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Noi Bai International Airport is almost a symbol of the capital Hanoi, and is also the destination - starting point of important journeys. Let's discover a complete guide about this airport!
Noi Bai International Airport is located in Soc Son district, 35 km from the center of Hanoi capital along the road to the Northwest. It will take about 40 to 50 minutes depending on the type of vehicle as well as the capital's traffic density. Currently, this is the airport with the second largest number of passengers in Vietnam, only the second after Tan Son Nhat International Airport located in Ho Chi Minh City.
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1. Noi Bai Airport Terminals
There are two important terminals at Noi Bai International Airport: T1 (for domestic flights) and T2 (for international flights), located in separate buildings.
T1 - domestic terminals
Terminal T1 was designed by Vietnamese architects. With a design that reflects national identity, this station won the first prize in Vietnamese architecture. The station has an area of up to 115,000 square meters, connecting lobby E and lobby A, which is the area with the most passengers. Both halls include 5 departure gates and 2 arrival gates, 3 floors, and 1 mezzanine. The service layout of Terminal T1 is as follows:
- 1st floor: For arriving domestic passengers, this area includes the baggage claim area after landing.
- 2nd floor: For departing passengers, this area is where they check in, drop off their luggage, and wait for their flights.
- 3rd floor: This floor is designated as the office area for airport staff, and access is limited for passengers.
- 4th floor: his floor features a restaurant that caters to the dining and relaxation needs of passengers.
T1 terminal - Departure hall
T2 - international terminals
Terminal T2 was designed and constructed by a team of talented Japanese architects, funded by Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA). The terminal features 96 check-in counters and departure gates specifically for international passengers.
Terminal T2 is structured with 4 floors and 1 basement, which is laid out as follows:
- 1st floor: This floor is for arriving international passengers, where they disembark, collect their luggage, and complete customs clearance.
- 2nd floor: This floor is designated for connecting passengers
- 3rd floor: This area is for international passengers to check in, check their luggage, and wait for their flights.
- 4th floor: Lounges for VIP and business class passengers, which also house the offices of international airlines operating flights to Vietnam.
T2 terminal - Arrival hall
2. Noi Bai Airport Services & Amenities
Noi Bai International Airport is fully equipped with all the necessities for your arrival, including free internet access, a taxi stand, tourist information services, currency exchange, SIM cards, food options, drinking water, and complimentary charging stations.
2.1. Free Internet
Since 2017, access to the airport Wi-Fi named “Noi Bai Airport Free Wi-Fi” has been available for free through a web browser. After connecting to the Wi-Fi, you need to open the browser, go to the login page, and complete the form to connect. If the Wi-Fi system resets, you just need to reconnect.
2.2. Information desk
You can inquire about flight schedules, transportation to the city center, medical assistance, or any other travel-related questions. The information desks are located right behind the entrance of the public hall on the 1st and 3rd floors of Terminal T2. Another desk is situated in the public hall on the second floor in both Hall A and Hall E.
A helpful tip is to pick up a free city map and brochures containing valuable information.
2.3. Currency exchange
Compared to international airports, Noi Bai Airport and Tan Son Nhat Airport offer favorable exchange rates. There is a wide range of bank booths available in the arrival area after you clear customs, including Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV, Maritime Bank, Citibank, ANZ, Agribank, Sacombank, HSBC, Vietinbank, ACB, and others. To withdraw cash, simply walk through the arrival hall (exit gate) to find an ATM. You can exchange a small amount of money here if you are joining a tour or heading directly to Halong Bay. While jewelry shops or hotels in tourist areas of Hanoi may offer better rates, be cautious when exchanging currency.
The differences in rates among banks are minimal. You can check the current exchange rate using this link: Current exchange rates
2.4. SIM card
Hanoi airport offers a variety of prepaid Vietnamese SIM cards available at booths located in front of the baggage claim area. The four main telecommunications providers are Viettel, Vietnamobile, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. A smart choice for tourists is the Tourist Plans, which are tailored for short-term travelers and include voice calls, SMS, and 3G data. The cost for one of these plans ranges from USD 3 to 5. To purchase a SIM card, you must present your passport for registration, after which you can activate it for use.
Always buy from an authorized store, which will assist you in registering with your passport. By texting “TTTB” to 1414, you will receive your registered information, including your name, date of birth, and passport number.
2.5. Restaurants
While waiting for your pick-up or next flight, you might want to fill your stomach with some delicious food options. You can choose from a variety of Vietnamese dishes as well as Western cuisine. Don't miss out on trying pho and assorted rolls, among other dishes. These restaurants can be found inside the departure lounge on the 1st floor of the domestic terminal and the 2nd floor of the international terminal.
2.6. Shopping
There are a few duty-free stores and souvenir shops located on the 1st and 3rd floors of Terminal T2, but the selection is limited, so you might prefer to shop in the city center. The duty-free items feature high-end fashion brands such as Chanel, Dior, Lancome, and Moschino, as well as various alcoholic beverages like rum, gin, cognac, and vodka. Locally recommended gifts include handicrafts, textiles, dried fruits, and fine arts.
2.7. Sleeping pod
To provide tourists with a relaxing space while waiting for their next flight, Hanoi Airport offers an accommodation service called Sleeping Pods. These are small, comfortable cabins designed like mini hotel rooms, complete with a bed, mattress, blanket, air conditioning, clothing hooks, and a TV screen. Drinking water and snacks are complimentary. You can book this service directly on the 3rd floor of the domestic terminal or the 2nd floor of the international terminal, or you can reserve through the Sleeping Pod website at hanoiairporthotels.vn. Prices start at VND 329,000 (approximately USD 13.2) for a single cabin.
2.8. Others
- Massage: If you spend a long time at the airport, you might want body therapy. Massage services are available on the 2nd floor of Terminal T2 and the 3rd floor of Terminal T1.
- Airport Lounge: If you have elite status or memberships, you can access the lounge at Hanoi Airport for free. Even without a membership, you can enter by paying a fee at the door. There are three lounge brands: Song Hong Premium Lounge, NASCO, and Vietnam Airlines, all located within security at both terminals. Guests are offered a buffet, tea, coffee, and amenities such as showers, a smoking room, and lockers.
- Free Charging Stations: Free charging services are available at T1 in the quarantine area on the 2nd floor and in the public area on the 1st floor, as well as at T2 in the quarantine area on the 3rd floor. Each charging station has up to 10 charging points.
- Medical Care: There are three fully-staffed first aid rooms ready to assist you upon request, located on the 1st and 3rd floors of the domestic terminal and the 1st floor of the international terminal.
- Shower Facilities: Showers are only available in the Business Lounge.
- Smoking Room: Designated smoking rooms can be found on the 3rd and 4th floors of the international terminal.
3. How to Get from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi City centre
3.1. Transport booking apps
By using your smartphone and a Vietnamese SIM card to connect to the Internet, you can easily book a car through platforms like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM. Grab, which operates similarly to Uber, is available throughout Southeast Asia and is a dependable choice. You can expect to pay between VND 250,000 and VND 390,000 (approximately USD 12 to 17), depending on traffic conditions. Xanh SM is a popular option among locals because it offers environmentally friendly electric vehicles. Before going to the pickup area in the outer lane, make sure to note the license plate number provided in the app, and keep in mind there is only a negative point: most drivers may not speak English.
Xanh SM electric car
3.2. Taxi
Taxis are the most common mode of transportation at airports. Typically, airport taxis can be found on the ground floor outside the terminal, and fares are either metered or fixed price, starting at around USD 15 per trip. To avoid any issues, it's advisable to use Noi Bai airport taxis from well-known taxi companies. Here are some options along with their landline numbers: Mai Linh Taxi: 024 3 8222 666; Noi Bai Taxi: 024 3886 8888; Thanh Cong Taxi: 024 32 57 57 57.
3.3. Airport bus
The Hanoi airport shuttle bus operates on a fixed route.
- Vietnam Airlines's last stop is 1 Quang Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District.
- Vietjet Air's last stop is at 69 Tran Nhan Tong.
- Jetstar's last stop is located at 204 Tran Quang Khai Street.
Vietnam Airlines shuttle bus
If you want to be dropped off along the way, show the driver your address so they can let you off at the nearest stop. The fare is much cheaper than the other two options, priced at VND 40,000 - VND 125,000 (USD 2 - 5). Typically, the Hanoi airport shuttle bus stops at the Arrival Hall (first floor). Since the bus sometimes waits to fill all the seats or may be overloaded, booking in advance with airline staff is advisable.
3.4. Bus
One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to travel in any country is by using local buses. Frequently utilized buses from Noi Bai Airport include numbers 07, 17, 90, and 86, with a strong recommendation for bus number 86. This bus operates from the airport to key tourist areas in the city center and back again, offering free Wi-Fi, friendly English-speaking staff, and cold air conditioning. Compared to other local buses, bus number 86 is more reliable and comfortable.
- Bus number 86:
- Fare: VND 45,000 per person
- Frequency: Every 25 minutes
- Route: Lobby A, B, E on the first floor of Terminal T1 – D1, D2 on the first floor of Terminal T2 – Vo Nguyen Giap – Au Co – Nghi Tam – Yen Phu – Long Bien – Tran Nhat Duat – Tran Quang Khai – Trang Tien – Le Thanh Tong – Hai Ba Trung – Ngo Quyen – Ly Thuong Kiet – Le Duan – Hanoi Station
For those interested in experiencing traditional buses, here are details on three other options. All Vietnamese buses come equipped with air conditioning.
- Bus number 07:
- Fare: VND 8,000 per person
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
- Route: Noi Bai Terminal T1 – Vo Van Kiet – Terminal T2 – Vo Van Kiet – Thang Long Bridge – Pham Van Dong – Hoang Quoc Viet – Cau Giay
- Bus number 17:
- Fare: VND 9,000 per person
- Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
- Route: Noi Bai Terminal T1 – Soc Son – Dong Anh – Duong Bridge – Chuong Duong Bridge – Long Bien Bridge
- Bus number 90:
- Fare: VND 9,000 per person
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Route: Terminal T2 – Terminal T1 gate – Vo Nguyen Giap – Nhat Tan Bridge – Vo Chi Cong – Nguyen Hoang Ton – Lac Long Quan – Hoang Hoa Tham – Van Cao – Lieu Giai – Kim Ma
Each bus follows a different route, so be sure to know your destination before selecting one.
3.5. Private car
Upon your arrival, reaching your hotel safely for some rest is a top priority. By reserving a private car from a local tour operator, you can ensure a quick pickup and a seamless transfer for yourself. The information needed for booking includes your name, flight number, and flight arrival time. The service is prepaid in full, costing between USD 20 and USD 45, depending on the type of vehicle. In the arrival hall, you will find your driver waiting for you with a sign displaying your name. For immediate assistance, please send an email to sm@izitour.com.
4. Extra Notes
Please note that on national holidays in Vietnam, people like to travel, both domestically and internationally, so most services, including taxi fares, flight tickets, cruises, hotels, and others, are always higher. It is recommended to book all services in advance to save time and money.
Vietnamese public holidays 2025:
Jan 1st, 2025: New Year’s Day
Jan 25th – Jan 28th, 2025: Days before the Vietnamese New Year
Jan 29th – Feb 2nd, 2025: Vietnamese New Year
Apr 30th: Reunification Day
May 1st: Labor Day
Sep 1st - Sep 2nd: National Day
We hope this article has provided complete information for Noi Bai International Airport Terminals, its services & amenities, and possible transportation from Hanoi to the airport. If there are any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, or contact us via email: sm@izitour.com or WhatsApp: +84 382 536 266 for free consultation.
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