Airport Transport Guide · HAN
How to Get from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi City
All transport options compared — metro, bus, taxi, and rideshare. Updated 2026 prices, journey times, and scam-avoidance tips.
Quick Comparison
| Transport | Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 2 (Urban Rail) | ~35,000 VND (~$1.40) | 35–45 min | Budget travellers |
| Bus 86 (Express) | ~45,000 VND (~$1.80) | 45–60 min | Light luggage |
| Bus 07/17 (Local) | ~9,000 VND (~$0.35) | 60–90 min | Very tight budget |
| Metered Taxi | ~350,000–450,000 VND (~$14–18) | 30–50 min | Comfort, groups |
| Grab / Be (Rideshare) | ~200,000–280,000 VND (~$8–11) | 30–50 min | Solo, transparent fare |
Metro Line 2 (Urban Rail)
Hanoi's Metro Line 2 extension to Noi Bai is the fastest affordable option. Air-conditioned, punctual, and no traffic delays.
- 1Exit arrivals hall and follow "Metro / Urban Rail" signs to the station.
- 2Purchase a single-journey ticket (~35,000 VND / ~$1.40) at the kiosk or use a stored-value card.
- 3Board towards Hanoi city centre. Journey time: ~35–45 minutes.
- 4Alight at Hoan Kiem or Hanoi Station stop, then take a short taxi/Grab to your hotel.
Metered Taxi
Taxis cost roughly 350,000–450,000 VND (~$14–18) to the Old Quarter. Journey is 30–50 minutes off-peak.
⚠ Scam Tips
• Use only Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) taxis from the official rank outside arrivals.
• Insist the meter is running before departure. Agree on nothing fixed unless it's lower than the meter estimate.
• Avoid touts inside the terminal — they charge 2–3× the normal rate.
Airport Buses
Bus 86 — Express Airport Link
Cost: 45,000 VND (~$1.80) · Time: 45–60 min · Runs 5:05–22:30 every 30 min · Stops: Hanoi Railway Station → Hoan Kiem → Tran Duy Hung. Best for travellers with manageable luggage.
Bus 07 / 17 — Local Routes
Cost: 9,000 VND (~$0.35) · Time: 60–90 min · Very affordable but slow, no luggage space, and crowded at peak hours.
Grab & Be (Rideshare)
Grab and Be are Vietnam's dominant rideshare apps. Fares to the Old Quarter run 200,000–280,000 VND (~$8–11) — significantly cheaper than taxis. Both apps show upfront pricing.
- Download Grab or Be before arrival and enable roaming/Wi-Fi.
- Pickup zone is clearly signposted outside the arrivals hall — follow "Rideshare Pickup" signs.
- Always match the driver photo, name, and licence plate in the app.
- GrabCar 4-seat is cheapest; GrabXL suits groups with large bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Noi Bai Airport far from Hanoi city centre?
Yes — about 35 km north. Expect 30–50 minutes by car (off-peak) or up to 90 minutes by local bus.
What is the cheapest way from Noi Bai to Hanoi?
Local buses 07/17 cost around 9,000 VND (~$0.35) but take 60–90 minutes and are crowded. Bus 86 at 45,000 VND (~$1.80) is the best budget-comfort balance.
Is Grab safe and available at Noi Bai?
Yes. Open the Grab or Be app on arrival, set destination, and meet your driver at the designated rideshare pickup zone outside arrivals. Always verify the licence plate.
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