Buses from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter offer a low-cost, reliable option for getting into central Hanoi. Regular public routes (notably buses 07, 17 and 86) and private airport shuttles connect Noi Bai terminals with streets close to the Old Quarter; the airport sits roughly 30 kilometres from the city centre.
What the Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter bus services are and how they work
Noi Bai International Airport is one of Vietnam’s main international gateways and handles large volumes of passengers each year. Because the Old Quarter lies about 30 km from the airport, a number of surface transport options operate between the terminals and central Hanoi; scheduled public buses and commercial airport shuttles are among the cheapest and most commonly used.
Two broad categories run to and from the airport: municipal public bus lines operated by Hanoi’s bus company, and private shuttle coaches organised specifically for airport travellers. Public routes run to fixed stops on a published timetable; private shuttles often advertise frequent departures but may wait to fill before setting off.
Typical features of the services include luggage space (varies by vehicle), clearly marked stops at airport parking areas or terminal exits, and fares charged per passenger. Visitors report that buses are straightforward to use when flights arrive during daytime hours, while late-night or very early arrivals may have fewer options.
Key routes, timetables and fares
Three public bus lines are the main choices for getting toward the Old Quarter from Noi Bai: bus 07, bus 17 and bus 86. Each follows a different route through Hanoi and has distinct operating hours, frequency and ticket prices.
Below are the essential details that most travellers look for when planning a transfer:
- Bus 07: Runs between Cau Giay and Noi Bai International Airport. Operating hours are early morning to late evening, with services beginning at 05:00 and finishing around 21:00. Frequency is approximately one departure every 50 minutes. Reported fare: 9,000 VND per passenger. At the airport it stops at P2 parking and the T1 terminal area.
- Bus 17: Links Long Bien and Noi Bai International Airport. Services start around 05:00 and typically finish before 21:00 (last services near 20:30). Departures come every 70–80 minutes. Reported fare: 7,000 VND per passenger. At the airport the stop is usually at the P3 parking area.
- Bus 86: A higher-spec route aimed at airport travellers, running between Hanoi Railway Station and Noi Bai. It serves several streets adjacent to the Old Quarter — examples include Hang Bai, Hang Voi, Hang Tre and Hang Muoi — so it is often used by visitors heading directly into the heart of the city. Operating hours extend from about 05:00 until roughly 22:15 with services every 45 minutes. Reported fare: 35,000 VND per passenger. Pick-up points at the airport include T1 (departure halls A, B, E on the second floor), T2 (departure halls A1, A2 on the second floor) and the T1 parking area.
- Airport shuttle coaches: Run by private operators to meet flight arrivals; scheduled roughly every 20 minutes but may depart earlier or later depending on passenger numbers. Fares are commonly around 40,000 VND per person. These services require passengers to reach a designated meeting point at the airport before boarding.
Practical tips for using buses from Noi Bai to the Old Quarter
Plan your arrival time against service hours: the public lines above generally run from early morning until the evening, so if your flight arrives very late or very early you may have fewer scheduled options. Visitors report that daytime arrivals provide the widest choice.
Buy tickets on board or at staffed points where available. Most passengers pay the modest cash fare when boarding public buses; private shuttles may accept cash at their meeting point. Keep small denominations handy since drivers and ticket sellers may not have change for large notes.
- Allow extra time for luggage handling when buses are busy.
- If travelling with oversized bags, ask the driver whether luggage can go in a separate compartment.
- Check which terminal your flight arrives at (T1 or T2) so you know whether to wait at the T1 parking, T2 departure floor or the specified parking area.
- Remain patient at bus stops: although timetables exist, departures can be a little early or late.
Cultural context and what to expect when you arrive
The Old Quarter is the part of Hanoi many visitors aim for first: a compact central district known for narrow streets, historic architecture and a dense concentration of food stalls and small shops. Bus routes that pass through or stop near the Old Quarter drop passengers close to core streets, which can make walking to hotels and eateries convenient.
Street-level etiquette is generally informal but courteous behaviour is appreciated: keeping noise reasonably low in residential lanes, asking before photographing people in private settings, and removing shoes where requested in religious sites. For recommendations on where to sample local dishes popular with residents, see our local dining guide.
Who benefits most from taking the bus — and how it compares to other options
Buses suit travellers prioritising cost savings and predictable timetables. Budget-conscious visitors, solo travellers and small groups who do not require door-to-door service often choose public lines or the airport shuttle. Reportedly, a taxi fare can be up to ten times the price of a bus ticket, which is why many passengers prefer buses for basic transfers.
For travellers with tight schedules, lots of luggage, or late-night arrivals, private taxis, ride-hailing apps and pre-booked transfers present alternatives that may be quicker or more direct, though usually at higher cost. If you plan onward rail travel from Hanoi, bus 86 provides a direct link to Hanoi Railway Station, which can be convenient.
For evening options after you reach central Hanoi, you can learn about places to enjoy a drink with a view in our rooftop bars guide.
| Service | Typical operating hours | Frequency | Reported fare (VND) | Primary terminal stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 07 | ~05:00–21:00 | ~50 minutes | 9,000 | P2 parking, T1 |
| Bus 17 | ~05:00–20:30 | 70–80 minutes | 7,000 | P3 parking |
| Bus 86 | ~05:00–22:15 | ~45 minutes | 35,000 | T1 (A,B,E), T2 (A1,A2), T1 parking |
| Airport shuttle | Daytime (varies) | ~20 minutes (dep. when full) | ~40,000 | Designated meeting point |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the bus take from Noi Bai to the Old Quarter?
Journey time depends on traffic and the chosen route. Because the airport is around 30 km from central Hanoi, city traffic can add variable delay; visitors find daytime trips generally predictable but longer during peak hours.
Can I bring large suitcases on these buses?
Most airport buses have space for luggage, but capacity varies by vehicle and may be limited when buses are crowded. If you travel with oversized items, check with the driver before boarding or consider a private transfer for guaranteed space.
Where should I wait for the bus at Noi Bai terminals?
Public lines typically use the airport parking areas (P2 or P3) or the departure-level halls noted above; bus 86 lists pick-ups at specific halls on the second floor. Private shuttles will list a meeting point — make sure you locate it before your scheduled departure.
Are these buses safe late at night?
Public services mostly operate until the evening; very late arrivals may find fewer or no scheduled buses. For late-night transfers, many travellers choose taxis, ride-hailing or pre-booked vehicles. Most travellers report standard city-level safety precautions suffice when using daytime services.
Is it easy to change between bus and train in Hanoi?
Yes — bus 86 stops at or near Hanoi Railway Station, which makes it a practical option for passengers connecting to train services. For full train schedules and travel times, see our train guide.