How to get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City Center by bus (2025 Guide)

Are you planning to visit Hanoi?
Did you know that Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is located about 30 kilometers from the city center? So, how can you get downtown from the airport?

There are several transportation options available: you can book a taxi, use ride-hailing apps, or more. However, if you're looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, taking a bus might be the perfect choice for you. With various bus routes operating between the airport and the city, getting to the center has never been easier.

In this article, Giscoo Job Hub will guide you on how to get from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Hanoi city center by bus - covering all the details you need for a smooth and budget-friendly journey.

Understanding Noi Bai Airport Terminals

Noi Bai International Airport has two main terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily serves domestic flights.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Handles international arrivals and departures.

Most public bus routes serve both terminals, but it's helpful to know which terminal you're arriving at. Free shuttle buses operate between T1 and T2 from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM the next day, with frequencies ranging from every 15 to 20 minutes.

The Public Bus System: Your Gateway to Hanoi

Several public bus routes connect Noi Bai Airport to various points in Hanoi's city center, including popular areas like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Hanoi Railway Station. These buses are a budget-friendly alternative to taxis or ride-hailing services.

Key Bus Routes and Their Destinations

Here are the most relevant bus routes for travelers heading to the city center:

1. Bus 86 (Airport Express Bus)

Bus 86 is highly recommended for tourists due to its direct route and convenient stops near major attractions.

• Route: Connects Noi Bai International Airport (both T1 and T2) directly to Hanoi Railway Station. It makes several strategic stops in the city center, including areas near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, Melia Hotel, and Long Bien Bus Station.
• Fare: 45,000 VND (approximately $2 USD). Payment is typically cash-only and collected by a conductor on board.
• Operating Hours: Runs from approximately 5:05 AM (from Hanoi Railway Station to airport) to 10:00 PM (from airport to Hanoi Railway Station).
• Frequency: Buses depart every 25-30 minutes.
• Travel Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Luggage: Bus 86 is designed with some dedicated luggage space, making it suitable for travelers with suitcases.

Where to Catch Bus 86:

• From T2 (International Terminal): After exiting the arrivals hall, turn left. The Bus 86 stop is about 100 meters away, usually clearly marked.
• From T1 (Domestic Terminal): The bus stop is directly in front of the terminal building.

2. Bus 17

Bus 17 is another popular and economical option, particularly if your destination is around the Long Bien area or the eastern side of the Old Quarter.

• Route: Noi Bai International Airport – Vo Van Kiet – Ngo Gia Tu – Chuong Duong Bridge – Long Bien Bus Station. Long Bien Bus Station is roughly 1 kilometer from the Old Quarter.
• Fare: 9,000 VND (approximately $0.40 USD).
• Operating Hours: Approximately 5:10 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Frequency: Runs every 10-15 minutes.
• Travel Time: Around 60 minutes, subject to traffic.
• Luggage: This is a standard public bus and may not have extensive luggage space, potentially becoming crowded during peak hours.

3. Bus 07

Bus 07 is the most economical choice, serving the western districts of Hanoi.

• Route: Noi Bai International Airport – Cau Giay – Nguyen Van Huyen – Hoang Quoc Viet – Pham Van Dong – Vo Van Kiet – Noi Bai International Airport (circular route). Its final stop is Kim Ma Bus Station. From Kim Ma, you might need a short taxi or another bus ride to reach the Old Quarter.
• Fare: 8,000 VND (approximately $0.35 USD).
• Operating Hours: Approximately 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
• Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes.
• Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes.
• Luggage: Similar to Bus 17, luggage space is limited.

4. Other Routes

While Bus 86, 17, and 07 are the most common for direct city center access, other routes like Bus 68 (to Ha Dong, 50,000 VND), Bus 109 (to My Dinh, 8,000 VND), Bus 90 (to Kim Ma, 9,000 VND), and the electric VinBus E10 (to Vinhomes Ocean Park, 9,000 VND) also connect to various parts of Hanoi. However, these may require transfers or be less convenient for travelers aiming for the Old Quarter or Hanoi Railway Station.

Purchasing Tickets and Payment

Bus tickets for public routes from Noi Bai Airport are purchased directly on the bus from a conductor. It is essential to have Vietnamese Dong (VND) in small denominations. ATMs are available at the airport for currency withdrawal, and currency exchange services are also present. Credit card payments are generally not accepted on these public buses.

Important Considerations for Foreign Travelers

• Cash is King: Always carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong for bus fares.
• Luggage: While Bus 86 offers some space, other local buses (like 07 and 17) can get crowded, making it challenging with large suitcases. Consider your luggage volume when choosing a bus route. For excessive luggage, a private transfer might be more suitable, though more expensive.
• Announcements and Stops: Bus stops are typically announced, but not always in English. It's advisable to use a navigation app like Google Maps on your phone to track your location and identify your stop. Inform the conductor of your intended destination if possible; they can sometimes assist.
• Rush Hours: Like any major city, Hanoi experiences rush hour traffic (typically 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM). Travel times during these periods can be significantly longer. Midday (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM) or late evening (after 7:30 PM) are often less crowded.
• Safety: Keep your belongings secure, especially during crowded times. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Terminal Transfer: If you arrive at T1 and need to catch a bus from T2 (or vice-versa for some routes), utilize the free inter-terminal shuttle bus service. The pick-up locations are on the first floor of both terminals.

Alternatives to Public Buses

While buses are economical, other options exist:

• Airline Shuttle Buses: Some airlines (e.g., Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air) offer their own shuttle services from the airport. These typically cost around 40,000-50,000 VND and have specific drop-off points in the city. Check with your airline for details.
• Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Be, XanhSM): These apps offer car and motorbike services with upfront pricing. They are generally more expensive than buses (250,000-350,000 VND for a car) but provide door-to-door convenience.
• Taxis: Traditional taxis are readily available. Ensure the meter is used or agree on a price before starting the journey to avoid overcharging. Mai Linh and Taxi Group are reputable companies.
• Private Car Transfers: Arranged through hotels or online services, these offer the most comfortable and direct option, ideal for groups or those with substantial luggage. Costs are higher, usually from 350,000 VND to 600,000 VND.

Conclusion

Taking a public bus from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi's city center is a practical and budget-friendly choice for foreign visitors. Bus 86 stands out for its direct route and convenience to popular tourist areas, while buses 07 and 17 offer even more economical fares if you are comfortable with potential transfers or a short walk. With a bit of preparation regarding cash and understanding the routes, you can navigate Hanoi's public transport system with ease and begin your exploration of this captivating city.