How to get from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Vietnam · Hanoi · Hanoi Noi Bai Airport · Old Quarter

Getting from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to the atmospheric Old Quarter is straightforward once you choose between the airport express bus, local public buses, shared shuttles, or a door‑to‑door taxi/ride‑hail/private transfer; below you’ll find at-a-glance comparisons, booking links, and step-by-step instructions for each option.

At A Glance (Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Express Bus 86 (Noi Bai Airport → Old Quarter / Hanoi Station)	~45–60 minutes (traffic-dependent)	Budget travelers, good comfort, direct to center
🏷️ Cost: ~VND 45,000 per person, pay on board » compare airport buses & transfers \| public bus overview
🚍 Local Public Buses (07 / 17 / 90 / 109)	~60–90 minutes + walk/taxi	Shoestring budgets, light luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~VND 8,000–15,000 per person » airport bus routes
🚌 Shared Shuttle / Minivan (Airport → Old Quarter Hotels)	~45–70 minutes door-to-door	First-timers, hotel drop-off, small groups
🏷️ Cost: ~VND 120,000–250,000 per person » compare shuttles \| airport transfers on Klook
🚖 Taxi, Grab & Private Transfer	~35–60 minutes door-to-door	Late arrivals, big luggage, families
🏷️ Cost: ~VND 300,000–450,000 per taxi / car » private cars & taxis \| private pickup options

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

Fastest / Most Convenient: Taxi, Grab or private transfer is usually the quickest and most door-to-door, especially at night or with lots of luggage.
Best Balance of Cost & Comfort: Express Bus 86 gives you an easy, inexpensive ride straight to the Old Quarter / Hanoi Station area.
Cheapest: Local public buses 07 / 17 / 90 / 109 are the lowest cost if you’re comfortable with a bit of walking or a short taxi/Grab hop at the end.
Least Hassle with Hotel Drop-off: Shared shuttles & minivans or hotel-arranged transfers work well if you want someone waiting with your name sign and direct delivery to your accommodation.

How to Book and Practical Tips

Decide based on arrival time: For late-night or very early flights, lean towards taxis/Grab/private transfers. In daytime/early evening, Bus 86 or shared shuttles are excellent.
Book ahead if you like certainty: Compare airport transfers (shared and private) on 12Go, Klook or GetYourGuide. These can be cheaper than grabbing a metered taxi at the curb.
Have some Vietnamese dong ready: Buses usually accept cash; ATMs are in both terminals. Keep small notes (VND 10k/20k/50k) handy for Bus 86 or local buses.
Use ride-hailing apps smartly: Grab and Gojek operate widely in Hanoi. If you prefer an English-speaking driver and meet-and-greet, prebook via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
Check your hotel location: Many shuttles drop around Hoan Kiem Lake. If staying elsewhere in Hanoi, you might still need a short taxi/Grab, so factor that into time and cost.
Plan for traffic: Rush hours (roughly 7:30–9:30 and 4:30–7:30) can slow the journey to 60+ minutes. If you have onward trains or tours booked from the Old Quarter, leave extra buffer.
Where to stay & onward travel: Browse Old Quarter stays and airport-area hotels on Booking.com. For onward trains, consider storing big bags near the center with Radical Storage Hanoi.
Getting around after check-in: Many visitors explore by foot, but you can also rent bicycles or motorbikes in Hanoi through BikesBooking if you’re comfortable with local traffic.

🚌 Option #1 — Airport Express Bus 86 (Most Popular, Budget-Friendly)

Good value Central stops Fixed schedule

Overview: Bright orange Express Bus 86 runs between Noi Bai Airport (Terminals T1 & T2) and Hanoi Railway Station, stopping at convenient spots around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter (e.g., Long Bien, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square).
Duration: Usually 45–60 minutes to the Old Quarter, depending on traffic and exact stop.
Operating hours: Roughly from early morning (~05:30–07:00 from city / ~07:00 from airport) until around 22:00; frequencies about every 25–45 minutes (check posted timetable at the stop).
How to buy tickets & price: No reservation needed. Pay the conductor on board in cash, typically around VND 45,000 per person. Have small notes ready.
Pros: Cheap, comfortable, luggage space, easy to spot, stops very close to the Old Quarter.
Cons: Doesn’t run all night; you must get off at the right stop and possibly walk 5–10 minutes to your hotel.

Step-by-step: Airport Express Bus 86

After clearing customs, follow signs for Public Bus / Bus Stop outside Arrivals at Terminal T1 (domestic) or Terminal T2 (international).
Look for the orange Bus 86 with “Hanoi Railway Station” / “Ga Ha Noi” on the destination board.
Join the queue and wait for boarding. Place larger suitcases in the luggage area if available; keep valuables with you.
Once the bus departs, a conductor will walk through the aisle to sell tickets. Pay in cash (VND 45,000) and keep the ticket until you get off.
For most Old Quarter stays, get off near Hoan Kiem Lake / Old Quarter stops such as Long Bien, Hang Dau or Ly Thai To. Use an offline map or show your hotel address to the conductor and ask where to alight.
Walk the remaining few minutes to your accommodation. If it’s further away, you can connect with a short Grab or taxi ride.
If you prefer to pre-arrange a seat on similar airport buses/coach transfers, compare options on 12Go or look at shuttle-style services on Trip.com’s Hanoi airport transport guide.

Getting to the main embarking points (Noi Bai Airport Bus 86 Stops)

From Terminal T2 (International): Exit customs, go down to Level 1 Arrivals and follow signs to the bus stops in the outer lanes; look for the clearly marked 86 bus stand.
From Terminal T1 (Domestic): Follow “Public Bus” signage outside Arrivals; Bus 86 also stops here after leaving T2, so you can board at either terminal.
Between terminals: Use the free airside landside shuttle connecting T1 and T2 if you arrive at a different terminal than your planned bus stop (signs show “Shuttle Bus” between terminals).
Into the Old Quarter: Alight at stops close to Hoan Kiem Lake or Long Bien then walk into the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, or hail a short Grab/taxi ride if it’s late or raining.
Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚍 Option #2 — Local Public Buses 07 / 17 / 90 / 109 (Cheapest)

Lowest cost Frequent Less direct

Overview: Several ordinary city bus routes connect Noi Bai Airport with different parts of Hanoi. Popular ones include Bus 07 (to Kim Ma), Bus 17 (to Long Bien), Bus 90 and Bus 109. From their final stops you can walk or take a short taxi/Grab into the Old Quarter.
Duration: Around 60–90 minutes, depending on route, time of day, and traffic.
Fares: Typically about VND 8,000–15,000 per person, paid to the conductor on board.
Comfort: Simple city buses without luggage racks; best if you have a backpack or small suitcase rather than multiple large bags.
Pros: Very cheap; buses run frequently during the day; good for budget travellers and those used to public transport.
Cons: Indirect to many Old Quarter hotels; announcements may be in Vietnamese only; crowded at commuter times.

Step-by-step: Local Public Buses

From Arrivals, follow signs to the city bus stops in front of the terminal.
Check the posted route boards for buses 07, 17, 90 or 109 and confirm with locals or the conductor which one gets you closest to your Old Quarter address.
Board through the front or middle door (varies by bus); keep bags as compact as possible so you do not block the aisle.
When the conductor approaches, state your destination (e.g., “Long Bien” or “Kim Ma”) and pay in cash; they will issue a small paper ticket.
Use offline maps to track your progress or note key landmarks from the window; press the stop button or move toward the door when your stop approaches.
From the final bus stop, walk to your hotel if it’s nearby or take a short Grab/taxi ride into the Old Quarter.
If you prefer to avoid language issues but still want bus-style transfers, consider prebooking a shuttle on Trip.com’s Hanoi airport to city page or GetYourGuide.

Getting to the main embarking points (Noi Bai Local Bus Stops)

At the airport: Bus bays for 07, 17, 90, 109 are usually just outside Arrivals on the right; look for blue-and-white buses with route numbers on the front.
From Long Bien: Walk across the bridge into the Old Quarter or follow locals through the narrow streets towards Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake.
From Kim Ma / other terminals: Switch to another city bus or use Grab/taxi to reach the Old Quarter; most rides take 10–20 minutes from these hubs.
Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Shared Shuttles & Minivans (Easy Hotel Drop-off)

Door-to-door Good value for 1–3 pax Less flexible than taxi

Overview: Shared minivans and shuttle buses run from Noi Bai Airport to hotels and common drop-off points around the Old Quarter. You share with other passengers but still get dropped much closer to your accommodation than with public buses.
Duration: Around 45–70 minutes depending on traffic and how many stops are made before yours.
Typical prices: Roughly VND 120,000–250,000 per person, sometimes including one suitcase plus hand luggage.
How to book: Prebook online via 12Go, Klook airport transfers or Trip.com shared & private shuttles, or through your hotel in advance.
Pros: Meet-and-greet at Arrivals; less stress finding the right bus stop; cheaper than a private taxi if you’re solo or a couple.
Cons: You may wait for other passengers; you’ll follow a fixed route so your stop might not be first; last-minute bookings can sell out in peak season.

Step-by-step: Shared Shuttle / Minivan

Before you fly, reserve a shuttle on 12Go, Klook, GetYourGuide or via your hotel.
Check your confirmation for meeting point details: usually a counter in the Arrivals hall or a representative holding a sign with your name.
On arrival, clear immigration and customs, then look for the operator’s counter or sign. Show your voucher (printed or on your phone).
Wait in the designated area until your shuttle is ready; vehicles are usually air-conditioned vans or minibuses.
Confirm your hotel name and address with the driver so they can optimise drop-off order.
Ride into the city. You’ll be dropped either directly at your hotel or at a nearby drop-off point in the Old Quarter.
If you’re travelling with a group or lots of luggage, consider upgrading to a fully private transfer for more comfort and speed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Shuttle Counters at Noi Bai)

Inside Terminal T2: Find transfer desks in the public Arrivals hall after customs; many shuttle providers cluster near the exits and information desk.
Inside Terminal T1: Domestic Arrivals have several transport desks and hotel counters that can organise shared or private shuttles into the city.
Meeting outside: Some operators ask you to wait at a specific kerbside column or car park row; follow instructions from your voucher carefully.
Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #4 — Taxi, Grab & Private Transfer (Fastest, Door-to-door)

Door-to-door Comfortable Higher cost

Overview: Regular airport taxis line up outside each terminal 24/7, and ride-hailing services such as Grab (and sometimes Gojek/Be) operate around the airport. You can also prebook a private car for a fixed price.
Duration: Usually 35–60 minutes to the Old Quarter, depending on traffic.
Typical prices: Expect around VND 300,000–450,000 for a standard taxi or GrabCar to the Old Quarter (including tolls); private transfers booked online may be priced per car from roughly US$12–20 depending on vehicle and time.
How to book: Walk to the official taxi ranks, use the Grab/Gojek app, or prebook online with Trip.com private transfers, Klook private car services, Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
Pros: Most comfortable and flexible; ideal with kids, seniors, or lots of luggage; available late at night.
Cons: More expensive than buses; occasional reports of unofficial taxis overcharging – always confirm an approximate fare or insist on the meter.

Step-by-step: Taxi, Grab & Private Transfer

After exiting customs, follow signs for Taxi or Car Park; ignore anyone aggressively offering a ride inside the terminal.
For metered taxis, join the official taxi queue. Choose reputable companies if possible (your airline or hotel may recommend some) and confirm that the meter will be used.
For Grab/Gojek, connect to airport Wi‑Fi or use a local SIM. Pin your pickup location at the terminal and double-check the car’s plate number before getting in.
If you prebooked a private transfer via Klook, GetYourGuide, Trip.com, Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, look for your driver at the Arrivals meeting point holding a sign with your name.
Show your hotel’s address (in Vietnamese if possible) to the driver and confirm destination in the Old Quarter.
Enjoy the ride into the city; payment may be in cash, card or via app depending on your chosen service.
Once at your hotel, confirm drop-off location before unloading luggage, especially in the maze-like Old Quarter streets.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi / Ride-hail Zones)

Terminal T2 (International): Official taxi ranks and ride-hail pickup points are just outside Arrivals; follow overhead signs and use marked lanes only.
Terminal T1 (Domestic): Similar setup with taxi queues and pickup zones directly outside the terminal doors.
From Old Quarter back to the airport: Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi, or use Grab/Gojek for a straightforward pickup from your hotel’s address.
Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter)

How far is Hanoi’s Old Quarter from Noi Bai Airport?
The distance is about 25–30 km depending on your exact hotel location within the Old Quarter. By car or taxi, it usually takes 35–60 minutes, and by bus around 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.

What is the cheapest way to get from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter?
The cheapest options are the local public buses (07 / 17 / 90 / 109), which cost roughly VND 8,000–15,000 per person, and the Express Bus 86 at around VND 45,000 per person. Public buses are cheapest but involve more walking or a short taxi hop at the end.

What is the easiest option if I have large luggage or kids?
For heavy luggage or travelling with children, a taxi, Grab or prebooked private transfer is usually best. The driver drops you directly at your hotel, and you don’t have to navigate bus stops or crowded aisles with bags.

Can I use Grab or other ride-hailing apps at Noi Bai Airport?
Yes. Grab is widely used in Hanoi, and you can usually request GrabCar from the airport. Some areas may designate specific pickup points, so follow the app’s instructions. If you prefer a driver waiting with a sign, book ahead through services like Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer instead.

Is there late-night transport from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter?
When buses stop running late at night, taxis, Grab and prebooked private cars continue operating 24/7. For very late arrivals it’s wise to prebook a transfer so you are not negotiating fares when tired.

Where can I store luggage if I arrive early but can’t check into my hotel yet?
Many Old Quarter hotels will keep your bags for free if you have a reservation. If not, you can book secure luggage storage at locations across central Hanoi using Radical Storage, which has convenient points near the train station, Dong Xuan Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake.

How to get from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter

At A Glance (Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips