Getting around Hanoi – The Best Ways to Get Around Hanoi
With so many transport options to select from depending on your budget, getting around Hanoi can be simple for tourists. There are also a lot of attractions, eateries, shopping facilities, and hotel choices close to each other, making it easy to get from one location to another.
However, given that the Vietnamese often struggle with English, there are undoubtedly communication and language barriers. In addition, the most common fear is that travelers would fall victim to scams.
Have a look at:
- How many day in Hanoi? Which is the BEST Itinerary?
- 33 Amazing Things to do in Hanoi – You Should Not Miss
- What to do at night in Hanoi ?
- Top 22 Incredible Day Trips from Hanoi – Best Ideal for A Weekend Day Trips from Hanoi
Thus, carefully consider your destination and preferred method of transportation. In fact, a larger transportation budget might free up time for more sightseeing and less stress when travelling. The least expensive mode of transportation may also require the most of your time.
We’ve listed all the available forms of transportation in Hanoi, along with detailed information on costs and some advice for each. So, let’s check out the following:
>>> Getting around Hanoi is quite easy
Transport from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi center
>>> Get Directions to Noi Bai Airport on Google Map
Have a look at:
- How to get from Noi Bai airport to Ninh Binh?
- How to get from Noi Bai airport to Halong Bay?
Noi Bai airport is the only airport in Hanoi as well as the largest one in northern Vietnam. Situated in the Soc Son District, approximately 35 kilometers away from the Hanoi Old Quarter, the drive from the Noi Bai airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes.
Travelers can go from Noi Bai airport to the city center in a few different ways. Here are some suggestions that you may find useful:
- Use the Grab app on your mobile device. If not, download it to conveniently book a cab. Free-wifi is accessible at Noi Bai airport, so it’s not a difficult task.
- But keep in mind that the minimum grab fare for two kilometers is 30,000 VND, or 1.5 USD. In order to prevent contact issues, you should also select easy pick-up and drop-off locations.
- Moreover, Grab accepts credit card payments, so you can pay with it without having to exchange money at the airport’s terminal.
Take a traditional taxi
If you find booking a Grab car through modern technology to be inconvenient, go for a traditional cab. Catching a taxi outside the airport is not difficult. When you exit the airport, a fleet of taxis will be waiting for you.
Here is some reputable and well-known taxi companies you ought to select are:
- Mai Linh Taxi: The green cab has the name “Mai Linh” prominently displayed on both sides.
- Van Xuan Taxi: Grey cab with red and blue lines running down both sides. As the quality of the car is not as good as of Mai Linh Taxi, Van Xuan taxi offers lower prices.
- Airport Taxi: This taxi has a phone number inscribed on the door and is half dark pink and half white in color.
A taxi from the airport to the old town will typically cost between 280,000 and 380,000 VND, equivalent to $12 to 18 USD. This covers the cost of the airport gate. Don’t pay more than this. If you’re quoted a higher price, you are probably being scammed.
Take a private car
Getting a private car from a travel agency is another option for you if you’d like to be safer and more certain. This transportation method is the safest and fastest available. The driver will be waiting for you outside, and when you arrive at the airport, you can get in the car right away and get to your exact destination.
The price for a private car is about 16 – 20 USD. For groups of 4 – 5 people or more, the cost is only 5 USD/person. Please contact us if you would like to book a private car.
Public transportation – Buses in Hanoi
Look for Bus Line 86 at Terminal 2 if you want to travel on a budget and your luggage is not too big. Estimated travel time is one hour, with a ticket fee of 30,000 VND (1.4 USD) and bilingual instruction.
The bus runs from 5:10 am to 10:30 pm. Although it can accommodate 80 people, there is a slight disadvantage: it has only 25 seats. Therefore, you may be standing during the whole sixty-minute drive
Getting around Hanoi – Means of transportation in Hanoi
You may like to read more about:
- 20+ Best Things to Do in Hanoi Old Quarter | What to do, See & Eat
- Top 20 Must-Try Dishes in Hanoi – What food is Hanoi famous for?
Hanoi Taxi – Hanoi Transport
In Hanoi, taxis are a convenient and popular means of transportation. You can hail a cab on the street or seek assistance from the hotel receptionist, just to be safer. Taxis are equipped with dependable meters and start at 10,000 VND to 15,000 VND per kilometer.
But before you take a taxi, there are a few things you should be aware of in Hanoi:
Since most taxi drivers do not understand English, it might be challenging to communicate. If you want to go somewhere, you simply need to give the driver a piece of paper writing down its address.
Be careful with taxi scams. Some will try to impose an overcharge for your travel instead of relying on a meter. Even if they use watches, some taxis will have faulty meters that run too fast! Instead of hailing just any taxi that passes you by, get one of the famous brands as follows:
- CP Taxi (84 43 826 2626)
- Hanoi Taxi (84 43 853 5353)
- Mai Linh Taxi (84 43 861 6161)
- G7 Taxi ( + 84 24 32 63 63 63 )
Taxi drivers in Hanoi are likewise reluctant to give back change. If this is a big deal for you, bring some change to pay the exact price.
By Cyclo
The most unique means of transportation in Hanoi is the cyclo which enables two persons to fit comfortably in the front seats. Nevertheless, cyclo is only used to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter cyclos and can not be found anywhere outside of the Old Quarter.
If you choose to use a cyclo to navigate around the Hanoi Old Quarter, be sure to pay between 100,000 and 150,000 VND (4.6 and 6.9 USD) per hour. Be mindful of these:
Some street vendors are dishonest about their prices, which can lead to scams. Agree on the price before you get in the cyclo.
If the cyclo driver charges more after you finish the ride, pay the price as agreed at the beginning.
However, you can give them a gratuity for their one-hour ride.
Prepare some change handy because cyclo drivers, like their taxi counterparts, are reluctant to give back change.
It is advisable to take cyclo tours through your hotel or a reliable organization such as Sans Souci – the most well-known and established cyclo organization in Hanoi or Hanoi Cyclo Tour.
>>> Get your own FREE ITINERARY PLANNING to explore the Hanoi City by Cyclo Tour – Hotline/What’s app: + 84 974 805 797 <<<
GrabCar/GrabBike
You can call GrabCar or GrabBike to move around Hanoi. Booking a GrabBike could be a terrific option if you want to feel what it’s like to sit on the back of a motorbike and merge with the traffic like a local.
GrabBike can maneuver through traffic with ease so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck on busy streets behind a long line of cars. However, prices may go up a little during peak times, but it won’t be a big deal as it will still be cheaper than taking a taxi.
Bus – Hanoi public transport
Public buses are also a very popular means of transportation for local people in Hanoi. Hanoi buses stand out with their red, white and yellow colors. There are a number of public buses with regular routes through the city, most of which stop nearby and in front of famous attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, etc.
A ticket costs 8,000 VND but only cash is accepted. Therefore, make sure you bring change with you if you plan to travel by bus. In addition, you should jot down the intended address on your phone and show it to the bus attendant when you board in order to prevent arriving at the incorrect place. You should also be careful every time you get in and drop off the car because it goes very fast.
If your accommodation isn’t close to the Old Quarter’s attractions, there are many ways to get there. Follow the suggested bus routes below and try to avoid rush hours (6:30 – 9:00 and 17:00 – 19:30):
- Buses to Hoan Kiem Lake: Line 04, 14 or 36
- Buses Quan Chuong Gate: Line 03, 11, 14, 22, 18, 34, 40
- Buses Dong Xuan Market: Line 31
Bicycle
Bike travel in Hanoi is not recommended for anyone with weak knees. Accidents might happen and traffic laws are ignored the moment you are on the road.
If traveling from April through August, you must deal with hot and muggy conditions. If none of those discourage you, keep on getting around by cycle. Bicycle rentals are available from many hotels in Hanoi, frequently for as low as $1 per day.
<<< BOOK A Hanoi City Tour – Explore Highlights of Hanoi as a Local >>>
By Walk
Another option is to take a stroll around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Walking on Hanoi’s streets is not simple for first-time visitors, therefore I would advise against walking too far. There may be chaos in the traffic, and you might not be as adept at crossing it as the natives are. It can be exceedingly risky, and accidents might do occur.
Stroll the old and bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to feel the quiet and unique atmosphere of Hanoi or sample some great street food
>>> EXPLORE >>> HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR IN HANOI OLD QUARTER BY WALK
While strolling through the Old Quarter, you can stop by a typical Hanoi coffee shop, order a cup of iced tea and enjoy the morning beauty of the capital in a very local way. If you want to make it a truly enjoyable experience, visit one of the city’s oldest and most interesting cafes.
Motorbike
Motorbikes are a common means of transportation for the locals in Hanoi, so you’ll undoubtedly encounter a lot of them on the streets. Do you want to give driving a motorbike a try? The traffic in Hanoi can be “crazy” at times, yet many travelers still find it to be an exhilarating and fascinating experience.
You may rent a motorbike in the Old Quarter or take a thrilling Hanoi Sightseeing Motorbike Tour
Hanoi Trams
Following the cyclo, trams gained popularity among travelers due to its convenience and eco-friendliness. The operating route is about 6.5km long, passing through 28 commercial streets, 13 craft streets, 22 communal houses, 9 temples, 3 pagodas, 8 historical relics, scenic spots in Hoan Kiem Lake area and Dong Xuan market.
The tour route’s starting and ending points were designated as the Dong Xuan market gate area and Dinh Tien Hoang Street.
There are two rates listed: 200,000 VND for 35 minutes/7 persons and 300,000 VND for 60 minutes/7 persons. The trams will move smoothly and comfortably at a leisurely 20 km/h, so visitors are free to enjoy the surrounding beauty and take pictures.
- Route 1: The tram picks you up at the Bo Ho/Dong Xuan tram ticketing point and takes you to visit according to schedule: Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Duong, Dong Xuan, Hang Chieu, Nguyen Sieu, Lo Ren, Hang Dong, Hang Vai , Hang Buom, Ma May, Hang Bac, Hang Bo, Bat Dan, Hang Quat, Luong Van Can, Le Thai To, Hang Khay, Dinh Tien Hoang
- Route 2: Pick up at the Bo Ho/Dong Xuan tram ticketing point and takes you to visit according to schedule: Hang Gai, Hang Bong, Cua Nam, Le Duan, Tran Hung Dao, Quan Su, Ly Thuong Kiet, Le Thanh Tong, Trang Tien, Tong Dan, Co Tan, Trang Tien, Dinh Tien Hoang
- 3rd Route: Depart at Bo Ho/Dong Xuan tram ticketing point and take you to visit according to schedule: Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, Ba Trieu, Tran Hung Dao, Quan Su, Ly Thuong Kiet, Le Thanh Tong, Trang Tien, Tong Dan, Co Tan, Ly Thai To, Le Thach, Dinh Tien Hoang.
Hanoi double-decker bus – way to enjoy a unique Hanoi’s view from above
The double-decker buses in Hanoi offer visitors new and fascinating experiences. With a route passing through 25 streets, the double-decker bus will enable you to take in the beautiful view of the capital from above.
Hanoi double-decker buses start serving tourists from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day with a regular frequency of 30 minutes/trip. Tickets range in price from 300,000 VND to 650,000 VND, depending on the route and duration of travel on the bus.
Currently, Hanoi double-decker buses are operating 2 routes, each with a different ticket pricing, management units as well as sightseeing routes.
Route 1: Hanoi City Tour, also known as Hop-On Hop-Off bus
- Weekdays: Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square (Bo Ho parking lot) – Le Thai To – Trang Thi – Dien Bien Phu – Doc Lap – Hoang Van Thu – Hung Vuong – Thanh Nien – Yen Phu – Thanh Nien – Hung Vuong – Phan Dinh Phung – Hoang Dieu – Le Hong Phong – Hung Vuong – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam – Ton Duc Thang – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Southern Gate Phan Boi Chau – Ly Thuong Kiet – Phan Chu Trinh – Hai Ba Trung – Le Thanh Tong – Trang Tien – Dinh Tien Hoang – Bo Ho parking lot.
- Weekends: Opera House – Trang Tien – Ngo Quyen – Ly Thuong Kiet – Quang Trung – Trang Thi – Dien Bien Phu – Doc Lap – Hoang Van Thu – Hung Vuong – Thanh Nien – Yen Phu – Thanh Nien – Hung Vuong – Phan Dinh Phung – Hoang Dieu – Le Hong Phong – Hung Vuong – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam – Ton Duc Thang – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Cua Nam – Phan Boi Chau – Ly Thuong Kiet – Phan Chu Trinh – Hai Ba Trung – Le Thanh Tong – Opera House.
Route 2: Thang Long Hanoi City Tour
Thang Long Hanoi City Tour will enable you to visit many famous landmarks in the capital. The specific roadmap is as follows:
- Departing from the Vietnam Military History Museum – Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Quan Thanh Temple – Tran Quoc Pagoda – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Temple of Literature – Hoa Lo Prison – St. Joseph Cathedral – Museum of Vietnamese women, the ending point is Hanoi Opera House.
Where to buy double-decker bus tickets in Hanoi
To buy Hanoi double-decker bus tickets, visitors can choose one of the two methods below:
Buy directly at ticketing locations: Go to the water fountain of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to buy tickets. Or get on the hop-on hop-off bus at its stops and buy tickets directly from the bus assistant.
Buy Hanoi double-decker bus tickets online: To book Hanoi double-decker bus tickets online, you can call hotline: 091.193. 8282 or 1900.55.88.65. or website: https://hopon-hopoff.vn/
Depart Hanoi
By train
There is just one rail station in Hanoi, which is located at No. 120 Le Duan, Dong Da district.
Tickets for stations heading south are available at Counter 2, which can be found to the left of the main entrance. There is a ticket counter for Sapa (via Lao Cai) and counter 13 for tickets to China to the right of the entrance gate. To guarantee you get your desired ticket type, purchase your tickets at least one day prior to your departure.
By bus
Buses are dispatched from a number of stations around Hanoi, each of which only runs in a certain direction. For the most recent prices and schedules, call or visit these bus stations. To secure a seat on trains, purchase tickets at least one day in advance of departure.
Gia Lam Bus Station
- Address: 9 Ngo Gia Kham, Long Bien, Hanoi
- Location: Google Maps
- Destinations: serves northeast, including Ha Long Bay, Lang Son, Haiphong, and Lao Cai/Sapa
My Dinh Bus Station
- Address: 20 Pham Hung, My Dinh, Tu Liem, Hanoi
- Location: Google Maps
- Destinations: Dien Bien, Hoa Binh, Bai Chay (near Ha Long Bay), Bac Kan (near Ba Be National Park), and Nho Quan (near Cuc Phuong National Park), among others
Southern Bus Terminal – Phia Nam – Giap Bat Station
- Address: Km 5, Duong Giai Phong
- Location: Google Maps
- Destinations: Hue/Da Nang (first-class sleeper bus), Saigon, Da Lat, among others
Hopefully, the information provided above about the best ways to getting around Hanoi has made it simpler for you to decide where to go out and enjoy yourself while visiting Hanoi. If you have further questions, DO NOT HESITATE CONTACT US
