Discover the best ways to get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi’s Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem Ward! Explore taxi, bus, private transfer options, costs, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book now!
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi’s primary gateway, welcomes over 28 million passengers annually, serving as the starting point for exploring Vietnam’s vibrant capital. Located 28–30 km from Hanoi’s Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem Ward, the journey takes 35–60 minutes by road, connecting travelers to the historic 100-hectare maze of 36 guild streets, bustling markets, and iconic sites like Hoan Kiem Lake. Transportation options, from eco-friendly electric taxis to budget buses, cost $0.40–$25 (10,000–625,000 VND), catering to all preferences.
The Old Quarter, a 13th-century trading hub, pulses with Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage, offering temples, street food, and nightlife. Sustainable transport choices, like Xanh SM’s electric taxis or VinBus shuttles, align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, reducing emissions in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours ensure a seamless, green arrival to the Old Quarter. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to the Old Quarter using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly tours and transfers from Noi Bai Airport, tailored for travelers seeking authentic Hanoi experiences. Our services use low-impact transport like electric taxis or shuttles, led by English-speaking drivers and guides who share cultural insights and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local communities, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-transfers via the links on this page and arrive in the Old Quarter responsibly!
Noi Bai International Airport, 28–30 km northwest of Hoan Kiem Ward, is Vietnam’s second-busiest airport, handling 40 airlines, including Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, with flights to 42 destinations. The Old Quarter, Hanoi’s cultural epicenter, is reachable in 35–60 minutes via sustainable options like electric taxis, airport shuttles, public buses, or private transfers. Eco-conscious services, such as Xanh SM’s electric fleet and VinBus’s low-emission shuttles, reduce Hanoi’s carbon footprint, contributing to a 122,177-ton annual CO2 reduction. The pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–midnight) in Hoan Kiem Ward limits vehicle access, making strategic drop-offs essential for market visits or nightlife.
These eco-friendly and reliable transport modes, costing $0.40–$25, ensure a smooth 28–30 km journey in 35–60 minutes:
The most convenient option, with a driver holding a personalized sign at arrivals, costing $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) one-way for 1–4 people, ideal for groups or comfort-seekers.
Cost: $15–$25 one-way; includes tolls ($0.60 or 15,000 VND).
Duration: 35–45 minutes.
Booking: Pre-book via Legend Travel Group; 24/7 availability.
Eco-Friendly Note: Shared rides reduce emissions; modern vehicles.
Tip: Book 24 hours ahead for seamless pickup; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Arrival Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Eco-friendly cyan-colored electric taxis, best for sustainability, starting at $0.60 (15,000 VND) base fare plus $0.60/km (15,000 VND), totaling $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND).
Cost: $12–$15 one-way; tolls $0.60; tips $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).
Duration: 40–50 minutes.
Booking: Xanh SM app, street hail at Terminal 1/2 ranks; 24/7.
Eco-Friendly Note: VinFast electric vehicles; 37.41% market share in Q4 2024.
Tip: Use app for upfront pricing; select “Hàng Đào, Hoan Kiem Ward.”
App-based service with standard or premium cars, best for transparency, starting at $0.50 (12,000 VND) base fare plus $0.60/km, totaling $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND).
Cost: $10–$14 one-way; tolls $0.60; cash or app payments.
Duration: 40–50 minutes.
Booking: Grab app; 24/7; pickup at parking lot (5-minute walk from arrivals).
Eco-Friendly Note: GrabCar Green (electric) option; supports local drivers.
Tip: Confirm driver details in app; carry light luggage for parking lot walk.
Comfortable shuttles operated by airlines, best for budget-conscious travelers, costing $1.50–$2 (36,000–50,000 VND), dropping off near Hoan Kiem Lake (500m walk).
Cost: $1.50–$2/ticket; no tolls.
Duration: 40–60 minutes; departs when full, 5:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Booking: Purchase at Terminal 1/2 counters; no online booking.
Eco-Friendly Note: Shared transport reduces emissions; coordinates with flights.
Tip: Look for airline-branded buses outside arrivals; walk or xe ôm ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) to hotel.
The cheapest option, designed for airport transfers, costing $0.40–$1.80 (10,000–45,000 VND), stopping at Hanoi Railway Station (2 km from Old Quarter).
Cost: $0.40–$1.80/ticket; cash only.
Duration: 50–70 minutes; every 20–30 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Booking: Pay on-board at Terminal 1/2 bus stops.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-emission buses; high capacity reduces per-person footprint.
Tip: Use Google Maps for stops; take xe ôm ($0.80) or walk to Old Quarter.
Travel from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), easing taxi or shuttle rides. The rainy season (May–October) risks traffic delays, making covered taxis preferable. Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) when 100,000–200,000 vehicles clog Hanoi’s roads, extending trips by 10–20 minutes. Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) offer smoother traffic than weekends, especially during the Old Quarter’s pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–midnight), when taxis drop off at edges like Hàng Đào. Early mornings (6:00–8:00 AM) or late evenings (9:00 PM–midnight) ensure faster transfers, with 50–100 taxis and 20–30 buses available at Noi Bai.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable journey:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for post-drop-off walks; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Xanh SM/Grab/Tìm Buýt apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) for app bookings.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes), hotel address in Vietnamese (e.g., “76 Hàng Buồm, Hoan Kiem Ward”).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for luggage tags ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for driver details; cash for fares and tips.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for bus tickets ($0.40–$2), taxi fares ($10–$15), or tips ($0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND); secure valuables at busy terminals.
Transport Costs (One-Way, 28–30 km)
Private Transfer: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND); includes tolls.
Xanh SM Taxi: $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND); tolls $0.60 (15,000 VND); tips $0.20–$0.50.
GrabCar: $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND); tolls $0.60; tips $0.20–$0.50.
Airport Shuttle Bus: $1.50–$2 (36,000–50,000 VND); no tolls.
Public Bus No. 86: $0.40–$1.80 (10,000–45,000 VND); no tolls.
Xe Ôm from Drop-Off (e.g., Hanoi Railway Station): $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND) for 1–2 km.
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) for app use.
Additional Costs
Street Food (e.g., Phở, Bánh Mì): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Bia Hơi, Coffee): $0.30–$1.50 (7,000–37,500 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Handicrafts): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND/day).
Total Cost (Per Person, One-Way)
Budget: $2–$5 (Bus No. 86, xe ôm, street food).
Mid-range: $10–$15 (GrabCar or shuttle, food).
Luxury: $20–$35 (private transfer, guided tour).
Tip: Budget for transport ($0.40–$25), tolls ($0.60), and food ($1–$2); carry cash for buses and taxis (apps accept digital payments).
Timing: Arrive 6:00 AM–4:00 PM or after 9:00 PM to avoid rush hours; November–April for dry roads. Weekdays reduce delays; pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–midnight) requires drop-offs at Old Quarter edges.
Booking: Pre-book private transfers 24–48 hours ahead with Legend Travel Group; use Xanh SM/Grab apps for taxis. Buy shuttle/bus tickets at Terminal 1/2 counters; no online bus booking.
Sustainability: Choose Xanh SM electric taxis or VinBus shuttles for low emissions; support Old Quarter vendors for snacks ($1–$2) post-arrival.
Navigation: Save “Hàng Đào, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use St. Joseph’s Cathedral as a landmark. Write hotel address in Vietnamese for drivers (e.g., “39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoan Kiem Ward”).
Safety: Note taxi ID (windshield/back window); use official ranks at Terminals 1/2 to avoid scams. Secure luggage at bus stops; beware pickpockets at drop-offs like Đồng Xuân Market.
Weather: Dry season eases travel; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather for arrival conditions.
Cultural Respect: Greet drivers with “xin chào”; tip $0.20–$0.50 for excellent service (not mandatory). Be patient with language barriers; use apps for clarity.
Health: Carry hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); drink bottled water ($0.50) from airport shops.
Our eco-friendly services ensure a seamless arrival in Hanoi’s Old Quarter:
Noi Bai Airport Eco-Transfer ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car or Xanh SM taxi to Old Quarter at any arrival time, with guided Hoan Kiem Lake visit and street food tasting ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi Cultural Arrival Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Airport transfer, Old Quarter exploration, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Airport pickup, Old Quarter, Ninh Bình’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Traveling from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi’s Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem Ward, a 28–30 km journey, offers eco-friendly options like Xanh SM electric taxis, VinBus shuttles, or private transfers, costing $0.40–$25 (10,000–625,000 VND). Welcoming 28 million passengers yearly, Noi Bai connects you to Hanoi’s vibrant 36 guild streets in 35–60 minutes. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable Hanoi Tours ensure a green, immersive arrival, blending Thang Long heritage with modern comfort. Whether savoring phở or exploring Hàng Mã, your Hanoi Travel adventure starts seamlessly. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly transfer today!
Ready to travel from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi’s Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem Ward? Reserve your sustainable transfer with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Hanoi journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 1000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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