Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi center? 🚍

From Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City – Transport Options

Nội Bài Airport (officially Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport – HAN) is the main gateway to Vietnam’s 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, it’s important to understand all your options for getting from the airport to the city center comfortably, quickly, and at a reasonable price—or 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 – 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 seats—these are perfectly adequate and very budget-friendly. Here are the main transportation options from the airport:

1. Taxi – The Most Comfortable but More Expensive Option

• Travel Time: 30–60 minutes (depending on traffic and specific route)
• Price: 300,000 – 400,000 VND (approx. 12–16 USD)
• Where to Get a Taxi: Stands located directly in front of terminals T1 (domestic flights) and T2 (international flights)
• Recommended Companies: Mai Linh, G7 Taxi, Taxi Group – all use a taximeter

Tip: Avoid unofficial offers from drivers inside the terminal. It’s recommended to use a prepaid taxi service at an official counter or through an app. If using a different taxi company, always insist on using the meter, and it’s wise to track your route on your phone to ensure you’re being taken directly to your destination.

2. Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Be, Xanh SM) – Modern and Convenient

• Travel Time: 30–45 minutes
• Price: 250,000 – 350,000 VND
• Advantages: Fixed price in advance, card payment possible, route tracking on map

Grab and Be are the most popular ride-hailing apps in Hanoi. The green electric cars from Xanh SM are a newer eco-friendly and comfortable alternative. You’ll need an internet connection and the app installed on your device. The main benefits include transparent pricing, route tracking, and experienced, well-trained drivers.

3. Shuttle Bus – Ideal Value for Money

Shuttle buses, known as airport shuttles, are a convenient and affordable transport option from Nội Bài Airport to downtown Hanoi. These buses are operated both by airlines and private companies, and their main advantage is the direct connection without unnecessary stops.

One of the most frequently used is the shuttle bus operated by Vietnam Airlines, which runs regularly from the airport to 1 Quang Trung – right in the heart of Hanoi, just a few minutes’ walk from the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. A one-way ticket costs 40,000 VND, buses depart every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Thanks to the regular schedule and convenient stop location, it is a very popular choice for both tourists and locals.

Another option is provided by VietJet Air, whose shuttle bus goes from the airport to 69 Tran Nhan Tong, also in the central area of the city. The price is the same – 40,000 VND – but the buses run irregularly and usually follow the arrival schedule of VietJet flights. If you’re flying with VietJet, it’s advisable to check the exact departure time in advance.

Shuttle buses typically stop right in front of the arrivals hall and there is no need to book in advance. Although they are organized by individual airlines, you do not need to have a flight ticket with them to use the service, so anyone can board. Most of these buses run non-stop to the city center, making the journey quick and comfortable. Getting off along the route is usually not possible, so it’s recommended to disembark at the final stop in the city center.

4. Public City Buses – The Cheapest Option

Hanoi’s city buses are one of the most affordable options for traveling from Nội Bài Airport to the city center. They are ideal for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort. All these buses are modern, air-conditioned, and very reasonably priced – basic fares start at around 9,000–15,000 VND.

Bus No. 86 – Probably the best choice for regular solo travelers. The most popular city line is undoubtedly Bus No. 86, specifically designed to connect the airport with the city center. This express bus runs from Nội Bài Airport to the main railway station in Hanoi, stopping at several strategic points along the way, such as Long Bien, the Hanoi Opera House, and Hoan Kiem Lake. This makes it an ideal option for tourists.

The fare for this line is 45,000 VND, buses depart every 20–50 minutes, and they have luggage compartments – especially useful if you have a large suitcase. You can board directly in front of terminals T1 and T2, ensuring maximum comfort right after arrival. The buses run approximately from 5:15 AM to 10:10 PM, and for the return trip from the city to the airport, Bus No. 68 is available. More information, including route maps and stops, can be found on their official website: https://busnoibai.com/. Tickets can be purchased directly on board.

Bus No. 07 – Connection to Western Hanoi. Another option is Bus No. 07, which travels from the airport to the Cầu Giấy area, located in the western part of Hanoi. This area is not directly in the tourist center but is suitable for those heading to modern districts or nearby universities. The ticket price is around 15,000 VND, and buses run every 20–30 minutes.

Bus No. 17 – A cheap way to get to the Old Quarter. If you’re looking for the cheapest option and want to get close to the Old Quarter, take Bus No. 17. This line goes from the airport to Long Bien station, which is just a short walk from Hoan Kiem and the center of old Hanoi. The fare is also just about 15,000 VND, and buses depart every 20–40 minutes.

5. Private transfer – comfort without stress

• Price: from 400,000 VND
• Advantages: Your driver will wait for you with a sign, fixed price, comfort
• Recommended for: families, travelers with children, late/night arrivals
• Advantages: Your driver will wait for you with a sign, fixed price, comfort
• This option is offered, for example, by some hotels or hostels, so it must be arranged in advance

📊 Comparison of transportation options from the airport to Hanoi

Metro in Hanoi – Lines and more info ➜

💡 Useful tips and recommendations

• 🔌 Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport – you can download Grab/Be/Xanh SM right away.
• 💱 Currency exchange offices at the airport have poor rates – it’s recommended to exchange only a small amount and more later in the city.
• 📞 A SIM card with data can be purchased right outside the arrival hall.
• 🕔 If you arrive at night, city buses no longer run – use a taxi or Grab instead.
• 🚨 Be cautious of scammers offering “cheap taxis” – always ask for the price before getting in if you’re not using an app.

Conclusion: Which option is best?

There’s no single best answer – 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.

Bus travel in Vietnam ➜