Noi Bai International — Bus 86 + Bus 17
Noi Bai (HAN) to Hanoi — Updated 2026
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 |
Getting out of Hanoi
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Hanoi
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Hanoi and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse HanoiJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Hanoi.Flights to Hanoi
Compare HAN fares from 750+ airlines.
Bus 86 + Bus 17 vs alternatives
| 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.
Hotels in Hanoi
Find hotels in Hanoi
1.4M+ properties · Trip.com