How to Travel to Hanoi by Plane: Noi Bai Airport Guide & Eco Tours

Gateway to Vietnam’s Cultural Capital

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, welcomes over 18 million visitors annually through Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), the largest aviation hub in northern Vietnam, located 28 km from Hoan Kiem Ward’s bustling Old Quarter. Serving as the primary gateway to Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage, Noi Bai handles 30 million passengers yearly, connecting travelers to iconic sites like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature via efficient transfers costing $0.30–$15 (7,000–375,000 VND). With flights from major global cities starting at $339 one-way, Hanoi is an accessible entry point for exploring Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Noi Bai’s modern Terminal 2 (international) and refurbished Terminal 1 (domestic) offer 96 check-in counters, eco-friendly amenities like solar-powered lighting, and a $5 billion coffee export industry fueling its cafes. Sustainable practices, such as electric taxis and digital ticketing, align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, set 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 sustainable tours seamlessly connect your airport arrival to Hanoi’s cultural gems, ensuring a green, immersive journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation from Noi Bai to central Hanoi using ward-based maps.

Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering eco-friendly airport transfers and guided tours in Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric taxis or VinBus, led by English-speaking guides who share travel tips, 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-tours via the links on this page and explore Hanoi responsibly!

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located in Phú Minh Commune, Sóc Sơn, Hanoi, is Vietnam’s second-largest airport, handling 30 million passengers annually across two terminals: Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international, opened 2015). Established in 1977 as a military-civil hub, it became a key international gateway by 1978, now serving 81 destinations with 51 airlines, including Vietnam Airlines (main hub), VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and international carriers like Qatar Airways and Korean Air. The airport, 28 km from Hoan Kiem Ward, features 96 check-in counters, 17 boarding gates, and eco-conscious amenities like 283 flight information displays and free shuttle buses between terminals. Sustainable initiatives, such as the AMAN/DMAN system for optimized flight paths and accessible facilities for reduced mobility, enhance efficiency, earning Noi Bai the Skytrax World’s Most Improved Airport Award.

Noi Bai connects Hanoi to global and domestic destinations with competitive fares and frequent schedules, supported by 51 airlines. Below are key carriers and sample one-way prices (subject to change):

International Airlines

• Vietnam Airlines (SkyTeam): Direct flights from 46 cities, including London ($600–$900), Paris ($550–$800), Tokyo ($300–$500), and Sydney ($400–$600). Hub carrier with 12-hour flights to Europe.

• Korean Air: From Seoul ($200–$350), Los Angeles ($339–$600), Chicago ($827–$1,000). Comfort-focused with 20-hour US routes.

• Cathay Pacific: From Hong Kong ($150–$250), connecting to San Francisco ($381–$700). Efficient transfers.

• Qatar Airways (Oneworld): From Doha ($400–$600), connecting to Europe and US. Premium service, 15–20-hour routes.

• Emirates: From Dubai ($350–$550), connecting to London and New York. Luxury amenities, 18–22-hour routes.

• AirAsia: Budget flights from Bangkok ($100–$174), Kuala Lumpur ($120–$200). Frequent daily departures.

• Japan Airlines (JAL): From Tokyo ($250–$400). Strict customs checks; visa required for some.

• Other Carriers: China Southern, Asiana Airlines, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, ANA, Lao Airlines, and more, covering 26 countries.

Domestic Airlines

• Vietnam Airlines: To Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150, 376 weekly flights), Da Nang ($60–$120), Nha Trang ($70–$130), Phú Quốc ($80–$140).

• VietJet Air: To Ho Chi Minh City ($70–$130), Da Nang ($60–$110), Qui Nhơn ($65–$120). Budget leader with 658 weekly departures.

• Bamboo Airways: To Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$140), Nha Trang ($70–$130). Growing low-cost option.

• Vietravel Airlines: To Da Nang ($60–$120), Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$140). Newer carrier with eco-focus.

Booking Tips: Use platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner for price alerts; book 2–3 months ahead for deals. September is often the cheapest month. Flexible dates save up to 20%. US travelers need a visa (e-visa $25, valid 90 days) and a passport valid for six months.

Noi Bai is 28 km from Hoan Kiem Ward, a 35–60-minute trip depending on traffic. Eco-friendly transport options ensure a sustainable arrival:

• Public Bus: Routes 07, 17, 90, 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($0.30–$1.40 or 7,000–35,000 VND, 50–60 min). Bus 86 stops at Lý Thái Tổ, 500m from Old Quarter. Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–10:30 PM. Use BusMap app.

• Airport Minibus: VietJet or Vietnam Airlines shuttles to Quang Trung Street ($2 or 50,000 VND, 50 min). Departs when full (10 passengers).

• Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Hoan Kiem Ward ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND, 35–45 min). Eco-friendly VinFast vehicles; book via Xanh SM app. Avoid touts; use Mai Linh or G7 for metered fares.

• Grab (Ride-Hailing): Motorbike ($4–$6 or 100,000–150,000 VND) or car ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND, 35–45 min). Book via Grab app; helmets mandatory for bikes.

• Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people, with meet-and-greet service. Eco-conscious drivers.

• Bicycle (Adventurous): Rent post-arrival in Hoan Kiem Ward ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND). Not recommended from airport due to distance. Navigation Tip: Save “Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps (Maps.me); use Ngoc Son Temple or Dong Xuan Market as landmarks. Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: VinBus, Xanh SM, or Grab bikes reduce emissions; carpooling lowers fuel use.

• Safety: Watch for touts at arrivals; secure valuables. Confirm fares via apps; carry VND for buses.

Fly from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), ideal for exploring Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter. The rainy season (May–October) offers cheaper flights ($50–$100 less) but requires rain gear. Avoid Tet (January/February, dates vary) for lower fares and fewer crowds; book 2–3 months ahead to save up to 20%. Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) have fewer passengers (100,000 daily) than weekends (200,000), reducing immigration wait times (15–60 min). Early morning or late-night flights minimize traffic delays to the city center.

• Immigration: Expect 15–60-minute queues; e-visa ($25) speeds entry for 90-day stays. US citizens need a visa; exemptions for 25 countries. Carry passport, e-ticket, and accommodation proof.

• Baggage Claim: Allow 15–35 minutes; check screens for carousel numbers. Keep claim tags handy.

• Customs: Green lane for “Nothing to Declare”; declare over $5,000 USD, electronics, or antiques. X-ray checks are strict.

• SIM Cards: Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone at arrivals ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) for 1–4GB daily, 30 days.

• Currency Exchange: ATMs at arrivals (VND, $1 ≈ 25,000 VND); notify bank of travel to avoid card issues. Exchange $100 for ~2,500,000 VND; avoid high fees.

• Amenities: Duty-free shops, souvenir stores, cafes ($0.80–$2 or 20,000–50,000 VND for coffee), accessible facilities (wheelchairs, Braille signage). Free Wi-Fi; locker rooms available.

• Eco-Friendly Tip: Use reusable water bottles; opt for digital boarding passes to reduce paper waste.

• Safety: Beware of aggressive taxi touts; stick to official counters or apps. Baggage claim delays possible; keep essentials in carry-on.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; modest attire for temples post-arrival.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), e-visa ($25), flight itinerary, accommodation confirmation, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs; biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Notebook for travel notes; cash for initial transfers.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for buses ($0.30–$1.40), taxis ($12–$15), or snacks ($0.50–$2); secure valuables at airport.

Costs for Traveling to Hanoi by Plane

Flight Costs (One-Way, Approximate)

• International: Los Angeles ($339–$600), London ($600–$900), Bangkok ($100–$174), Seoul ($200–$350).

• Domestic: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150), Da Nang ($60–$120), Nha Trang ($70–$130).

• Visa: E-visa $25 (90 days, multiple entries).

Airport to Hoan Kiem Ward Transfers

• Public Bus: $0.30–$1.40 (7,000–35,000 VND).

• Airport Minibus: $2 (50,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi/Grab: $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND).

• Grab Motorbike: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).

• Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Additional Costs

• Street Food (Old Quarter): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Coffee/Drinks: $0.30–$2 (7,000–50,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Silk): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Total Daily Arrival Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (bus, street food, SIM card).

• Mid-range: $40–$60 (taxi, guided tour, souvenirs).

• Luxury: $100–$150 (private car, premium dining, tour).
  Tip: Budget for transfers ($0.30–$15), visa ($25), and food ($2–$5); carry VND for airport services (some accept cards with 3–5% surcharge).

Our sustainable tours connect your Noi Bai arrival to Hanoi’s cultural highlights:

• Hanoi Arrival Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car from Noi Bai to Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, and Ngoc Son Temple, with street food lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.

• Hanoi Cultural Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Airport transfer, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Tạ Hiện’s bia hơi, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Noi Bai 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!

Flying to Hanoi via Noi Bai International Airport, located 28 km from Hoan Kiem Ward, opens the door to Vietnam’s cultural capital, enchanting over 18 million visitors yearly with flights starting at $339 (8,475,000 VND) and ground transfers via VinBus or electric taxis like Xanh SM ($0.30–$15, 7,000–375,000 VND, 30–45 minutes). Sustainable practices like digital ticketing and eco-friendly transport ensure a green arrival. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Toursseamlessly guide you from Noi Bai to Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, ensuring an immersive, eco-conscious Hanoi Travelexperience with visits to Hoan Kiem Lake and Dong Xuan Market. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to fly to Hanoi and explore Hoan Kiem Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Flying to Hanoi Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group