Visiting the Old Quarter is the first step to experiencing the vibrant culture, historic charm, and bustling streets of Hanoi. However, with a 29km distance between the airport and the city’s heart, choosing the right transportation is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore all taxi from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter, from traditional taxis and ride-hailing services to alternative transport, helping you choose the most suitable option.
1. From Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter: An Overview
Address: Phu Minh Commune, Soc Son, Hanoi
Distance: 29km
Estimated commuting time by taxi: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Estimated price: 300.000VND ~ $12 (prices can change due to late night time, weather, public holidays, or traffic conditions)
Noi Bai International Airport (can be referred to as Hanoi Airport) is the only airport in the capital city of Vietnam and the largest airport of the Northern region. Even then, Noi Bai International Airport is still around 30km from Hanoi Old Quarter, the central tourist and culture hub of Hanoi. Therefore, tourists are expected to book a suitable vehicle to travel such a long distance with heavy luggage. Some transportation options from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter are taxis, buses, private cars, or transferring services. Check out other cities to visit in northern Vietnam!
2. Taxi from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter
2.1. Traditional Taxi from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter
Taxi from Hanoi Airport to Old QuarterUpon arrival at the Noi Bai Airport gate, you will be greeted with a number of taxis waiting there. Taxis are the fastest and most convenient option for travelling from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter, with the rate around 12,000VND ($0.5) per kilometer. Some popular brands are Mai Linh, Sao Thu Do, G7 Taxi, Taxi Group, Que Lua, Thanh Nga, Thekymoi, Taxi 123, Song Nhue, and Van Xuan. Most of the taxis at Noi Bai International Airport are from traditional brands and are safe to use. However, in recent years, there have also been scams to fake the prices or even for abduction. Therefore, be careful when you walk to the gate to book a taxi, protect your belongings all the time, always ask for the price first, and avoid being led away by drivers against your will.
2.2. A More Convenient Approach: Taxis from Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing services are becoming extremely famous in Vietnam, especially in urban cities, due to their great number of vehicle types, affordable prices, convenient booking system, and safety. Most hailing services also provide shipping for food, goods, and many more. Here are some ride-hailing services you can book a taxi from instead of choosing a taxi from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter.
Grab is the first hailing service to operate in Vietnam, with the largest number of vehicles around urban cities. Grab Taxis are categorized into different ranges, from economical to plus vehicles, catered to the different needs of the customers. They also offer the largest number of discount programs and other hailing services like motorbikes.
Be is a women-owned hailing service that has been operating since 2017, with the lowest price compared to other hailing services in Vietnam. In terms of the mapping and payment system, Be offers an easy-to-use platform, even for first-timers. However, keep in mind that during busy hours, Be prices can jump up greatly due to high demand.
Xanh SM is the first and only ride-hailing service in Vietnam that uses electric vehicles. Distinctive with its bright cyan blue vehicles, Xanh SM offers the best service with comfortable vehicles and polite drivers. Even though the price can be higher for short distance trips, Xanh SM actually offers the best price if you are travelling a long distance, like from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter.
3. Alternative Transports from Hanoi to Old Quarter
3.1. Public Bus
Line 86: T1 & T2 Terminal Gate to Hanoi Railway Station
Line 17: T1 & T2 Terminal Gate to Kim Ma Station
Line 07: T1 & T2 Terminal Gate to Long Bien Bus Station
Time and frequency: 5 AM to 9 PM, 30 minutes/ride
Price: 45,000VND ($2)
The Hanoi public bus system has specifically designed a bus line for transferring from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter, which is Line 86. Therefore, this line is the newest, less crowded, and more convenient compared to Line 07 and Line 17. However, you should also check Google Maps to specify which route is best suited to your schedule.
3.2. Shuttle Bus
All 3 domestic airlines in Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines, VietjetAir, and Jetstar Pacific, all have their own lines of shuttle buses capable of transferring tourists from Noi Bai airport to Hanoi Old Quarter. The prices are usually around 40,000VND ($2), and they are usually available from 4 AM to 10 PM. Shuttle buses are parked right inside airports, with the signature colours and logo of the airlines on them, making it easier for tourists to spot them.
3.3. Private Car Services
If you want a personal trip around Hanoi with the utmost safety and flexibility, hiring your own car and driver is the way to go. If you travel on a tour, you can also arrange your own vehicle with your tour operator. If you stay at a Hanoi Old Quarter hotel, you can also book a transport with the hotel.
Conclusion
Choosing the right taxi from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter depends on your budget, time, and convenience preferences. Whether you opt for a traditional taxi, a ride-hailing service like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM, or a more economical option like a public or shuttle bus, there are plenty of ways to reach your destination safely and efficiently. For the best experience, book your tour with YESD Travel and let us handle all the hassle for your perfect trip. Find out more about our Hanoi tours here!
All 3 domestic airlines in Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines, VietjetAir, and Jetstar Pacific, all have their own lines of shuttle buses capable of transferring tourists from Noi Bai airport to Hanoi Old Quarter. The prices are usually around 40,000VND ($2), and they are usually available from 4 AM to 10 PM. Shuttle buses are parked right inside airports, with the signature colours and logo of the airlines on them, making it easier for tourists to spot them. 
If you want a personal trip around Hanoi with the utmost safety and flexibility, hiring your own car and driver is the way to go. If you travel on a tour, you can also arrange your own vehicle with your tour operator. If you stay at a Hanoi Old Quarter hotel, you can also book a transport with the hotel.