Hanoi International Airport (Noi Bai) – Direct flights, Facilities & Getting to the city

About Noi Bai Airport

Noi Bai sits in the northern outskirts of Hanoi, away from the city itself. It is one of several airports in Vietnam, and the main one serving the north. It is a functional, modern airport that is easy to find your way around, though it gets crowded at peak times. The basics below cover where it is and how the two terminals fit together, so the rest of the guide makes sense.

Location and distance to Hanoi

The airport is about 27 kilometres north of central Hanoi, or roughly 45 to 60 minutes by car depending on traffic. Most arrivals reach the city over the Nhat Tan Bridge, a long cable-stayed bridge that connects the airport to the centre and is the fastest route in.

Because the airport is well outside the city, there is nothing worth walking to nearby. Getting into Hanoi is easy though, with taxis and Grab available as soon as you exit, alongside cheaper bus and private transfer options. Arranging a pickup in advance can be handy and sometimes works out cheaper than a metered taxi, but it is not a must. The full breakdown of every option is further down in this guide.

The two terminals

Noi Bai has two passenger terminals in separate buildings. Terminal 1 (T1) handles all domestic flights within Vietnam. Terminal 2 (T2) handles all international flights, both arrivals and departures. T2 is the newer and larger of the two, with more space and a wider range of shops and restaurants.

The split matters most if you are connecting between an international and a domestic flight, since you will need to change terminals rather than just walk to another gate. Both buildings are clearly signed in English and Vietnamese, so finding check-in, security and your gate is straightforward once you are inside.

Travelling between the terminals

The two terminals are around 700 to 900 metres apart, too far to drag luggage comfortably, so a free electric shuttle bus runs between them. At T1 you catch it on the ground floor near wing A, and at T2 it stops on the ground floor at the arrivals level. Look for the signs, or ask any staff member, as it is a well-used service and easy to find once you know which floor to be on.

The shuttle runs roughly every 15 to 20 minutes through the day and most of the night, and the trip itself takes only a few minutes. Waiting is the main variable, so allow up to 20 minutes for one to turn up. You can also walk between the terminals in about 10 to 15 minutes if you are travelling light.

If you are connecting from an international arrival to a domestic flight, give yourself a comfortable buffer. After landing at T2 you still need to clear immigration, collect your bags, change terminals and check in again at T1. Two to three hours between flights is sensible, and more during busy periods.

Direct flights from Hanoi (Noi Bai)

Noi Bai is the busiest airport in northern Vietnam and connects to most of the country as well as a wide spread of international destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Domestic flights leave from Terminal 1 and international flights from Terminal 2. Routes and seasonal schedules change from time to time, so always confirm current flights and times when you book rather than relying on a fixed list.

Domestic flights

Domestic flights connect Hanoi to almost every region of Vietnam, from the beaches of the centre and south to the highlands and the far northwest. They are operated by Vietnam’s main carriers, including Vietnam Airlines and the budget airlines Vietjet and others. Flight times below are approximate.

• Ho Chi Minh City — about 2 hours 10 minutes. The busiest route in the country, with flights running all day.
• Da Nang — about 1 hour 25 minutes. The handiest gateway to Hoi An and central Vietnam.
• Nha Trang (Cam Ranh) — about 2 hours. For the south-central coast and its beaches.
• Phu Quoc — about 2 hours 10 minutes. Direct to the southern island.
• Hue — about 1 hour 20 minutes. For the old imperial capital.
• Dalat — around 2 hours when operating, though this route runs seasonally and is not always available.
• Quy Nhon (Phu Cat) — about 1 hour 40 minutes.
• Buon Ma Thuot — about 1 hour 45 minutes. For the central highlands.
• Pleiku — about 1 hour 35 minutes.
• Tuy Hoa — about 1 hour 50 minutes.
• Chu Lai — about 1 hour 25 minutes. An alternative gateway for Hoi An and Quang Ngai.
• Vinh — about 55 minutes.
• Dong Hoi — about 1 hour 5 minutes. For Phong Nha and its caves.
• Dien Bien — about 55 minutes. For the far northwest.

If you are new to flying within the country, it helps to know how booking and check-in work before you travel. Here is everything about booking and taking domestic flights in Vietnam.

International flights

Noi Bai has direct flights to dozens of cities across Asia and beyond, served by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and a long list of foreign carriers. The closest connections are the quickest and most frequent, while long-haul routes to Europe and Australia run less often. Flight times are approximate.

• China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Kunming, Chongqing, Xiamen, Hangzhou and more) — roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 4 hours, the widest international network from Noi Bai.
• Hong Kong — about 2 hours.
• Macau — about 1 hour 50 minutes.
• Taiwan (Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung) — about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• South Korea (Seoul, Busan) — about 4 hours. One of the busiest international links.
• Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and others) — about 4 to 5 hours.
• Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai) — about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Singapore — about 3.5 hours.
• Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) — about 3 hours 15 minutes.
• Cambodia (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh) — about 1 hour 40 minutes.
• Laos (Vientiane, Luang Prabang) — about 1 hour.
• Indonesia (Jakarta, Bali) — about 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
• Philippines (Manila, Cebu) — about 3 hours 50 minutes.
• Myanmar (Yangon) — about 2 hours.
• India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad) — about 2 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours.
• United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) — about 6 hours 50 minutes.
• Qatar (Doha) — about 7 hours 40 minutes.
• United Kingdom (London) — about 13 hours.
• France (Paris) — about 12.5 hours.
• Germany (Frankfurt, Munich) — about 12 hours.
• Italy (Milan) — about 12 hours.
• Netherlands (Amsterdam) — about 12 hours.
• Australia (Melbourne, Sydney) — about 9.5 hours.
• Russia (Moscow) — about 9.5 hours.
• Turkey (Istanbul) — about 10 hours 20 minutes.
• Israel (Tel Aviv) — about 12.5 hours.

Travellers from places without a direct flight usually connect through one of the hubs above. We have detailed route breakdowns for flying to Vietnam from Canada, Los Angeles to Hanoi and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City.

International terminal (T2): facilities and procedures

Terminal 2 handles all international arrivals and departures. It is the larger and more modern of the two terminals, with the full range of facilities you would expect, though the choice of shops and food is more limited than at major regional hubs. This section walks through what to expect on the way in and on the way out.

Arrival

International arrival at Noi Bai is usually straightforward, with a clear one-way flow from the gate through immigration, baggage and customs to the exit. The signage is decent and there are staff around to point you in the right direction. The main thing to be ready for is the immigration queue, which is where most of the waiting happens.

Immigration

After leaving the plane it is a short walk to the immigration hall, where you join the queue for your passport type. There are separate lanes for Vietnamese nationals, e-visa holders and others, so check the signs and pick the right one.

How long this takes depends entirely on timing. When several long-haul flights land close together, often in the early morning, the hall fills up and the wait can stretch beyond half an hour. At quieter times it moves quickly. If you have an e-visa, print a paper copy to hand over, as it makes the process smoother. Travellers who want to skip the queue can book a fast-track service in advance, where an agent meets you at the gate and takes you through a priority lane in a few minutes.

Baggage claim

Baggage claim is on the ground floor, directly after immigration. Screens above the belts show which carousel matches your flight, so check before settling in to wait. Bags typically take around 20 to 30 minutes to appear, and occasionally the belt is slow to start, so do not be alarmed if nothing moves for a while.

Customs

Customs is the final step before the exit and is usually a formality for tourists. Most travellers walk straight through the green channel without being stopped. Declare anything only if you are carrying goods above the duty-free limits or large amounts of cash.

Money exchange and ATMs

There are exchange counters and ATMs in both the arrivals area and the main hall. The ATMs accept international Visa and Mastercard. Exchange rates at the airport are noticeably worse than in the city, so change only a small amount here to cover transport and immediate costs, then change the rest at a bank or trusted counter in the Old Quarter.

One thing to watch for: occasionally someone wearing an official-looking ID badge will approach arriving travellers and offer to take them to a nearby shop for a “better rate.” This is a scam. Only use the official, clearly marked exchange counters inside the terminal.

SIM cards

SIM card counters are in the arrivals hall, just after you exit customs. The main providers are Viettel, Mobifone and Vietnamobile, and staff can set up the SIM and data package for you on the spot. If you would rather not queue, buying an eSIM online before you fly is often cheaper and ready the moment you land.

Getting a taxi or Grab

The taxi rank and ride-hailing pickup are just outside the arrivals exit. Grab and Be both work well here and show the fare upfront, which avoids any haggling. Ignore the drivers who approach you inside the hall offering rides, and either use the official taxi line or book through an app. All the options into the city are covered further down.

Departure

For an international flight, aim to arrive at least three hours before departure, and add extra time during Tet, summer holidays and other busy periods. The departure flow runs from check-in on the ground floor up through security and immigration to the gates.

Check-in

Check-in counters are on the ground floor of Terminal 2. Most airlines open their desks about three hours before departure and close them 45 to 60 minutes before the flight, so do not cut it fine. If you have only hand luggage and have checked in online, you can head straight up to security.

Security and immigration

Security screening is thorough. You will need to remove shoes, belt and jacket, empty your pockets completely and take all electronics out of your bag, so pack with that in mind to keep things quick. Queues can be slow during the busy morning and evening departure waves. After security you clear departure immigration before reaching the gates.

Lounges

There are several pay-in lounges airside, run by brands such as Song Hong and others, plus the Vietnam Airlines business lounge. You can use them for free with an eligible business-class ticket or a lounge membership card, or simply pay at the door. They are a comfortable option if you have a long wait, with food, drinks, seating and quiet space.

Restaurants and cafes

After security there are Vietnamese and Western options, including pho, banh mi, a few familiar fast-food chains and coffee shops. Be prepared for airport pricing, which is high and often shown in US dollars, and seating can be tight at peak times. If you would rather not pay the markup, eat before you arrive.

Duty-free and shops

The duty-free and shopping selection is limited compared with larger international hubs. There are some perfume, cosmetics and alcohol stores, a handful of higher-end brands and several souvenir shops, but the range is thin and prices are steep. For gifts and souvenirs you will do better shopping in Hanoi before heading to the airport.

Prayer room

There is a prayer room in the departure area, which is useful for Muslim travellers and easy to reach once airside. Staff can point you to it if the signs are not obvious.

Water, wifi and charging

Free drinking-water fountains are dotted around the terminal, so bring an empty bottle to refill after security rather than buying water at airport prices. Free wifi is reliable, and there are plenty of charging points for phones and laptops in the waiting areas.

Sleeping pods

For long layovers or very early flights, there are sleeping pods on the second floor of Terminal 2. They are compact private cabins with a bed, air conditioning, wifi and complimentary water, though they do not have private bathrooms. They sit before security, so book ahead if you can, as they fill up.

Luggage wrapping and storage

A luggage-wrapping service is available in the departure area if you want your bags shrink-wrapped for protection. There is also left-luggage storage at the terminal, handy if you have a long gap before your flight and want to explore without dragging everything around.

Domestic terminal (T1): facilities and procedures

Terminal 1 handles all domestic flights within Vietnam. It is older and smaller than T2, but for domestic travel the process is simpler and faster, since there is no immigration or customs to clear. The facilities are more basic and more local in feel, with fewer shops and food options than the international terminal.

Arrival

Domestic arrival is quick and easy. You walk straight from the plane to baggage claim on the ground floor, and there are no passport or customs checks. Once you have your bags you are out at the exit, where the same taxi, Grab and bus options apply as at T2. The whole process can take just a few minutes if your luggage comes out promptly.

Departure

For a domestic flight, arriving about 90 minutes to two hours before departure is enough, with more time during busy periods. Check-in and security work the same way as at the international terminal, with shoes, belt and jacket off at the scanners. If you are flying with a budget carrier at a peak time, allow extra, as check-in queues can occasionally be long.

One thing to know: the domestic departure area is split into a larger main hall with most of the food, drink and shops, and a smaller, more limited section. Which part you depart from depends on your gate, so check your boarding pass and the screens. The terminal can also get noticeably warm, as the air conditioning struggles at busy times, so dress for that. There are sleeping pods on the upper floor for early or late flights, and free drinking-water fountains, wifi and charging points around the hall.

Getting from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city

The airport is around 27 kilometres from central Hanoi, a drive of 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. There are several ways to make the trip, from cheap public buses to private cars, and the right choice depends on your budget, luggage and how tired you are when you land. Here is a quick overview of the main options.

Private transfer

A pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable way in. A driver waits for you at arrivals with your name on a sign, helps with your bags and takes you straight to your hotel for a fixed price agreed in advance. It costs more than a metered taxi but removes any uncertainty over the fare, which makes it popular with first-time visitors and anyone arriving late at night.

Taxi

Taxis wait just outside the arrivals exit and are quick and convenient, especially with heavy luggage. Stick to the official taxi line and reputable companies, and make sure the meter is running or agree the fare first. Expect to pay roughly 250,000 to 400,000 VND into the centre. Ignore any drivers who approach you inside the terminal, as the official rank outside is the safer choice.

Grab and Be

Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Be usually work out cheaper than a taxi and show the price upfront, so there is nothing to negotiate. After ordering, walk to the designated pickup point for app cars, which is signposted from arrivals. You will need a working internet connection to book, which is where buying an eSIM before you fly or grabbing a SIM on arrival pays off.

Bus 86

Bus 86 is the easiest public option and runs directly between the airport and the city, stopping near the Old Quarter and Hanoi Railway Station. It is cheap, at around 45,000 VND, and takes roughly an hour depending on traffic. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, making this a solid choice if you are travelling light and not in a rush. The stop is clearly signed outside both terminals.

Other city buses

Several cheaper local bus routes also connect the airport to different parts of Hanoi, costing only a few thousand dong. They are the budget choice, but they are slower, more crowded and less suited to travellers with luggage or those unsure of the city’s layout. For most visitors, bus 86 is the better public-transport option.

For full details on every route, current prices and where to catch each one, see our complete breakdown of how to get from the airport into central Hanoi.

Practical tips and frequently asked questions

A few extra things worth knowing before you fly, gathered into quick answers.