Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the gateway to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
This Hanoi airport guide covers the terminal layout, the free shuttle between them, and every practical way to get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city, with real costs and travel times for each.
Whether you land at the domestic or international terminal, the basics below will get you into the city with no surprises.
- Noi Bai Airport has two terminals: T1 for domestic flights, T2 for international arrivals.
- A free shuttle bus links T1 and T2 every 15–20 minutes, so switching terminals costs nothing.
- Central Hanoi is roughly 25–30 km away via the Nhat Tan Bridge route, about 40–50 minutes by road outside rush hour.
- Bus 86 is the cheapest way in (45,000 VND); Grab and taxi are faster but cost more.
- Buy your SIM card as soon as you land, and complete Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card online before you fly. As of July 2026, it’s required for arrivals at Noi Bai, not just Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat airport.
Noi Bai airport terminals: T1 and T2
Noi Bai Airport has two separate terminal buildings a short distance apart. Terminal 1 (T1) handles all domestic flights within Vietnam, while Terminal 2 (T2) handles every international arrival and departure.
The terminals are separate buildings about 850m apart, with no covered walkway connecting them, which is exactly why the free shuttle exists. Each terminal has its own arrivals hall, information desks, currency exchange counters, and taxi rank.
Facilities at Noi Bai Airport
Both terminals cover the basics well, and T2 has the wider range of amenities since it handles all international traffic.
Here’s what’s available and where to find it if you land early, have time to spare, or are facing a long layover.
| Facility | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Free wifi and phone charging | Throughout both terminals; free drinking water points are also available landside and airside |
| ACV Business Lounge | T2, 4th floor, between gates 36 and 37. Buy access at the Delight Souvenir Shop, T2 3rd floor (US$35/180 min for adults, US$17.50/180 min for children aged 2–12) |
| VATC sleep pods | T1, 3rd floor, and T2, 2nd floor. Book via vatc.vn or hanoiairporthotels.vn |
| Luggage storage (locker room) | T2, public area, 2nd floor, East Wing |
| Baby care rooms and children’s playground | Both terminals |
| Free electric car for limited-mobility passengers | T2, restricted departure area |
| Banks, ATMs, duty-free, souvenir shops, and VAT refund counters | T2, airside |
| First aid stations | Both terminals |
How far is Noi Bai Airport from central Hanoi?
Noi Bai Airport sits roughly 25–30 km north of central Hanoi via the Nhat Tan Bridge route, in Soc Son district. The drive into the city normally takes 40–50 minutes, though it can stretch well past an hour during morning and evening rush hour.
Traffic is the main variable to plan around, not distance. Landing in the late afternoon on a weekday means budgeting extra time before an onward flight, hotel check-in, or meeting.
Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city: transport options compared
Three practical ways connect Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city center: the public bus, a ride-hail app, and a taxi. Each trades off cost against speed and convenience, so pick based on your luggage, budget, and how tired you are after the flight.
For most travelers arriving with luggage after a long flight, Grab offers the best balance of price and convenience. Bus 86 suits a light pack and a flexible schedule.
Practical tips for arriving at Hanoi airport
A few small steps at arrival save time later, especially on your first visit to Vietnam.
- Visa: Check whether your nationality qualifies for Vietnam’s e-visa or visa exemption before you fly, and apply only through the official government e-visa portal.
- Digital Arrival Card: As of July 2026, Vietnam’s Digital Arrival Card is required at Noi Bai as well as Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and Cam Ranh airports. Submit it free of charge at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 72 hours of landing, since it does not replace your visa.
- SIM cards: Official Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone counters sit in the T2 arrivals hall right after customs, generally open for late arrivals though hours can vary by counter. A local SIM or eSIM usually takes under 10 minutes to set up.
- Currency: Exchange counters are available in both terminals, though rates in the city center are usually a little better. Small VND notes help for the bus fare and small purchases.
- Timing around traffic: Avoid scheduling tight connections or hotel check-ins around Hanoi’s 7–9am and 5–7pm rush hours, when the airport road can add 20–30 minutes to any journey.
- Luggage: Trolleys are free inside both terminals. If you’re taking Bus 86 with large suitcases, allow extra time to board since the bus doesn’t have a dedicated luggage hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal do international flights use at Hanoi airport?
International flights use Terminal 2 (T2) at Noi Bai Airport. Terminal 1 (T1) is reserved for domestic flights within Vietnam, and a free shuttle bus connects the two.
How do I get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter?
Grab, taxi, and Bus 86 all serve the Old Quarter. Grab or taxi take 40–60 minutes door to door, while Bus 86 takes 50–60 minutes to Hanoi Railway Station, a short walk or short ride from the Old Quarter.
How much does a taxi from Noi Bai Airport cost?
A metered taxi into central Hanoi typically runs 300,000–600,000 VND (about US$12–24), depending on traffic and the exact drop-off point. Use a licensed taxi brand from the official rank outside arrivals, or ask the information desk about a fixed-rate option.
Do I need a visa or arrival card to enter Vietnam via Hanoi?
Most nationalities need either an e-visa, a visa on arrival, or fall under a visa-exemption agreement, so check your specific requirement before flying. As of July 2026, you’ll also need to submit Vietnam’s free Digital Arrival Card at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn within 72 hours of arrival, since Noi Bai now requires it alongside Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and Cam Ranh airports.
Where can I buy a SIM card at Noi Bai Airport?
Official Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone counters are in the Terminal 2 arrivals hall, right after you clear customs. Hours can vary by counter, but they generally cover late arrivals, and a working local SIM takes under 10 minutes to activate.
How early should I get to Noi Bai Airport before my flight?
Arrive around 3 hours before an international departure and 2 hours before a domestic one. Add extra buffer time if you’re traveling into the airport during Hanoi’s morning or evening rush hour.
Plan your Hanoi trip
Noi Bai Airport is straightforward once you know the terminal layout and your transport options into the city. Compare flights to Hanoi and browse hotels in Hanoi on Wego, or check routes across Vietnam if you’re planning a longer trip beyond the capital.
Sources
- Noi Bai International Airport — Free Shuttle Bus Between Terminals
- Hanoi Bus (Transerco) — Route 86: Noi Bai Airport–City Center
- Vietnam National Electronic Visa System — Official e-Visa Portal
- Vietnam National Portal on Immigration — Entry Requirements
- Vietnam Immigration Department — Official Pre-Arrival Information Portal
- evisas vietnam — Vietnam Digital Arrival Card for Noi Bai (HAN), Starting June 2026
- Vietnam Tourism — T1–T2 Shuttle Bus at Noi Bai International Airport
- Vietnam Airlines — Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter: Distance & Transport Options
- Noi Bai International Airport — ACV Business Lounge
- Noi Bai International Airport — Sleep Pods (VATC)
- Noi Bai International Airport — Locker Room (Luggage Storage)
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
