Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the primary airport serving Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, and the second-busiest airport in the country. Located approximately 25 km north of Hanoi's Old Quarter, it serves as a hub for Vietnam Airlines and handles over 30 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals that are separate buildings connected by a shuttle bus:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Domestic flights only (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines)
• Terminal 2 (T2): All international flights and some premium domestic services

Terminal 2 is the newer facility, opened in 2015, featuring modern architecture inspired by traditional Vietnamese design. The terminals are not connected airside - transfers between terminals require exiting security and taking a shuttle bus.

A key feature of Noi Bai is its role as a gateway to northern Vietnam, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ha Long Bay (2.5 hours by car) and the mountainous regions of Sapa.

Noi Bai Airport is located 25 km north of Hanoi's Old Quarter, separated from the city by the Red River.

Typical travel times:

• Old Quarter: 40-60 minutes by car (traffic dependent)
• Hoan Kiem Lake area: 40-60 minutes
• West Lake (Tay Ho): 30-45 minutes
• My Dinh (bus stations): 25-35 minutes

Hanoi traffic is notoriously unpredictable. During rush hours (7:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00), travel times can double. The Nhat Tan Bridge route has improved airport access significantly.

Grab

Grab is the dominant rideshare app in Vietnam and the recommended option for airport transfers. Uber exited Vietnam in 2018.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to designated rideshare pickup areas outside arrivals
• Services available: GrabCar (4-seater), GrabCar 7 (7-seater)
• App requirement: Download Grab app and register before arrival

Destination	Fare	Time
Old Quarter	VND 250,000-350,000 (USD 10-14)	40-60 min
Hoan Kiem Lake	VND 250,000-350,000 (USD 10-14)	40-60 min
West Lake (Tay Ho)	VND 200,000-280,000 (USD 8-11)	30-45 min

Tip: Grab fares are fixed at booking, avoiding negotiation. Prices surge during peak hours and rain.

Taxi

Official airport taxis queue outside arrivals. Use only metered taxis from authorized companies to avoid scams.

Recommended taxi companies:

• Noi Bai Taxi (green): Airport's official operator
• Mai Linh (green): Nationwide trusted brand
• Taxi Group (white): Reliable metered service

Destination	Metered Fare	Time
Old Quarter	VND 350,000-450,000 (USD 14-18)	40-60 min
Hoan Kiem Lake	VND 350,000-450,000 (USD 14-18)	40-60 min
West Lake (Tay Ho)	VND 280,000-350,000 (USD 11-14)	30-45 min

Warning: Avoid unlicensed taxis and drivers who approach you inside the terminal. Scams involving rigged meters and inflated fares are common with unofficial operators.

Airport Minibus

Vietnam Airlines operates a minibus service to downtown Hanoi.

• Route: Airport to Kim Ma, Quang Trung (city center)
• Fare: VND 45,000 (USD 1.80)
• Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes
• Duration: 45-75 minutes depending on stops

Bus 86 Express

The Bus 86 express is the most economical way to reach central Hanoi.

Route: Noi Bai Airport → Hanoi Old Quarter (Long Bien Bus Station)

1. Exit arrivals at Terminal 2 (or Terminal 1)
2. Find the bus stop outside the terminal
3. Board Bus 86 marked "Hanoi"
4. Exit at Long Bien Bus Station (Old Quarter) or Hanoi Railway Station

Detail	Information
Fare	VND 45,000 (USD 1.80)
Duration	45-60 minutes
Frequency	Every 25-30 minutes
Hours	06:25-22:55
Stops	Nhat Tan Bridge, Long Bien, Hanoi Station

Payment: Cash to driver (have exact change in Vietnamese Dong ready)

Bus 17

A local bus option connecting to the city.

• Route: Noi Bai → Long Bien Bus Station
• Fare: VND 9,000 (USD 0.35)
• Duration: 60-90 minutes (more stops)
• Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes

Note: Bus 17 is significantly slower than Bus 86 but cheaper. Recommended only for budget travelers with time to spare.

Parking is available at both terminals with rates significantly lower than Western airports.

Terminal 2 Parking

Duration	Rate
First hour	VND 20,000 (USD 0.80)
Per additional hour	VND 10,000 (USD 0.40)
Per day (24 hours)	VND 150,000 (USD 6)

Terminal 1 Parking

Duration	Rate
First hour	VND 15,000 (USD 0.60)
Per additional hour	VND 8,000 (USD 0.30)
Per day (24 hours)	VND 120,000 (USD 4.80)

Tips:

• Motorbike parking available at significantly lower rates
• Keep your parking ticket safe - required for exit
• Payment in cash (VND) only at some facilities

Noi Bai Airport offers a mix of Vietnamese cuisine and international chains, though prices are significantly marked up compared to the city.

Terminal 2 (Landside)

• Highlands Coffee: Vietnam's popular coffee chain, Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da)
• Pho 24: Quick-service Vietnamese pho (noodle soup)
• Burger King: International fast food

Terminal 2 (Airside)

• Lucky Star: Vietnamese cuisine, pho and rice dishes
• Taste of Asia: Asian fusion options
• Café Central: Western and Vietnamese menu
• Highlands Coffee: Vietnamese coffee, pastries
• Duty-free snacks: Vietnamese chocolates, dried fruit, coffee beans

Terminal 1 (Domestic)

• Pho Bo: Traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup
• Bun Cha: Hanoi's famous grilled pork with noodles (limited availability)
• Highlands Coffee: Coffee and light snacks
• Convenience stores: Basic snacks and drinks

Budget tip: Eat in the city before arriving. Airport food prices are 2-3x city prices. A bowl of pho costs VND 80,000-120,000 (USD 3.20-4.80) at the airport versus VND 35,000-50,000 in the Old Quarter.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals.

Detail	Information
Network name	NOIBAIWIFI or FPT-NOIBAI
Registration	Phone number verification may be required
Time limit	30 minutes free, then reconnect
Speed	Moderate; suitable for browsing, emails

Tip: For better connectivity, use your Vietnamese SIM data or purchase a SIM card at arrivals.

Purchasing a Vietnamese SIM card at the airport is highly recommended. Mobile data is essential for Grab, maps, and translation apps.

Airport Locations

SIM card kiosks are located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2, immediately after exiting customs.

Major Carriers

Provider	Coverage	Notes
Viettel	Best nationwide coverage	Largest network, recommended for travel outside Hanoi
Mobifone	Good urban coverage	Competitive data packages
Vinaphone	Good urban coverage	State-owned carrier

Typical Prices

Package	Price	Includes
Tourist SIM (7 days)	VND 100,000-150,000 (USD 4-6)	3-5 GB data, local calls
Tourist SIM (30 days)	VND 200,000-300,000 (USD 8-12)	10-20 GB data, local calls
Data-only SIM	VND 150,000-250,000 (USD 6-10)	15-30 GB data

Tips:

• Bring your passport for SIM registration (required by law)
• Airport prices are slightly higher than city shops but convenient
• Request activation assistance from the kiosk staff
• 4G/LTE coverage is excellent throughout Hanoi and major cities

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in arrivals and departures areas.

Currency

• Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 24,500 VND, 1 EUR = 26,500 VND

ATM Networks

Major banks with ATMs at Noi Bai:

• Vietcombank: Widely available, accepts international cards
• Techcombank: Good rates, Visa/Mastercard
• BIDV: State bank, reliable
• VPBank: Common ATM network

ATM withdrawal limits: Typically VND 2,000,000-5,000,000 (USD 80-200) per transaction. Fees vary by your home bank.

Currency Exchange

Exchange counters are located in arrivals (Terminal 2) and departures areas.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw VND from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Wise, Charles Schwab)
• Exchange at gold shops in Hanoi's Old Quarter for better rates
• Many businesses in tourist areas accept USD, but at poor rates

Important: Vietnam is still largely a cash economy. While credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, carry cash for street food, taxis, and smaller shops.

Noi Bai Airport offers duty-free shopping and Vietnamese specialty stores, primarily in Terminal 2.

Duty-Free (Terminal 2)

• Lotte Duty Free: Main operator, spirits, cosmetics, tobacco
• Tax-free savings: Significant on alcohol and tobacco

Vietnamese Specialties

• Vietnamese Coffee: G7, Trung Nguyen, Highlands beans
• Dried Fruit: Jackfruit, mango, coconut chips
• Ao Dai: Traditional Vietnamese clothing
• Lacquerware: Traditional crafts
• Conical Hats (Non La): Iconic Vietnamese souvenirs

Tips

• Prices are fixed and higher than city shops
• Better selection and prices at Hanoi markets (Dong Xuan Market, night markets)
• Pre-packaged Vietnamese coffee makes an excellent gift
• Check customs allowances for your home country

Noi Bai has several lounge options, with access via airline status, Priority Pass, or direct purchase.

International Lounges (Terminal 2)

Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge

• Location: Terminal 2, after immigration
• Access: Vietnam Airlines Business Class, SkyTeam Elite Plus, paid entry (USD 45)
• Hours: 05:00-23:00
• Amenities: Hot buffet with Vietnamese dishes, bar, showers, WiFi
• Quality: Good food selection, can be crowded during peak departures

Song Hong Business Lounge

• Location: Terminal 2 international
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, paid entry (USD 35-40)
• Hours: 06:00-22:00
• Amenities: Buffet, drinks, seating areas
• Notes: Priority Pass accepted; can get busy

SASCO Lounge

• Location: Terminal 2
• Access: Priority Pass, paid entry
• Amenities: Basic food and drinks, seating

Domestic Lounges (Terminal 1)

Vietnam Airlines Domestic Lounge

• Location: Terminal 1 airside
• Access: Vietnam Airlines Business Class, SkyTeam Elite Plus
• Amenities: Light refreshments, drinks, WiFi

Pay-Per-Entry

Most lounges offer day passes for USD 30-45. Purchase at lounge entrance or book online for discounts.

Near the Airport

Pullman Hanoi

• 5-minute drive from airport
• 5-star, pool, multiple restaurants
• Free airport shuttle
• From VND 2,500,000/night (USD 100)

Marriott Hanoi

• 15-minute drive, near West Lake
• 5-star, international standard
• From VND 3,000,000/night (USD 120)

JW Marriott Hanoi

• 20 minutes from airport, city side
• 5-star, extensive facilities
• From VND 4,000,000/night (USD 160)

Budget Options

Airport Hotel Hanoi

• Adjacent to Terminal 2
• Basic rooms for transit passengers
• From VND 800,000/night (USD 32)

Hotels in Noi Bai area

• Several budget hotels within 10-minute drive
• Significantly cheaper than airport hotels
• Book via Agoda or Booking.com

Transit/Sleeping Options

• Capsule areas: Limited availability in Terminal 2
• Lounges: Some offer sleeping areas for passengers with lounge access
• Tip: For long layovers, consider a hotel in the city - travel time both ways still leaves several hours to explore

Hanoi is Vietnam's ancient capital with over 1,000 years of history. The city blends French colonial architecture, traditional Vietnamese temples, and modern development. The airport is your gateway to northern Vietnam's highlights.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Old Quarter	45-60 min	Grab/Taxi or Bus 86
Hoan Kiem Lake	45-60 min	Grab/Taxi or Bus 86
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum	50-70 min	Grab/Taxi
Temple of Literature	50-70 min	Grab/Taxi
West Lake (Tay Ho)	30-45 min	Grab/Taxi

Ha Long Bay Access

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam's top attractions.

Option	Travel Time	Notes
Private car/Grab	2.5-3 hours	Direct to cruise port
Tourist bus	3.5-4 hours	Budget option, multiple pickups
Seaplane	45 minutes	Scenic, from VND 3,000,000 one-way
Helicopter	1 hour	Premium experience

Tip: Most Ha Long Bay cruises include pickup from Hanoi hotels. Book through reputable operators to avoid scams.

Hanoi Highlights

• Old Quarter (36 Streets): Historic trading district, street food, markets
• Hoan Kiem Lake: City center lake with Ngoc Son Temple
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Open Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday mornings
• Temple of Literature: Vietnam's first university (1070 AD)
• West Lake (Tay Ho): Peaceful lake, cafes, Tran Quoc Pagoda
• Train Street: Narrow street where trains pass inches from cafes

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Not enough time to visit the city (allow 3+ hours round trip)
• 8-hour layover: Quick visit to Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake possible
• 12+ hour layover: Explore Old Quarter, street food tour, Hoan Kiem Lake
• 24+ hour layover: Full city experience or overnight Ha Long Bay cruise

Travel Tips

• Crossing streets: Hanoi traffic is chaotic - walk slowly and steadily, motorbikes will flow around you
• Street food: Safe and delicious - look for busy stalls with high turnover
• Bargaining: Expected at markets, not in shops with fixed prices
• Weather: Hot and humid May-October, cool and dry November-April
• Grab: Essential app for transport, food delivery, and more
• Currency: Carry cash; VND 500,000 notes are common

Must-Try Hanoi Foods

• Pho: Vietnam's famous noodle soup, best for breakfast
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork with noodles (Obama's famous meal)
• Banh Mi: Vietnamese baguette sandwich
• Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): Hanoi specialty, creamy egg-yolk coffee
• Cha Ca La Vong: Turmeric fish with dill, Hanoi's signature dish
• Nem Ran: Vietnamese spring rolls