Hanoi Airport (HAN) - Noi Bai International Airport

The primary airport serving Hanoi and the various Northern provinces is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). The airport is situated approximately 30 kilometers from the city center, nestled within a suburban area that was once part of Vinh Phuc province and is surrounded by rice paddy fields.

Location

Noi Bai International Airport is located 30 kilometers north of Hanoi’s city center. The travel time between the Old Quarter of Hanoi and the airport typically ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. You can reach the airport via the Nhat Tan Bridge or the Thang Long Bridge.

Terminals

Terminal 1 (Domestic Flights): Terminal 1 is currently designated for domestic flights only and is now connected to E Hall, a newly constructed terminal.

Check-in Area at Domestic Terminal

E Hall (Domestic Flights): The first floor of E Hall serves as the arrivals lobby. Here, you will find currency exchange booths, taxi services, and information counters.

The second floor accommodates departure gates and check-in areas for domestic flights. Boarding gates 2 to 5 are situated on the far left, while gates 6 to 10 are located on the far right. The central area near the elevator leads to the border police control. Customs declaration forms have been eliminated for all outbound travelers as of September 2020.

The top floor features several dining options that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the food quality is decent and budget-friendly, the selection does not cater extensively to international tastes.

Terminal 2 (International Flights):

International Terminal at Noi Bai Airport

Opened in early 2015, Terminal 2 serves all international routes and comprises four levels. The first level is designated for arrivals, the third level is for departures, while the second and fourth levels host various food vendors. Passengers arriving from international flights will first proceed through immigration, where they can collect a visa on arrival. Those with pre-arranged visas may head directly to Customs to scan their passports and collect their baggage.

ATMs and currency exchange booths are readily available on the first level of Terminal 2, conveniently located near the airport entrance.

From Noi Bai Airport to City Center

Taxis are well-regulated and available right outside the airport terminals. The fixed fare from the airport to the city center is approximately VND 400,000 (around US$17), and you can request a drop-off at your hotel. The return fare is about VND 250,000 (around US$11).

Pick up area at Noi Bai Airport

Vietnam Airlines operates a minibus service located on the far left as you exit the airport. This service provides convenient transportation to the company’s office at 2 Quang Trung Street, about 1 kilometer from the Old Quarter, with a one-way ticket priced at approximately US$2.

The most economical although less desirable option is the local bus. Bus #7 departs every 30 minutes from the airport, stopping at Daewoo Hotel, where you can transfer to Bus #9, which goes directly downtown to Sword Lake. The total fare is about 10,000 VND (45 cents).

Since May 1, 2016, a direct bus route (Bus 86) has been operational, connecting the airport to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hanoi Train Station with tickets costing around US$2. The travel time is approximately 55 minutes from the airport to the train station.

Travelers' Reviews

Hanoi Airport (officially known as Noi Bai International Airport, IATA code HAN) receives mixed feedback regarding its services. While many find it convenient and straightforward to navigate, others criticize it for a lack of dining and shopping options. Below is a summary of both positive observations and travelers' opinions about Noi Bai Airport:

Pros:

• Noi Bai Airport is relatively small, making it extremely user-friendly. Passengers can easily navigate from customs to the exit and move between domestic and international terminals within minutes.
• Luggage collection is prompt, thanks to the relatively small capacity of most flights arriving in Hanoi. International travelers typically retrieve their luggage at baggage claim areas 3A or 3B, located on either side of customs.
• Customs procedures are efficient, with minimal screening requirements. Most customs officers are friendly and welcoming. Keep your boarding pass handy for verification.
• Trolleys are complimentary, a welcome contrast for those accustomed to paying at many international airports for trolley use.

Cons:

• Limited food variety: Dining options are confined to the arrival area and the fourth floor. While the prices may be typical for airport dining, choices are limited. Fast food franchises like KFC and Starbucks are not present, but two cafes named Lucky and a couple of smaller restaurants are available. A bowl of Pho costs around 60,000 VND (approximately US$3) and is considered good quality, while coffee prices hover around US$2 for a cappuccino.
• Underwhelming shopping experience: Compared to major international airports, the duty-free shopping at Noi Bai Airport can be disappointing. After check-in, the selection is often sparse, featuring only a few basic brands for items like wine and cigarettes.
• Insufficient tourist information: While there are visitor information desks in the arrival hall, free maps and a diverse array of pamphlets about the city are lacking.