| Option | Indicative price | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 86 | 45,000 to 50,000 VND depending on the source | 50 to 60 min | tight budget, little luggage |
| Airline shuttle | modest fare (see below) | about 60 min | passengers of a participating airline |
| Grab | about 250,000 to 350,000 VND | 40 to 60 min | known price, app |
| Official metered taxi | about 300,000 to 400,000 VND | 40 to 60 min | night arrival, luggage |
| Pre-booked private transfer | depends on the offer | 40 to 60 min | families, late arrival |
Which option to choose for your hotel
For a hotel in the Old Quarter, bus 86 stops near Hoan Kiem Lake or on Hang Tre Street, a few minutes' walk from most addresses. For a hotel in the French Quarter or Tay Ho, a Grab or taxi drops you at the door and spares you the walk with suitcases. If you arrive late, take a taxi, a Grab or a transfer: the evening bus stops around 10pm. To choose the area, read where to stay in Hanoi.
By bus: line 86
Bus 86 links the airport to Hoan Kiem Lake and then to Hanoi railway station, via Long Bien. The useful stops are the central post office (facing the lake), Hang Tre Street and the station. Guides give departures from the airport from about 6:40am to 10:15pm from Terminal 1 and from 6:50am to 10:25pm from Terminal 2; frequency is quoted between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the source, so check the latest times. The journey takes 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Terminal 2 (international): the stop is in front of the terminal, at post no. 3.
- Terminal 1 (domestic): go out, turn right and walk about 40 metres to post no. 12.
- Payment: cash on board or contactless bank card, accepted since 1 April 2024; online tickets are limited to Vietnamese apps.
Other city buses (7, 17 and, depending on the source, 90 or 109) go to the Cau Giay, Long Bien and Kim Ma bus stations for a few thousand dong: less convenient with luggage and of little use unless you have a specific destination.
By taxi or Grab
Official taxis wait outside each terminal. Choose recognised companies (guides cite Mai Linh, G7, Vinasun, Thanh Cong), insist on the meter or have the price fixed at the counter before getting in, and allow for possible tolls. For Grab, book in the app and go to the indicated pickup zone: check the meeting point in the app, as it changes by terminal. A local SIM or eSIM makes the trip easier. If you doubt a driver, read our advice on scams in Hanoi.
Airline shuttles
Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific and Vietjet run minibuses between the airport and the centre, dropping off near Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House or the Vincom area, for a modest fare and a journey of about an hour. Times and drop-off points vary: ask your airline, and allow a short taxi ride from the drop-off to the hotel.
Private transfer: when to book
A private transfer costs more than a taxi, but the price is known in advance, the driver waits for you at arrival and you avoid the queue or haggling. It is justified for a family, several bags, or a night arrival. Compare what is included (toll, waiting time if the flight is late, number of passengers) before booking.
Our arrival tips
- Daytime flight, hotel in the Old Quarter: bus 86, if you have little luggage.
- Arrival after 10pm: official taxi, Grab or private transfer.
- Family with children: a private transfer or a Grab van.
- Before arriving: install Grab and an eSIM, and keep some change in dong.
- Trip budget: see the travel budget for Hanoi.
Going further
After the ride, see Hanoi in one day and the Ha Long Bay cruise from Hanoi.
FAQ
How long is the journey from Noi Bai to the centre? 40 to 60 minutes by car, 50 to 60 minutes by bus 86; more at rush hour.
What is the cheapest option? Bus 86, around 45,000 VND according to most sources.
Can I pay for bus 86 by card? Yes, contactless since 1 April 2024, or cash on board.
Is Grab cheaper than a taxi? Often a little cheaper, but the price depends on traffic and time; compare in the app.
