As mentioned above, taxi scams can happen in Vietnam, just like in many other places around the world. If it does occur, it usually won’t cost you more than an extra $5–$10 USD. So if you find yourself overcharged, try not to let it spoil your trip—it happens even to experienced travelers, and there usually isn’t much recourse. Our advice is to let it go and look ahead to all the incredible experiences waiting for you in Vietnam!
Getting from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter
12
Oct, 2025
Getting from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Here’s how to get from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem), one of the city’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods.
Most travelers to Vietnam arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, located about 15–20 miles (25–30 kilometers) from the Old Quarter. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, the drive can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Costs vary widely depending on the Hanoi airport transfer option you choose.
If you’re signed up for one of our trips to Vietnam and Cambodia, airport pick-up is not included. You can use this information to choose the best way to get to Hanoi’s Old Quarter and begin exploring Vietnam’s fascinating culture and cuisine with us!
*Globe Drifters does not recommend one option over another. It’s best to do your research and weigh the pros and cons to decide what works best for you.
Arriving at Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN)
Go Through Immigration
Once you land, follow the signs for “Arrival Immigration.” The airport layout is fairly straightforward, and crowds usually move in the same direction, making it easy to navigate.
Head to one of the immigration counters under the green sign marked “All Passengers.” Have your passport and printed e-visa ready, if required for your nationality (Check out our blog for a step-by-step guide on how to get your Vietnam e-visa.). Lines can be long depending on how many flights arrive at once, but they typically move steadily.
Stand in line at an immigration booth with a green sign that says “All Passengers”.
Collect your Luggage
After immigration, check the overhead screens for your flight number to find your baggage carousel. Retrieve your bags and make sure to double-check your luggage tags before leaving the area.
The screens after the immigration booths will have your arrival flight information and luggage carousel number.
Pass through Customs
Once you have your bags, proceed through customs. Customs officers might briefly scan your bags, but generally, the process is quick unless you’re flagged for inspection.
Pass through customs.
Exit to Arrivals Hall
After customs, you’ll enter the public arrivals hall. From here, you’re ready to choose your Hanoi airport transfer and begin your adventure in Vietnam!
3 Easy Ways to Get from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter
Now that you’re officially in Vietnam, it’s time to decide how you’ll get to the Old Quarter. Let’s look at your options for getting from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter.
NOTE: For those on our Vietnam/Cambodia trip, we’ll put you in touch with one another before the trip starts so you can share flight arrival times and maybe split a ride. We’ll also send hotel details in the pre-trip notes so you have the address handy for your driver.
Option 1: Pre-Arranged Airport Pick-Up
Estimated Cost: 300,000 – 500,000 VND ($12 – $20 USD)
Travel Time: 30 – 60 minutes
Booking a pre-arranged airport transfer is one of the smoothest ways to reach the Old Quarter. Companies like Welcome Pickups or one that you may find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.
When pre-arranging an airport pick-up, a private driver will typically be waiting for you just beyond the baggage claim area in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. Be sure to confirm the exact meeting point and any identifying details with your transfer company in advance so you’ll know who and what to look for.
After you collect your luggage and exit baggage claim, you’ll usually see your driver here.
A key advantage of this option is knowing the fixed price in advance without needing to negotiate. It’s a good choice for peace of mind, though it tends to be one of the more expensive options.
IMPORTANT: It’s a good idea to download and set up WhatsApp on your phone before arriving in Vietnam. Once you land, you can use the free Wi-Fi at Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to contact your driver. If the Wi-Fi isn’t working, you can turn on data roaming, but keep in mind your phone provider may charge extra fees.
Option 2: Take a Private Transfer on Arrival
Estimated Cost: Around 500,000 VND (≈ $20 USD)
Travel Time: 30 – 60 minutes
Booking a private transfer on arrival is another easy way to reach the Old Quarter. Once you exit customs, you’ll see several small kiosks in the arrivals hall offering private transfer services, often with prices clearly displayed.
An example of one of the few kiosks that offer private transfer services.
When arranging a private transfer at the airport, you can speak directly with staff at these counters and secure a ride right away. It’s helpful to have your hotel name and address written down to show the driver and avoid any confusion.
The main advantage of this option is flexibility, since you don’t need to book in advance and can compare prices on the spot. It’s slightly more expensive than taking a taxi, but it still offers a simple and direct way to get into the city.
A few ATMs are available in the arrivals area of Hanoi airport.
NOTE: If you need cash, there are money exchange kiosks nearby, though rates and fees can be high. For a better deal, only exchange or withdraw a small amount at the airport and wait until you’re in town for larger transactions.
Option 3: Take a Taxi
Estimated Cost: 250,000 – 400,000 VND ($10 – $16 USD).
Note: It is customary for drivers to add an airport exit toll of about 20,000 VND to your fare.
Travel Time: 30 – 60 minutes
Taking a taxi from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter is one of the cheapest options, though it’s not a whole lot cheaper than some other choices.
After you step into the arrivals area, just follow the “Taxi” signs with arrows that lead you outside to the official taxi line.
Look for the taxi signs on the exit doors of the baggage claim area and follow the arrows.
You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see a row of taxis and a big neon sign showing the taxi brands and fares. Taxis run 24/7, so you can grab one no matter what time you get in.
Look for the line of taxis and this big neon sign!
Like in lots of cities around the world, taxi scams happen in Vietnam too. To stay safe, be polite but firm, and always ask the driver to use the meter. It’s also a good idea to have your hotel name and address written down to show the driver. While Globe Drifters doesn’t recommend any specific company, Mai Linh and Taxi Hanoi are generally reliable options.
*Note from the author: Taking a taxi from the Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter can be overwhelming, especially after a tiring, long-haul international flight. When you arrive at the taxi line, you’ll probably have taxi drivers and middlemen swarming around you and insisting that you take a taxi. If you really want to save a few bucks, then a taxi is your best bet.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t required in Vietnam, but it’s always appreciated, especially if your driver helped with heavy luggage or made your ride extra pleasant. Around 20,000 – 50,000 VND (about $1 – $2 USD) is a nice gesture, depending on how much help you had and how heavy your bags were.
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