Traditional metered taxis in Hanoi are still common despite Grab’s dominance — they’re useful when ride-hailing apps fail (no internet, dead phone), at airports, and at official taxi stands. The catch: scams targeting tourists are very real with unmarked taxis. Sticking to reputable companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun ensures fair prices and safe rides. This complete traditional taxis Hanoi guide for 2026 covers reliable companies, fares, scams to avoid, and how to hail a taxi like a local.

Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City street with taxis
Traditional taxis still serve Hanoi alongside ride-hailing apps.

Reputable Taxi Companies

Mai Linh Taxi (Most Trusted)

  • Color: Green and white.
  • Logo: “M Linh” in green.
  • App: Mai Linh Taxi (Vietnamese only).
  • Phone: +84 24 38 38 38 38.
  • Reputation: Most reliable. National presence. Fair fares.

Vinasun Taxi

  • Color: White with red “Vinasun” logo.
  • Phone: +84 24 38 27 27 27.
  • Reputation: Second most reliable. Strong in HCMC, present in Hanoi.

G7 Taxi

  • Color: Mixed by partner company.
  • Reputation: Mid-range. App-based platform aggregating smaller companies.

Hanoi Taxi (Hanoi Tourism)

  • Color: White or yellow.
  • Reputation: Mixed. Stick to clearly marked vehicles only.

Standard Taxi Fares

  • Flag drop (first km): 12,000-15,000 VND ($0.48-0.60).
  • Per km thereafter: 12,000-13,000 VND ($0.48-0.52).
  • After 30 km: Discount tier 10,000 VND/km.
  • Waiting time: 800 VND/min (slow traffic).
  • Old Quarter to Airport: 350,000-450,000 VND ($14-18).
  • Old Quarter to West Lake: 80,000-120,000 VND ($3.20-4.80).
  • Old Quarter to Train Station: 50,000-80,000 VND ($2-3.20).

How to Hail a Taxi

Driver with steering wheel using GPS
Reputable Hanoi taxi drivers use meters and known companies.

From Street

  1. Stand on the curb in a visible spot.
  2. Wave hand horizontally (not vertically) when you see Mai Linh or Vinasun approaching.
  3. Look for the company logo and color before getting in.
  4. Confirm meter is on (red “METER” light).
  5. Show destination on Google Maps or in writing.
  6. Pay metered amount at end. Round up tip if helpful.

From Airport

  • Use the official taxi stand outside Terminal 1 and 2.
  • Take ticket with destination zone and price.
  • Officials direct you to assigned taxi.
  • Driver follows ticket price.

From Hotel

  • Concierge calls you a Mai Linh or Vinasun.
  • Driver waits at hotel entrance.
  • Confirm price/route before leaving.

By Phone

  • Call Mai Linh or Vinasun direct line.
  • Provide pickup address (in Vietnamese).
  • Wait at agreed location.
  • Driver may have language barrier — show destination in writing.

Common Taxi Scams

1. Fake/Lookalike Companies

Cars with colors slightly off from Mai Linh (e.g., “Maillinh” misspelling) running rigged meters or fake meters. Always confirm logo spelling.

2. Broken Meter Trick

Driver claims meter is broken, demands flat rate (3-5x normal). Decline and find another taxi.

3. Tampered Meter

Meter runs faster than normal. Most common from non-reputable companies. Switch from rigged taxi if you notice fare jumping unusually fast.

4. Long Route

Driver takes detour to inflate fare. Use Google Maps to follow route — speak up if you notice deviation.

5. Currency Confusion

Driver hands back wrong change banking on tourist confusion with VND zeros. Carefully count change.

6. Counterfeit Notes

Driver swaps real notes for fake when receiving payment. Pay close attention.

7. “Hotel Friend” Scam

Driver convinces tourist to switch hotels — takes them to commission-paying hotel. Insist on agreed destination.

Taxi vs Grab Comparison

  • Price: Grab usually 10-30% cheaper.
  • Reliability: Both reliable from reputable sources.
  • Wait time: Both 2-5 min.
  • Language: Grab app removes language barrier.
  • Payment: Both cash; Grab also accepts cards.
  • Receipt: Grab provides via app; taxi may not.
  • Flag down at 3 AM: Reliable Mai Linh + Vinasun cruise more than Grab at off-hours.

When to Use Traditional Taxi Over Grab

  • No internet/data available.
  • Phone battery dead.
  • At airport official stand (vs Grab pickup walking).
  • Late night when Grab drivers scarce.
  • Group of 4+ with luggage — sometimes Mai Linh has 7-seat available faster.
  • Old-fashioned travelers who prefer no app.

Tipping

Not standard but appreciated. Round up to nearest 10,000 or 20,000 VND for great service ($0.40-0.80). For airport rides with luggage assistance, 30,000-50,000 VND tip is generous.

Payment Tips

  • Carry small bills (10,000-50,000 VND notes).
  • Beware 500,000 VND notes — drivers often “short” on change for big bills.
  • Confirm metered amount before paying.
  • Ask for receipt if needed (most don’t provide).
  • Cards rarely accepted — cash only.

Safety Tips

  • Always confirm company logo before getting in.
  • Sit in back seat (especially solo women).
  • Share trip via WhatsApp with someone.
  • Note license plate as you board.
  • Refuse if driver smells of alcohol.
  • Trust your instinct — if something feels off, get out.

Hanoi Taxi FAQs

Are taxis cheaper than Grab in Hanoi?

Generally no — Grab is 10-30% cheaper for most rides.

Which is the best taxi company?

Mai Linh (green) is the most trusted. Vinasun second.

Do taxis accept credit cards?

Almost never. Cash only.

Are taxi drivers honest?

Reputable companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun) yes. Others varies. Stick to known names.

Can I negotiate fare?

Metered taxis no — the meter sets the price. Avoid drivers who refuse meter.

Are tips expected?

Not expected. Appreciated for great service.

Can I bring large luggage?

Yes — standard sedan fits 1-2 large bags. Need 7-seat for 4+ people with luggage.

Are Hanoi taxis safe at night?

Reputable companies yes. Avoid hailing random unmarked cabs after midnight.

Plan Your Hanoi Taxi Use

Traditional taxis are reliable backup transport in Hanoi. With this guide you have companies, fares, scams to avoid, and safety tips. Pair this guide with our Hanoi transportation guide, Grab guide, and scams to avoid in Hanoi.