How to Get to City from Hanoi Airport for Hanoi Tours
The very first adventure begins the moment your feet touch down at Noi Bai International Airport, and the question on every traveler’s mind is, how to get from Hanoi Airport to city efficiently, affordably, and comfortably? You’re about 30 kilometers from the Hanoi city center, home to iconic landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and those mouthwatering street eats you’ve been dreaming about. Let’s break down all the best transport options, whether you’re seeking the thrill of public buses, the ease of airport shuttles, or the direct comfort of private transfers, we’ve got every route covered
1. Quick Answer: How to Get from Hanoi Airport to City
There are five primary means of travel from Hanoi Airport to city:
Traditional cabs or hailing apps
Public transport such as Bus 86, Bus 07, and Bus 17
Shuttle buses operated by airlines
Private car transfers
Green taxi or electric vehicle (eg, Xanh SM)
Each of these options accommodates varying travel preferences and financial capabilities, so let’s now explore further about traveling from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi!
2. Hanoi Airport Taxi Services (Door-to-Door Convenience)
Traditional Metered Taxis
If you prioritize convenience and immediate drop-off, metered taxis provide direct access to your destination in the simplest manner possible.
Fare: From 250,000 to 400,000 VND (approx. $10–USD 16)
Time to city: 45-60 minutes
Pickup: Ground level public taxi stand, T1 and T2 arrival terminals
Authorized taxi brands:
Airport Taxi – 024 3886 6666
Taxi Group – 024 3851 5151
Mai Linh Taxi – 024 3822 2666
Thanh Cong Taxi – 024 3257 5757
Tips:
Always check fares before leaving or request fixed rates. Steer clear of drivers who solicit you at the airport terminal; go to designated taxi stands.
Grab, Gojek & Xanh SM – Ride-Hailing Apps
Need digital convenience? Grab at Hanoi airport is a secure and convenient way to book your cab.
Approximate Fare (Grab/Xanh SM): Between 250,000 and 350,000 VND for GrabCar 4
App Booking: Internet access is required (connect to “@Airport Free Wifi – Goldsun”)
Pick up at: Indicate airport and gate when making reservation (e.g., “Terminal T2 – Gate A1”)
Additional charge:Airport fee can be added (10,000 – 15,000 VND)
Why choose Grab or Xanh SM?
Price transparency (no haggling required)
Monitor the driver’s location in real-time
Safer payments by app
Xanh SM: Electric car option, environmentally friendly, same app system
Hanoi Airport Taxi Services (Sours: vntrip)
3. Public Buses from Hanoi Airport to the City (Ultimate Budget Option)
Looking to travel from Hanoi airport to city on a budget? Public buses cost less than $0.50 and are surprisingly reliable.
Bus 86 – Best for Tourists (Direct to City Center)
The most favored among visitors is Bus 86, which offers convenient access from Noi Bai International Airport to central Hanoi.
Route: T1 and T2 → Long Bien → Hoan Kiem Lake → Hanoi Railway Station
Main Stopping Points: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge
Fare: 45,000 VND (~$1.80 USD)
Time of Operations: Between 5:15 AM and 10:10 PM
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Travel duration is approximately 50 minutes
Best if your destination is close to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, or Hanoi Train Station.
Bus 17 – For the True Local Experience
If you’re going to Long Bien Station (to the northeast of the Old Quarter), there is an ultra-budget option available on Bus 17.
Fare: 9,000 VND (less than $0.40!)
Route: T1 → Vo Van Kiet → Chuong Duong Bridge → Long Bien
Last Stop: Long Bien Bus Station, approximately ~1 km from the Old Quarter
Working hours: 5:10 AM to 10:00 PM
Frequency: Once every 10–15 minutes
Travel time: Approximately 60 minutes, longer at peak hours
Disadvantages: Old Buses, no room for luggage, and can be full
Bus 17 is a backpacker’s must-ride to experience the best possible journey from the airport to the city.
Bus 07 – For Travelers Going to the Kim Ma Area
Route: T1 → Vo Van Kiet → Pham Van Dong → Kim Ma Bus Station
Fare: 9,000 VND
Working Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
Suitable for: Travelers going west of the city centre or to interprovincial buses
Discover routes and connections in our Hanoi airport to bus guide.
Bus (Sours: vinwonders)
4. Airline Shuttle Buses (Best for Domestic Flights)
If you are flying in on a local Vietnamese airline, you can catch their airport shuttle buses, an affordable mid-level option between public buses and cabs.
Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus
Fare: 40,000 VND
Departure Point at Airport: T1, bus stop opposite terminal
Drop-off address: Quang Trung Street No. 1, Hoan Kiem
Schedule: Every 30–45 minutes, 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Booking Hotline: 0243 825 0872
Vehicle type: 16 seater
Vietjet Air Shuttle
Fare: 40,000 VND
Departure: T1, Vietjet bus stand
Drop-off: 69 Tran Nhan Tong, National Circus, Hai Ba Trung
5. Private Car & Limousine Services (For Maximum Comfort)
If you’re looking to have the most stress-free and door-to-door experience, nothing can beat hiring a private transfer from Noi Bai International Airport to your hotel in Hanoi.
This is the high-end option when traveling with children, business travelers, or those arriving late at night or with heavy luggage. The cars used by these cabs are air-conditioned, professionally driven, and usually feature English-speaking drivers.
Estimated fare: From 350,000 to 500,000 VND (approx. $15–USD 21)
Travel duration: 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic
Booking procedures
Hotel concierge (most convenient and trustworthy)
Online platforms (such as Klook or GetTransfer)
At airport kiosks (Terminal 1 and 2 arrivals halls)
You can have either a standard sedan, a 7-seater SUV, or even a VIP limousine shuttle to experience that executive-style arrival.
Tip: Steer clear of spontaneous offers at the arrivals hall. Book your Hanoi airport to hotel transfer, with a licensed operator or at your accommodation.
Private Car & Limousine Services (Sours: pacifictowncar)
6. Ride-Sharing & Taxi-Sharing: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
Whereas services like UberPool aren’t available widely in Vietnam, official platforms like Grab and Be do provide occasional opportunities to share travel with others going in your direction now and then. In even more frequent cases, you can find unofficial airport pooling groups and travel agencies that operate shared minivans.
Typical cost: From 100,000 – 150,000 VND (shared 4-seater or 7-seater)
Duration: 45–60 minutes, depending upon route and number of drop-offs
Availability: Not guaranteed. Arrange best via local apps or hotels
Pros:
Suitable for individual travelers
Social interaction with other travelers
Potential detours and delays
Cons:
Restricted space to accommodate bulky luggage
Less control of timing
Nevertheless, for those of limited means, this is a good means of transport when you’re considering how to get from Hanoi airport to city affordably.
Grab (Sours: thitruongtaichinhtiente)
7. Free Shuttle Bus Between Terminals T1 and T2
You don’t need to walk or pay for a taxi to connect between domestic (T1) and international (T2) terminals at Noi Bai International Airport, the airport offers a free shuttle bus service.
Operational hours: 06:00 AM to 01:30 AM of the following day
Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes, depending on the time of day
Pick-up points
T1: Ground floor, Lobby A, innermost lane
T2: Column No. 11–12, Lane 2 (1st floor)
Whether you’re coming in on a Vietjet Air domestic flight and have to check in to an international connection, or vice versa, this airport shuttle will save you both time and energy.
Free Shuttle Bus (Sours: hanoimoi)
8. Where to Buy Tickets, Exchange Money & Stay Connected
Getting around an unfamiliar airport? Here’s your checklist when you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport:
Currency & ATM Access
ATMs at both T1 and T2 terminals (banks such as BIDV, Vietinbank, Agribank)
Currency exchange counters can be found as well, but to exchange at the best rates, exchange only a little at the airport
SIM Cards & Internet
Local telecommunication providers such as Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone provide 100,000–200,000 VND
For public buses such as bus 86, bus 17, and bus 07: Pay the driver in cash (only VND)
No reservation is needed; you can just wait at stops marked T1 or T2
9. Which Transport Option is Best for You?
Option
Best for
Cost
Duration
Notes
Public Bus
Budget travelers
$0.4 – $2
60–90 min
No luggage space, must pay in cash
Grab / Taxi
Easy convenience
$10 – $18
40–60 min
App booking or queue up
Shuttle Bus
Domestic flight passengers
$1.7 – $2
45–60 min
Limited to Vietnam Airlines
Private Car
Families, VIPs
$18 – $25
40–50 min
Book ahead, 24/7 availability
Taxi Sharing
Budget solo travelers
$4 – $6
50–70 min
Not always available, delays possible
No matter what your style, there’s always a convenient way to travel from Hanoi airport to city centre with ease and comfort!
10. Final Tips Before You Depart the Airport
eSIM vs. Physical SIM
Vietnam has eSIM activation capabilities, but to set it up quickly, purchase a physical SIM at the stand stalls. Be sure your phone is unlocked, though.
Avoid Taxi Scams
Use official taxi ranks or hailing apps. Don’t follow rogue drivers providing cheaper fares within the airport.
Travel Tools for First-Timers
MoMo – Vietnam’s top mobile payments app
Google Maps – Reliable real-time navigation
Grab – Your go-to ride-booking app in Vietnam
MoMo (Sours: thegioididong)
11. Conclusion
How to get from Hanoi airport to city doesn’t have to be stressful. If you hop onto a cheap public bus, catch a convenient Grab, or enjoy a luxurious private transfer, there’s an ideal mode of transport for everyone. With appropriate transport, your Hanoi Tours experience begins as soon as you arrive!
12. FAQ
How do I get from Hanoi airport to town?
You can catch a public bus (from 9,000 VND), Bus 86 (45,000 VND), an airline shuttle (40,000 VND), Grab, or a standard taxi (250,000–400,000 VND) or reserve a private transfer to enjoy door-to-door convenience.
How much is a Grab from Hanoi Airport to city?
A GrabCar to Hanoi city centre typically costs between 250,000 to 350,000 VND, depending on both demand and time. Prices are displayed in advance in the app when booking.
How much is a taxi from Hanoi airport to city?
A standard taxi will cost between 250,000 and 400,000 VND, depending on where you’re going and traffic. Stick with licensed operators such as Mai Linh or Taxi Group.
Is a taxi cheaper than Grab in Vietnam?
No. Grab is cheaper than conventional taxis in most instances, particularly when going to and from airports, and uses fixed rates with no haggling.
Can foreigners use Grab in Vietnam?
Yes, it’s easily accessible to foreigners. You just have to download the application, log onto the airport’s free internet, and reserve a car using your cash or card associated with your account.
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To discover the most iconic of treasures in the Northern part of Vietnam. Travelers get ahead with the discovery of Hanoi. Then, to explore stunning beauty of Sapa where we are attracted by imposing sceneries such as rows of mountains, hills, lush valleys, rice terraces, waterfalls, and ethnic minority community. Afterward, visitors following up to Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh (Tam Coc).
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