Airport Transfer to Start Hanoi Tours: Guide Avoiding Scams

Understanding Hanoi Airport Transfers

What is Hanoi Airport Transfer?

A Hanoi Airport Transfer is your all-access pass for a seamless and trouble-free experience within Hanoi. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced adventurer, selecting the right Hanoi Transfer Service makes all the difference. So, what’s a Hanoi Airport Transfer, and what does it do? Let’s dissect:

 Types of Hanoi Airport Transfers:

1. Private Car Service (Most Comfortable)

• • A pre-booked, professionally driven, personal car with a welcoming driver who greets you at the airport.
  • Ideal for individuals who appreciate comfort, privacy, and convenience.
  • Appropriate for solo travelers, couples, families, and even business travelers.
  • Most popular suppliers include: VM Travel, BestPrice Travel, Klook, Grab (premium).
  • Inclusions include air-conditioning, bottled water, and free Wi-Fi (subject to the provider).
  • Price Range: $15-$30 USD based upon vehicle class (sedan, SUV, van).

2. Airport Shuttle Bus (Budget-Friendly)

• • An air-conditioned shared bus that collects you at Noi Bai Airport and drops you at central points around Hanoi, including the Old Quarter.
  • Ideal for single travelers or those with minimal baggage.
  • Suited best for budget-conscious travelers who do not need to be rushed.
  • Routes: Bus 86 (Hanoi Railway Station – Old Quarter, Hanoi), Bus 17 (Long Bien – Noi Bai).
  • Price Range: 40,000 – 45,000 VND (~$2 USD)
    

3. Taxi Service (Convenient but Risky)

• • Common at the airport, but be wary of scam taxi drivers.
  • Recommended taxi companies: Mai Linh, Taxi Group, ABC Taxi.
  • Metered or fixed fares, though always request the fare first.
  • Price range: 300,000 – 450,000 VND (~12 – 20 USD)
    

4. Public Bus (Cheapest Option)

• • Runs on fixed routes from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City Center.
  • Wonderful for budget travelers who are okay with a little extra time.
  • Major Routes:
    
    • Bus 86: Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi Railway Station – Old Quarter.
    • Bus 07: Noi Bai – Cau Giay.
    • Bus 17: Noi Bai – Long Bien.

  • Price Range: 10,000 – 35,000 VND (~$0.5 – $1.5 USD).
  • Travel Time: 60-90 minutes, traffic permitting.

Airport Shuttle Bus (Sours: vietnamplus)

Distance and Travel Time from Hanoi Airport to City Center

The distance from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Hanoi City Center (Old Quarter) is about 30 kilometers, and it will take you about 40-50 minutes by car if there is normal traffic.

Common Routes for Hanoi Airport Transfers:

• Route 1: Noi Bai Airport – Old Quarter (Central Hanoi)
  • Distance: 30 kilometers
  • Travel Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Perfect for tourists who are residing in prominent hotels within the Old Quarter.
• Route 2: Noi Bai Airport – West Lake (Tay Ho District)
  
  • Distance: 25 km
  • Travel Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Ideal for travelers who are residing in luxurious hotels and resorts within West Lake
• Route 3: Noi Bai Airport – Hoan Kiem District (Hanoi Opera House, French Quarter)
  
  • Distance: 30 kilometers
  • Travel Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Perfect for tourists visiting the historic French Quarter.
• Route 4: Noi Bai Airport – Long Bien District (budget stays)
  
  • Distance: 28 km
  • Travel Time: 35-45 minutes

Travel Tip: The duration will depend on traffic, particularly rush hours (7:00-9:00 am, 4:30-7:00 pm). Pre-booking a Hanoi Airport Transfer Service prevents delays.

Top 3 Safe and Reliable Ways to Book Hanoi Airport Transfers

Using a Private Car Service (Most Convenient)

Imagine that you exit your flight, proceed through the arrival gate, and are greeted by a welcoming driver, holding a sign with your name. You do not wait, you do not barter you simply enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride straight into your hotel. That is what a Private Car Service for a Hanoi Airport Transfer is all about.

 Benefits of Private Car Service:

• Fixed Price: There are no surprise fees, only a single, simple, upfront fee.
• English-Speaking Driver: Chat with ease, pose questions, and receive insider information.
• Comfort and Privacy: Ride in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle without being required to share space with strangers.
• Convenient Door-to-Door Shuttle Service: Be picked up right at the airport and taken right to your hotel.

 Recommended Providers:

• VM Travel: renowned for well-trained chauffeur-drivers and spotlessly clean vehicles.
• BestPrice Travel: Competitive prices with excellent customer service.
• Klook: Known for instant booking with immediate confirmation.
  

How to Book:

• Direct Website: Go to the provider’s website and reserve online.
• Email Booking: Forward details (name, flight number, hotel address) by email.
• Email Booking: Call our service hotline for immediate support.

Using a Private Car Service (Sours: xevietnam)

Booking a Taxi at the Airport (Most Common)

For those who desire flexibility, there are plenty of taxi options available at Noi Bai Airport, though all taxis are not created equally. For a safe and reliable Hanoi Airport Transfer, use the following valuable tips.

 How to Identify Licensed Taxis:

• Mai Linh (Green with White Text): A reliable brand with reasonable prices.
• Taxi Group (White with Blue Logo): Available and trustworthy everywhere in Hanoi.
• ABC Taxi (White with Pink Text): Safe and affordable.

 Why You Should Avoid Unlicensed Taxis:

• Overcharging risk: Imposter taxi services could utilize tampered meters.
• Safety issues: Drivers use longer distances for additional fares.
• Lack of support: No firm to complain to if you encounter a problem.

 Tips to Ensure a Safe Taxi Ride:

• Agree on a Fixed Price or Use the Meter: Always check the price before you begin.
• Check for Branding: Avoid taxis without clear company logos.
• Ask for the Driver’s ID and Taxi License: Verify that he is licensed.
• Track Your Route with Google Maps: Don’t be led on a longer path.
• Keep Small Bills Ready: Drivers often say that they do not carry change.

Taxi at the Airport (Sours: vinpearl)

Using Public Transportation (Most Affordable)

When you are traveling on a tight budget, public transport is your best bet for a Hanoi Airport Transfer. Hanoi has a reliable, affordable public transport network which makes it easy for you to travel from Noi Bai Airport to city centers.

Option 1: Hanoi Airport Shuttle Bus (Convenient and Cheap)

• Where to Find the Bus: In front of the arrival terminal, Noi Bai Airport.
• Popular Routes:
  • Bus 86: Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi Railway Station – Old Quarter.
  • Bus 17: Noi Bai – Long Bien (ideal for budget travelers).
• Average Fare: 40,000 – 45,000 VND (~$2 USD).
• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Option 2: Public Bus (Cheapest Option)

• Route 86: Direct path from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City Center (Old Quarter).
• Fare: 10,000 – 35,000 VND (~$0.5 – $1.5 USD).
• Travel Time: 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Tips for First-Time Users:
  • Make a change to the bus prices. 
  • Keep a close eye on your baggage. 
  • If you’re unsure where to get off, ask the driver or local passengers.

Public Transportation (Sours: tapchixaydung)

Expert Tips for Avoiding Hanoi Airport Transfer Scams

Know the Average Fare Beforehand

One of the easiest and best methods for avoiding overpaying for your Hanoi Airport Transfer is learning what is usually charged for various transportation. Knowing what you should be paying instills you with confidence and stops others from overcharging you.

For Private Car Services, you can expect to pay $20-$30 USD for a 4-seater car and $25-$35 USD for a 7-seater van. This is ideal for individuals who prioritize comfort, privacy, and convenience, particularly if you’ve had a long flight. The best options that provide fixed prices without any surprise charges are VM Travel, BestPrice Travel, and Klook.

If you do wish to take a Taxi, you should expect a taxi fare of 300,000-400,000 VND (about $12-$18 USD). Be certain that you take a licensed taxi from companies such as Mai Linh (green), Taxi Group (blue logo, white car), or ABC Taxi (pink text, white car). Be certain to check with the driver for a agreed upon fee before you begin.

For travelers on a tight budget, an excellent option is the Hanoi Airport Shuttle Bus, priced at 40,000 VND (approximately $2 USD). The number 86 is a popular bus that operates from Noi Bai Airport heading into the Old Quarter. This is a cheap choice if you are a solo traveler or have light baggage.

Finally, there is the Public Bus, which is the lowest-cost option, at 10,000 to 35,000 VND (~$0.5-$1.5 USD). However, it is slower and is likely to be full, particularly during peak times.

Use Google Maps for Real-Time Tracking

One of the simplest ways you can guarantee that your Hanoi Airport Transfer is scam-free is by tracing your path using Google Maps in real-time. Taking this simple measure helps you steer clear of being driven along a longer route, a scam which unscrupulous drivers are known for.

Begin by downloading Google Maps on your device before traveling. Alternatively, you can also use Maps.me without an internet connection. Once you are about to ride, input the address of your hotel into the application. Monitor the map throughout the ride so that you know if the driver is using the best available route.

If you see the driver doing a suspicious detour, you can say, “Excuse me, are you going the quickest way? Google Maps is showing a different path.” Most drivers will sense that you are attuned to what’s going on and steer clear of any unethical practice.

Use Google Maps (Sours: cnet)

Have Your Hotel Address Written in Vietnamese

One of the things that often happens to unsuspecting tourists is being brought to the wrong hotel. This is because certain taxi drivers earn a fee for dropping tourists at specific hotels. However, you can prevent that using a simple trick: write down your hotel’s address in Vietnamese.

Ask your hotel, before traveling, for their address in Vietnamese. Save a copy of it on your smartphone or print it out. When you arrive at the vehicle for your Hanoi Airport Transfer, present this address to the driver and tell him or her your destination.

If you do not know the address in Vietnamese, there is a possibility that the driver will feign unfamiliarity with it and drop you at some other hotel by a similar name.

Avoiding Pushy Drivers at the Arrival Area

When you exit Noi Bai Airport, you will probably be greeted by drivers peddling “special prices” or “discount fares.” They are usually unlicensed, which means that you will end up paying a high price for poor service. Refrain from using them by all means.

Go straight to either the official taxi stand or the pre-booked pickup point. Opt for licensed taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Taxi Group, and ABC Taxi. All of these companies are reliable, and you will see pricing indicated.

If you pre-book a Hanoi Airport Transfer Service, a driver is waiting for you with a sign with your name. This is the easiest and safest method of commencing your journey without any hassle.

If a person claims he is from your hotel, insist on knowing his name and reservation number. Legitimate drivers will know them. Never take a ride with a driver who cannot produce them.

Always Get a Receipt or Digital Proof

Your best defense against any disputes is a receipt or electronic evidence of payment for your Hanoi Airport Transfer. In case you are hiring a private car, a taxi, or a shuttle bus, request a receipt at drop-off.

• For taxi rides, you simply say, “May I get a receipt, please?”
• For private car services, a receipt must automatically be given (paper or digital).
• Request a ticket as payment for the shuttle buses.

If you made an online booking of your Hanoi Airport Transfer Service, retain a copy of the confirmation mail and take a snapshot of booking details. Not only does it facilitate any dispute, but it is also helpful for tracking expenditures.

Conclusion

Your Hanoi Airport Transfer must be safe, hassle-free, and convenient. Private car, taxi, or affordable shuttle – pre-book for peace of mind. Use only trusted providers, know what you’re paying, and keep a lookout for pickpockets. Ready for a journey you will never forget? Book a Hanoi Airport Transfer today and see the city in confidence. For further advice, refer to our travel guide on how to get from Hanoi airport to city and what is best for Hanoi Airport to City Taxi.