Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) lies around 25–30 km north of central Hanoi, across the Nhat Tan Bridge over the Red River. There's no rail link, so the choice is between the affordable express bus, a metered taxi, or booking a Grab — and for most first-time visitors, Grab has become the easiest of the three.
Bus 86: the budget express option
The 86 express bus runs directly from Noi Bai to Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hanoi Railway Station, with clearly marked stops and space for luggage. It's air-conditioned and inexpensive, taking around 50–60 minutes in normal traffic, though this can stretch well beyond an hour if you arrive during rush hour. Buses run roughly every 20–30 minutes through the day, with reduced frequency early and late.
Ordinary city bus routes (such as the 17 and 7) also connect the airport to Hanoi, but they are considerably slower, involve more stops, and are aimed at commuters rather than travellers with luggage — the 86 is the sensible choice if you want a public bus.
Taxi from the airport
Official metered taxis, including well-established firms like Mai Linh and Taxi Group, operate from a rank outside arrivals. Fares to the Old Quarter are moderate and journey time is typically 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and whether you cross via the Nhat Tan Bridge (faster) or the older Thang Long Bridge route.
Grab: the easiest option for most visitors
The ride-hailing app Grab is extremely widely used across Vietnam and is generally the most straightforward way to get into the city. Fares are agreed in the app before you get in, which removes any uncertainty or need to negotiate, and cars can be booked directly from the arrivals hall using the airport's free WiFi or a local SIM. Journey time and price are broadly comparable to a metered taxi, but the fixed, upfront fare makes Grab the preferred choice for most first-time arrivals.
Airport shuttle and hotel transfers
Many hotels in the Old Quarter offer pre-arranged airport pickups, usually at a similar price to a taxi, with a driver waiting with a name sign — a reassuring option after a long-haul flight, particularly for late-night arrivals when public transport options thin out.
Crossing the Nhat Tan Bridge
Most transfers now use the Nhat Tan Bridge, a cable-stayed crossing over the Red River that opened a number of years ago and considerably shortened journey times between Noi Bai and central Hanoi compared with the older route via Thang Long Bridge. If your driver or bus takes the older road for any reason — occasionally due to specific traffic conditions — expect the journey to run noticeably longer, so it's worth asking which route is planned if time is tight.
What to expect on arrival
Noi Bai's international terminal is modern and well signposted in English, with currency exchange counters, SIM card vendors and ATMs all available before you reach the arrivals hall proper. Picking up a local SIM or eSIM on arrival is worth doing immediately, since it makes booking a Grab and navigating with maps considerably easier for the rest of your stay — data plans are inexpensive and widely available at counters just past immigration.
Which should you choose?
For most travellers, Grab offers the best balance of price, comfort and predictability, and it removes the language barrier that can complicate taxi negotiations. Bus 86 is a good budget option if you're travelling light and don't mind the occasional wait in traffic. A pre-booked hotel transfer is worth considering for late arrivals or if you'd rather not deal with any of it after landing.
- Cheapest: Bus 86 to the Old Quarter or Hanoi Railway Station.
- Easiest and most predictable: Grab, booked from the arrivals hall.
- Best for late-night arrivals: a pre-arranged hotel transfer or official taxi rank.
Onward travel from Hanoi
Hanoi is the natural starting point for exploring northern Vietnam. Many visitors head east to the coast on our route for Hanoi to Halong Bay, or south into the limestone countryside via Hanoi to Ninh Binh. For the full length of the country, see our guide to Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on the Reunification Express, and our wider overview of Vietnam by train.
If you're arriving without a visa arranged, check the current rules in our guide to Vietnam's e-visa before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Hanoi airport to the city?
No — Noi Bai has no rail connection. The realistic options are the 86 express bus, metered taxis, and Grab, all of which take roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Is Grab safe and reliable in Hanoi?
Yes, Grab is very widely used across Vietnam and is generally considered the safest and most predictable way to get a car, since the fare is fixed in the app before the journey starts and the driver and vehicle are identified in advance.
How much luggage can I bring on the 86 bus?
The 86 is designed with airport passengers in mind and has dedicated luggage space, making it a practical option even with a full-size suitcase, unlike many of Hanoi's ordinary city bus routes.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Many nationalities can now apply for an e-visa online before travelling, while some benefit from visa-exemption agreements for short stays. Rules vary by nationality and change periodically, so check our Vietnam e-visa guide and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Noi Bai International Airport official site.
- Bus route details: Hanoi Department of Transport / Transerco.