Transit & logisticsBy Clever Tourists · Published
From Noi Bai Airport (HAN), bus 86 is the cheapest sensible way into the Old Quarter at about 45,000 to 50,000 dong, and Grab or a metered taxi is the easiest with luggage at roughly 250,000 to 450,000 dong. The airport is about 30 to 35 km north of the centre, so even a taxi takes 45 to 75 minutes, and longer at rush hour. We spent just under 3 days in Hanoi in April 2023, and the airport run is the one part of the city that surprises first-timers because it is so far out. Figures below come from the Noi Bai transport listings and 2026 guides checked in October 2026; Vietnamese fares move often, so treat them as approximate.
International flights use Terminal 2 (T2) and domestic flights use Terminal 1 (T1); a free shuttle links them. If you need an e-visa, sort it before you fly with our Vietnam e-visa guide. Immigration queues at T2 can take 20 to 40 minutes when several wide-body flights land together.
Buy a local SIM or load an eSIM before you leave the arrivals hall if you plan to use Grab, since you will want the app working at pickup. Cash machines are in the arrivals hall; withdraw enough for the bus and tips.
Bus 86 runs from Noi Bai to Hanoi Railway Station, via the Hanoi Opera House and the edge of the Old Quarter. The fare is about 45,000 dong in several guides, though the airport's own transport page listed 50,000 dong, so carry 50,000. Journey time is roughly 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic.
At T2 the stop is in front of the building at column No. 3; at T1, leave by the main entrance, turn right and look for column No. 12 about 40 m along. Buses leave roughly every 25 to 45 minutes from about 06:40 to 22:15 (T1) and 06:50 to 22:25 (T2). In the city, the stops closest to the Old Quarter are the Hanoi Opera House, Tran Quang Khai near the river and the Central Post Office area; from the railway station you can walk or take a short Grab.
Cheaper local buses (07, 17 and 90) cost around 10,000 dong but go to bus interchanges outside the tourist area, and are not practical with bags. Stick to 86.
Grab (and Be) show a fixed price in the app before you confirm. Guides in 2026 quote roughly 200,000 to 400,000 dong to the Old Quarter, higher at peak times. Pickup is at a marked ride-hailing area outside the terminal; follow the pin in the app and match the plate before getting in.
Metered taxis from the official queue cost about 300,000 to 450,000 dong to the Old Quarter plus toll fees. Use the established companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun, insist on the meter, and ignore anyone inside the terminal who offers a taxi. Licensed cars wait outside. Unlicensed cars that approach you are the main source of overcharging; see our Vietnam tourist scams page.
Drivers often expect round-up tips at most. See our tipping in Vietnam guide for the norm.
Private transfers booked through hotels typically cost a bit more than Grab, usually in the 400,000 to 600,000 dong range, with a driver holding your name at arrivals. That is worth it if you land at night or are arriving with several people, since the fare is fixed and the driver tracks your flight.
Some hotels in the Old Quarter run their own shared minibus for a few dollars per person. Ask when you book, because it is rarely advertised.
Bus 86 stops running around 22:15 to 22:25, so a late arrival means Grab or a taxi. Traffic is light at night and the ride is closer to 40 minutes. Taxis at the official queue run through the night.
Check-in at most Old Quarter hotels is from 14:00; ask for a reserved room from the night before if you land at 05:00. Our where to stay in Hanoi guide covers the Old Quarter, West Lake and French Quarter options.
Solo and light: bus 86, about 45,000 to 50,000 dong. Two or more people, or with large bags: Grab, with the price fixed before you ride. At night: Grab or a Mai Linh or Vinasun taxi. Pre-book a car only if you want zero decisions after a long flight.
Once in town, see how many days in Hanoi and the best time to visit Hanoi to plan the trip, and our 3 days in Hanoi itinerary.
About 45,000 to 50,000 dong per person to Hanoi Railway Station via the Opera House. It takes roughly 45 to 75 minutes and runs from about 06:40 to 22:25.
Roughly 300,000 to 450,000 dong on the meter, plus tolls. Use Mai Linh or Vinasun and insist on the meter.
Usually. Grab quotes roughly 200,000 to 400,000 dong to the Old Quarter with the fare shown in the app before you confirm. Fares rise at peak times.
About 30 to 35 km. Allow 45 to 75 minutes by road, longer at rush hour.
No train or metro serves Noi Bai. The options are bus 86, other public buses, taxi, Grab and pre-booked transfers.
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