How To Get From Hanoi Airport To Old Quarter
Vietnam is a long and skinny country so most travelers opt for a one-way route from one end to the other.
If you've decided to fly into Noi Bai International Airport, then you've likely chosen the path of starting in the northern capital of Hanoi and slowly meandering your way down south to Ho Chi Minh City.
This is route that I took on my one month exploration of the country last autumn, and is probably the most common route that foreign visitors take on their first go-around.
So, now that you've landed here and made your way through customs, how do you get to the Old Quarter?
There are four main ways of doing so: public bus, airport shuttle, taxi, and private transfer.
This article will break down the costs, time of travel, and details for how to use each of the options.
Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter Distance
First off, how far is Hanoi Airport from the Old Quarter in the city?
According to Google Maps, Noi Bai International Airport is located 26.5km away from Hanoi Old Quarter. Depending on traffic and your mode of transportation, the journey can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
We'll dive into each of the options down below with a more detailed estimate of how long it could potentially take for you to get started on your adventure!
4 Best Options To Get From Hanoi Airport To Hanoi City
1. Public Bus
The best and most underrated way to get from Hanoi Airport to the city center is by public bus. This is personally the mode of transportation that I took when I visited Hanoi and found it to be reliable, safe, and clean.
There are 2 bus routes that take you to Hanoi's Old Quarter:
Bus 86: newer airport line that runs from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi Central Railway Station.
Bus 17: local bus that starts at terminal one of the Hanoi Airport and ends at the Long Bien bus station on the northeast side of the quarter.
My recommendation is that you take Bus 86 because it was specifically designed for travelers, is newer, and offers more space, but if your flight arrives at an earlier time (before 7 AM) or you're in a rush, then it might be better to consider Bus 17.
How To Take Bus 86 To Old Quarter
Travel Time: approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic
Ticket Price: 45,000 VND (<$2 USD/Euro)
Operating Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM
Frequency: Every 45 minutes
Bus 86 is an express airport route that opened in 2016. It was designed specifically to accommodate travelers and therefore has ample space for luggage and stops at many of the tourist attractions in the city (Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, just to name a few).
To take Bus 86 to Old Quarter, exit your airport terminal and follow the signs for public buses. The bus stops at both terminals so you you don't have to worry about navigating the airport. Because it runs every 45 minutes or so, you'll probably have to wait for a while.
Once the bus arrives, you'll hop on. If you have large luggage, the driver will direct you on where to place it. After all the passengers have gotten seated and the bus is ready for departure, the driver will go around one-by-one to collect your fare and issue you a ticket. Make sure you have cash on hand!
Use Google Maps to track your route and when you're ready to get off, simply press the red button (ahead of your stop) to notify the driver!
✨ TIP: Buy an eSIM or SIM card before you land. It’ll give you flexibility to check bus routes and time schedules or compare ride-share taxi rates. I usually pre-purchase one through Airalo or Klook.
How To Take Bus 17 To Old Quarter
Travel Time: approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic
Ticket price: 9,000 VND (<$0.50 USD/Euro)
Operating time: 5:10 AM - 10 PM
Frequency: Every 10 - 15 minutes
Bus 17 from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter is the older and more local option. It runs from Terminal One (Domestic Terminal) to Long Bien Bus Station in the northeast corner of Hanoi Old Quarter. Depending on when your flight arrives and your final destination, it might be the better (and/or the only) public bus option.
I personally haven't taken this bus but would assume that the process for boarding is relatively the same: you get seated, pay the fare, and the driver hands you the ticket. Heads up that this bus only stops at terminal one and will likely get crowded during peak hours. Just something to consider if you're traveling with lots of luggage!
2. Shuttle Bus
Shuttle buses travel a more direct (and therefore shorter) route from the airport to Old Quarter. If you're looking for a transportation option that is a little more comfortable than the public bus but is just as economical, then I'd recommend that you take one of the two airport shuttle buses or ask your hotel to arrange a transfer for you!
Airline-Operated Shuttle Bus From Hanoi Airport To Old Quarter
Two airlines run shuttle routes from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter: Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air.
The buses are painted with the airlines' signature colors and are easy to spot once you leave the terminal. The best thing about taking an airline-operated shuttle bus is that they're often coordinated with flight arrivals. The downside on the other hand, is that they usually leave when they're full so you might have to wait a while.
Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus
Travel Time: approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic
Ticket price: 40,000 VND (<$2 USD/Euro)
Operating time: 4 AM - 9 PM
Frequency: Every 30 - 45 minutes
Route: Hanoi Airport Terminal 1 to No.1 Quang Trung Street, Hanoi (near Hoan Kiem Lake)
The Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus offers a pleasant travel experience with 16 spacious seats and modern amenities. The bus departs from terminal one at Hanoi Airport and takes approximately 40 minutes to make its way to Hoan Kiem Lake. If you're taking a Vietnam Airlines flight, it's definitely worth checking out!
Vietjet Air Airlines Shuttle Bus
Travel Time: approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic
Ticket price: 36,000 VND (<$1.50 USD/Euro)
Operating time: 4 AM - 9 PM
Frequency: Does not say
Route: Hanoi Airport Terminal 1 to the National Circus (No 69. Tran Nhan Tong Street)
The Vietjet Airport Bus departs from terminal one at Noi Bai Airport and ends at the National Circus just south of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Although the website doesn't say how often the shuttle bus runs, it's safe to assume that the schedule is in coordination with their domestic flight arrivals. The most reassuring part about this option is that you can book tickets beforehand through their website.
Hanoi Airport To Hotel Transfer
A lot of hotels in the Old Quarter offer complimentary shuttle transfers from the airport. It might cost a little extra but at least you know the service is reputable and they bring you straight to your hotel. Not all accommodations offer this option, but it's still good to check!
3. Taxi
If you're arriving at an off-hour, are traveling with more luggage, or simply want more privacy and convenience, taxi is one of the best ways to get from the airport to the city. You can opt for a traditional metered taxi or use a ride-share app like Grab or Be for a set rate.
How To Take Metered Taxi To Hanoi Old Quarter
Travel Time: 40-60 minutes
Average price: 350,000 - 550,000VND ($15 - $22 USD / €13 - €20)
Operating time: anytime
To grab a taxi from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport, simply exit the terminal, follow the signs, and you should see a line by the curb. There are a lot of different companies that operate within Vietnam but the top two most reliable are Mai Linh and Vinasun. They both have booths inside the airport (but I hear that it's cheaper to just grab one from the line).
The price is going to differ according to the car size and distance that you're driving. A standard four-seater will run you about 350,000 VND to Old Quarter and a larger one will cost more. If you're traveling with other people, it might be more worth it to just split a cab.
As you're waiting however, there are going to be drivers approaching you left and right. Ignore them and stick with your plan of hailing one from the line. Unofficial drivers are fare more likely to be scammers and take you on extended routes or claim a broken meter.
This goes with taking taxis anywhere, but before you hop on, make sure that the driver gets the right destination (I'd write the name and address down) and ask for the price before you go.
How To Take Grab Taxi Or Be Taxi To Hanoi Old Quarter
Travel Time: 40-60 minutes
Average price: 250,000 - 450,000VND ($10 - $18 USD / €9 - €17)
Operating time: anytime
If you want a private ride but don't want to deal with the risks of taking a traditional taxi, then a ride-hailing service is the way to go. Grab and Be are by far the most popular options in Vietnam and they're really easy to use!
If you've ever used something like Uber or Lyft back home, the process is essentially the same. Download the app, set your pick-up location to the airport terminal, set your destination, choose your vehicle type, and then let it run.
I love that this option provides upfront pricing and some security in knowing exactly who your driver is. Additionally, the company is responsible for your experience so if anything negative happens, you can always report it and hopefully see some repercussions.
Prices tend to run a little cheaper than taxis but in order to use a ride-share app, you of course need internet connection. I recommend that you buy a SIM card or an eSIM before your arrival!
Private Transfer
Travel Time: 40-60 minutes
Average price: 320,000 - 450,000VND ($13 - $18 USD / €12 - €17)
Operating time: anytime
Last but not least, the most convenient way to get from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter is by private transfer.
To do so, simply use a service like Klook, Viator, or Trip Advisor to book your ride. Skim through the reviews and choose a reputable company. Then specify your pick-up time and location. The service provider will likely send you additional details about where they'll meet you and how to identify your driver.
On the day of your trip, your driver will meet you at the arrival hall (they'll usually have a sign with your name on it) and then you hop in the car and be on your way!
Prices tend to run in the same range as taxi or Grab options but you get the convenience of having all the logistics sorted out beforehand. If you're a planner, this is probably the best option for you!
Vietnam is one of my favorite countries to visit in Southeast Asia. From taking a motorbike tour through the sweeping mountains of Ha Giang to strolling along the cobblestone alleys of the ancient city of Hoi An, there's just so much range to what you can experience.
If you're visiting the country for the first time, I highly recommend you reading up about safety in Vietnam. Otherwise, if you're hopping around the region, you might want to consider The Ultimate Thailand Bucketlist, How To Pack A Two Week Travel Capsule Wardrobe, Lanyu: An Underrated Destination In Taiwan, or Is The Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?
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