How to Get from Hanoi Airport to City Center

Landing in Hanoi and wondering how to get from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to the bustling city center without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the cheapest and most convenient transportation options, helping you save money while ensuring a smooth arrival in Vietnam’s charming capital.

Quick Comparison: Hanoi Airport to City Center Transport Options

To help you decide quickly, here’s a snapshot of the most popular ways to travel from HAN to central Hanoi, including popular areas like the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake.

Transport Type	Estimated Cost (VND)	Estimated Time	Pros	Cons
Public Bus (Bus 86)	45,000	60-90 min	Very cheap, direct to city center	Limited luggage space, fixed stops
Public Bus (07, 17)	9,000	75-100 min	Extremely cheap	Requires transfer, longer travel time
Airline Shuttle Bus	40,000-50,000	60-90 min	Relatively cheap, convenient	Less frequent, specific drop-off points
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Xanh SM)	250,000-350,000 (car)	40-60 min	Convenient, fixed price, door-to-door	Can be more expensive for solo travelers
Taxi (Traditional)	300,000-450,000	40-60 min	Direct, comfortable	Risk of overcharging if not careful

The Cheapest Options: Public & Shuttle Buses

If “cheap” is your top priority, public buses are your best bet. Hanoi offers excellent bus services directly from Noi Bai Airport.

Public Bus 86 (Airport Express Bus) – The Best Value!

The Bus 86 is widely considered the best balance of cost and convenience for travelers. It’s a modern, comfortable bus designed specifically for airport transfers.

Cost: 45,000 VND (approx. $1.80 USD) per person. You pay on board.
Operating Hours: Around 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM (from city) and 07:00 AM to 11:00 PM (from airport). Frequency is about every 25-40 minutes.
Travel Time: Approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Route Highlights: This bus takes a direct route through many central Hanoi districts, including the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and near Hanoi Train Station.
Where to Catch:
- At Noi Bai Airport: Look for the distinctive orange and yellow Bus 86 signs directly outside Terminal 1 (Domestic) and Terminal 2 (International) arrival exits. There are designated bus stops.
- In City Center: Key stops include Hanoi Train Station, Vietnam Airlines Office (Quang Trung Street), and stops near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.

Pros & Cons of Bus 86

Pros: Incredibly cheap, direct route to central areas, air-conditioned, good for solo travelers or small groups with light luggage.
Cons: Limited luggage space (can be tricky with large suitcases), fixed stops mean you might still need a short walk or taxi/Grab to your exact accommodation.

Other Public Bus Routes (07 & 17) – For the Super Budget Traveler

Route 07 public bus Connecting central districts to the airport, essential for daily commuters. Photo: vinwonders

For an even cheaper option, you can opt for the regular public buses, though they require a bit more effort.

Cost: 9,000 VND (approx. $0.35 USD) per person.
Travel Time: Longer, typically 75-100 minutes, plus transfer time.
Route:
- Bus 07: Connects Noi Bai Airport to Cau Giay Bus Station. From there, you’ll need to transfer to another bus (e.g., Bus 09, 34) to reach the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem.
- Bus 17: Connects Noi Bai Airport to Long Bien Bus Station. From Long Bien, you can easily walk to parts of the Old Quarter or catch another short bus/taxi.
Where to Catch: Same bus stops as Bus 86 outside the terminals.

Why Bus 07/17 Might Be Less Ideal for Tourists

While incredibly cheap, these buses are mainly used by locals and are less convenient for tourists due to the need for transfers, lack of designated luggage space, and sometimes crowded conditions.

Airline Shuttle Buses

Some airlines, primarily Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways, offer their own shuttle bus services from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi.

Cost: Approximately 40,000-50,000 VND per person.
Frequency: Less frequent than Bus 86, often tied to flight schedules.
Drop-off Points: Usually have specific drop-off points, often their city offices or major hotels. You might need to ask your airline upon booking or check their website for current information.

How to Find Airline Shuttles

Look for their specific booths or signs near the arrivals hall exits at Noi Bai Airport.

Other Convenient (But Slightly More Expensive) Options

While these aren’t always “cheap,” they offer more convenience and can be cost-effective for groups.

Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Xanh SM, Be)

Xanh SM is a popular Vietnamese EV taxi and motorbike service, known for its green fleet. Photo: Xanh SM

Xanh SM, Grab, Be are incredibly popular in Vietnam and offer a convenient, transparent way to get around.

Cost:
- Xanh SM/GrabCar: Around 250,000-350,000 VND (approx. $10-14 USD) for a one-way trip to the city center. Prices fluctuate based on demand (surge pricing).
- Xanh SM/GrabBike: Around 80,000-120,000 VND (approx. $3-5 USD). Not recommended with luggage.
- GrabShare: If available, this option allows you to share a ride and split the cost, making it cheaper.
Travel Time: 40-60 minutes.
Convenience: Door-to-door service, cashless payment, transparent pricing.
How to Use: Download the Xanh SM, Grab app before you arrive. You’ll need a local SIM card or Wi-Fi to use it. Simply input your destination, and the app will show you the fare upfront.

Tips for Using Ride-Hailing Apps at HAN

Connect to the free airport Wi-Fi to book your ride.
Follow the in-app instructions to find your driver at the designated pick-up points outside the terminals (often at specific lanes).
Confirm the license plate and driver’s name before getting in.

Traditional Taxis

Legitimate taxi companies operate from Noi Bai Airport. While potentially more expensive than buses, they offer direct service.

Cost: Expect to pay around 300,000-450,000 VND (approx. $12-18 USD) for a metered trip to the city center. Some might offer fixed fares.
Reputable Companies: Look for well-known brands like Mai Linh Taxi (green cars) or Taxi Group (white cars). Xanh SM Taxi (green electric cars) is also a popular, reliable option.
Where to Catch: Designated taxi stands outside the arrivals hall.

Avoiding Taxi Scams at Noi Bai Airport

Only use official taxi stands: Ignore touts inside the terminal.
Confirm the fare: Ask for a metered fare or a fixed price agreement before starting the journey.
Have your destination written down: Show it to the driver to avoid misunderstandings.

Private Airport Transfer Services

While not “cheap,” booking a private transfer can be cost-effective for larger groups (3+ people) or those prioritizing comfort and ease.

Cost: Varies widely, usually starting from 300,000-500,000 VND for a standard car.
Benefits: Pre-booked, driver waits for you, comfortable, no haggling. Many hotels offer this service.

Essential Tips for a Cheap & Smooth Transfer from Noi Bai

Get Local Currency (VND): Have small denominations of Vietnamese Dong for bus fares or initial taxi rides. ATMs are available at the airport.
Download Offline Maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me and download the Hanoi area offline to navigate without internet.
Be Aware of Scams: Politely decline aggressive touts inside or outside the airport. Stick to official services.
Pack Light for Buses: If opting for public buses, remember luggage space is limited.
Check Operating Hours: Especially if arriving late at night or very early morning, ensure your preferred transport option is running. Bus 86 has long hours, but other buses stop earlier.

Getting from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi’s vibrant city center doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing the right mode of transport, especially the highly recommended Bus 86, you can save your money for exploring the delicious street food and fascinating sights of Hanoi. Plan ahead, stay savvy, and enjoy your journey!