Getting Around Hanoi
Hanoi offers multiple transportation options for visitors, from walking through historic neighborhoods to using public transit, taxis, and ride-hailing services. The city's layout and traffic patterns mean that choosing the right transport method for each journey will make your visit more enjoyable.
Walking
Walking is a practical way to explore Hanoi, particularly in the Old Quarter and French Quarter areas where streets are lined with shops, cafés, and historic sites. Many of Hanoi's major attractions, including Hoàn Kiếm Lake, are accessible on foot from central neighborhoods. Every street in Hanoi has clearly visible street signs at both ends, which helps with navigation.
Public Buses
Hanoi operates a public bus system that serves the city and connects key areas. Buses are an affordable option for getting around, with fares typically paid on board.
- Bus 8 runs from Giap Bat bus station (where long-distance buses from southern destinations arrive) toward the Old Quarter and Hoàn Kiếm Lake area
- Bus 07 connects Nội Bài International Airport to the city, taking 60–90 minutes and crossing the Thang Long Bridge
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available throughout Hanoi and operate on meters. Reputable taxi companies include Mai Linh and Taxi Group, both of which generally run honest meters. Some taxis accept credit cards; ask the driver before getting in. Have your destination written down in Vietnamese and ready to show the driver, as communication may otherwise be difficult.
Grab, a local ride-hailing app similar to Uber, is available in Hanoi and is a convenient option if you have a smartphone with a local SIM card or data connection. Download the app before you need it.
Airport Transfer
Nội Bài International Airport is located approximately 35 km north of the city center. Several options exist for reaching the city:
- Express bus: Bus 86 departs from the International Terminal arrivals level (pillar 2) and runs to the Long Bien bus station near the Old Quarter, Opera House, and railway station. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
- Public bus: Bus 07 departs from the International Terminal and takes 60–90 minutes to reach the city. You may need to walk about 1 km west of the airport terminal to catch this bus if it doesn't stop directly in front.
- Taxi: Official taxi stands are located just outside the arrivals areas. Avoid touts offering rides and go directly to the taxi stand. Mai Linh and Taxi Group are generally the safest companies. A trip to the Old Quarter should cost around 300,000–350,000 dong and take 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Grab app: Using the Grab ride-hailing app typically costs around 300,000 dong to the city center, or about half that by motorcycle if you have minimal luggage.
- Hotel transfer: If you have a hotel booked, ask whether they offer airport pickup service.
Arriving by Train
Hanoi has two main railway stations serving different routes. The primary Hanoi railway station (Ga Hà Nội) on Lê Duẩn Street handles most daily services from southern cities. Gia Lâm railway station, located about 5 km northeast of downtown, serves some northern routes and the international train from China. From these stations, you can reach your accommodation by taxi, bus, or ride-hailing app.
Arriving by Bus
Long-distance buses from within Vietnam arrive at several stations depending on the bus company. My Dinh bus station (Bến Xe Mỹ Đình) and Giap Bat bus station are common arrival points. From Giap Bat, public Bus 8 provides an inexpensive connection to the Old Quarter and Hoàn Kiếm Lake area.