Hanoi Noi Bai Airport Guide 2025: Arrival Process, Transport, SIM Cards & Travel Tips
Welcome to Hanoi. You’ve landed at Noi Bai International Airport. From Hanoi airport arrival process to transport like Bus 86 Hanoi or Grab from Hanoi airport, this Hanoi airport guide helps you navigate easily. We cover it all with tips, costs, and advice for a smooth Vietnam start.
Hanoi Noi Bai Airport Guide for First Time Visitors
So, I landed at Noi Bai International Airport, which is way out in Soc Son District – it’s about 30 kilometers north of Hanoi’s city center, but trust me, it was worth the trip.
The key gateway for northern Vietnam, handling millions of passengers yearly. In 2025, it serves over 30 million passenger, up from 29 million last year, with growth during peaks like Tet(Vietnam’s most celebrated festival).
An important hub for Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and other international flights, it connects to Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and beyond Terminals include T1 for domestic and T2 for international. T2, modern since 2014, can be crowded at times; expansion is ongoing for better flow.
Hanoi Travel Guide 2025: Best Things to Do, Transport Tips, and Must-See Attractions
Noi Bai airport terminals are clean and well-lit, ready for global travelers. Let’s explore more.
Noi Bai Arrival Process for International Flights
Landing at Noi Bai International Airport is exciting. The Hanoi airport arrival process is straightforward if prepared. Disembark at T2 and follow signs to immigration, queues at the airport can be a bit of a pain, especially during peak times like morning or evening rush.
I just made sure to have my passport and visa all ready to go as it can make the process faster. And just a heads up, the officers might ask about your plans, so it’s a good idea to have your hotel info handy, just in case.
Once cleared, head to baggage claim. Screens show flight carousels. Bags arrive in 15-25 minutes, but delays are possible with busy flights. Keep your baggage tag; staff check at exit.
Customs is next. Use the Green lane for nothing to declare, Red for items like cash over $5,000. Most use Green. Staff are helpful if unsure.
Visa & Entry Requirements for Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam visa policies are simple, but prepare early. Check Vietnam visa on arrival Hanoi needs.
Your passport must be valid for six months beyond departure with two blank pages. E-visa is available for all countries, up to 90 days, multiple entries. Apply online, takes 3-5 days, print it.
Visa on arrival requires a pre-approved letter, NA1 form, photo, and cash ($25 single, $50 multiple). Not all qualify; confirm first.
Exemptions for 25 countries, like UK and Germany, allow 15-45 days visa-free. Check the latest list. No mandatory vaccines, but scanners check for fever. Get insurance.
Pro tip: Use fast-track service to skip queues.
SIM Cards & Mobile Data at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi
Staying connected in Hanoi is essential. Hanoi airport SIM cards are easy to get at kiosks in T2 arrivals, past customs.
Booths from Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone are open 24/7. You need a passport for registration. Prices range from $3-10 for 3-10GB tourist plans.
Viettel is popular with great coverage: 5GB for 7 days, VND150,000; unlimited for 30 days, VND300,000. I suggest to check the current rates at different shops to get the best deal.
Mobifone is strong in urban areas: 3GB for 7 days, VND100,000; 10GB for 30 days, VND200,000. Vinaphone is good for calls: 4GB for 7 days, VND120,000.
E-SIM is an option; buy online and activate with Wi-Fi. For tips, see our Vietnam SIM Card Guide.
Currency Exchange & ATMs at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi
You’ll need VND for taxis and food. Hanoi airport currency exchange and ATMs are handy, but rates aren’t the best.
ATMs in T2 arrivals (Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank) accept Visa and Mastercard. Limits are 2-5M VND, with fees of VND20,000-50,000. Choose VND to avoid extra charges.
Exchange booths are near the claim exit. Rates are worse than in the city; exchange small amounts, $20-50. Check notes for authenticity, though issues are rare.
Safety: Notify your bank of travel and use indoor ATMs. Avoid large exchanges; city rates are better.
How to reach Hanoi city center from Noi Bai Airport
City center is about 30km from Noi Bai and takes around 45-60 minutes. Options suit all budgets, like Hanoi airport transport.
Buses are cheap and reliable. Bus 86 Hanoi is top for tourists.
Bus 86 express runs from T2 to Railway Station via Hoan Kiem. Fare is VND45,000, 6:30AM-11PM, every 20-30 minutes. Luggage is okay, with AC.
City buses (7, 17, 90) cost VND9,000, are slower, and stop at Long Bien. Less ideal for heavy bags.
So you’re trying to get from Noi Bai Airport to the city without losing your shirt, right? Airline shuttles are a decent option – Vietnam Airlines and VietJet do them, and it’ll set you back about VND40,000. Just ask the crew, they’ll sort you out.
The metro? Forget about it for now. Line 2 is supposedly happening in 2025, but for now, it’s buses and taxis all the way. You can grab a ride to Cat Linh station for VND8,000 to VND15,000 – not bad.
Airport taxis – the ultimate lifesaver, right? Except when they’re trying to lift you for a small fortune. If you’re off to the Old Quarter, the price tag’s gonna be around VND250,000 to VND400,000.
Just don’t get into a sketchy ride – stick with the legit ones like Mai Linh (green ones, duh!), Vinasun, or Noi Bai Taxi. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.
Make sure you grab them from the official stands outside T2.
How to Take the Hanoi to Sapa Train (Night Schedule, Tips & What to Do Before Departure)
And please, for the love of all things good, avoid the scammers. Ignore the drivers who hassle you inside, insist on the meter or a fixed fare, and use Maps to track your route. You don’t want to end up paying through the nose.
Got a problem? Give Mai Linh a call on 024-38222666 or Noi Bai on 024-38868888. Sorted.
Grab from Hanoi airport is popular and cheaper, VND180,000-300,000 to Old Quarter. Use the app with Wi-Fi, pickup zone at T2. Be Xanh is an alternative. Surge pricing during peaks; compare with taxis.
Guide for Public Transport in Hanoi, Vietnam (Buses, Metro & 2025 Travel Tips)
Private transfers offer comfort, VND300,000-600,000. Book via Klook or hotel. Drivers hold name boards.
Hotel shuttles (free or paid) depend on booking. Good for late arrivals or families. See Hanoi airport transfer service.
Facilities & Services at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi
Not exactly a luxury, but the amenities are decent enough; I mean, don’t expect a five-star experience or anything, but it gets the job done without too much fuss. Pretty chill, if you ask me!
The free Wi-Fi was a godsend – just plug into NoiBaiFreeWiFi and you’re good to go, no login hassle.
Of course, when everyone else is online too, it slows down a bit, but hey, what can you expect, right?
If you’re looking to treat yourself, the lounges are on the 4th floor of Terminal 2 – Lotus is a good one. You’ll get snacks, showers, and decent Wi-Fi, but be prepared to shell out VND500,000 or use your fancy airline status.
Food-wise, there’s the usual suspects like Highlands, Burger King, and some awesome pho joints. Meals range from VND50,000 to VND150,000, and you can find them on the 1st and 3rd floors of Terminal 2.
Duty-free shopping’s also available on those floors, but let’s be real, it’s pricier than what you’d find in the Old Quarter.
If you need to stash your bags, there’s a storage facility at Terminal 2 East – VND27,500 an hour or VND275,000 a day. Just give them a call on 04-35876599.
My phone was begging for juice, and the charging stations were the heroes. Medical help was there just in case (fingers crossed I didn’t need it), and massage services to turn me from a zombie back into a human. All hiding on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Terminal 2.
Late-night arrivals? No problem. The airport’s pretty chill and safe. Just don’t get too comfy – taxis and Grab are on 24/7 duty, but Bus 86 is a night owl with a 11 PM bedtime, so plan accordingly!
Safety: Use official stands or apps. Keep valuables secure; crowds are thin.
Rest: Sleep pods at T2, 2nd floor, VND329,000/cabin. Free seats are less comfy.
Exiting Noi Bai Like a Pro
Arrive at T2 three hours early for international flights.
Check-in on 3rd floor, 96 counters. Self-kiosks for Vietnam Airlines, VietJet.
Security and immigration are efficient but crowded from 6-9AM and 5-8PM.
Duty-free, coffee, and handicrafts are on the 3rd floor.
Boarding gates are clearly marked; staff assist.
Nearby Hotels for Layovers
For long layovers, stay near Noi Bai, 3-5km away, with budget to luxury options.
VATC SleepPod, inside T2, offers cabins, Wi-Fi, showers, VND329,000/hour.
Noi Bai Family Homestay, 3km, cozy, USD15/night, free shuttle.
Paragon Noi Bai Hotel, 4km, mid-range with pool, restaurant, USD40, shuttle.
Dragon Airport Hotel, 4km, modern, business-friendly, USD50, transfers.
Luxury Airport Hotel Spa, inside, tranquil with amenities.
Book via Agoda or Booking for deals. See Hanoi Layover Guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid during your visit
- Don’t ruin your trip with common pitfalls.
- Taxi scams: Avoid unmarked or inside drivers. Stick to Mai Linh, Vinasun, or Grab.
- Overpaying for SIM: Compare kiosks; airport prices are higher than city.
- Currency traps: Exchange small amounts at airport; city rates are better. Check notes.
- Ignoring visa: Confirm status; missing docs cause delays or denial.
- Losing baggage tags: Keep until exit for verification.
FAQ: Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi
Q: Is free Wi-Fi service provided at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi?
A: Yes, NoiBaiFreeWiFi in both terminals. But you can check if in case, it changed. Free but slow during peaks.
Q: How much taxi fare to Old Quarter from Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi?
A: You can reach Old Quarter in VND250,000 to 400,000 with trusted companies like Mai Linh. Use meter or fixed fare. I suggest to go with fixed fare to prevent any scam.
Q: Can I buy a SIM card at Noi Bai, Hanoi airport?
A: Yes, there are many SIM card and money exchange stores at T2 arrivals (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone), VND75,000-250,000 for 3-10GB. My suggestion is to go with Viettel. I suggest to buy at Airport if you a first timer. Experience traveler can buy in the city which is cheaper.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to reach city center from Noi Bai Airport?
A: Bus 86 Hanoi. It’s fare is VND45,000 to Old Quarter. City buses, VND9,000, are less direct.
Q: Are there hotels near Noi Bai for layovers?
A: Yes, SleepPod, Paragon, Dragon, 3-5km, many with shuttles.
Q: Can I use Grab at Hanoi airport?
A: Yes, use the app, pickup at T2, VND180,000-300,000 to Old Quarter.
Q: How long does immigration take at Noi Bai?
A: 20-60 minutes, longer during peaks. Fast-track ($30-65) speeds it up.
Q: Is currency exchange safe at Hanoi airport?
A: Yes, ATMs and counters in T2 arrivals. Small amounts only; city rates are better.
Final Tips for a Smooth Noi Bai Experience
Noi Bai International Airport is your Hanoi gateway. Prepare visa, VND, and transport plan. Whether Bus 86 Hanoi, Hanoi airport transfer service, or Hanoi airport SIM card, this guide answers all.
Also read: Explore Hanoi in 24 Hours
