All buses from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter

Currently, there are several public buses from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter. The most convenient and popular choices for tourists are:

1. Bus #86 (Express Bus) – The Traveler’s Favorite – Buses from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter

• Route: Noi Bai Airport (both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) → Thang Long Highway → Kim Ma Street → Hoan Kiem Lake → Old Quarter (with several stops around the area) → Hanoi Railway Station (final stop).
• Price: 45,000 VND (approximately $1.80 USD).
• Operating Hours: Roughly 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes.
• Journey Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Advantages:
  • Designed for tourists with generous luggage space.
  • Air-conditioned, comfortable seats, and often free Wi-Fi.
  • Makes direct stops conveniently located near major Old Quarter attractions and accommodations (e.g., near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Da Market).
  • Connects both international (T2) and domestic (T1) terminals.
• Where to catch it: At both terminals, look for signs for “Public Transportation” or “Bus.” For international arrivals (T2), head to the right upon exiting, about 50 meters from the exit. For domestic arrivals (T1), exit and turn left.

2. Bus #87 – An Alternative buses from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter (Less Direct to the Heart of Old Quarter)

• Route: Noi Bai Airport → Vo Nguyen Giap Street → Nhat Tan Bridge → Vo Chi Cong Street → Tay Ho District → Old Quarter (stops along Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat streets on the eastern edge of the Old Quarter).
• Price: 35,000 VND (approximately $1.40 USD).
• Operating Hours: Roughly 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Frequency: Every 25-30 minutes.
• Journey Time: Approximately 60-70 minutes.
• Advantages:
  • A good alternative if Bus 86 has just left or if your accommodation is on the eastern side of the Old Quarter.
  • Starts earlier than Bus 86.
• Consideration: You might have a slightly longer walk or need a short taxi/Grab ride from the stop to your specific accommodation within the Old Quarter compared to Bus 86.

3. Bus #7 – Budget Option for buses from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter (Requires Transfer)

• Route: Noi Bai Airport → Thang Long Highway → My Dinh Bus Station (final stop).
• Price: Around 10,000 VND (approximately $0.40 USD).
• Operating Hours: Roughly 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes.
• Consideration: This bus does not go directly to the Old Quarter. You’ll need to transfer to another local bus (e.g., Bus #34, Bus #10, Bus #38) or take a taxi/Grab from My Dinh Bus Station to reach the Old Quarter. This option is primarily used by locals and is less convenient for tourists with luggage.

4. Bus #17 – Local buses from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter (to Long Bien Bus Station)

• Route: Noi Bai Airport (Terminal 1) → Long Bien Bus Station (northeast side of the Old Quarter).
• Price: Around 9,000 VND (approximately $0.40 USD).
• Operating Hours: Roughly 5:10 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes.
• Consideration: This is an older, more local bus that can get crowded. While it ends at Long Bien Bus Station, which is close to the Old Quarter, you’ll still need to walk or take a short ride to your specific destination. It primarily serves Terminal 1 (domestic).

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Tips for ticket and bus arrangement

Planning your bus trip from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter is quite straightforward, especially if you opt for the highly recommended Bus #86. Here’s a step-by-step guide with tips:

1. Before You Arrive at Hanoi Airport (HAN)

• Determine Your Arrival Terminal: Noi Bai International Airport has two main terminals:
  • Terminal 2 (T2): For international flights.
  • Terminal 1 (T1): For domestic flights.
  • Bus #86 serves both. Knowing your terminal will help you navigate directly to the correct bus stop upon arrival.
• Identify Your Old Quarter Drop-off Spot:
  • Research your accommodation’s location: Look up your hotel/hostel on Google Maps.
  • Check the Bus #86 route: Bus #86 has several stops within or very close to the Old Quarter. Common stops include near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, and Hanoi Railway Station. Find the stop that’s closest to your accommodation to minimize walking or needing another short taxi/Grab ride.
  • Save the bus route map on your phone: This is crucial. You can screenshot a map of the Bus #86 route (easily found with a quick online search) or use an app like Moovit or Google Maps (which has public transport options) to track your progress and know when to get off.
• Have Vietnamese Dong (VND) in small denominations:
  • The fare for Bus #86 is 45,000 VND per person.
  • While some sources suggest Bus 86 may accept international cards as of April 2024, cash is the most reliable method.
  • Withdraw cash at an ATM at the airport. There are ATMs available in the arrivals hall of both terminals. Withdraw enough for the bus fare and perhaps some small notes for immediate needs (e.g., water, a quick snack). Aim for 50,000 VND or 100,000 VND notes if possible.
• Download useful apps:
  • Google Maps: Essential for navigation and real-time bus tracking.
  • Grab (or Gojek/Xanh SM): If you decide to take a ride-hailing service instead, or for a short ride from your bus stop to your accommodation. You’ll need internet access for these.
  • Translator app: If you don’t speak Vietnamese, a translation app can be helpful.

2. At Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

• Clear Customs & Collect Luggage: Follow the standard procedures.
• Find the Bus Stop:
  • From Terminal 2 (International Arrivals): After exiting the arrival hall, turn right. The Bus #86 stop is usually about 50-100 meters away, clearly marked, often at column No. 3.
  • From Terminal 1 (Domestic Arrivals): After exiting the arrival hall, turn left. The Bus #86 stop is typically around column No. 12.
  • Look for clear signage for “Public Transportation” or “Bus 86.” The bus itself is orange.
• Confirm the Bus: Double-check the bus number displayed on the front of the bus to ensure it’s #86.
• Board the Bus:
  • Typically, you’ll board through the front door.
  • If the bus is crowded, be prepared to stand. Luggage racks are usually available near the front for larger bags.

3. During the Bus Ride

• Purchase Your Ticket:
  • A bus conductor (wearing a uniform) will come around to collect fares shortly after you board.
  • Hand them the 45,000 VND fare. They will issue you a small paper ticket. Keep this ticket as proof of purchase.
  • Don’t be surprised if they speak a little English.
• Find a Seat (if available): Settle in for the ride.
• Track Your Journey:
  • Use Google Maps on your phone to follow the bus’s route in real-time. This is the best way to know exactly where you are and when your stop is approaching.
  • The conductor might announce stops, but it’s not always easy to understand, especially if you’re not familiar with Vietnamese pronunciation.
• Prepare to Alight: As you approach your designated stop (based on your map tracking), gather your belongings. There might be a button to press to signal your stop, or simply move towards the back door.
• Exit the Bus: Typically, you exit through the rear door.

4. From the Bus Stop to Your Accommodation

• Walk or Take a Short Ride: Once you’ve disembarked, if your accommodation isn’t directly visible, use Google Maps to walk the remaining distance.
• Consider Grab/Gojek/Xanh SM: If the walk is too far or you have a lot of luggage, you can easily book a Grab (car or motorbike taxi) from the bus stop. Ensure you have data or connect to Wi-Fi if available.

Important Considerations:

• Traffic: Hanoi traffic can be very heavy, especially during peak hours (morning and late afternoon/early evening). This can significantly increase your travel time. Factor this into your schedule.
• Luggage: Bus #86 is designed with tourists in mind and has dedicated space for luggage. However, if it’s very crowded, maneuvering large suitcases can be a bit challenging.
• Alternative Bus Routes: While Bus #86 is the top recommendation for the Old Quarter, if for some reason you miss it or need a different route (e.g., Bus #87, #17), be aware they might drop you off slightly further from the Old Quarter’s core, requiring a longer walk or a short taxi/Grab ride.
• Sim Card/eSIM: Having a local SIM card or an eSIM with data is highly recommended for navigation, using ride-hailing apps, and general connectivity. You can purchase one at the airport upon arrival.

By following these tips, your journey by buses from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter should be smooth and economical!