminal) and drop-off at hotels in Ninh Binh city, Tam Coc, or Trang An. This is a very popular and highly recommended option.
- Reputable companies: Look for names like DichungTaxi (aggregator), Binh Minh Limousine, Trang An Limousine, XETRANS. You can often book these online or ask your Hanoi hotel to assist.
- Approximate cost: 250,000 to 400,000 VND (approx. ₹850 – ₹1,350) per person.
- Journey time: Around 2.5 – 3 hours (including potential pick-ups/drop-offs).
READ MORE: Top places to visit in Ninh Binh
Public bus (Requires transfer to Hanoi city center)
- Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind a bit more adventure and less direct travel.
- Experience: You would first need to take a bus (like the express Bus 86) or taxi from Noi Bai Airport to one of Hanoi’s southern bus stations, typically Giap Bat Bus station or Nuoc Ngam Bus Station. From there, frequent public buses depart for Ninh Binh city. These are local buses, so expect a more basic level of comfort.
- Approximate cost: Airport to bus station (Bus 86: ~45,000 VND/₹150; Taxi: ~300,000 VND/₹1000). Bus station to Ninh Binh: 80,000 – 150,000 VND (approx. ₹270 – ₹500).
- Journey time: Airport to city bus station (45-60 mins). City bus station to Ninh Binh (1.5-2 hours). Total can be 3-4 hours plus waiting time.
Train (Requires transfer to Hanoi Railway Station)
- Best for: Those who enjoy train travel and want a scenic, comfortable journey.
- Experience: From Noi Bai Airport, you’d take a taxi or Bus 86 to Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội). Several Reunification Express trains (SE trains) run south daily and stop at Ninh Binh Railway Station. Seats can be booked in advance online (e.g., on the official Vietnam Railways website dsvn.vn, or through travel agencies like Baolau or 12Go Asia).
- Approximate cost: Airport to station (similar to public bus option). Train ticket: 100,000 to 250,000 VND (approx. ₹340 – ₹850) depending on seat class (soft seat recommended).
- Journey time: Airport to station (45-60 mins). Train journey (approx. 2 – 2.5 hours). Plus waiting time. From Ninh Binh station, you’ll need a taxi to your hotel (5-15 mins).
Alternative airport: Tho Xuan Airport (THD) in Thanh Hoa
While Noi Bai (HAN) is the primary international gateway, there is another airport, Tho Xuan Airport (THD), located in Thanh Hoa province, which is geographically slightly closer to Ninh Binh than Hanoi is.
- Distance to Ninh Binh: From Tho Xuan Airport (THD) to Ninh Binh city is approximately 70-80 kilometers (approx. 43-50 miles), and the drive takes about 1.5 hours.
- Considerations:
- Tho Xuan is predominantly a domestic airport with limited international flights (if any).
- It might be an option if you are flying domestically within Vietnam from, say, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, and find a convenient flight to THD.
- However, for direct arrivals from India or most international locations, Noi Bai (HAN) in Hanoi will almost always be the more practical and well-connected choice due to the wider range of international flight options.
- Ground transport options from THD to Ninh Binh are primarily taxis or pre-booked private cars
READ MORE: Best time to visit Ninh Binh
Is a ‘Ninh Binh Airport’ planned for the future?
There have been occasional discussions and proposals in the past regarding the development of a dedicated airport for Ninh Binh, sometimes referred to as a “Trang An Airport,” to boost tourism. However, as of my latest knowledge, there are no concrete, approved plans for an immediate construction of a commercial airport directly in Ninh Binh.
The focus for regional development continues to be on enhancing road infrastructure (like expressways) and improving existing airport capacities in major hubs like Hanoi. The current system of flying into Hanoi and then travelling overland to Ninh Binh is well-established and functions efficiently for the volume of tourists.
Why Ninh Binh is worth the journey?
Please don’t let the absence of a direct “Ninh Binh airport” deter you! The journey from Hanoi is part of the experience, allowing you to see a glimpse of the Vietnamese countryside. And what awaits you in Ninh Binh is truly magical:
- The UNESCO World Heritage Trang An Landscape Complex with its stunning boat tours through caves and karsts.
- The poetic beauty of Tam Coc’s Ngo Dong River, flanked by rice paddies.
- The historical significance of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- The serene wilderness of Van Long Nature Reserve.
- The breathtaking views from Mua Caves.
These experiences are well worth the short overland trip from Hanoi!
Essential travel tips for your Ninh Binh trip from India
- Visa for Vietnam: Most Indian passport holders require a visa for Vietnam. E-visas are available and relatively easy to obtain online in advance. Check the latest regulations.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Exchange some currency upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport or in Hanoi city.
- Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for easy data access.
- Best time to visit: Ninh Binh is beautiful year-round. Dry season (October to April) is generally pleasant. Rice seasons (May-June and September-October) offer vibrant green or golden landscapes in Tam Coc.
- Packing: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket (especially during the rainy season May-September).
- Food: Enjoy local delicacies! Vegetarian options (“Cơm Chay”) are widely available, so my Indian friends who are vegetarian will find plenty to eat.
Conclusion
So, while you won’t find a “Ninh Binh airport” on the flight maps, reaching this incredible destination is simple, convenient, and an adventure in itself. Flying into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and choosing from the excellent ground transport options will have you amidst the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh in no time.