Arriving at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi and planning your journey to the historic Old Quarter requires understanding the available transport options. This guide details various methods, from public buses to private cars, helping travelers choose the most suitable transfer for their needs and budget. The airport is situated approximately 30 kilometers north of Hanoi's city center.
Understanding Noi Bai International Airport and Hanoi's Old Quarter
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) serves as Vietnam's second-largest air travel hub, facilitating operations for around 40 different airlines. Major carriers like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air connect Hanoi to numerous destinations, totaling 42 routes. This significant air traffic makes the airport a primary entry point for visitors to northern Vietnam.
Hanoi's Old Quarter, located on the banks of the Red River, represents one of the world's most ancient capital areas. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, traditional pagodas, and distinctive museums, all concentrated within the city's historical core. Navigating from the airport to this central district is straightforward, with a range of transportation choices available.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Options for Direct Travel
Opting for a taxi provides a quick and convenient way to reach the Old Quarter from Noi Bai Airport. A standard 30-kilometer trip typically costs between 13 to 15 US dollars for a four-seat vehicle. The travel time usually ranges from 35 to 60 minutes, though this can extend significantly during peak traffic hours, as Hanoi's roads can become quite congested.
Taxis are readily accessible at both the domestic (Terminal T1) and international (Terminal T2) arrival halls of Noi Bai Airport, with many drivers awaiting passengers. While numerous companies offer taxi services, it is advisable to select a reputable provider to ensure fair pricing and good service. Visitors should confirm the fare before beginning the journey, as some drivers might quote higher prices for international travelers, potentially reaching 20-25 US dollars. To avoid potential overcharging, utilizing ride-hailing applications such as Grab or Be is a recommended alternative.
Public and Airline Shuttle Bus Services
Several bus services connect Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi's city center, offering economical transfer solutions. These options include local public buses and dedicated shuttle services operated by major airlines, providing flexibility for different budgets and preferences.
Understanding local currency and financial services in Hanoi can be helpful for purchasing bus tickets.
| Bus Number/Service | Route Summary | Key Stops | Approx. Travel Time | Fare (per person, current as of 2021) | Operating Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bus 17 | Noi Bai Airport to Long Bien Transit Station | Noi Bai Airport - Highway No. 2 - Chuong Duong Bridge - Long Bien Transit Station | 1 hour 15 minutes | 9,000 VND (~0.4 USD) | 5:00 - 22:30 | 10-15 minutes |
| Express Bus 86 | Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Railway Station (via Old Quarter) | Noi Bai Airport Terminal T1 & T2 - Au Co - Yen Phu - Hanoi Central Post Office - Hanoi Railway Station | 50 minutes | 35,000 VND (~1.5 USD) | 5:10 - 21:45 | 20-30 minutes |
| Vietnam Airlines Shuttle | Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter | Noi Bai Airport - Vo Nguyen Giap - Nhat Tan Bridge - Hanoi Old Quarter | 30-40 minutes | 60,000 VND (~2.6 USD) | 6:40 - 22:30 | 30-45 minutes |
| Vietjet Air Shuttle Bus | Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter | Noi Bai Airport - Thang Long Bridge - Hoang Quoc Viet - Tran Nhan Tong | 40-60 minutes | 40,000 VND (~1.8 USD) | 4:00 - 21:00 | 30-45 minutes |
Local Bus 17: This public route connects Noi Bai Airport with Long Bien Transit Station, which is conveniently situated close to Hanoi's Old Quarter. It departs exclusively from the domestic Terminal T1. Passengers arriving at Terminal T2 will need to take a brief shuttle bus or electric car ride between terminals, a journey of approximately five minutes, before transferring to Bus 17.
Express Bus 86: Considered a preferred option for visitors, Express Bus 86 offers a direct link from Noi Bai Airport to the city center, concluding its route at Hanoi Railway Station. This service can accommodate up to 60 passengers and typically avoids excessive crowding. Its route features fewer stops compared to other public buses, contributing to a faster journey.
Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus: Operated by Vietnam's national airline, this 16-seat minibus service transports passengers from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter. Travelers do not need to be flying with Vietnam Airlines to use this service. The bus schedule aligns with Vietnam Airlines flight arrivals and departures. However, departures from the airport often occur only once the bus is full, which can sometimes lead to extended waiting periods.
Vietjet Air Shuttle Bus: Another economical choice, the Vietjet Air shuttle provides transfers between Noi Bai Airport and the city center. Similar to the Vietnam Airlines service, passengers are not required to hold a Vietjet Air ticket to board. Its schedule is coordinated with Vietjet Air flights. A notable feature is the flexibility to request a stop anywhere along its designated route, provided it passes your intended destination.
Arranging Private Car Transfers
For travelers seeking a more personalized and direct transfer experience from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter, private car services are available. This option typically requires advance booking to secure favorable pricing and arrangements. Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, a designated driver will meet passengers, often holding a sign displaying their name, to facilitate a smooth transfer to their chosen destination.
Private transfers can be reserved through various local agencies or online travel platforms. The cost for these services varies based on several factors, including the type of vehicle selected, the total number of individuals in the travel group, and whether an English-speaking guide is requested. For instance, a 4-seat car for 1-2 passengers might cost around US $20 for the car only, or US $35 if an English-speaking guide is included. Larger vehicles, such as a 7-seat car for three passengers, are priced at approximately US $25 (car only) or US $40 (with a guide), while a 16-seat car accommodating 4-8 passengers costs about US $30 (car only) or US $45 (with a guide).
Essential Advice for Airport Transfers in Hanoi
To enhance your bus travel experience from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter, consider downloading the “Tìm Buýt” smartphone application. This app functions as a comprehensive bus map, providing details on bus numbers, routes, and estimated arrival times, which can be invaluable for navigating Hanoi's public transport network.
It is advisable to carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) when planning to use public buses. Ticket prices are quite low, typically ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 VND, which is less than half a US dollar, making exact change helpful. Beyond practicalities like currency, planning for unique purchases and souvenirs can also enrich your trip to Vietnam.
For groups traveling together, booking private transportation often proves more economical and convenient. The per-person cost can decrease significantly, and there is the added benefit of being able to request an English-speaking guide for a modest additional fee, enhancing the overall travel experience.
When packing for your trip, consider the size of your luggage. Private car services and even some bus options have limited storage capacity. Smaller, more manageable bags are generally easier to arrange within the available space compared to oversized suitcases, contributing to a smoother transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hanoi Airport from the Old Quarter?
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is located approximately 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) north of Hanoi's Old Quarter, which is the city's central historical district.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter?
The most economical option is typically the local public bus, specifically Local Bus 17, which costs around 9,000 VND (approximately 0.4 USD) per person. Express Bus 86 is also a cost-effective choice at 35,000 VND (around 1.5 USD).
Is it possible to use ride-sharing apps like Grab from Hanoi Airport?
Yes, ride-hailing applications such as Grab and Be are widely available and can be used for transfers from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter. These apps often provide transparent pricing and can help avoid potential overcharging.
Do I need local currency for airport transfers?
For public bus services, it is highly recommended to have small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) for ticket purchases. For taxis and private cars, payment might be accepted in USD or via card, but having some VND for smaller expenses is always advisable.
What are the operating hours for airport buses?
Operating hours vary by bus service. Local Bus 17 runs from 5:00 to 22:30. Express Bus 86 operates from 5:10 to 21:45. Airline shuttles, such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, typically run from early morning (around 4:00 or 6:40) until late evening (around 21:00 or 22:30), aligning with flight schedules.
