Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Flying from/to Noi Bai International Airport

Find out the best way to get from Noi Bai International Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, coach or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to Noi Bai International Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

Arriving at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Built over a thousand years ago, Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi boasts a heady mix of traditional, French, and Chinese architecture. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is connected to the city by a massive bridge bearing the original name of the ancient city, Thăng Long. The airport itself, originally built as a Vietnamese Air Force base, was opened for public use after the reunification of Vietnam in 1975. Today, the airport serves both military and commercial passenger airlines. The long list includes AirAsia, Cathay Dragon, Vietnam Airlines, IndiGo, Malaysia Airlines, and many others.

What's the best way to get from Noi Bai International Airport to the city centre?

Noi Bai International Airport is 15 miles (25 kilometers) from downtown Hanoi. coaches are easy to use and the most affordable option for travel from Hanoi Airport to the city centre, but travellers should be warned that coaches are often crowded. The coach stop is outside the arrivals hall, where coach routes 7, 17, 86, and 90 take riders into the city. Shuttles are often cheaper than the regular public coaches, but they only leave once they are full, so their schedules are subject to change. Rideshare apps such as Grab are also available, and there's a metered taxi rank on the ground level. Check the fare rates posted near the arrivals hall to avoid scammers. travellers should confirm fares with the driver before getting into a taxi. The airport offers an air-conditioned coach that drops passengers at the Quang Trung Street station near the Old Quarter of Hanoi, and luggage is free to bring on board. Jetstar and VietJet also offer transfer coaches to passengers who fly with them.

How far is the city centre from Noi Bai International Airport?

Getting back to Noi Bai International Airport from Hanoi is as straightforward as the opposite route. The absolute cheapest option would be the public coach. travellers opting for this route should keep a lookout for the 7, 17, 86, and 90 coach routes. The airport shuttle service leaves from downtown Hanoi, near Hoàn Kiếm Lake. The shuttles leave every hour on the hour, though they sometimes leave late because they try to fill them for each ride before leaving. Depending on traffic, the 15-mile (25-kilometer) ride will take 40 to 60 minutes. Taxis and Grabs are a more convenient option than the shuttles, and for a higher price, they can shorten the travel from the city centre to the airport to a 20- or 30-minute ride.

What services are there at Noi Bai International Airport?

In addition to public rest zones with comfortable furniture, Noi Bai International Airport offers single and double sleep pods for travellers with long layovers. Bookable by the hour, the pods include a bed, a TV, and WiFi. There's also free WiFi throughout the airport. A baby change room is located on the 3rd floor of the departures hall, and there are several children's play areas in the departures halls for both terminals. Free water is available from specified water fountains. Remember not to drink tap water in Vietnam. Luggage storage and lockers can be accessed 24 hours a day. There are six currency exchanges offered by different Vietnamese banks, several ATMs, and a duty-free shopping area. Showers can be found in the coachiness lounge, and there are a few designated smoking rooms within the airport. A range of local and international fast-food chains is before security.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Accessible toilet stalls are in every bathroom in the airport. There are ramp alternatives at most stairs, and escalators and elevators between floors. Passengers with reduced mobility have access to airport vehicles that will drive them to their gates in each of the terminals, and those needing wheelchair assistance can call their airlines 48 hours ahead of time to arrange for specialized luggage and check-in service. Vietnam Airlines, which is headquartered in Hanoi, also offers assistance for travellers who are blind, deaf, or use wheelchairs and/or service dogs. They require advance notice, and it is easiest to request their services when tickets are being booked.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Noi Bai International Airport

Due to Vietnamese law, checked luggage must be inspected by airport officials before passengers leave the airport, so travellers are reminded to keep the stubs given to them at check-in. Buying a SIM card at the airport is cheap, and it will come in handy for getting around and calling Grabs or taxis. Because many hotels and other accommodations check passports upon check-in, passengers are reminded to have a signed and date-stamped visa. Like all souvenir shops, those at Noi Bai Airport can be pricey. For souvenirs, head to the cheaper and more exciting Hanoi night markets.