Noi Bai International — Bus 86 + Bus 17
Noi Bai (HAN) to Hanoi — Updated 2026
Arriving at HAN?
A pre-booked driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, at a price fixed when you book.
Transfers via Welcome Pickups
Hanoi's Noi Bai International (HAN) is 28 km north of central Hanoi. The best public option is Bus 86 (Airport Bus Express) — VND 45,000 (~$1.80), 60-70 minutes to the Old Quarter (Long Bien terminus, near St. Joseph's Cathedral). Bus 86 has air-conditioning, WiFi, luggage space, and runs every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 22:30. Alternatively, Bus 7 or 17 are city-standard local buses (VND 9,000, ~$0.35, 75-90 min) — cheaper but no A/C, more stops. For arrivals after 22:30 or with lots of luggage: Grab is VND 250-400,000 (~$10-16) direct to your hotel, 40-55 minutes. Vietnam Airlines runs its own coach service for connecting flights (VND 40k, timed to arrivals). The airport is well-connected to buses at both T1 (domestic) and T2 (international) — Bus 86 boards at both, just outside arrivals. No metro exists yet on this route; Line 3 planned but not before 2028.
Bus 86 + Bus 17 stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai T2 (International) | 0 min | Bus 86 stop right outside arrivals |
| Noi Bai T1 (Domestic) | ~5 min | Interchange between terminals |
| Nhat Tan Bridge | ~30 min | Cross Red River into central Hanoi |
| Long Bien Bus Station | ~50 min | Optional stop — some hostels here |
| Hoan Kiem Lake / Old Quarter | 60-70 min | Bus 86 terminates — central Hanoi hub |
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| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 86 (Airport Express) | VND 45k (~$1.80) | 60-70 min | A/C, WiFi. Best public option. Every 30 min 05:00-22:30. |
| Bus 7 or 17 (local) | VND 9k (~$0.35) | 75-90 min | Cheapest. No A/C. Many stops. |
| Vietnam Airlines coach | VND 40k | 60-75 min | For VN passengers with onward connections. |
| Grab (car) | VND 250-400k | 40-55 min | App-based, direct to hotel. Best for luggage. |
| Airport taxi (metered) | VND 350-500k | 40-55 min | Vinasun/Mai Linh at official rank. |
| Private transfer | VND 500-800k | 40-50 min | Meet-and-greet. Book Welcome Pickups or Trip.com. |
FAQ
How do I get from Noi Bai airport to Hanoi Old Quarter?+
Bus 86 (Airport Bus Express) is the best value option — VND 45,000 (~$1.80), 60-70 minutes to the Old Quarter (near St. Joseph's Cathedral). Buy from the on-board conductor with cash. Runs every 30 minutes 05:00 to 22:30. The bus is air-conditioned with WiFi and luggage space. Boards at both T1 (domestic) and T2 (international) just outside arrivals — clearly marked "Airport Bus 86" in English.
Bus 86 vs Grab from Hanoi airport?+
Bus 86 for solo/couple travellers with reasonable luggage: VND 45k, comfortable, 60-70 min. Grab for groups of 3+, heavy luggage, or arriving 22:30-05:00: VND 250-400k car, 40-55 min direct to hotel. Both are safe. For families with young kids, Grab is worth the extra ~$8 — no bus transfers, direct to hotel door.
Are Hanoi airport buses safe with luggage?+
Yes. Bus 86 has dedicated luggage racks at the front + rear and space between rows. Bus 7 + 17 are more crowded and less luggage-friendly — fine with a backpack, awkward with a large suitcase. Watch belongings on all buses as with anywhere in Vietnam; the Old Quarter terminus can be busy at rush hour. Pickpocketing is rare but stay aware.
What if my flight arrives at 03:00 at Noi Bai?+
No public buses run 22:30 to 05:00. Options: Grab (VND 250-400k, most reliable at that hour); airport taxi (VND 350-500k, official rank only — refuse touts); or pre-booked hotel/transfer service (VND 500-800k, driver waits regardless of delay). For 03:00 arrival, we'd recommend booking a Welcome Pickups or Trip.com airport transfer in advance — driver holds a sign with your name in arrivals, worth the extra ~$5-10 vs the stress of finding transport at that hour.
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