Access to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hanoi Station from Noi Bai Airport by Airport Bus
When traveling from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport to the city center (especially the Old Quarter and Hanoi Station areas where many tourists stay), you have the option of taking a taxi or an airport bus. For taxis, it’s highly recommended to use a ride-hailing app like Grab instead of hailing an unlicensed taxi.
This article will provide information on how to travel cheaply using the public airport bus.
How to Ride the Airport Bus (Bus No. 86) (45,000 VND)
The airport bus (Bus No. 86) from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Station starts from Terminal 2 (International), passes through Terminal 1 (Domestic), goes through West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter (where many tourists stay), and terminates in front of Hanoi Station.
You can board Bus No. 86 from the bus stop in front of the terminal. The fare is 45,000 VND, collected by the conductor on board. Use Google Maps to find out which stop is closest to your accommodation. If the conductor isn’t too busy, you can ask them for advice on where to get off. They will likely inform you when you reach your stop. The journey to Hanoi Station takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Transferring to Hanoi City Local Buses
If your accommodation is far from the bus route, you will need to transfer to a local bus. When taking a local bus, check the bus routes and stop locations on Google Maps. The bus number is displayed on an LED sign at the front of the bus, so board quickly once it stops.
Buses often depart before passengers have fully boarded, so as soon as the door opens, get on quickly and either find an empty seat or hold onto a bar to ensure your safety. The fare will be collected by the conductor; it’s a flat rate of 7,000 VND within the city. Confirm with the conductor that you are on the correct bus.
Keep Google Maps open during the ride, and once you pass the stop before yours, stand near the exit to signal that you intend to get off next. When the bus stops, alight quickly. Sometimes the bus may start moving before you’ve fully stepped off.
