Airport Transfers in Hanoi
Part of the Hanoi travel guide — see more in More Hanoi Guides.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is about 27–30 km north of the Old Quarter, and the ride takes 45–70 minutes. Terminal 1 is domestic and Terminal 2 is international; they are about 1 km apart.
Bus 86
The orange 86 airport express bus runs from both terminals to the city, stopping near Long Bien, the Old Quarter and Hanoi Railway Station. It costs about VND 45,000–50,000, has space for bags and takes about 60–70 minutes. Buses run from early morning to late evening, about every 20–30 minutes; pay the conductor on board.
City buses
Ordinary city buses, such as routes 7, 17 and 90, also serve the airport for under VND 15,000, but they are slow and crowded, with little room for luggage. They suit light travellers with time.
Grab and taxis
A Grab car to the Old Quarter usually costs about VND 200,000–350,000. Xanh SM electric taxis and Mai Linh or G7 metered taxis wait outside arrivals; make sure the meter is on. Many hotels arrange a pick-up for about US$15–20. Old Quarter lanes are narrow, so the driver may stop at the corner.
Tips
Buy a SIM or eSIM (Viettel, Vinaphone or Mobifone) in arrivals so Grab works. Change only a little money at the airport. Save your hotel address in Vietnamese. Leave 3 hours for international departures, because the road can jam after 16:00.
Airport Transfers at a glance
| Distance | 27–30 km; 45–70 min |
|---|---|
| Terminals | T1 domestic, T2 international |
| Bus 86 | About VND 45,000–50,000; 60–70 min to the Old Quarter |
| City buses | Routes 7, 17, 90: under VND 15,000, slow |
| Grab car | About VND 200,000–350,000 |
| Hotel pick-up | About US$15–20 |
| Rush hours | About 7:00–9:00 and 16:30–19:00 |