How to Get from Hanoi Airport (HAN) to Hanoi City Center

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai International Airport) to Hanoi city center for most travelers is by taking an official airport taxi (Mai Linh or Taxi Group) from the designated taxi stand (30-50 minutes, $15-25 USD / 350,000-600,000 VND). For tech-savvy visitors, Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app) offers transparent pricing ($12-20 USD / 280,000-480,000 VND). Budget travelers should take Public Bus 86 (60-70 minutes, $2 USD / 45,000 VND). For the ultimate convenience, especially for families or late arrivals, book a private transfer ($20-35 USD / 470,000-820,000 VND). The journey covers approximately 30 km (19 miles) to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi Airport to City Center by Taxi

Taxis are the most straightforward Hanoi airport transfer option for first-time visitors. Upon exiting baggage claim in Terminal 1 (International) or Terminal 2 (International & Domestic), follow signs to the official taxi stand outside. Use only reputable companies: Mai Linh Taxi (green cars, phone 38383838) or Taxi Group (white and red cars, phone 38535353). The fare to Hanoi Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake is typically $15-25 USD (350,000-600,000 VND) on the meter, depending on traffic.

Taxi Company	Color / Phone	Approx. Fare to Old Quarter	Travel Time	Best For
Mai Linh Taxi	Green / 38383838	$15-20 USD (350,000-480,000 VND)	30-50 minutes	First-time visitors, safety
Taxi Group	White & Red / 38535353	$15-22 USD (350,000-530,000 VND)	30-50 minutes	Reliable meter taxis
Airport Taxi (Vinasun, etc.)	Various	$18-25 USD (430,000-600,000 VND)	30-50 minutes	Convenience at stand

Taking a Safe Taxi from Hanoi Airport

To ensure a smooth Hanoi airport taxi experience and avoid scams: 1) Go directly to the official taxi stand—ignore touts inside the terminal offering transport. 2) Choose Mai Linh or Taxi Group vehicles. 3) Ensure the driver resets the meter (meter taxi) at the start. 4) Know the approximate fare. 5) Have your hotel address written in Vietnamese. The route typically takes the Nhat Tan Bridge or Thang Long Bridge into the city. There is a toll (10,000-30,000 VND) usually included in the meter fare.

Taxi Fare and Travel Time

The taxi fare from Hanoi Airport to city center is metered. Expect to pay $15-25 USD (350,000-600,000 VND) for the 30-50 minute journey to the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake. Traffic congestion during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) can increase travel time to 60-75 minutes and the fare slightly. The distance is approximately 30 km (19 miles). Always have small Vietnamese Dong notes for payment, though most airport taxis accept cash only.

Hanoi Airport to Downtown by Grab (Ride-Hailing)

Grab is Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing app (like Uber) and is highly recommended for the Hanoi airport transfer. It often provides more transparent, fixed fares compared to taxis. After collecting luggage, connect to the airport's free WiFi, open the Grab app, and set your pickup location to the designated Grab pick-up zone just outside the arrival halls of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. A ride to the Old Quarter typically costs $12-20 USD (280,000-480,000 VND), depending on vehicle type and demand.

Using Grab at Noi Bai Airport: Step-by-Step

1. Download the Grab app before your trip and register with your phone number.
2. Upon international arrival, connect to "Noi Bai Airport Free WiFi".
3. Open the app, input your hotel address in Hanoi city center as the destination.
4. Select the pickup point: "Noi Bai International Airport T1" or "T2" as applicable.
5. Choose your ride: GrabCar (standard), GrabCar Plus (premium), or Grab SUV (more luggage space).
6. Confirm the fixed fare shown and book. Meet your driver at the designated zone.

Grab vs Taxi from Hanoi Airport

Grab advantages: Upfront fixed fare (no surprise costs), cashless payment option (card or e-wallet), driver tracking, and often cheaper fares. Taxi advantages: No app or internet required immediately, readily available at the official stand, and may be slightly faster to get moving. For most travelers, especially those familiar with ride-hailing apps, Grab from Hanoi Airport to downtown is an excellent choice.

Hanoi Airport to City Center by Bus (Cheapest Option)

Public Bus 86: Direct Airport Shuttle

Public Bus 86 is the official, cheapest, and most reliable bus service connecting Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city center. It stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The bus runs from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily, with departures every 20-30 minutes. The journey to the final stop at Hanoi Railway Station (close to the Old Quarter) takes 60-70 minutes and costs only $2 USD (45,000 VND). Pay in cash (exact change preferred) to the conductor on board.

Bus 86 Route and Stops

The Bus 86 Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter route makes several key stops useful for travelers:

1. Noi Bai Airport Terminal 1 (Start)
2. Noi Bai Airport Terminal 2
3. Long Bien Bus Station (Transfer point for other city buses)
4. Dong Xuan Market (Northern edge of Old Quarter)
5. Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Ha Noi) (Final stop, south of Old Quarter)

Other Bus Options: Bus 17 & 90

Bus 17 and Bus 90 are local city buses that stop at the airport but are less convenient for tourists. They are slower, make many local stops, and do not go directly to the city center tourist areas. Bus 86 is the dedicated airport shuttle and is the only public bus recommended for the Hanoi airport to city center transfer with luggage.

Is the Bus Right for You?

Bus 86 is ideal for: Solo travelers or couples with light luggage, budget travelers, and those arriving during daylight hours. Not ideal for: Families with young children, those with heavy or multiple bags, late-night arrivals (last bus 10:30 PM), or those staying far from the bus route. The bus has luggage space under the seats, but it can fill up during peak times.

Private Transfer & Hotel Shuttle from Hanoi Airport

Pre-Booked Private Car Transfer

For a stress-free, door-to-door Hanoi airport transfer, book a private car in advance. A driver will meet you in the arrival hall with a sign, help with luggage, and drive you directly to your hotel. This is the best airport transfer Hanoi offers for families, groups, or those with lots of luggage. Prices range from $20-35 USD (470,000-820,000 VND) for a standard 4-seater car, depending on the company and vehicle class. You can book online through various travel websites or hotel concierge services.

Hotel Airport Pickup Service

Many hotels in Hanoi, especially mid-range to luxury ones, offer a hotel transfer or airport pickup service. The cost is typically higher than a standard taxi ($25-40 USD) but includes the convenience of a guaranteed, pre-arranged meet-and-greet. Confirm this service with your hotel before arrival. This is a family-friendly transport from Hanoi Airport as it requires no negotiation or navigation upon arrival.

When to Choose a Private Transfer

Choose a private transfer from Hanoi Airport if: 1) You are arriving late at night and want certainty. 2) You are a family with children needing car seats. 3) You are a group of 3-4 people (cost-effective when split). 4) You have excess luggage. 5) You want to avoid any potential taxi hassles after a long flight. It's the most comfortable but also the most expensive option besides premium taxis.

Hanoi Airport to City Center Route Map & Stops

The map below shows the main travel routes from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Hanoi's city center, focusing on the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area. The primary road routes via Nhat Tan Bridge or Thang Long Bridge are highlighted, along with the Bus 86 route and key stops.

Hanoi Airport to City Center: Costs & Payment

Money and Tipping Tips

Vietnamese Dong (VND) is required for taxis and buses. Have smaller notes (50,000, 100,000, 200,000 VND) ready. While not mandatory, rounding up the taxi fare or tipping your private transfer driver 20,000-50,000 VND is appreciated. For Grab, you can pay in cash through the app. It's advisable to get some local currency from an ATM at the arrival hall before exiting.

Traveler Experience & Hanoi Airport Arrival Tips

Getting from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city center is generally straightforward. Upon international arrival, follow the crowd to immigration, collect bags, and clear customs. Free WiFi is available to book a Grab or contact your driver. The official taxi stand is clearly signed just outside the terminal doors. For the cheapest way from Hanoi Airport to city, Bus 86 stops are right outside both terminals (look for the blue bus with "86" on it). Traveling with luggage is easiest by taxi, Grab, or private car, as Bus 86 has limited space. The main challenge can be traffic congestion during peak hours, so factor in extra time if landing in the late afternoon. The Old Quarter streets are often narrow; your vehicle may drop you at the edge if your hotel is in a pedestrian alley.

Practical Tips & Advice for Hanoi Airport Transfer

• Best overall value: For most travelers, Grab offers the best balance of price, transparency, and convenience for Hanoi airport transfer.
• Avoiding scams: Use only official taxis (Mai Linh, Taxi Group) from the designated stand. Ignore all touts inside the terminal offering "cheap taxi."
• With luggage: Taxi, Grab, or private transfer are best. Bus 86 has under-seat storage but space is limited during busy times.
• Late night arrival: Taxis and Grab operate 24/7. Bus 86 stops around 10:30 PM. Pre-booking a private transfer provides the most peace of mind for Hanoi Airport to city center at night.
• Family-friendly transport: Book a private car in advance to ensure a vehicle large enough with potential car seat needs.
• SIM Card/WiFi: Purchase a local SIM card at the airport (e.g., Viettel, Vinaphone) to use Grab and maps easily. Alternatively, connect to free airport WiFi to book your first ride.
• Address preparation: Have your hotel address written in Vietnamese to show taxi drivers, as many speak limited English.
• Peak hours: Expect significantly longer travel times (60-90+ minutes) if you arrive during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM).
• Return trip to airport: Allow at least 60-90 minutes for the return journey to the airport during daytime, plus 2-3 hours for check-in. Your hotel can help book a reliable taxi.
• Grab tip: Select the correct pickup point ("Noi Bai T1 Arrival" or "T2 Arrival") in the app to avoid confusion with your driver.
• First-time visitor tip: If unsure, take an official Mai Linh taxi from the stand. It's slightly more expensive than Grab but very straightforward.
• Weather: Have the address of your hotel ready. During heavy rain, demand for Grab/taxis spikes—be prepared to wait or pay a higher fare.

Frequently Asked Questions: Hanoi Airport to City Center