Planning your trip to Hanoi and wondering how to get from Hanoi airport to city? Whether you’re arriving for a quick getaway or a longer Vietnam adventure, knowing the best Hanoi airport to city transport options will make your journey smooth and stress-free.
This guide covers everything, from buses and taxis to ride-hailing apps and private transfers, so you can easily get from Noi Bai International Airport to the Hanoi city centre.
Quick Guide: Transport from Hanoi Airport to City
There are several convenient Hanoi airport to city transport options, ranging from budget-friendly public buses to hassle-free private cars. Your choice depends on your budget, travel style, arrival time, and luggage size.
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick what works best for your trip:
| Transport Type | Cost (Approx.) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Public Bus (No. 86, 109, etc.) | SGD 2.50 – 3.50 | 60–80 mins | Budget travelers |
Shuttle Bus (Airlines) | SGD 2.20 | 60 mins | Solo travelers, light luggage |
Taxi (Metered) | SGD 16 – 22 | 40–60 mins | First-timers, convenience |
Grab / Ride-Hailing App | SGD 14 – 19 | 40–60 mins | Easy booking, fair pricing |
Private Airport Transfer | SGD 20 – 34 per car | 40–60 mins | Families, groups, late arrivals |
Car Rental with Driver | SGD 68 – 95 per day | Flexible | Travelers continuing to other cities |
Public Bus – Cheapest Option
One of the most affordable ways to travel from Noi Bai is by public bus. It is best for budget travelers and solo backpackers.
📍Bus Route
| Bus Route | Route Description | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
Bus 86 (Orange) | Airport → Long Bien → Hoan Kiem Lake → Hanoi Railway Station | 50–60 mins | Every 20–25 mins |
Bus 109 | Airport → Kim Ma Bus Station (near Old Quarter) | 60–70 mins | Every 20–30 mins |
Bus 07 | Airport → Cau Giay District → Kim Ma | 60–70 mins | Every 15–20 mins |
Bus 17 | Airport → Long Bien Bus Station (near Old Quarter) | 60–70 mins | Every 20–25 mins |
📍Key Stops
Bus 86 is the most tourist-friendly, stopping at key spots like Long Bien, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Hanoi Railway Station.
💸Ticket Price and Where to Buy
| Bus Route | Ticket Price (SGD approx.) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
Bus 86 (Orange) | SGD 2.50 | Buy directly from the conductor on the bus |
Bus 109 | SGD 1.10 | Ticket counter at airport bus stop or onboard |
Bus 07 | SGD 0.45 | Onboard from conductor |
Bus 17 | SGD 0.50 | Onboard from conductor |
Shuttle Bus – Budget & Convenient
Airlines like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet offer shuttle buses directly from the airport to central drop-off points. It is best for light packers and daytime arrivals.
📍 Route & Key Stops
| Shuttle Bus | Route | Operating Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus | Noi Bai Airport → 1 Quang Trung Street (near Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter) | 05:00 – 22:00 | Every 30–45 mins |
Jetstar / Pacific Airlines Shuttle Bus | Noi Bai Airport → 206 Tran Quang Khai Street (near Opera House & Old Quarter) | 05:00 – 22:00 | Every 30–45 mins |
VietJet Air Shuttle Bus | Noi Bai Airport → 69 Tran Nhan Tong Street (near Vincom Center) | 05:30 – 22:00 | Every 30–45 mins |
💸Ticket Fee and Where to Buy
| Shuttle Bus | Ticket Price (SGD approx.) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus | ~ SGD 2.20 | At Vietnam Airlines counter or on bus |
Jetstar / Pacific Airlines Shuttle Bus | ~ SGD 2.20 | At airline counter or on bus |
VietJet Air Shuttle Bus | ~ SGD 2.20 | At VietJet counter or on bus |
Taxi – Most Direct Option
Taking a metered taxi is the most straightforward way to reach the Hanoi city centre. Reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh and G7 operate 24/7 from the airport. It is best for first-time visitors or those with heavy luggage.
📍 Where to Get a Taxi
- After exiting Terminal 1 (Domestic) or Terminal 2 (International) arrival halls, you’ll see an official taxi stand outside the terminal building.
- Licensed taxis are clearly marked and line up in designated lanes.
- You can approach the dispatcher or staff at the counter to get a taxi ticket/receipt before boarding (recommended for first-timers).
💰 Cost (Approx. in SGD)
- SGD 16 – 22 (VND 300,000 – 400,000) depending on your destination in the city centre.
- Fare is metered, but you can also ask for a fixed price at the counter.
- Extra charges may apply for tolls or late-night rides.
⏱️ Duration
- 40 – 60 minutes to reach the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Distance is about 25–30 km from the airport to Hanoi city centre.
🚦 Traffic Considerations
- Peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM) → Expect heavier traffic, especially when crossing Nhat Tan Bridge or entering the Old Quarter’s narrow streets. Travel time may stretch to 70–80 minutes.
- Off-peak hours (midday or late evening) → Quicker trips, usually around 35–45 minutes.
Flights to Hanoi
Grab or Ride-Hailing Apps – Convenient & Cashless
Apps like Grab and Be are widely used in Hanoi. They often cost slightly less than traditional taxis and offer fixed fares.
🚖 Taxi vs Grab – Hanoi Airport to City
| Option | Where to Get | Cost (SGD approx.) | Duration | Payment Method | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taxi (Metered / Counter) | Taxi stand outside Terminal 1 & 2 | SGD 16 – 22 | 40–60 mins (longer in peak hours) | Cash (VND), sometimes card | First-timers, travelers with luggage, those who prefer set fares |
Grab (Ride-hailing App) | Book via Grab app→ Pick-up at designated airport zones | SGD 14 – 19 | 40–60 mins | Cash or Card (via app) | Budget-conscious travelers, those wanting transparent pricing |
Private Airport Transfer – Easiest & Most Comfortable
Pre-booked airport transfers are the most stress-free way to get to the city. A driver will meet you at arrivals with a name sign and take you directly to your hotel. It is best for groups, families, or late-night arrivals.
⏱ Duration & Availability
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Typical Journey Time | ~ 40-50 minutes from Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to central Hanoi (Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, etc.) under normal traffic. |
Variability | During peak traffic hours (mornings ~7-9 AM, evenings ~5-7:30 PM), travel time may lengthen. Night or off-peak trips often faster. Also depends on exactly where in the city you’re going. |
Availability | Private transfers are usually available 24/7. Many providers have English-speaking drivers, meet-and-greet services. |
💵 Cost Range
| Vehicle Type / Group Size | Estimated Fare (One-Way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Sedan / Small Private Car (2–3 passengers) | ~ SGD 19 – 28 | Good for couples or solo travelers with light luggage |
SUV / 5–7 seats or Larger Car/Minivan | ~ SGD 28 – 45 | Suitable for families or groups with more luggage |
Additional Surcharges | ~SGD 3 – 8 | May apply for night-time pickups (10 PM–5 AM), holidays, tolls, or waiting time |
💡 Booking Tips
Pre-book in advance
Book your private transfer ahead of time (online) to lock in price and avoid surprises at the airport. Several providers allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Watch out for surcharges
Be aware of additional fees for late-night/hours outside normal service, holidays, or special pick-ups. Ask about those when you book.
Confirm flight monitoring
Choose a service that monitors flight arrival so that if your flight is delayed, the driver adjusts pickup time accordingly. Saves waiting around.
Car Rental with Driver – For Flexible Travel
If you plan to explore northern Vietnam right after arrival, consider renting a private car with a driver. It is best for travelers heading beyond Hanoi (e.g., Halong Bay, Ninh Binh).
🕒 Duration & Availability
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Rental Duration | Most car rentals are offered per day (24-hour period). Some providers also offer hourly rentals or short-term (half day / few hours) options, especially for compact cars. |
Availability | Available throughout the year in Hanoi. However: during peak tourist seasons (e.g. summer months, Tet holiday / Lunar New Year) demand goes up and rates rise. |
With/Without Driver | Two common options: rental with driver (very popular) or self-drive. Self-drive may require extra documentation and license validation. |
💸 Cost Range
Here is what to expect for different car types and rental styles in Hanoi:
| Vehicle Type / Rental Style | Daily Rate (SGD approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Compact / Small Sedan (4-seater) | SGD 41 – 68 | Ideal for couples/solo, basic insurance, fuel usually not included |
Midsize Sedan / Larger 4-seater | SGD 68 – 109 | More comfort & space, higher deposit required |
SUV / 5-7 Seater or Minivan | SGD 95 – 204 | Good for families/groups, often rented with driver for long trips |
Luxury Vehicles | SGD 136 – 272+ | Premium service, high deposits, luxury brands |
💡 Quick Booking Tips
- Expect to pay a deposit of SGD 100–300+, depending on the car.
- Fuel & tolls are usually extra (around SGD 1.50 per liter petrol in Vietnam).
- Hiring with driver typically adds about SGD 20–40/day, but saves stress in Hanoi traffic.
🧭 Travel Tips for a Smooth Arrival
✅Book your airport transfer in advance if arriving late at night.
✅ Avoid unofficial taxis – stick to recognized companies or ride-hailing apps.
✅ Keep Vietnamese dong ready for buses and small payments.
✅ Travel time may double during rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM).
Top 5 Hotels in Hanoi
NO.1
✈️ Final Thoughts
Getting from Hanoi airport to city centre is simple once you know your options. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest ride, the most comfortable transfer, or the fastest route, there’s a solution for every type of traveler. From public buses to private transfers, choosing the right Hanoi airport to city transport option can make your first impression of Hanoi smooth, easy, and enjoyable.
FAQ: Transportation from Hanoi Airport to City
How far is Hanoi Airport from the city centre?
Noi Bai International Airport is about 25–30 km from Hanoi Old Quarter, the main tourist area.What are the cheapest ways to get from Hanoi Airport to the city?
Public buses (like Bus 86 or Bus 109) are the most affordable, costing only SGD 2–3 per ride, but travel time is longer (1–1.5 hours).Can I book a private transfer?
Yes, private cars can be booked online or via travel agencies. Prices range SGD 25–40 per vehicle (sedan or SUV). This is the most convenient option, especially for families or late-night arrivals.Which option is best for first-time visitors?
If you’re arriving late or with luggage, private transfer or taxi/Grab is most convenient. If you’re budget-conscious and arriving during the day, Bus 86 is a safe and cheap choice.