Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter: All Convenient Transport Options Compared (2025)
So you’ve landed in Hanoi. Maybe it’s your first time. Your flight’s been… fine. Or maybe it was 8 hours of crying babies. This Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter Guide will help you get to the city center easily.
Doesn’t matter now — you’re here. But then comes that first question.
How to Get from Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter (Without Getting Ripped Off)
I’ve done this route- Hanoi airport to Old Quarter, more times than I can count. Early mornings. Midnight landings. Typhoon-level rain. Every time is a little different — but the transport options don’t change much.
Guide for Public Transport in Hanoi, Vietnam (Buses, Metro & 2025 Travel Tips)
Here’s the truth. You’ve basically got six main ways to get into the Old Quarter in this Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter context for 2025.
Let’s break ‘em down. With the real costs. Real travel times. And where you physically stand when you walk out of the arrivals hall.
Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter by Bus 86 — My Usual Go-To (if it’s before 9 PM)
Price: 45,000 VND (~$1.80)
Time: ~60 mins
Runs: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
It’s honestly the best balance between cheap and comfy. This orange bus was designed for tourists — big luggage racks, air-con, stops right in the Old Quarter (near Hoan Kiem Lake).
How to find Bus 86:
Walk out of the arrivals hall.
Look for the “Public Bus” sign with a little bus icon.
At T2 (international terminal), it’s just outside near Column 12.
You’ll see it. Big orange, number 86 in white.
Pro tip: Pay the conductor directly when you get on. No need to buy a ticket inside the terminal.
Personal note: I once had my bag half sticking into the aisle and the bus driver got up, gently shoved it into the rack himself, and smiled like, “Tourists… what do you do with them.”
Hanoi Noi Bai Airport Guide 2025: Arrival Process, Transport, SIM Cards & Travel Tips
Grab Car — Comfort + Control
Price: 300–400k VND ($12–16)
Time: ~40 mins
Runs: 24/7
Think of Grab as Southeast Asia’s Uber. App-based, so no haggling, no guessing fares.
How to get Grab Taxi at Hanoi Airport:
Book in the Grab app after you clear customs.
T2 international → follow green “Pick-up Zone” signs down to parking lot P2.
Your driver will usually send you a message in basic English.
My move: Screenshot the license plate. Lots of cars, easy to mix up.
When to choose Grab:
Landing late at night.
Heavy luggage.
Zero patience for figuring out buses.
Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter by Taxi — Old School Reliable (if you pick the right one)
Price: 350–450k VND ($14–18)
Time: ~45 mins
Runs: 24/7
The trick? Get in the official taxi queue.
Ignore random guys inside going “Taxi? Taxi?” — those are usually overpriced private cars.
Best brands of Airport Taxi in Hanoi:
Mai Linh Taxi (green)
Taxi Group (white/blue)
How to Find an Airport Taxi for the Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter Journey:
Exit arrivals → follow “Taxi” signs.
You’ll see the marked taxi line outside.
Mini rule I use: If there’s no meter, I walk away.
Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter Minibus / Shuttle — For Airline Passengers
Price: 60–80k VND ($2.50–3.20)
Time: 60–70 mins
Runs: Every 30–60 mins, daytime only
Operated by airlines (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways). Good if you just missed Bus 86 but want to save money.
How to find Airport Shuttle at Hanoi Airport:
Look for counters in arrivals with your airline logo.
Buy ticket there, they walk you to the parking lot.
Downside: drops you at their city office, not your hotel. You’ll need a short taxi/Grab ride from there.
Public City Bus — Dirt Cheap but Slow
Price: 8–10k VND (~$0.40)
Time: 1–1.5 hrs
Runs: Daytime
If you’re seriously budget-minded, this is unbeatable.
But — not much luggage space, can get crowded.
Routes for Public City Bus from Hanoi Airport :
07 (to Kim Ma)
17 (to Long Bien)
90 (to Kim Ma via bus station)
How to find:
Same general bus stop area as Bus 86.
Ask “Hoan Kiem?” or show it written — not all buses go to the Old Quarter directly.
Private Car (Hotel Pickup) — Zero Stress
Price: 350–500k VND ($14–20)
Time: ~40 mins
Runs: 24/7
This is the ultimate “don’t think” option. Your hotel arranges it, driver meets you inside with your name on a sign.
You literally walk out → smile at the sign → get in car.
Late Night & Rainy Day Survival
Late Night (After 10 PM)
Forget buses — they stop.
Grab, taxi, or pre-booked private car are your only real moves.
Grab prices spike during rain, so sometimes taxi is cheaper.
Rainy Day
Taxi queues can hit 30+ mins.
Minibuses run but you’ll get wet walking to them.
My trick: head to multi-storey parking area first — less chaos, faster Grab pickups.
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Cost (VND) | Time | Walk from Arrivals | Runs Late Night? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 86 | 45k | 60m | 1–2 min | ❌ No |
| Grab Car | 300–400k | 40m | 5 min to P2 | ✅ Yes |
| Airport Taxi | 350–450k | 45m | 1–2 min | ✅ Yes |
| Minibus | 60–80k | 60–70m | 3–5 min | ❌ No |
| Public Bus | 8–10k | 1–1.5h | 2–3 min | ❌ No |
| Private Car | 350–500k | 40m | 0 min (inside) | ✅ Yes |
Final Thoughts
Before 9 PM? Bus 86 wins for me. After 9 PM? Grab if prices are sane. Taxi if Grab’s surging.
Whatever you pick, the Old Quarter’s worth the trip. First time I stepped out there at night, I got hit by a wall of scooter horns, sizzling woks, and something frying that I think was tofu. No regrets.
Also read: Hanoi in 24 Hours – The Perfect Day Guide
