Getting To Hanoi - Air, Road and Train

Hanoi is well-connected to the rest of Vietnam and the world through various transportation options.

By Air

As of 2025, visitors can find direct flights from major cities such as Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and most metropolitan areas in East and Southeast Asia to Hanoi. The primary gateway to the city, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), is located approximately 45 kilometers from the downtown area, which typically translates to about an hour's taxi ride.

Vietnam Airlines continues to be the leading carrier for both domestic and international flights. Furthermore, several budget airlines now offer regular flights in and out of Hanoi, including AirAsia (serving Thailand and Malaysia) and Scoot (serving Singapore and other regional destinations).

For travelers from North America, the majority of indirect flights now transit through key hubs such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Osaka, or Seoul.

Travelers from Europe may expect transit points in cities such as Paris, Hong Kong, or Moscow based on their departure locations.

Between the Airport and City Center

Airport Bus

The Vietnam Airlines minivan service is a convenient option for traveling into the city, dropping passengers off at their office on Hang Bai Street in downtown Hanoi. This service operates frequently during the day and costs around $3. Similar services are available for return trips to the airport, departing nearly every hour from the office until 7:00 PM. It’s advisable to account for traffic and allow sufficient time to reach the airport.

Local Bus

The most budget-friendly yet less convenient option is to take the local bus. Upon exiting the airport, head to the far right where you will find buses marked in yellow and red; Bus number 7 runs to the city every 30 minutes. You can transfer at Daiwoo Hotel and catch Bus number 9 to its terminal in the Old Quarter. However, if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a more comfortable experience, this option may not be the best choice.

Taxi

Taxis from downtown to the airport typically cost around $10, while the fare from the airport can be approximately $15. Only officially licensed taxis are permitted to wait outside the airport. Expect someone with a walkie-talkie to assist you in obtaining a cab. While the prices are relatively standardized, seeking a street taxi a short distance away from the airport can sometimes yield lower fares. Overall, taxi services in Vietnam are considered safe.

Motor-Taxi

Outside the airport, particularly near the Bus 7 parking area, you may encounter motor-taxi drivers ready to provide rides into the city. These trips typically cost around $8. However, safety can be a concern with this mode of transport, so it may be better to opt for motor-taxi services once you are in the city.

By Road

Hanoi is serviced by two main bus terminals located in the North and South, which facilitate travel to virtually every province in Vietnam. Open tour buses frequently drop passengers off in the downtown area, bypassing the terminals. Giap Bat and My Dinh bus stations are the primary hubs for long-distance bus travel.

The Hanoi train station is conveniently about a 10-minute taxi ride from the city center. If you are traveling to Vietnam from China, you are likely to board a train in Laocai and arrive in Hanoi early in the morning.