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:
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time (Normal Traffic) |
| Hanoi Old Quarter | ~28 km | 40–60 minutes |
| Hoan Kiem area | ~27 km | 40–55 minutes |
| Ba Dinh | ~25 km | 35–50 minutes |
| Tay Ho (West Lake) | ~23 km | 30–45 minutes |
| Cau Giay | ~26 km | 35–50 minutes |
| Ha Dong | ~33 km | 50–70 minutes |
| My Dinh Area | ~30 km | 45–65 minutes |
| Hanoi Railway Station | ~29 km | 45–60 minutes |
| Hoan Kiem Lake | ~27 km | 40–55 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 Company | Phone 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
| Option | Travel Time | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
| Public Bus | 50–70 min | Cheapest | Low | Budget travelers |
| Taxi | 40–60 min | Medium | Medium | Small groups |
| Private Transfer | 35–55 min | Fixed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comfort & peace of mind |
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
