
Airport bus 86
Direct to center, cheap, tourist-friendly
Private transfer
Door-to-door, no hassle, fixed price
Taxi / Grab
Available anytime, direct to hotel
Regular public bus
More stops, less convenient with luggage
Quick answer: Getting from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city center is easy and affordable â you can choose between public bus options, shuttle buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Grab. The journey usually takes 30â60 minutes depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transport.
At a glance:
- đ Bus no.86 (express): Travel time 50â60 min, ticket around 45,000 VND.
- đ Shuttle buses: Operated by VietJet or Vietnam Airlines, 45â60 min, around 40,000 VND.
- đ Taxi: Fast and convenient, 30â45 min, approx. 300,000â400,000 VND.
- đą Ride-hailing (Grab / Be): Fixed prices (about 250,000â350,000 VND) and easy tracking via the app.
- đ Inter-terminal shuttle: Free service connecting Terminals T1 and T2.
- đ Distance: Around 27â30 km from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter.
- âąď¸ Travel time: Bus takes longer; taxi and Grab are the fastest options.
- đĄ Tips: Use official taxi companies, or book through apps to avoid scams.
Last updated in August 2026.
Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | âąď¸ Time | đ° Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| đ Express bus No. 86 | 50â60 min | 45k VND | â â â â â | Budget & center |
| đ Shuttle bus | 45â60 min | 40k VND | â â â â â | Value & convenience |
| đ Taxi | 30â45 min | 300â400k VND | â â â â â | Comfort & speed |
| đą Grab / Be / Xanh SM | 30â45 min | 250â350k VND | â â â â â | Easy booking |
| đ Private transfer | 30â45 min | 400k+ VND | â â â â â | Families & luggage |
| đ Public city bus No. 07/17 | 60â90 min | 15k VND | â â â ââ | Cheapest option |
Rating: â â â â â excellent â â â â â very good â â â ââ good.
Travel from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi is possible by express bus, shuttle bus, taxi, ride-hailing apps, private transfer or public city bus. Bus No. 86 is a good budget choice for the city center, while Grab, taxis and private transfers offer more comfort and flexibility.
From Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City â Transport Options
Náťi BĂ i Airport (officially Noi Bai International Airport â Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport â HAN) is the main gateway to Vietnamâs capital. It is located approximately 30 km north of the Hanoi city center and handles tens of millions of passengers annually.
Whether you’re arriving in Hanoi for the first time or returning, itâs important to understand all your options for getting from the airport to the city center comfortably, quickly, and at a reasonable priceâor vice versa, from the city back to the airport. The cheapest option is the regular public bus, while private taxis or Grab transfers tend to be the more comfortable choice. Several transport methods are available for traveling from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi or Old Quarter â see below for details.
Transport Options from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi:
There are several ways to travel from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi, varying in comfort, cost, travel time, and number of stops. Options range from private companies and taxis to regular and modern buses with solo seatsâthese are perfectly adequate and very budget-friendly. Here are the main transportation options from the airport:
1. Taxi â The Most Comfortable but More Expensive Option
- Travel time: 30â60 minutes, depending on traffic and route.
- Price: 300,000â400,000 VND (about $12â16).
- Pickup: Taxi stands are directly outside T1 and T2.
- Recommended: Mai Linh, G7 Taxi and Taxi Group with metered fares.
đĄ Taxi tip: Avoid unofficial drivers inside the terminal. Use an official taxi counter or app, insist on the meter, and track your route on your phone.

2. Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Be, Xanh SM) â Modern and Convenient
Ride-hailing apps are a convenient way to travel directly from Noi Bai Airport to your hotel in Hanoi. You can see the price before booking and track the route during the journey.
- Travel time: 30â45 minutes.
- Price: 250,000â350,000 VND.
- Apps: Grab, Be and Xanh SM.
- Advantages: Fixed price, card payment and route tracking.
đĄ Tip: You need an internet connection and the app installed. Grab and Be are widely used, while Xanh SM offers modern electric cars as a comfortable alternative.

3. Shuttle Bus â Ideal Value for Money
Airport shuttle buses are a convenient and affordable option from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi. They usually provide a direct connection with fewer stops than regular city buses.
đĄ Good to know: You do not need to be a passenger of the airline operating the shuttle to use it, and booking is usually not required.
âď¸ Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus
- Route: Noi Bai Airport â 1 Quang Trung, central Hanoi.
- Price: 40,000 VND one way.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Operating hours: 5:00 AMâ10:00 PM.
- Location: 1 Quang Trung, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Best for: Travelers heading directly to central Hanoi and Hoan Kiem area.
âď¸ VietJet Air Shuttle Bus
- Route: Noi Bai Airport â 69 Tran Nhan Tong, central Hanoi.
- Price: 40,000 VND one way.
- Schedule: Irregular, usually based on VietJet flight arrivals.
- Location: 69 Tran Nhan Tong in central Hanoi.
Tip: Check the departure time in advance if you plan to use this shuttle.
đĄ Shuttle Bus Tips
- Where to board: Usually directly in front of the arrivals hall.
- Booking: Advance booking is generally not required.
- Who can use it: You do not need a flight ticket with the operating airline.
- Stops: Most shuttles travel directly to the final city-center stop.

4. Public City Buses â The Cheapest Option
Hanoiâs public city buses are the cheapest way to travel from Noi Bai Airport to the city. They are air-conditioned and suitable for budget travelers. Fares generally start at 15,000 VND.
đĄ Best choices: Bus No. 86 for the city center, No. 07 for western Hanoi, and No. 17 for the Old Quarter area.
đ Bus No. 86 â Best for Central Hanoi
- Route: Noi Bai Airport â Hanoi Railway Station via Long Bien, Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Price: 45,000 VND.
- Frequency: Every 20â50 minutes.
- Operating hours: About 5:15 AMâ10:10 PM.
- Airport stops: T1 and T2.
- Tip: Luggage compartments are available; tickets can be bought on board.
Return: Bus No. 68 operates from Hanoi back to Noi Bai Airport.
đ Bus No. 07 â Western Hanoi
- Route: Noi Bai Airport â Cáş§u GiẼy and western Hanoi.
- Price: Around 15,000 VND.
- Frequency: Every 20â30 minutes.
- Best for: Travelers heading to western districts, universities or modern areas.
đ Bus No. 17 â Cheap Route to the Old Quarter
- Route: Noi Bai Airport â Long Bien Station, near Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter.
- Price: Around 15,000 VND.
- Frequency: Every 20â40 minutes.
- Best for: Budget travelers heading toward central Hanoi.

5. Private Transfer â Comfort Without Stress
A private transfer is the most convenient option if you want a driver waiting for you at the airport and direct transport to your hotel in Hanoi. The price is fixed in advance, with no need to negotiate or look for a taxi after arrival.
- Price: From 400,000 VND.
- Advantages: Driver waiting with a sign, fixed price and door-to-door comfort.
- Recommended for: Families, travelers with children and late-night arrivals.
- Booking: Usually arranged in advance through a hotel, hostel or transfer provider.
đĄ Tip: A private transfer is especially useful if you arrive late at night, have several bags, or prefer a stress-free arrival without finding transport at the airport.
Metro in Hanoi â Lines and more info â
đĄ Useful tips and recommendations
- đ Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport â you can download Grab/Be/Xanh SM right away.
- đą Currency exchange offices at the airport have poor rates â it’s recommended to exchange only a small amount and more later in the city.
- đ A SIM card with data can be purchased right outside the arrival hall.
- đ If you arrive at night, city buses no longer run â use a taxi or Grab instead.
- đ¨ Be cautious of scammers offering âcheap taxisâ â always ask for the price before getting in if you’re not using an app.
Conclusion: Which option is best?
Thereâs no single best answer â it depends on your budget, comfort, and time of arrival:
- Want to save as much as possible? City buses no. 17 or 07.
- Want to go directly to the tourist center? Use express bus no. 86.
- Traveling in a group or with luggage? Grab, taxi, or shuttle buses are suitable.
- Arriving at night or visiting Vietnam for the first time? A private transfer or taxi will be the least stressful option.

â Frequently Asked Questions About Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi
What is the distance between Noi Bai Airport and Hanoi Old Quarter?
It is about 27â30 km (17â19 miles) and usually takes 35â60 minutes by car.
What are the transportation options from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi center?
You can take a public bus, shuttle bus, Grab, taxi, or private car.
How much is a taxi from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi?
A taxi usually costs around 300,000â400,000 VND ($12â17).
Is Grab available at Noi Bai Airport?
Yes, Grab is available, with pickups at designated areas outside the terminal.
Are there public buses from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi?
Yes, buses 86, 07, and 17 connect the airport with different parts of Hanoi.
Is it safe to travel by bus from Noi Bai Airport?
Yes, buses are generally safe and affordable, although they can be crowded at busy times.
Are there airport shuttle services to hotels in Hanoi?
Yes, some hotels offer airport shuttles, and private transfers can also be booked online.
