Hanoi Transportation | Getting Around Vietnam's Capital

I. Arriving Hanoi

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), situated about 45 kilometers from downtown Hanoi, is roughly an hour’s taxi ride away. Vietnam Airlines is the primary carrier for both domestic and international flights. Additionally, several budget airlines operate frequent services to and from Hanoi, including AirAsia (to Thailand and Malaysia) and TigerAir (to Singapore).

Terminal 2 ( International terminal T2): When you get off your international flight, head to the immigration office to pick up your visa on arrival ( if needed). If you already have your visa, just go straight to Customs, get your passport scanned, and then grab your baggage.

ATMs, sim cards: There are a bunch of ATMs and currency exchange spots on the first level of Terminal 2, right by the entrance, so you’ll find them easily.

II. From Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Center

1. Airport Bus

You can take the airport bus from the airport to the city center. The service costs around $2 and runs frequently throughout the day **Bus no. 86: Noi Bai Airport - Le Duan ( Hanoi Train Station)

**Bus no. 90: Noi Bai Airport - Kim Ma ( no.1 Kim Ma)

2. Local Bus

The most economical, but less convenient option, is the local bus. After arriving at the airport, walk to the far right of the terminal to find the yellow and red Bus No.7. This bus arrives every half hour. Ride it to the Daiwoo Hotel and then transfer to Bus No. 9, which will take you to its terminal in the Old Quarter. This option might not be ideal if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a more comfortable experience.

3. Airport Taxi

Taxis from downtown to the airport usually cost around $10, though you might get a slight discount with some negotiation. From the airport, fares can go up to $12. Only official taxis are allowed to park at the airport, and a staff member with a walkie-talkie will approach you to offer one. Prices are fairly consistent, but for a better deal, consider walking outside the airport to flag down a street taxi and negotiate the fare. Taxis in Vietnam are generally safe.

Getting around Hanoi 

Most attractions and accommodations are located in Hoan Kiem District (the downtown area), around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, as well as in Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hai Ba Trung districts. Addresses typically include the district name, so plan your trips carefully as traveling between districts can be time-consuming. However, within the downtown area, you can easily walk from one spot to another.

• Rent a Motorbike: Check with your hotel reception to rent a motorbike to explore Hanoi's winding streets. You'll find numerous rental shops in the downtown area with signs saying "motorbike for rent." Riding through Hanoi’s streets offers a unique experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

• By Cyclo: Cyclos are three-wheeled carts with two seats, powered by a cyclist pedaling behind you. You can easily flag one down anywhere. They’re a great way to explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter at a relaxed pace and soak in the local atmosphere. Be sure to haggle with the driver to agree on the fare before you start your ride

• Using superpower GRAB app:

Ensure you have the app downloaded and set up

Be aware of the peak hours when traffic can be crazier and the ride may take longer

**Use the cashless payment option for a smoother experience

• Local motorcycle taxis ( Xe ôm): This is an affordable and convenient way to get around the city, but be cautious as some drivers might take longer routes. Since these taxis don't use meters, it's important to negotiate the fare beforehand, agree on the price, and put on your helmet before you ride. It's better to show the driver a written address rather than trying to explain it in Vietnamese. Drivers are very familiar with the city streets, often more so than hotel receptionists, and can assist with planning your route..

• Local taxi: You can hail a taxi on the street or have the reception at your hostel call one for you. With numerous taxi companies operating, competition helps keep fares reasonable. All taxis use meters, so make sure to check the starting price and ensure the meter is working correctly. The base fare is typically between 10,000 and 12,000 VND and a 15-minute ride should cost no more than $1.50. Although taxis can be slower for short trips due to Hanoi's often heavy traffic—especially compared to motorcycle taxis—they offer much greater comfort for longer journeys. Some of the most reputable taxi companies in Hanoi include Thanh Nga Taxi (+84 38 215 215), Taxi 123 (+84 34 123 123), Hanoi Taxi (+84 43 853 5353), and Mai Linh Taxi ( 1055 )

• Hanoi City Bus: Public buses have become a popular and affordable way to get around Hanoi. These buses are easy to spot with their distinctive white, red, and yellow or blue colors (see the picture below). Each bus displays a red number within a white circle on the front sign. Fares range from 7,000 to 15,000 VND, depending on the distance traveled. Tickets are collected by a conductor, and you should pay in cash, so it’s a good idea to carry smaller bills. Public buses stop at designated points on the streets, many of which are conveniently located near major attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Hanoi Train Station, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature.