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Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) sits about 35 km north of central Hanoi by road, and how long the transfer takes depends heavily on traffic. Choosing the right option saves time, money, and stress. Whether you want the cheapest bus, the convenience of Grab, or a luxury private transfer, this complete Hanoi airport to city guide for 2026 breaks down every option with current prices, journey times, and tips.

Vietnam Airlines planes on Hanoi airport tarmac
Noi Bai International Airport is 35 km north of central Hanoi.

About Noi Bai Airport

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is Vietnam’s second-busiest airport after Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international). A free shuttle bus connects them every 15-30 minutes from 6 AM to 1:30 AM; the ride takes about 8-10 minutes. Allow extra time for the transfer to central Hanoi at rush hour.

Quick Comparison Table

  • Grab Car: 250,000-350,000 VND ($10-14) | Best overall.
  • Mai Linh Taxi: 350,000-450,000 VND ($14-18) | Reliable.
  • Tourist Bus 86: 50,000 VND ($2) | about 60 min | Budget winner.
  • Public Bus 17: low city-bus fare (check on board) | depends on traffic | Local bus to Long Bien.
  • Hotel Pre-Booked Transfer: 350,000-600,000 VND ($14-24) | Easiest.
  • Private Transfer (luxury): $25-50 | VIP service.
Airplanes on tarmac at Noi Bai International Airport
Noi Bai handles 30+ million passengers per year.

Grab is the cheapest reliable door-to-door option. Set up the app before arrival.

How to Use Grab from Noi Bai

  1. Get to the airport SIM card or wifi area, download/open Grab.
  2. Go to the pickup point shown in the Grab app (at the international terminal, pickups are at P1 and P7).
  3. Book your ride. Confirm the price and driver details.
  4. Match driver name and license plate exactly.
  5. Pay cash or use registered card.

Grab Cost & Time

  • GrabCar 4-seat: 250,000-350,000 VND ($10-14) to Old Quarter.
  • GrabCar 7-seat: 320,000-450,000 VND ($13-18).
  • Time: Varies with traffic; the app shows an estimate for your route before you book.

2. Traditional Taxis

Use only Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white with red) at the airport.

  • Cost: 350,000-450,000 VND ($14-18) to Old Quarter.
  • Time: Depends on traffic, and longer at rush hour.
  • Beware: Unmarked taxis offering “flat rates” — usually overpriced.
  • Pickup: Taxis wait outside the arrivals area of both terminals.

3. Hanoi Tourist Bus 86 (Best Budget)

Modern, comfortable, English-speaking attendant. Best budget option for tourists.

  • Cost: 50,000 VND ($2) per person, each way.
  • Time: About 60 min; allow more in heavy traffic.
  • Frequency: About every 45 min. First and last departures in each direction are on the operator’s Bus 86 timetable.
  • Pickup: Terminal 2 (international) and Terminal 1 (domestic); follow the Bus 86 signs and check the boarding point with airport staff.
  • Drops at: City stops on the airport run include 162 Tran Quang Khai, the Hanoi Opera House and the Melia Hotel; the operator lists different stops in each direction.

4. Public Bus 17 (Local Bus)

Local Hanoi bus — very cheap but not English-friendly.

  • Cost: 9,000 VND ($0.36) per person.
  • Time: Depends on traffic and how long you wait at the stop.
  • Drops at: Long Bien Bus Station near Old Quarter.
  • Note: Cash only, limited luggage space.

5. Pre-Booked Hotel Transfer

Travelers at airport check-in counters
Plan airport transfers carefully when flying out of Hanoi.

Most Hanoi hotels offer airport transfer service.

  • Cost: 350,000-600,000 VND ($14-24).
  • Time: Varies with traffic; ask the hotel how long to allow.
  • Benefits: Driver waits at arrival with your name sign. No language barrier. Fixed price.
  • Best for: First-time visitors, late arrivals, families with kids.

6. Private Transfer (VIP)

Premium service through transfer services like Klook, GetTransfer, or hotel concierge.

  • Cost: $25-50 (sedan), $50-100 (luxury van).
  • Time: Depends on traffic; the transfer company can give an estimate for your pickup time.
  • Benefits: Meet-and-greet, English driver, water bottles, vehicle waiting at curb.

7. Airport SIM Card & Wifi

Free wifi available throughout terminals. SIM cards available at multiple kiosks:

  • Viettel — best coverage. 100,000-300,000 VND ($4-12) for 30 days unlimited.
  • Vinaphone — second best. Similar prices.
  • Mobifone — cheaper but spottier coverage.

8. ATMs at the Airport

Multiple ATMs in arrivals halls. Withdraw 2-4 million VND ($80-160) to start.

  • BIDV, Vietcombank, Techcombank — reliable major banks.
  • Withdrawal limits: Set by the ATM and your card issuer; check your bank’s limit before you fly.
  • Fees: 50,000-70,000 VND per transaction plus your home bank fees.

Returning to the Airport (City to Noi Bai)

Most of the same options run in reverse. Allow extra time for rush-hour traffic:

  • Grab/Taxi: Fares change with traffic and demand; Grab shows the price before you book.
  • Bus 86: Leaves from Hanoi Railway Station about every 45 min. The city stops are not the same in each direction, so check the operator’s stop list for the one nearest your hotel.
  • Hotel Transfer: Arrange it with your hotel and ask how much notice it needs.
  • Allow extra time: Build in a buffer for traffic, especially on weekday mornings and evenings.

What to Avoid

Bamboo Airways airplane at busy airport
Multiple Vietnamese carriers operate domestic routes from Hanoi.
  • Touts offering “cheap taxi” — usually 2x normal price.
  • Unmetered taxis — always insist on the meter.
  • Currency exchange at airport — rates are bad. Use ATMs.
  • Late-night airport arrivals — pre-book transfer to avoid confusion.

Hanoi Airport FAQs

How far is Noi Bai from central Hanoi?

About 35 km north by road. Journey time depends on traffic.

Best option from airport?

Grab for most travelers ($10-14). Pre-booked hotel transfer for first-timers.

Cheapest option?

City bus 17 costs only a few thousand dong (check the fare on board). Bus 86 (tourist bus) at 50,000 VND ($2) is more comfortable.

Can I sleep at Noi Bai Airport?

Yes — lounges and seating areas. Quiet at night. Premium lounges $25-50.

Is there a metro to the airport?

Not yet. Line 3 extension planned for future years.

How early should I arrive for international flights?

3 hours before departure. Domestic 2 hours.

Can I exchange currency at the airport?

Yes. Before changing a large sum, compare the dong you would receive after fees with what an ATM withdrawal would give you.

Plan Your Hanoi Airport Transfer

This guide covers every transfer option from Noi Bai. For more transport help, see our complete Hanoi transportation guide, Grab guide, and bus system guide.