1. Journey from Thanh Hoa Airport to Ninh Binh
1.1. Information about Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa)
If this is your first time arriving in Thanh Hoa by air, you will be welcomed at Tho Xuan Airport. (Source: Collected)
If this is your first time arriving in Thanh Hoa by air, Tho Xuan Airport will be your first point of welcome. Located about 45 km from the center of Thanh Hoa City, Tho Xuan Airport plays an important role in the trade and tourism network of the North Central region. Flights connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, etc., are all operated stably, so the number of visitors here is always quite high year-round.
Not only serving the travel needs of the people in the province, Tho Xuan Airport is also a convenient connection point to explore neighboring provinces, especially Ninh Binh – a destination only about 100 km away with flexible and fast transportation.
1.2. Ninh Binh: An attractive destination adjacent to Thanh Hoa
From Thanh Hoa Airport to Ninh Binh, it will take you about 1.5–2 hours depending on the means of transport. Ninh Binh is located at the southern gateway of the Northern Delta, famous for its spectacular natural landscape combining mountains, rivers, caves, and ancient historical sites. Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Hang Mua, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital... have long been attractive names for both domestic and international tourists.
Tourists often choose to land in Thanh Hoa and then travel directly to Ninh Binh because the distance is not too long, the route is beautiful and convenient, very suitable for short trips or business trips combined with leisure.
2. Popular means of transport from Thanh Hoa Airport to Ninh Binh
2.1. Taxi/Service car
Taxis or private car services are the fastest and most convenient transportation options. (Source: Collected)
Taxis or private car services are the fastest and most convenient options. Just step out of the arrival hall, and you'll easily find reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh, Vinasun, or Le Gia, or book in advance through apps like G5 Car to have a driver waiting. The journey is about 105–120 km long, taking 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours, with costs ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 million VND depending on the vehicle type. Taxis or service cars are suitable for tourists traveling in groups, carrying a lot of luggage, or wanting to move comfortably and on their own schedule.
2.2. Bus Route Thanh Hoa – Ninh Binh
Diverse bus services operate the Thanh Hoa to Ninh Binh route with many options for tourists. (Source: Collected)
If you want to save more costs, buses from Thanh Hoa city center to Ninh Binh are also a reasonable choice. From the airport, you just need to take a taxi or shuttle bus to the city center, then go to the North or South bus station to catch a bus on the Thanh Hoa – Ninh Binh route. Bus companies such as Hoa Dung, Hong Long, or Sao Nghe operate this route with prices ranging from 80,000 – 120,000 VND per trip, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. This bus route is suitable for solo travelers or those who are not in a hurry, helping you save money and experience the local pace of life.
2.3. Train from Thanh Hoa to Ninh Binh
The train is a suitable experience if you want a quiet, comfortable journey and to enjoy the scenery. (Source: Collected)
The train is also an interesting experience if you want a quieter, more comfortable journey and to enjoy the scenery along the way. From the airport, you need to travel about 40–45 km to Thanh Hoa Station to catch a train to Ninh Binh. North-South trains run on this route many hours a day, with a travel time of about 1–1.5 hours. Ticket prices vary by seat type, ranging from 50,000 VND to 250,000 VND. Traveling by train brings a sense of relaxation, comfort, and is also a way to experience the journey in a more complete style.
2.4. Bus/Intra-provincial routes
Bus is the cheapest but also the most time-consuming option. (Source: Collection)
Bus is the cheapest but also the most time-consuming option. You have to go from the airport to the city center then take a bus to Ninh Binh. The bus routes are quite limited and there are no direct buses to Ninh Binh, so you will have to transfer at least 1-2 times.
The bus journey is suitable for tourists who want to save maximum costs or experience local life. However, consider that the travel time can extend to 3-4 hours and it is not very convenient when carrying a lot of luggage.
3. Suggested combination for Ninh Binh travel after leaving Thanh Hoa Airport
3.1. Featured 2-day itinerary in Ninh Binh
On the first day, you can visit Trang An with its magical caves and green rivers, bringing a sense of relaxation. (Source: Collected)
After arriving in Ninh Binh from Thanh Hoa airport, you can immediately start your journey to explore the ancient capital region with many famous attractions. A suggested 2-day itinerary will help you fully experience the natural beauty and culture of this place. On the first day, you can visit Trang An – a world cultural and natural heritage complex, where magical caves connect clear green rivers, bringing a sense of absolute relaxation and peace. In the afternoon, don't miss Mua Cave, which boasts the most beautiful panoramic view of Tam Coc. From the mountaintop, the entire surrounding landscape appears like a watercolor painting, especially ideal for checking in and capturing memorable moments.
The second day, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is an ideal spot with rice fields, mountains, and gentle water. (Source: Collection)
On the second day, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is an ideal destination, where rice fields, mountains, and gentle waters create a poetic, gentle yet impressive scene. In the afternoon, you can visit Trong Doi Tam Square – a newly emerging check-in spot with a modern, vast landscape, or choose to relax at the lush green resorts around Hoa Lu and Gia Vien.
3.2. Enjoy local specialties and restaurants near the scenic spot
Ninh Binh cuisine is always an attractive experience that tourists should not miss. (Source: Collected)
Ninh Binh cuisine is also an unmissable experience. Com chay de nui (fried rice crust with goat meat) is the iconic dish of this land, with a crispy, fragrant, sweet, and rich flavor. Mien luon (eel vermicelli) and goi ca nghech (raw Nghech fish salad) are other specialties, bringing a harmonious sour and spicy taste and experiencing the quintessence of Northern Delta cuisine. Highly-rated restaurants such as Hoang Giang, Trang An Restaurant, or Thang Long will be ideal stops for you to enjoy cuisine and rest after a long journey.
The journey from Thanh Hoa airport to Ninh Binh is truly flexible with many means of transport for you to choose from according to your budget, schedule, and travel style. Whether you choose a quick taxi, a leisurely train, or a budget-friendly bus, all offer different experiences but still ensure you reach the ancient capital conveniently.
Just a little preparation, and you can immediately start your poetic exploration of Ninh Binh – where nature, culture, and history blend to create an unforgettable beauty.
