Getting to Hanoi, Vietnam — TFA World Guide

Getting There and Away

Written by Lorraine Aust, Minh Nguyen

15/08/2025

Lively view of Hanoi's famous Train Street with train tracks running between apartment buildings and bustling daily life.

Hakan Tas, Pexels

Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport for air travel and Hanoi Railway Station as its primary train hub. For bus travel, major stations like My Dinh, Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam, Gia Lam, and Yen Nghia connect the city to various regions.

By Air:

Flights arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located approximately 30-38 km north of the city center. Direct flights are available from various airlines. Return flight costs can range from £326 to $577, with one-way tickets starting from $59. The journey from the airport to Hanoi city center typically takes 30-60 minutes by road.

By Train:

Hanoi Railway Station is the central railway hub. From Ho Chi Minh City, train journeys can take around 11 hours to over 30 hours, with tickets costing $40-$85. Travel from Da Nang typically costs $30-$80 and takes 16-18 hours. Overnight trains to Sapa (Lao Cai) take around 7.5-8.5 hours and cost $15-$50.

By Long-Distance Bus:

Several bus stations serve different regions. For example, buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi can take around 48 hours and cost from $36-$45.

From Noi Bai International Airport to City Center:

Taxi:: A direct and comfortable option, typically taking 30-60 minutes and costing 300,000-400,000 VND (approximately $12-16 USD). Reputable companies like Mai Linh and G7 Taxi are recommended.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Be, Xanh SM):: Offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis, with similar travel times and often competitive fares.
Airport Shuttle Bus:: Operated by airlines like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, these shuttles provide a cost-effective transfer to central locations. A one-way ticket on the Vietnam Airlines shuttle costs 40,000 VND.
Public City Bus (e.g., Bus No. 86):: An economical choice, connecting the airport to the Hanoi Railway Station and other key areas like Hoan Kiem Lake. The fare is around 45,000 VND, and the journey takes approximately 47-50 minutes. Buses operate frequently from early morning until late evening.

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