How to Get from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter

(Distance, Travel Time, Cost & Best Transport Options)

Hanoi Old Quarter is the most popular area for tourists visiting Vietnam, known for its narrow streets, historic houses, and vibrant street life. If you are arriving at Noi Bai International, choosing the right transportation option is essential for a smooth start to your trip.

This guide explains all the ways to get from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter, including distance, travel time, cost, pros and cons, so you can decide what suits you best.

Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter distance and travel time

• Distance: approximately 30 km (18 – 19 miles)
• Average travel time:
  • Off-peak hours: 40 – 45 minutes
  • Peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM & 4:30–7:00 PM): 60 – 75 minutes

Travel time may be longer due to traffic congestion or restricted access inside the Old Quarter, where many streets are narrow or one-way.

Transportation Options from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter

Below are the most common ways to get from Noi Bai Hanoi Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter, compared by distance, travel time, cost, and comfort, to help you choose the option that best fits your travel needs.

Depending on your arrival time, budget, luggage, and travel experience in Vietnam, each option offers a different level of convenience. While some are more budget-friendly, others provide a smoother and more reliable door-to-door experience – especially for first-time visitors or travelers arriving after a long flight.

1️⃣ Taxi from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter

Taxis are one of the most common ways to get from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter, especially for travelers who prefer a quick and direct ride without prior planning.

• Distance: ~30 km
• Travel time: 40–75 minutes
• Cost:
  • Approximately 350,000 – 500,000 VND (14 – 20 USD)
  • Meter-based, depending on traffic and route

Popular brands for Noi Bai Airport Taxi in Hanoi:

• Mai Linh Taxi – A long-established taxi brand in Vietnam, known for its wide fleet and familiarity with airport routes.
  • Contact number: +84 24 38 131 313
  • Fare (approx.):
    • Starting fare: 10,000 – 11,000 VND (~0.5 USD)
    • Per kilometer: 16,000 – 30,000 VND/km (0.7 ~ 1.2 USD/km)
• Vinasun Taxi – clear billing, and reliable vehicles
  • Contact number: +84 24 38 131 313
  • Meter-based fare (approx.):
    • Starting fare: 11,000 – 14,000 VND (~0.5 – 0.6USD)
    • Per kilometer: 17,000 – 30,000 VND/km (0.7 ~ 1.2 USD/km)
• G7 Taxi – Convenient fixed pricing and the option to book via hotline or mobile app
  • Contact number: +84 24 32 32 32 32
  • Fare (approx.): Typical cost from Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter: ~250,000 – 350,000 VND (10 – 15 USD)
• ABC Taxi – alocal Hanoi taxi company with a large operating fleet and airport experience
  • Contact number: +84 24 37 878 787
  • Fare (approx.):
    • Starting fare: 20,000 VND (~0.8 USD)
    • Per kilometer: around 15,000 VND/km (0.6USD)

Below come certain advantages and disadvantages if using an taxi for your transport from Noi Bai airport to the old quarter:

• Pros:
  • Available 24/7 at Noi Bai Airport
  • No advance booking required
  • Direct ride to the city
• Cons:
  • Fare may increase due to traffic
  • Risk of overcharging or taking longer routes
  • Language barrier with some drivers
  • Not always convenient for first-time visitors

Taxis can be convenient, but travelers unfamiliar with Hanoi often prefer a fixed-price option to avoid unexpected costs.

2️⃣ Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Be, Xanh SM)

Ride-hailing apps are popular among locals and tech-savvy travelers, offering app-based booking and cashless payment options from Hanoi Airport to the city.

• Distance: ~30 km
• Travel time: 45–70 minutes

Cost:

• Around 300,000 – 450,000 VND
• Surge pricing may apply during peak hours or bad weather

Pros:

• Transparent fare shown in the app
• Popular and widely used in Hanoi
• Cashless payment available

Cons:

• Requires mobile internet at the airport
• Surge pricing can significantly increase cost
• Pick-up points at Noi Bai Airport Hanoi may be confusing
• Limited support if issues occur

3️⃣ Public Bus from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter

The single bus route from Noi Bai airport to old quarter is bus 86. It starts at the airport and ends at Hanoi Train Station, stopping at various destinations in the Old Quarter.

• Distance: ~30 km (route-dependent)
• Travel time: 70–90 minutes
• Cost: 45,000 VND (~2USD)

Pros:

• Cheapest option
•  Designed specifically for tourists
• Space for luggage
• Fixed route connecting Noi Bai Airport and Old Quarter

Cons:

• Limited operating hours
• Not door-to-door (may require walking to your hotel)
• Can be crowded during high tourist seasons

👉 You can find full details here: Bus 86 Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter

5️⃣ Private Airport Transfer (Recommended Option)

• Distance: ~30 km
• Travel time: 40 – 55 minutes

Cost:

• From ~21 – 37 USD depending on vehicle type and pickup time
• Fixed price – no hidden fees

Pros:

• Meet & greet service at Noi Bai Airport
• Door-to-door drop-off inside or near Old Quarter hotels
• Fixed price regardless of traffic
• No waiting, no language barrier
• Ideal for families, groups, and late-night arrivals

Cons:

• Requires advance booking

👉 Learn more about our private airport transfer service

Here are our car price for Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter

Which Option is Best for You?

Important Tips for Traveling to Hanoi Old Quarter

• Some streets in the Old Quarter restrict car access at certain hours
• Hotels may be located inside small alleys, requiring precise drop-off points
• During peak hours, allow extra travel time from Noi Bai Airport
• Booking transportation in advance helps avoid confusion upon arrival

Final Recommendation

If you want a smooth, reliable, and hassle-free journey from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter, especially after a long flight, a private airport transfer is the most convenient choice.