How to Get Around Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)

Understanding the layout of Noi Bai’s two terminals is key to getting around quickly and efficiently.

Terminal 1 (T1) – Domestic Terminal

• Serves flights from Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines
• Composed of 3 main halls: A, B, and E (E is the newest)
• Departure: 2nd floor | Arrival: 1st floor
• Connected by walkways and shuttle within terminal zones

Terminal 2 (T2) – International Terminal

• Serves all international flights (e.g., Korea, Japan, Europe, Southeast Asia)
• Opened in 2014, modern layout
• Departure: 3rd floor | Immigration: 2nd floor | Arrival: 1st floor

Tip: Each terminal has its own drop-off/pick-up zones and parking. Double-check your airline and flight number before heading to the airport.

You can find more on terminal maps at the official Noi Bai Airport website.

If you're transferring between a domestic and international flight, you may need to switch terminals. Fortunately, it’s quick and simple.

Option 1: Free Shuttle Bus

• 🚌 Operates every 15–20 minutes
• 🕒 24/7
• 📍 Stops: Right outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrival halls
• 🧳 Luggage allowed, space for large suitcases

Option 2: Walk

• 🚶‍♂️ Distance: ~600 meters
• 🕐 Time: ~10 minutes
• Covered sidewalk available, but not ideal with heavy bags or in bad weather

Tip: If you have less than 1.5 hours between connecting flights across terminals, take the shuttle instead of walking.

Need help planning tight connections? Check our Vietnam Airport Transfer Tips.

If you're arriving on an international flight at Terminal 2, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visa & Immigration

• Present passport, visa or eVisa, and arrival form (if required)
• Visa on arrival counter is available for pre-approved letters
• For eVisa info, visit the Vietnam Immigration Portal

Step 2: Baggage Claim

• Proceed to baggage carousel matching your flight number
• Free baggage carts are available

Step 3: Customs

• Declare goods if carrying over 5,000 USD, electronics, or restricted items
• Red/Green channel system — most tourists use the green lane

Tip: Keep your baggage tag until you exit the airport — it may be checked by security.

Need help with visas? Read our Vietnam Visa on Arrival Guide.

From Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter or any central district, you have several transportation options depending on your budget, schedule, and luggage.

Quick comparison:

You can read more in our Noi Bai to Hanoi City Transfer Guide.

Reliable taxi brands at Noi Bai:

• Mai Linh Taxi: Green cars, meter-based
• Vinasun Taxi: Trusted brand nationwide
• Airport Taxi Group: Official airport line, fixed prices available

Booking tips:

• Use the official taxi stand outside arrivals (ignore drivers who approach inside)
• Ask for meter or fixed fare before getting in
• Always keep the receipt (important if you forget items)

🚫 Avoid unmarked taxis or drivers offering rides without uniforms or ID.

Estimated fare: 250,000–350,000 VND to Hanoi Old Quarter (including toll fees)

Need a safer alternative? Check out our Taxi Scams in Vietnam and How to Avoid Them.

Ride-hailing apps are a convenient and increasingly popular option at Hanoi’s airport.

How to book Grab or Be:

1. Download the app (Grab, Be, or Xanh SM )
2. Use airport Wi-Fi or your Vietnam SIM
3. Set your pickup point to “Noi Bai T2 - Pick Up Zone” or “T1 Arrival Gate”
4. Wait outside near the app-designated point (don’t wait inside)

Pros:

• Transparent pricing
• Cashless payment available
• Driver information visible

Cons:

• Peak hours = price surge
• Slightly longer wait than taxis

Tip: Ride-hailing pickup areas are usually 100–200m from the main terminal exit. Follow signs or ask airport staff for directions.

Want a SIM for mobile data? Read our Vietnam SIM Card Comparison.

If you’re on a budget, the airport buses are your most affordable choice for getting to central Hanoi.

Bus options:

• Bus 86 (Express):
• 🚍 Route: Noi Bai → Long Bien → Hoan Kiem → Hanoi Station
• 💰 Fare: 45,000 VND
• 🕒 Every 20–30 minutes, 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• 🧳 Luggage-friendly, A/C
• Bus 07:
• Route: Noi Bai → Cau Giay
• Fare: 9,000 VND
• Local-style bus (less tourist-friendly)
• Bus 17:
• Route: Noi Bai → Long Bien
• Fare: 9,000 VND
• Slow but scenic

Where to catch the bus: Look for signs near the domestic and international arrival gates. Bus stops are clearly marked.

📌 If you have large luggage, Bus 86 is the best public transport option.

For detailed schedules and bus maps, visit Hanoi Bus Website.

If convenience and comfort are top priorities, private airport transfers or hotel pickups are excellent options — especially if you’re arriving late, traveling with family, or carrying multiple bags.

Booking a private transfer:

• Can be arranged via:
• Hotel concierge
• Klook or GetYourGuide
• Local travel agencies
• Drivers wait at arrival hall with a name board
• Prices range from 300,000–600,000 VND, depending on car type and destination

Benefits:

• Fixed fare, no scams
• English-speaking drivers (sometimes)
• 24/7 service with flight tracking

Tip: If your hotel offers free or paid airport pickup, confirm via email before arrival. It saves you time and confusion.

While self-driving isn’t common in Vietnam due to traffic rules and local driving style, it is possible to rent a car from Noi Bai Airport — with or without a driver.

Self-driving requirements:

• Valid Vietnamese driver’s license or international driving permit (IDP) accepted in Vietnam
• Passport and deposit (usually 5–10 million VND)
• Apps like Mioto.vn or Xeduc.vn are popular with locals

With driver (more common):

• Costs ~700,000–1,200,000 VND/day depending on car type
• Ideal for day trips or business travelers
• Driver usually covers fuel and tolls

Unless you’re experienced with Vietnamese road conditions, hiring a driver is recommended.

Want to explore Hanoi’s outskirts? Check our Best Day Trips from Hanoi.

Noi Bai International Airport offers essential facilities for both international and domestic travelers. Here’s what you can find after landing:

Wi-Fi:

• Free public Wi-Fi in both terminals
• Look for network: “NoiBai FreeWiFi”
• No login required, but may be slow during peak hours

Food and drinks:

• Star Café, Big Bowl, Highlands Coffee, and Burger King available in both terminals
• Most food outlets open from 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Prices are higher than outside but still reasonable

SIM cards:

• Available at kiosks after customs in Terminal 2
• Top providers: Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone
• Expect to pay 150,000–250,000 VND for tourist data plans

ATMs and currency exchange:

• ATMs from BIDV, Vietcombank, Techcombank
• Exchange counters available near baggage claim and arrival exit
• Airport rates are fair but not the best — exchange small amounts here, the rest in town

For full connectivity tips, visit our Vietnam SIM Card & Wi-Fi Guide.

Whether you have a long layover or arrive late at night, Noi Bai Airport has several rest options — both inside and near the terminal.

Inside airport:

• Sleep pods at Terminal 2, 2nd floor (near gate 22)
• Price: ~150,000 VND/hour
• Includes bed, power socket, Wi-Fi
• Free seating areas at both terminals (limited comfort)
• Airport stays are generally safe, with 24/7 security

Nearby hotels (5–10 mins from airport):

• VATC SleepPod (inside airport)
• Noi Bai Family Homestay
• Paragon Noi Bai Hotel & Pool
• Dragon Airport Hotel

Tip: Use apps like Agoda or Booking.com to find hotels with free airport shuttles.

If you have an early flight, consider staying near the airport the night before. For more, check our Guide to Sleeping at Airports in Vietnam.

As soon as you land, you’ll likely need Vietnamese Dong (VND) and mobile data to navigate. Noi Bai Airport offers both services — but knowing where to go saves you money and time.

Currency exchange:

• 📍 Located in arrival halls of both Terminal 1 and 2
• Operators: BIDV, VietinBank, Agribank
• Rates are 5–10% lower than banks in the city
• Good for exchanging $50–100 to cover transport and SIM

Tip: Avoid changing large amounts at the airport. Exchange the rest in Hanoi city for better rates.

SIM card providers at the airport:

• Stalls after customs exit (T2) or near baggage claim (T1)
• Top networks: Viettel (best coverage), Vinaphone, Mobifone
• Tourist SIM packages include:
• 7–15GB of data
• 30-day validity
• Prices: 150,000–250,000 VND

Want to compare packages in advance? See our Vietnam SIM Card Comparison Guide.

Noi Bai Airport is generally safe and organized, but like all international airports, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid stress or scams.

Safety tips:

• Only use official taxis or Grab apps — never follow random drivers
• Keep valuables in hand luggage, not checked bags
• Watch for luggage tag checks at exit gates
• Be alert with free Wi-Fi — don’t log into sensitive accounts
• Take a screenshot of your hotel address in Vietnamese

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Forgetting to bring cash – not all taxis accept cards
• Not checking terminal – T1 and T2 are separate buildings
• Taking unlicensed taxis – leads to inflated prices
• Assuming Grab can pick up inside the terminal – you must walk to pickup points

Avoiding these issues ensures a smoother start to your trip. For more airport tips, read our Vietnam Travel Mistakes Guide.

Got more questions? See our Vietnam Airport FAQ Collection.

To wrap up your arrival or departure from Noi Bai International Airport, here are some final quick wins:

Summary checklist:

✅ Know your terminal (T1 = domestic, T2 = international)
✅ Use Grab or Bus 86 for affordable transport
✅ Avoid cash issues — exchange small amount at the airport
✅ Buy a SIM card immediately after customs
✅ Always confirm price before taking a taxi
✅ Download offline maps and apps before landing

Whether you're arriving for the first time or catching a flight out, a few smart steps will make your Hanoi airport experience easy and stress-free.

Need to continue your journey? Read our Guide to Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay or How to Spend 24 Hours in Hanoi.