Quick Answer
The most convenient and recommended way to travel from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Long Bien Bridge is by taxi or ride-hailing app (Grab). The journey takes 30-45 minutes and costs approximately 350,000 - 500,000 VND ($15 - $22 USD). There is no direct public bus to the bridge; the closest option requires a bus-then-walk or bus-then-taxi combination.
1. Taxi & Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab/Be)
This is the most straightforward, door-to-door option, ideal for first-time visitors, those with luggage, or arriving at night. The route primarily uses the Thang Long Bridge or Nhat Tan Bridge to cross the Red River and reach the Long Bien area.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Time | 30 to 45 minutes (varies heavily with traffic). |
| Approx. Cost | 350,000 - 500,000 VND ($15 - $22 USD). Official airport taxis (Mai Linh, Taxi Group) are at the higher end. Grab/Be offer fixed-price quotes. |
| Key Advantage | Direct, convenient, available 24/7. No need to navigate with luggage. |
| Key Disadvantage | Most expensive option. Risk of meter tampering or overcharging with unofficial taxis. |
Step-by-Step Guide & Tips
Using Official Airport Taxis: After baggage claim, proceed to the official taxi counters in the arrivals hall (Terminals 1 & 2). You will receive a slip with the taxi number. Use only reputable companies like Mai Linh (Green) or Taxi Group (White & Green). Ensure the meter is reset at the start.
Using Grab (Recommended):
- Connect to the airport's free Wi-Fi.
- Open the Grab app and set your destination to "Long Bien Bridge" or a nearby landmark (e.g., "Long Bien Market").
- Choose GrabCar (standard) or GrabCar Plus (premium). The app shows the fixed fare upfront.
- Proceed to the designated Grab pickup zone (follow signs in arrivals).
2. Airport Shuttle Bus (Vietnam Airlines & Public Bus)
This is a budget-friendly and reliable option that gets you from the airport to central Hanoi. From the final stop, you will need to take a short taxi/Grab ride to Long Bien Bridge (approx. 2-3 km).
Option A: Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus (Bus 86)
This modern, comfortable bus runs between Noi Bai Airport and Hanoi Railway Station, with several stops in the Old Quarter.
- Route: Terminal 1/Terminal 2 -> Hanoi Railway Station (via stops near Hoan Kiem Lake).
- Final Stop to Long Bien Bridge: From Hanoi Railway Station, take a ~10-minute Grab/taxi (40,000-60,000 VND) to the bridge.
- Cost: 45,000 VND (~$2 USD) per person. Pay on board.
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes, operating from ~5:00 AM to ~10:00 PM.
- Travel Time: ~50 minutes to the railway station, plus ~10 minutes for the final transfer.
Option B: Public Bus 17
The cheapest public bus option, but less comfortable and with more stops.
- Route: Noi Bai Airport -> Long Bien Bus Station (Gia Lam).
- Final Stop to Long Bien Bridge: Long Bien Bus Station is about a 1.5 km (20-minute) walk to the bridge. Alternatively, take a motorbike taxi (xe om) for a short ride.
- Cost: 9,000 VND (~$0.40 USD). Exact change needed.
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes.
3. Public Bus (Not Recommended for Direct Access)
While Hanoi has an extensive public bus network, there is no single bus that goes directly from the airport to Long Bien Bridge. Attempting a multi-bus journey with luggage is complex and time-consuming for visitors. The most feasible public transport is the Bus 86 (shuttle) or Bus 17 as detailed above, followed by a short transfer.
Why It's Challenging:
- Multiple Transfers: Would require at least 2 buses and a good understanding of the local map.
- Luggage: Buses can be crowded, with limited space for large bags.
- Time: Journey time could easily exceed 1.5 to 2 hours.
For comprehensive bus route planning (if you wish to explore), you can visit the official Hanoi Bus Network resource.
4. Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
This table summarizes all options to help you decide the best transfer from Noi Bai Airport to Long Bien Bridge.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (Per Trip) | Travel Time | Convenience / Key Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grab / Ride-Hailing | 350,000 - 450,000 VND ($15-20 USD) | 30-45 min | Most Recommended. Door-to-door, fixed price, easy booking via app. | Most travelers, families, those with luggage. |
| Official Airport Taxi | 400,000 - 500,000+ VND ($17-22+ USD) | 30-45 min | Direct but ensure you use Mai Linh/Taxi Group from official queue. | Travelers preferring immediate taxi service without an app. |
| Bus 86 (Shuttle) + Grab | ~90,000 VND ($4 USD) (45,000 VND bus + 45,000 VND taxi) |
60-75 min total | Good value. Comfortable bus to city center, then short taxi hop. | Budget-conscious travelers without heavy luggage. |
| Bus 17 + Walk | 9,000 VND ($0.40 USD) | 60-80 min total | Cheapest option. Involves a 1.5km walk from bus station. Not suitable with bags. | Adventurous backpackers with very light packs. |
5. Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Based on real traveler insights to make your journey smoother.
Money & Connectivity First
- Get Local Currency & SIM: Withdraw VND from ATMs in the arrivals hall (good rates). Buy a cheap local eSIM or SIM card (Vinaphone, Mobifone) to use data for Grab and maps immediately.
- Have Small Notes: For bus fares or tips. 50,000 VND and 100,000 VND notes are most useful.
Traffic & Timing
- Avoid Rush Hours: If landing between 7:00-9:00 AM or 4:30-6:30 PM on weekdays, expect the taxi/Grab journey to take 60+ minutes due to severe traffic.
- Late Night Arrivals: After ~11:00 PM, your only reliable options are taxi or Grab. Bus services have stopped.
At Long Bien Bridge
- Drop-off Point: The bridge itself is for trains, scooters, and pedestrians only. Vehicles should drop you at the entrance plaza at the Long Bien Market end (West side of the Red River).
- Safety on the Bridge: The pedestrian walkway is narrow. Be extremely cautious of passing scooters and trains when walking or taking photos.
Authoritative Source: For official airport transport information, you can refer to the Noi Bai Airport Online guide.
FAQs: Getting from Noi Bai Airport to Long Bien Bridge
Is there a direct bus from Noi Bai Airport to Long Bien Bridge?
No, there is no direct public bus. The closest public bus (Bus 17) terminates at Long Bien Bus Station, requiring a 1.5km walk or short taxi ride to reach the bridge itself.
What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to the bridge?
The absolute cheapest way is Public Bus 17 (9,000 VND), followed by a 20-minute walk. The best value combining cost and convenience is Bus 86 to the city center + a short Grab ride (total ~90,000 VND).
Is Grab or taxi safer/more reliable?
For most tourists, Grab is often preferred as it provides a fixed, upfront fare and eliminates communication issues with the driver. Official airport taxis (Mai Linh, Taxi Group) from the queued line are also safe and reliable.
How do I handle it if I arrive very late at night (after midnight)?
Both Grab and official airport taxis operate 24/7. This will be your only practical option. Fares may be slightly higher due to late-night surcharges on the apps.
Can I use credit cards to pay for transport from the airport?
You can pay by card at the official airport taxi counter. However, Grab requires local cash (VND) or a linked international card for payment. Buses are cash-only (VND). It's best to have Vietnamese Dong.
Is it easy to find the Grab pickup point at Noi Bai Airport?
Yes, both terminals have clearly marked "Grab Pickup" zones outside the arrivals area. Follow the signs. The app will also guide you to the specific meeting point.
I'm traveling with a lot of luggage. What's the best option?
Definitely take a taxi or Grab. The trunk space can accommodate 2-3 large suitcases. Avoid public buses if you have more than a small backpack.
Can I walk from the Old Quarter to Long Bien Bridge instead?
Yes. If your hotel is in the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem area), it's a pleasant 25-40 minute walk to the bridge entrance. This is a great way to see local life and approach the bridge from the historic side.