Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Hanoi
A Grab car or a reputable taxi reaches the Old Quarter in about 45–60 minutes. The cheapest option is the Route 86 airport express bus, which stops near the Old Quarter and Hanoi railway station.
Best for most people: Ride-hailing. Grab shows the price upfront and drops you at your hotel door, which matters in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Route 86 airport express bus (orange) from outside the international and domestic terminals towards the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake area and Hanoi railway station | about 45–60 min | every 20–30 min | about 45,000 VND | roughly early morning to late evening; check last departures | Luggage space on board; pay the conductor in cash. |
| ride-hailing Grab (and other apps) from the designated pickup area outside Arrivals | about 45–60 min | about 250,000–400,000 VND | 24 h | Price fixed in the app; check the plate before getting in. | |
| taxi Official taxi queue outside Arrivals; established firms include Mai Linh and Xanh SM electric taxis | about 45–60 min | about 300,000–450,000 VND plus any tolls | 24 h | Insist on the meter or agree a price; avoid touts inside the terminal. | |
| private transfer Hotel or pre-booked car meeting you at Arrivals | about 45–60 min | about 350,000–600,000 VND | any time | Useful for late-night arrivals. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
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Tips
- Get a local SIM or eSIM at the airport so you can use Grab immediately.
- Change only a small amount of money at the airport; ATMs give better rates.
- Write your hotel address down in Vietnamese — Old Quarter street names are similar.
- Rush hour into the city (around 07:00–09:00 and 16:30–19:00) can add 30 minutes.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Noi Bai to the Old Quarter?
A metered taxi usually costs about 300,000–450,000 VND, and Grab is often a little cheaper with the price shown upfront. Use the official taxi queue or app pickup area. Decline unofficial drivers offering rides inside the terminal, as overcharging is a known problem.
Is there a bus from Hanoi airport to the city centre?
Yes. The Route 86 airport express bus links the terminals with the Old Quarter area and Hanoi railway station for about 45,000 VND. It runs from early morning until the evening, roughly every 20–30 minutes. Cheaper city buses also exist but are slower and less convenient with luggage.
How long does it take from the airport to Hanoi?
By car it takes about 45–60 minutes to the Old Quarter, longer in rush hour. The airport bus takes about an hour. Allow extra time when leaving for a flight, especially in the late afternoon.
Can I pay by card?
Grab can be paid by card in the app. Most taxis expect cash in Vietnamese dong, although some accept cards. The airport bus is cash only. There are ATMs in the arrivals halls.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.