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How to Get from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi City Center

Distance, Travel Time, and the Best Ways to Travel

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) lies approximately 25–35 km north of Hanoi’s city center, depending on where you are heading. Upon arrival, travelers can choose from several transportation options, including public buses, taxis, and private airport transfers, each varying in comfort, price, and convenience.

This guide provides a complete overview of how to travel from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city, covering estimated travel times, distances to popular areas, bus routes, taxi services, and a clear comparison to help you select the most suitable option for your trip.

Distance and Travel Time from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City Center

Here are the approximate distances and estimated travel times from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Hanoi’s most popular districts and key landmarks:

DestinationDistanceTravel Time (Normal Traffic)
Hanoi Old Quarter~28 km40–60 minutes
Hoan Kiem area~27 km40–55 minutes
Ba Dinh~25 km35–50 minutes
Tay Ho (West Lake)~23 km30–45 minutes
Cau Giay~26 km35–50 minutes
Ha Dong~33 km50–70 minutes
My Dinh Area~30 km45–65 minutes
Hanoi Railway Station~29 km45–60 minutes
Hoan Kiem Lake~27 km40–55 minutes

⏱️ Travel time may increase during rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM & 4:30–7:00 PM).

How to Travel from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi City Center

Getting from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi city center is easy, with options ranging from budget public buses to hassle-free private transfers. Below is a clear comparison of the most common transportation methods to help you choose the best option.

Option 1: Public bus services from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi

Public buses are the cheapest way to travel from Hanoi Airport to the city center, but they take more time and may be inconvenient for travelers with heavy luggage.

Popular Hanoi Airport Bus Routes

Bus 86 – Airport Express (Most Tourist-Friendly)

  • Route: Noi Bai Airport ⇄ Hanoi Railway Station (via Old Quarter area)
  • Ticket price: 45,000 VND
  • Travel time: ~50–60 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 25–30 minutes
  • Best for: Tourists staying near Old Quarter or city center

Bus 17 – Long Bien  Noi Bai Airport

  • Ticket price: 15,000 VND
  • Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes
  • Best for: Budget travelers & Long Bien area

Bus 07 – Cau Giay  Noi Bai Airport

  • Ticket price: 12,000 VND
  • Route: Cau Giay → Thang Long Bridge → Airport
  • Best for: Travelers staying in Cau Giay District

Bus 68 – Ha Dong  Noi Bai Airport

  • Ticket price: 45,000 VND
  • Best for: Travelers heading to Ha Dong District

Bus 109 – My Dinh Bus Station  Airport

  • Ticket price: 12,000 VND
  • Best for: Travelers connecting from My Dinh area

✔ Pros & ❌ Cons of Taking the Bus

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Frequent departures
  • Good for solo travelers

Cons

  • Crowded during peak hours
  • Limited seating
  • Not door-to-door
  • Slower with traffic

Option 2: Taxi Service from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City Center

Taxis are widely available at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and offer a faster, more comfortable ride than buses.

 Popular Taxi Companies at Noi Bai Airport

Taxi CompanyPhone Number
Mai Linh Taxi+84 24 38 222 666
G7 Taxi+84 24 32 32 32 32
Airport Taxi+84 24 38 666 666
Thanh Nga Taxi+84 24 38 215 215
Group Taxi+84 24 38 53 53 53

Taxi Fare (Meter-Based – Estimated)

  • Hanoi city center / Old Quarter: 400,000 – 500,000 VND
  • Tay Ho / Ba Dinh: 400,000 – 500,000 VND
  • Ha Dong: 500,000 – 700,000 VND

✔Always confirm that the meter is turned on or agree on the price before departure.

Best for:

  • Travelers arriving during daytime
  • Small groups with light luggage
  • Those comfortable with local taxis

Option 3: Private Airport Transfer – The Easiest and Most Convenient Option

A private airport transfer from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi is the easiest and most dependable transportation option for travelers.

 ✔Fixed price – no surprises

 ✔Door-to-door service

 ✔Professional  drivers

✔ Ideal for Old Quarter hotels & narrow streets

 ✔Available 24/7, even on holidays

 Check reliable Hanoi airport transfer service here :https://vietnam-airport.net/

Best for:

  • First-time visitors
  • Families & business travelers
  • Late-night or early-morning arrivals
  • Travelers with large luggage

Comparison: Bus vs Taxi vs Private Transfer

OptionTravel TimeCostConvenienceBest For
Public Bus50–70 minCheapestLowBudget travelers
Taxi40–60 minMediumMediumSmall groups
Private Transfer35–55 minFixed⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Comfort & peace of mind

FAST TRACK AIRPORT

There are several transportation options from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city center, and the most suitable choice depends on your budget, arrival time, and level of comfort.

  • Choose public buses if you want to save money
  • Choose taxis for faster travel during the day
  • Choose a private airport transfer for the most stress-free experience

For a smooth and stress-free journey, many travelers choose a pre-booked airport transfer 

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Hanoi Airport to City Center & Old Quarter by Bus 86: Complete Travel Guide

Traveling from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Hanoi city center and the Old Quarter doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Among the many transportation options available, Bus 86 stands out as the most convenient and budget-friendly public transport choice for both first-time visitors and frequent travelers. This complete guide will help you understand everything you need to know about taking Bus 86 from Hanoi Airport to the city center and Old Quarter.

What Is Bus 86 in Hanoi?

Bus 86 is an express public bus service designed specifically to connect Noi Bai International Airport with central Hanoi. Unlike regular city buses, Bus 86 is tourist-friendly, modern, and runs on a direct route through major landmarks, including Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.

This bus is popular among travelers who want a cheap, reliable, and straightforward way to travel from Hanoi Airport to downtown without using taxis or ride-hailing services.

Bus 86 Route: Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter

The Bus 86 route covers key locations in Hanoi, making it extremely convenient for tourists.

Main stops include:

  • Noi Bai International Airport (Terminal 1 & Terminal 2)
  • Vo Chi Cong Street
  • Kim Ma Street
  • Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
  • Hanoi Railway Station
  • Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Hanoi Old Quarter

Thanks to this route, travelers can easily reach hotels and attractions in the city center without changing buses.

Bus 86 Schedule & Operating Hours

Bus 86 operates daily, including weekends and public holidays.

  • Operating hours: Approximately 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Frequency: Every 25–30 minutes
  • Travel time: 45–60 minutes (depending on traffic)

This frequent schedule makes Bus 86 a reliable choice for both early arrivals and late-night flights.


Bus 86 Ticket Price & Payment

One of the biggest advantages of Bus 86 is its affordable price.

  • Ticket price: Around VND 45,000 per person
  • Payment method: Pay directly on the bus in cash

Compared to taxis or Grab rides, Bus 86 is the cheapest way to get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city center.

How to Find Bus 86 at Noi Bai Airport

After exiting the arrival hall at Terminal 1 (domestic) or Terminal 2 (international), follow the signs for public buses. Bus 86 is clearly marked and easy to recognize.

Airport staff are usually available to assist if you are unsure where to board

What to Expect When Taking Bus 86

  • Before choosing Bus 86, here’s what travelers should know:
  • The bus has only around 25 seats, the rest is standing room
  • During peak hours, the bus can be very crowded
  • Large suitcases are allowed, but space may be limited when busy
  • Passengers board from the front door and exit from the rear door
  • Keep personal belongings secure, especially during rush hours

Best for: Solo adventurers, backpackers, and cost-conscious travelers

Not ideal for: Families traveling with children, late-night arrivals, and travelers with heavy or oversized luggage

Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter: Should You Take Bus 86?

Bus 86 is an affordable and convenient option during the daytime; however, it may not be the best choice if:

  • You arrive late at night or early morning
  • You carry multiple large suitcases
  • You want a door-to-door transfer
  • You are traveling with children or elderly passengers

In these situations, a private Hanoi airport transfer is the ideal choice for maximum comfort and total peace of mind.

Best Private Transfer from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi City Center

For a smooth and stress-free journey, many travelers choose a pre-booked airport transfer :

✔ Fixed price – no surprises

✔ Door-to-door service

✔ Professional  drivers

✔ Ideal for Old Quarter hotels & narrow streets

✔ Available 24/7, even on holidays

 Check reliable Hanoi airport transfer service here :https://vietnam-airport.net/

Bus 86 is a popular low-cost option for traveling from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi city center, especially in daylight hours. For a more comfortable, quicker, and hassle-free journey, private airport transfers remain the preferred alternative.