Plan Your Trip

Getting from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi

Noi Bai International Airport sits around 25–30km north of central Hanoi — roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road depending on traffic. Here's how to cover that distance.

~25–30 kmto the Old Quarter
~45–60 mintypical journey time
4 main optionsbus, Grab, taxi, private transfer

Grab (ride-hailing app)

For most visitors, this is the easiest option: book through the Grab app before you land or once you clear arrivals and have Wi-Fi/data, and a car meets you at a designated pickup area. Pricing is shown upfront in the app, which avoids any negotiation.

Metered taxi

Reputable taxi companies operate desks and ranks at the airport. Stick to well-known, marked taxi companies and insist on the meter — this is the classic spot for overcharging attempts by unofficial drivers, so avoid anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering a ride.

Airport bus

Public bus routes connect Noi Bai to central Hanoi at a fraction of the taxi price, taking somewhat longer and requiring you to manage your own luggage on and off. A reasonable option if you're travelling light and on a tight budget.

Private transfer

Pre-booked through your hotel or a travel agent, a private car meets you by name at arrivals — the most predictable and comfortable option, at a higher fixed price, and a good choice if you're arriving late at night or with a lot of luggage.

Good to know: Traffic between the airport and the Old Quarter can vary hugely by time of day — build in extra time for peak periods (roughly weekday mornings and early evenings) if you have a tight onward connection.

Keep planning

Getting Around Hanoi

Once you're in the city, how to keep moving around.

Read the guide

Safety & Common Scams

Common airport taxi scams to be aware of.

Read the guide

Old Quarter Hotels

Where most visitors are headed from the airport.

Read the guide