TRAVELERS' GUIDE TO HANOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Hanoi International Airport, the Noi Bai International Airport is indeed the main airport serving Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It is located in Phu Minh, Soc Son, approximately 30 km north of Hanoi’s city center. Noi Bai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Vietnam and serves as a major gateway for both domestic and international flights. The Noi Bai International Airport Hanoi (Sân bay quốc tế Nội Bài), with the code observing, IATA: HAN, ICAO: VVNB – is Vietnam’s second largest international airport together with Danang International airport and the Tan Son Nhat International airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hanoi airport is equipped with separate terminals for domestic and international flights. The domestic terminal handles flights within Vietnam, while the international terminal caters to flights arriving from and departing to other countries.

The information provided regarding the airport’s annual passenger traffic aligns with its status as a major transportation hub in the region. Keep in mind that Hanoi airport statistics can change, and it’s advisable to check for the latest information for the most accurate and up-to-date details.

Hanoi Noi Bai Domestic Terminal

Arrival Hall: This is where passengers arriving at the Hanoi airport go through customs and immigration. Baggage claim and other arrival facilities are usually located on this floor.

Departure Hall: Passengers departing from the airport in Noi Bai Hanoi, check in here, go through security checks, and access boarding gates.

Services and Amenities: This floor may house various services such as shops, restaurants, lounges, sleeping pods and other amenities for passengers.

Additional Facilities/Offices: Administrative offices, airline offices, and additional facilities may be located on the fourth floor.

Hanoi Airport Terminal 2 (International Flights):

Arrival Hall: Similar to domestic Terminal 1, this is where international passengers arrive, go through customs and immigration, and collect their baggage.

Departure Hall: International passengers departing from the Hanoi airport check in here, go through security checks, and access boarding gates.

Services and Amenities: Similar to Terminal 1, this floor may have shops, restaurants, lounges, and other amenities for passengers.

Additional Facilities/Offices: Administrative offices, airline offices, and additional facilities may be located on the fourth floor.

Transfer Between Terminals in Hanoi Airport

Distance: The distance between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is around 1 kilometer.

Transportation: A free shuttle bus operates between the terminals. The shuttle departs every 15 minutes from 6 am to 1 am. Passengers can catch the bus at the exit of the arrival hall and will be dropped off at the entrance hall of the departure lounge of the other terminal. The bus typically waits at column 18 in the west wing of T2 terminal and Hall A in T1 terminal.

Please note that the information provided here is based on a general understanding of Hanoi’s airport terminal layouts and may not reflect any recent changes or updates to Noi Bai International Airport. It’s recommended to check with the airport authorities or their official website for the most current and detailed information Upon leaving the Hanoi international terminal in Vietnam. It’s crucial for travelers to follow the correct steps to avoid any issues. To summarize:

Visa on Arrival Counter →

If you don’t need a visa (Exemption), proceed past this area.

If you require a visa, queue at the visa area to obtain a visa stamp.

Quarantine and Immigration Check →

After the visa step (if applicable), proceed to the quarantine and immigration check. (As of Update on Jan 2024, no more covid quarantine needed)

Passport Check: Show your passport to enter Vietnam and get it stamped.

Important Note: If you miss the visa step after the passport check, you may face a significant fine. Some customers realize they missed the visa step only upon reaching their hotel.

Pre-arrival Advice: Before arriving, it is recommended to check whether you need a Vietnam visa or not. You can click on the provided link to check your visa requirements.

Hanoi Airport Terminal Map

Available services & Facilities at Hanoi airport

Services & Facilities at Hanoi airport including Left Luggage · Smoking Rooms . Car Rental . Tours & Activities. Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, has been continuously upgrading its facilities to enhance passenger experience. However, the specific amenities and services may have changed since then. It’s always a good idea to check the latest information or reviews for the most up-to-date details.

Free Internet: Airports usually offer free Wi-Fi services for passengers to connect to the internet.

Taxi Stand: A designated area where you can find taxis for transportation to your destination.

Tourist Information: Information counters or booths providing details about local attractions, accommodations, and transportation options.

Currency Exchange: Facilities where passengers can exchange their currency for the local currency.

SIM Card Services: Vendors or kiosks where you can purchase local SIM cards for your mobile phone.

Food and Drinking Water: Restaurants, cafes, or vending machines offering a variety of food and beverages.

Free Charging Stations: Areas with charging points for electronic devices.

To ensure that the information is current and accurate, we do recommend checking the official website of Noi Bai International Airport or contacting their customer service for the latest details on available services and amenities. Additionally, traveler reviews on platforms like travel forums or apps can provide insights into the experiences of recent visitors to the airport.

Currency exchange options at Noi Bai Airport and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Vietnam. It’s useful for travelers to be aware of the available banks and services for currency exchange. Additionally, you’ve mentioned the possibility of finding better rates at jewelry shops or hotels in tourist areas in Hanoi, but caution is advised.

Wide Selection of Banks: The presence of various banks such as Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV, Maritime Bank, Citibank, ANZ, Agribank, Sacombank, HSBC, Vietinbank, ACB, etc., offers travelers multiple options for currency exchange.

ATM Access: The recommendation to use ATMs in the arrival area is practical advice for withdrawing local currency. It’s often a convenient option for travelers.

Caution with Other Exchange Options: While better rates may be available at jewelry shops or hotels in tourist areas, travelers should exercise caution. Rates offered by such establishments might be less favorable or may involve additional fees.

Consideration for Tour Participants: The advice to exchange a small amount for those joining a tour or heading directly to Halong Bay is thoughtful. Having some local currency on hand can be useful, especially in more remote or tourist-specific areas.

General Exchange Rate Awareness: Travelers should generally be aware of the current exchange rates to ensure they receive fair value for their currency.

It’s always a good idea for travelers to research and stay informed about the most recent currency exchange rates and options at their specific destination. Additionally, using reputable and recognized banking services is usually safer than unfamiliar establishments.

Prepaid Vietnamese SIM cards at Hanoi airport. It’s helpful for travelers who may need a local SIM card during their visit to Vietnam. Here are some additional tips for those considering purchasing a Tourist Plan at Hanoi airport:

Coverage and Network Quality: Before choosing a provider, it’s a good idea to check the coverage and network quality of each telecom operator in the area you plan to visit. Generally, Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, and Vietnamobile have extensive coverage in major cities and tourist destinations. To get a SIM, you’ll need to submit a copy of your passport and visa.

Data Packages: Depending on your needs, consider the data packages offered by each provider. Tourist Plans typically include data, so check the amount of data provided and whether it suits your usage requirements for web browsing, maps, and other online activities.

Duration of Validity: Tourist Plans are designed for short-term travelers, so check the validity period of the SIM card. Ensure it covers the duration of your stay to avoid any disruptions in service.

Top-Up Options: Find out about the top-up options available for your SIM card. Most providers offer convenient ways to add more credit or data to your plan, either through physical top-up cards or electronic methods.

SIM Card Sizes: Check if the SIM card provided fits your device. Some providers offer SIM cards in different sizes (standard, micro, or nano), so make sure you get the right one for your phone.

Customer Service and Support: It’s essential to know where to seek help if you encounter any issues with your SIM card or service. Make sure you have contact information for customer support, and consider saving it in your phone for easy access.

Unlocking Your Phone: Before purchasing a local SIM card, check if your phone is unlocked. If it’s locked to a specific carrier, you may need to unlock it to use a different SIM card.

shopping options at the T2 terminal Hanoi Airport. If travelers are looking for a wider variety of options and prefer shopping in the city center, it might be a good idea for them to explore local shops and markets for a more authentic experience. The duty-free stores on floor 1 and 3 of T2 seem to offer high-end fashion items and spirits from well-known brands like Chanel, Dior, Lancome, Moschino, Rum, Gin, Cognac, Vodka, etc.

For those interested in gifts that reflect the local culture, handmade items and traditional products could be more appealing. You’ve mentioned recommended gifts such as handicrafts, textiles, dried fruits, and fine arts. These items often carry a unique local touch and can make for meaningful souvenirs. Travelers may want to explore markets, local boutiques, or craft fairs in the city center to find a wider selection of these authentic gifts.

A very convenient and comfortable service provided by Hanoi airport for passengers looking for a relaxing space during layovers. Offering Sleeping Pods at Noi Bai international Airport, equipped with essential amenities such as a bed, mat, blanket, air conditioner, cloth hook, and TV screen creates a comfortable environment for tourists to rest and refresh.

The option to purchase the service directly at specified locations within the airport or through the Sleeping Pod website provides flexibility for travelers to choose the most convenient method. Additionally, the inclusion of complimentary drinking water and snacks adds value to the service.

The pricing starting from VND 140,000 (USD 6.5) for a single cabin seems reasonable and affordable, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking a short-term rest solution while waiting for their next flight. Overall, this service appears to be a thoughtful addition to the airport’s amenities, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.

Other services available at Hanoi Airport

Hanoi airport offers some great amenities for passengers looking to relax and unwind during their layovers. Here’s a summarized version of the information you provided:

Massage Services:

Location: 2nd floor of T2 terminal and 3rd floor of T1 terminal.

Perfect for those who need body therapy after spending extended hours in the airport.

Airport Lounge:

Access: Free for travelers with elite status and memberships.

Pay-at-the-door option available for those without memberships.

Lounge Brands: Song Hong Premium Lounge, NASCO, and Vietnam Airlines.

Locations: Inside security of both terminals.

Amenities: Buffet, tea, coffee, showers, smoking room, lockers, and more.

These services and facilities seem to cater to various needs, providing a comfortable environment for passengers to relax and refresh before their flights.

Getting from Hanoi Airport to City Centre

If you’re traveling from Hanoi airport to the city center and considering both time and budget, here are some transportation options:

Taxi:

Time: Around 45 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the airport. They provide a convenient and relatively quick way to reach the city center. Make sure to choose a reputable taxi company or use a ride-sharing app to ensure a fair price.

Airport Shuttle Bus:

Time: Usually around 60-70 minutes. Hanoi airports offer shuttle bus services to the city center. This is often a more budget-friendly option, though it may take slightly longer due to multiple stops. Check the schedule to make sure it aligns with your plans.

Private Car Service:

Time: Similar to taxis, around 45 minutes.You can pre-book a private car service for more comfort and convenience. This may cost a bit more than a regular taxi, but you’ll have the advantage of a reserved vehicle waiting for you upon arrival. Most hotels (When you pre-book), offer airport pick-up.

Public Bus to city center:

Probably the cheapest option to travel between Noi Bai Airport to the city center in Hanoi. Public buses numbers 7, 17, 90 & 86, are traveling from the airport through tourist areas to the city centre in Hoan Kiem and Ho Tay and vice versa. The bus 86 is equipped with AC and in coach free-Wifi and a staff who speaks enough English. The bus number 86 is highly recommended one since it travels all the way from Hanoi Airport toward Tay Ho (Expat Area) and nghi Tam to Hoan Kiem.

Consider your priorities—whether it’s time efficiency, budget, or a balance of both—and choose the mode of transportation that best suits your needs for the journey from Hanoi airport to the city center. There are several options available to get from the airport yo the center of Hanoi, Metered taxi, bus, 16 seat limousines, grab taxi (equal to UBER).

Transfer made easy with Car Booking Applications

There are plenty of car booking platforms like Grab, GoViet, and Be convenient for booking transfers directly from Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport. These platforms have indeed revolutionized the way people commute, providing transparency in pricing and ease of use. The ability to see the final price upfront helps in avoiding any potential scams and provides a sense of security for users.

The Applications are all available on app-store to download from. The pricing range from VND 250,000 to VND 390,000 seems reasonable and competitive, especially when compared to on-the-spot taxi services. The convenience of booking and the transparent pricing structure make these applications a preferred choice for many travelers.

The location of the parking area outside the airport arrival hall is a common practice for ride-hailing services, and a short walk is a small inconvenience considering the overall benefits offered by these platforms.

It’s worth noting the potential language barrier with drivers, as you mentioned that most of them may not speak English. While this can be a challenge for international travelers, it’s a common issue in many regions. Some platforms are working on solutions to address language barriers, such as in-app translation features, which might improve the communication experience for users.

The cost to get from Hanoi International Airport to the city center is vary depending the mods of transportation you choose to go with. The public buses cost from 10K VND to 40K VND. The Grab car booking cost you around 250K – 350K VND depending on your final destination in Hanoi city. The private transfer from the Hanoi airport to anywhere in Hanoi may cost you 700-900K VND, more expensive but you’ll get a premium service with better car and chauffeur who is holding a sign showing your name and waiting to pick you up.

However, take into consideration that on national holidays in Vietnam, Tết Exceptions (Vietnamese New Year), locals tend to travel domestically so the streets are usually jammed and the taxi will cost you from 20-30% higher than usual. Taking taxis from the airport to Hanoi’c center can be a little bit difficult since Taxis tend to raise up their fare. If you’re traveling FROM/TO airport to the center, we do recommend you to book a taxi in advance.

Vietnamese public holidays in 2024 to consider:

Apr 18th, 2024: Hung Kings Commemorations

Apr 30th, 2024: Reunification Day

May 1st, 2024: International Labour Day

Sept 2nd,&3rd 2024: National Day

Jan 1st, 2025: New Year’s Day

Feb 5th – Feb 9th, 2024: Days before Vietnamese New Year

Feb 10th – Feb 14th, 2024: Vietnamese New Year

2024 full travelers’ guide to Noi Bai International airport Hanoi and information on transfer to the Hanoi city center and Hoan Kiem and old quarter for the first time visitors. Make sure to check your entry requirements carefully as this may cost you a couple of hundreds of dollars if you’re in an emergency rush visa to board your flight.