Transfer to/from - Hanoi airport (HAN)

Ride-hailing apps

The main ride-hailing options from the airport are Grab, Xanh SM, and Be. All three have designated pickup zones outside the arrivals hall — follow the green floor stickers or "App-based Pickup" signs. Xanh SM, operated by VinFast, uses exclusively electric vehicles and has its own lane and waiting room at T2; in 2026, it is the preferred option for many locals due to its fixed rates and uniformed drivers. Grab remains the most familiar option for international travelers. The price to central Hanoi ranges from 350,000 to 480,000 VND depending on the app and vehicle type. Important: never get into a vehicle with someone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a taxi or transfer — it is a common scam. Always check the license plate in the app before boarding.

Buses

Bus 86 is the most recommended bus option for tourists. It connects both airport terminals to the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem) and Hanoi Railway Station. Operates from 6:30 am to 10:15 pm, with departures every 45 minutes. In 2026, most vehicles are electric, with low floors to facilitate boarding with luggage, free Wi-Fi, digital screens with announcements in Vietnamese and English, and staff with basic English skills. The fare is 45,000 VND (~1.85 USD) per person, payable in cash to the driver or with contactless card. The journey takes between 50 and 60 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

The following public buses offer a cheaper alternative (~9,000 VND depending on distance), although slower and without specific service for large luggage:

• 7 - Cau Giay
• 17 - Long Bien
• 68 - Ha Dong
• 86 - Hanoi Railway Station (tourist express, see above)
• 90 - Kim Ma
• 109 - My Dinh
• E10 - Ocean Park (Ecopark)

Hai Van operates minibuses with a frequency of approximately 45 minutes to different destinations in the region:

• NB01: Vo Nguyen Giap, Nhat Tan Bridge, Vo Chi Cong, Times City Urban Area, Dong Tru Bridge, Truong Sa, Vo Van Kiet
• NB02: Vo Nguyen Giap, Nhat Tan Bridge, Xuan La, Ton That Thuyet, Pham Ngoc Thach, Tran Hung Dao, Hang Tre, Au Co, Nhat Tan Bridge

Taxis

Taxis available 24 hours outside the arrivals halls of both terminals (halls A, B, and E at T1; columns 5 and 16 at T2). The journey to central Hanoi (Old Quarter/Hoan Kiem) takes between 40 and 60 minutes in normal traffic conditions, and between 60 and 75 minutes during peak hours. The fare ranges between 400,000 and 600,000 VND (~16-24 USD) depending on destination and traffic, plus the airport exit toll (~15,000-30,000 VND). Always request the meter — if the driver insists on a fixed fare before starting, it is a red flag. Note about the meter: Vietnamese meters display amounts without the last three zeros (for example, "64.0" on the meter equals 64,000 VND, not 640,000 VND).

The most reliable operators are Mai Linh (bright green taxis — beware of imitators with white taxis using similar names), G7, Taxi Group, and Airport Taxi (NASCO). Never get into a vehicle with a driver who approaches you inside the terminal: official taxi drivers wait in the designated outer lanes. In case of any issues, note the company, license plate, and meter number.

More information about transportation on the airport's official website