The Best Ways to Travel from the Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter

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Landing at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi can feel like stepping into a whirlwind. You’re immediately greeted by the chaos that’s all too common at major airports: taxi drivers jockeying for your attention, security guards maintaining order, tons of people searching for family, and taxis and information right outside the terminal doors.

If you’re anything like me, you just want to find the quickest, cheapest, and most hassle-free way to get from the airport to your hotel in the Old Quarter. The different transportation options can be overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about getting scammed or simply venturing into the unknown without a clear plan.

Having lived in Hanoi for over 7.5 years and navigated my way in and out of Noi Bai more times than I can count—by taxi, Grab, bus, and even on my own motorbike—I understand the anxiety that comes with this.

In this post, I’m going to share my local knowledge and tips to help you choose the best transportation option that suits your needs, budget, and style. I want to make sure you’re well-prepared to avoid any unwelcome surprises and start your trip in Hanoi on the right note.

My Recommendation: Book a Prearranged Private Transfer

TLDR!

If you don’t want to read the whole article, my number one recommendation is to book a Prearranged Hanoi Airport Transfer. I recommend this company: Noi Bai International Private Transfer

For 225,000VND ($9) a person, it is affordable, convenient and the least stressful way to get from the Hanoi airport to Old Quarter.

Comparison of Transportation Options

Transportation Option	Price (VND)	Pros	Cons
Noi Bai International Private Transfer	225,000 (from airport to OQ) / 180,000 (from OQ to airport) per person	– Highly convenient – Safe, especially for solo travelers – No need to negotiate or handle cash	– Slightly more expensive than some alternatives – Pre-booking required
Airport Taxi	400,000 – 600,000 (can sometimes negotiate down)	– Available immediately outside terminal – Fixed price available with meter – Reputable companies	– Need to negotiate price – Can be more expensive without bargaining
Grab/Xanh SM	300,000 – 400,000	– Cheaper than taxis – Payment via app eliminates need for cash – Tracks driver and route for safety	– Wait times can be long – Pickup from parking lot, not curb
Hotel Arranged Shuttle	Varies (often double or triple the cost of alternatives)	– Extremely convenient (hotel arranges everything) – Direct drop-off at hotel	– Significantly more expensive than other options – Price not transparent until booked
Public Bus (Bus 86 and Bus 17)	45,000 (Bus 86); 9,000 (Bus 17)	– Most economical option – Bus 86 is designed for travelers with space for luggage	– Least convenient with stops not directly at hotels – Can be crowded and uncomfortable with luggage
Vietjet/Vietnam Airlines Shuttle	36,000 (Vietjet); 40,000 (Vietnam Airlines)	– Direct service linked with the airlines – Fixed cost and can be booked with flight	– Must be flying with the respective airlines – Limited flexibility compared to taxis and private cars

Each option has its advantages depending on your priorities, whether it’s cost, convenience, or comfort. Consider what matters most for your trip to make the best choice for your transportation needs in Hanoi. For more info on traveling around Vietnam check out Essential Tips for Traveling in Vietnam

There are six different options for getting from the Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter. Here is what I recommend in order of best to least:

Hanoi Airport Transfer aka a Prearranged Ride

Airport terminal scene with a SIM card and currency exchange booth on the left displaying a red "Viettel" sign. Several travelers and staff are walking or standing, some with luggage. On the right, a café called "PHO GUSTO" offers coffee and bakery items. The floor is polished with reflective tiles under bright overhead lighting — Drivers will typically stand right outside the doors from customs

Opting for a Hanoi Airport Transfer, or a prearranged ride, is definitely the best choice for traveling from the Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter. This service is best because of its convenience, cost transparency, minimal hassle, and safety—making it an excellent option, especially for first-time visitors to Vietnam.

No matter where you are traveling, when you arrive at the airport, and walk through the doors after your flight, seeing a driver holding a sign with your name just feels good.

You won’t need to negotiate with taxi drivers, worry about exchanging money, or face any language barriers since your driver knows exactly where to go. Booking a pre-arranged ride also adds an extra layer of safety, particularly for solo female travelers, allowing you to share information with family/friends back home.

Despite being a high-quality service, the cost remains affordable at about $9 per person, making it competitive with local taxis and only slightly more expensive than a Grab, yet offering significantly more peace of mind.

I recommend booking: Noi Bai International Private Transfer

From the Airport the OQ= $9 pp (225,000VND)
From the OQ to the Airport = $7pp (180,000VND)

Airport Taxi

Airport pickup area at night with a row of parked taxis under a well-lit canopy. A traveler with a blue North Face duffel bag walks alongside an airport staff member. Another person stands near the curb, checking their phone, while buses and additional vehicles are visible in the background. — This is the line up of taxi companies starting at Column 5

Choosing an airport taxi ranks as my second-best option if you haven’t booked a prearranged airport transfer. Here is what you need to do to get an airport taxi:

For International Arrivals:

Once you get your baggage and go through customs, walk straight and step out of the glass doors leading to the outside sidewalk. Upon exiting, turn LEFT and continue walking, firmly declining any unsolicited offers for a taxi.
As you walk along the sidewalk, ignore any taxi drivers following you until you reach the official Hanoi Airport Taxi Line at column 5. This spot has a lineup of reputable taxi companies, including Mai Linh Taxi, Hanoi Airport Taxi, and Taxi Group, among others. The drivers usually relax near their vehicles, waiting for passengers to approach them.
Now, you’ll need to engage in some negotiation. Expect initial fare quotes ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 VND ($20-$24), which might seem steep, but with some bargaining, you could potentially lower the price to about 400,000 VND. Some taxis opt to use the meter, which typically tallies up to a similar amount.

(See my Instagram Video on how to do it here)

For Domestic Arrivals:

When you exit the doors of the domestic airport, turn RIGHT, and cross the road to the median where you will find the lineup of taxis.
Follow the same steps from International Arrivals in terms of negotiating.

The advantages of choosing an airport taxi include its relative affordability—comparable to a prearranged ride—and the convenience of finding them just outside the airport doors. Plus, as these taxis typically check in with their headquarters upon departure, there’s a record of your trip, and you can also ask for the driver’s official ID for added security. Cash will be the preferred method, but some of the taxi companies (Taxi Group) do take credit cards. Just confirm this before you get in.

Ride Sharing Apps (Grab/Xanh SM)

Two people riding a motorbike on a busy street. The driver is wearing a green Grab jacket and helmet, while the passenger behind them is dressed in black with a white and yellow helmet. Both are carrying large backpacks, and the motorbike is loaded with additional bags, including a box of "Biscafun" cookies strapped to the back. The scene is set in an urban environment with other vehicles and buildings in the background. — Yes, you can even hire a grab motorbike to get from the Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter!

Your third option for airport transfer in Hanoi is using Grab or Xanh SM, which are the local equivalents of Uber and the most trusted ride-hailing apps in Vietnam.

Choosing one of these services will be the cheapest route to the Old Quarter (besides taking the bus or airport shuttle), with fares typically ranging from 350,000 to 400,000 VND. While I frequently recommend using Grab or Xanh SM for navigating around the city, there are a few drawbacks when it comes to airport pickups.

First, after you book your ride, there might be a considerable wait as the driver moves through airport traffic to reach you. Second, unlike taxis that can pull up directly at the curb, Grab and Xanh SM cars are only allowed to enter the parking lot. This means you’ll need to carry your luggage across the road and into the parking lot to meet your driver, which can be a hassle, especially if you’re carrying heavy bags or it’s late at night. Roaming around a parking lot looking for your ride isn’t ideal, particularly in the dark.

On the upside, if you’ve set up a Grab account, you can pay with a linked credit card, eliminating the need for cash. Additionally, both Grab and Xanh SM provide added security by keeping a record of your driver’s details and your journey’s route, making sure you have a safer travel experience from Noi Bai Airport to the city center.

Here is a ton of information on how to use Grab in Vietnam

Hotel Arranged Shuttle

The fourth option for getting from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter is to arrange an airport shuttle through your hotel. This option is particularly appealing for those who prefer a completely hassle-free experience. All it requires is providing your hotel with your flight details and pickup information, and they handle the rest.

However, it’s important to note that hotels in the Old Quarter often charge a premium for this service. The cost can be significantly higher—often double or triple—compared to booking a similar service on your own.

Essentially, the hotel would be arranging a private taxi for you, the same type you could book independently…but at a higher rate. While this method adds convenience, it does so at a considerable cost, and there are no group shuttle bus options like those commonly found in Western cities. Therefore, while convenient, this service is best for travelers who prioritize ease over budget.

Public Bus

"Timetable and stop list for Bus Express 86, showing departure times from Hanoi Railway Station and Noi Bai Airport. The timetable lists bus departure times in hourly intervals, with routes indicated between the two locations. A detailed stop list with icons and text displays key stops along the route, estimating a travel time of 55 minutes. Additional contact details for Bus Express 86 are included on the right side.

The next option from Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter is the public bus. This is definitely the most challenging in terms of convenience, especially if you’re carrying luggage. I know that some people are all about using public transportation in new cities (and I am too!), but I don’t think the hassle is worth it here (at least if you’re not on a seriously tight budget).

Having to lug your bags to bus stops and through the city and not be entirely sure where you’re getting off is just a pain. Plus the savings aren’t that dramatic. Yes, the bus fare is only about $2, but when a taxi or a Grab costs around $6-$9, the savings aren’t as impactful unless you’re strictly sticking to a tight budget.

For those determined to go the economical route, there are two bus options:

Bus 86 is the newer airport line designed specifically for travelers, running from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi Central Railway Station. It’s a bit roomier and more comfortable for those with luggage.
Bus 17 is more of a local route, starting at Terminal One (Domestic Arrivals) and ending at Long Bien bus station near the northeast side of the Old Quarter.

If you’re choosing between the two, I recommend Bus 86 for a generally more traveler-friendly experience. It operates roughly every 45 minutes and covers multiple stops including Hoan Kiem Lake and several streets within the Old Quarter, making it somewhat convenient for tourists. However, if you arrive very early or need a quicker departure and don’t mind less comfort, Bus 17 might be your only option during off-hours.

To catch these buses, exit the International Terminal, turn left as if you are going to the taxis, just behind the taxis is a parking lot, that is where Bus 86 comes through. There are signs directing you! If you’re arriving from the domestic terminal, turn right (as if you’re going to the taxis) and the bus stops just past the entrance.

Once on board, you can pay in cash or a contactless credit card (this started in April 2024) for the fare; the driver will collect it and issue a ticket during the ride. It’s helpful to use Google Maps to track your stop—don’t forget to press the stop button in advance to notify the driver.

For real-time updates and schedules, you can check the official Facebook page of Bus 86 here.

I sometimes take bus 86 to the airport (never home) because there is a bus stop literally right outside my house! It is quite simple and straightforward and easy once you are on! If you want to go the bus route, I would recommend trying it on your way back to the airport!

While the bus is definitely the most budget-friendly option, weigh it against the convenience and comfort of other transport methods, especially if navigating with significant luggage or during peak hours.

Airport Shuttles

Photo from Vietjet Air

Another option for travelers flying with Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines is their pre-booked shuttle service. Both airlines offer a 16-seat shuttle that picks up passengers from the International Terminal.

These shuttles need to be booked in advance, which you can easily do when purchasing your airline ticket or even up to three hours before your arrival. You can manage the bookings in the same place you manage your flight bookings. Both of these shuttles pick up in the same place as the buses.

Vietjet Air Shuttle: The shuttle service provided by Vietjet is priced at 36,000 VND. For more details on how to book this service, visit their website here.
Vietnam Airlines Shuttle: Vietnam Airlines offers this shuttle for a slightly higher fee of 40,000 VND. More information about their shuttle service can be found here.

While I haven’t personally used these shuttle services, they are a potentially efficient and cost-effective method of getting to the Old Quarter, especially if you’re looking for an option that’s linked directly with your flight.

What to Expect at the Airport

Crowded airport terminal with people gathered near counters under a brightly lit ceiling. Many individuals are standing in lines or waiting, some holding documents, while others appear to be checking their phones. Bank counters and service signs are visible in the background — Sometimes the lines in immigration look like this…or worse!

I have a whole article on what to expect when arriving at Noi Bai International Airport. It outlines what to do from deplaning all the way to getting into that taxi/grab/bus/car/shuttle!

I also potentially recommend getting this this VIP Fast-Track Service, which will give you access to the Priority Immigration Lane and skip long lines at immigration. This is a hit or miss because sometimes you arrive and immigration is packed, and sometimes you arrive and it is empty!

Let’s Wrap it Up: How to Get from the Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter

Getting from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter doesn’t have to be a scary task. As a local who has made this journey countless times, I can confidently say that arranging a prearranged ride is the most stress-free option. However, the Hanoi airport offers a whole bunch of choices to suit different needs and budgets.

The key to a smooth arrival is to decide which transportation method aligns with your personal travel preferences. Whether you value comfort, cost, or convenience, there’s an option for you! Not having to worry about how to get from the Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter will start your first experience in Hanoi off on the right foot.

As you plan your arrival in Hanoi, I have so many resources for your time here! If you’re still in the throes of planning all of the logistics, I recommend you head to my Start Here page where you can find everything you need to know about planning the best trip to Hanoi!