Hanoi Airport: 12 Most Useful Q&As about Hanoi Airport (Updated 2024/2025)

Hanoi is one of the top gateways for tourists arriving in Vietnam. The modern airport is connected to cities all over the world, taking people to the hub of northern Vietnam. Here’s a handy guide to the most common questions to help you with a smooth travel experience.

Are Hanoi and Noi Bai Airport the Same?

There are actually four airports in Hanoi, but Hanoi Airport refers to Noi Bai International Airport. Two of the other airports are military airports, and the fourth has ceased operations. Noi Bai Airport is the only choice for international arrivals in northern Vietnam. It is a major domestic transportation hub for the region.

How Big Is Hanoi Airport? How Many Terminals Does Hanoi Airport Have?

Covering 650 hectares, Hanoi Airport is the second largest in Vietnam. It handles around 30 million passengers a year, with flights between 24 countries and numerous domestic destinations.

Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights. Terminal 2 is the international terminal, with 17 boarding gates and 96 check-in counters. An additional cargo terminal handles over 700,000 tonnes of cargoes each year.

Hanoi Airport

How Far Is It from Hanoi Airport to the City Center/Old Quarter?

Hanoi Airport is in Soc San District in the north of the city. It is around 35 km from downtown Hanoi and around 30 km from the Old Quarter. Two main routes from the city go to the airport. National Road 3 connects it to the eastern suburbs of Hanoi, and a newer route via the Nhat Tan Bridge makes it more convenient to reach from the city center.

How Much Is a Taxi or Grab from Hanoi Airport to City Center/Old Quarter?

A taxi is the quickest and easiest way to get into the city from the airport. It takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Metered taxis typically cost from around 320,000 VND to 450,000 VND (13-18 USD). Taxi counters offer fixed-fee trips to the Old Quarter for 500,000 VND (20 USD).

In both cases, you may have to queue. Another option is to use the ride-hailing app Grab. Grab can be linked to your credit or debit card and takes care of translation. Input your destination, check the fee, and the app will let you know when the car has arrived.

A taxi is the quickest and easiest way to get into the city from Hanoi airport

Is Hanoi Airport Busy? How Early Should I Arrive at Hanoi Airport?

Hanoi Airport is the second busiest in Vietnam. It is a good idea to follow the recommendations on when to arrive before your flight, particularly during the peak tourist season from October to February.

International travelers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before their scheduled departure. That will ensure that even if there are lines, there will be enough time for check-in, immigration, and security procedures. Check-in counters for domestic flights open two hours prior to the scheduled departure and close 45 minutes before departure.

How Long Does It Take to Get through Customs at Hanoi Airport?

The time it takes to pass through customs and immigration at the airport depends on how busy it is and which visa you are using.

For travelers arriving on an e-visa, the average wait time at immigration is around 20 minutes. After passing through immigration, you can collect your luggage and then go through customs. It’s possible to get into a taxi in less than an hour after getting off the plane. For most travelers, the e-visa is the better choice.

A Vietnam visa on arrival can add extra time. Even assuming all documents and cast for fees are prepared, the VOA queues in Hanoi Airport can be long. Average wait times for immigration are around 45 minutes, but at peak times it can be one to two hours. During the holiday seasons, daytime hours between 10 am and 2 pm, and Fridays are usually busier.

Get through customs in Hanoi Airport

What Shops, Restaurants, and Lounges Are Available at Hanoi Airport?

Terminal 2 has a large food court with Vietnamese food, international and fast food options. Pho24 serves Vietnamese noodles and other local dishes for around 3-4 USD. Burger King has locations on the 1st and 3rd floors. Hai Cang Restaurant on the 4th floor has Hong Kong cuisine and a quiet area to sit and eat. There are also cafes and dessert places for a beverage or quick snack.

There are not many shops in the airport, but you can still find places to buy souvenirs and handicrafts. Traditional jewelry, silk, and bamboo products, and cosmetics made from local ingredients, are available at prices competitive with those in the city. Duty-free shops are also available.

In addition to first-class and business lounges, there are several pay-per-use lounges that anyone can use. In terminal 2, there are three lounges on the 4th floor. Lounge passes cost around 30 USD if bought online. You’ll get access to an air-conditioned area with beverages, reading material, televisions, and other facilities.

Restaurants in Hanoi Airport

Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Airport Better?

Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport are the main arrival points for international travelers. Neither airport has a hard claim to being better. Ho Chi Minh Airport has a few more international connections, including direct flights to and from North America. Both airports have many flight routes to Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.

A popular option is to arrive at one and leave from the other. Arriving first in Hanoi, you can experience the natural wonders of North Vietnam, like Halong Bay and the mountains of Sapa. It’s easy to fly from Hanoi to places like Da Nang in central Vietnam or Ho Chi Minh City in the south. After a Vietnam Mekong Delta tour, you can fly home from Ho Chi Minh Airport. Starting from Ho Chi Minh and leaving from Hanoi is equally possible.

How Do I Get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Hanoi Airport?

International visitors arriving in Hanoi and transferring to another city in Vietnam will need to go from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. Terminals 1 and 2 are only 850 meters apart. Free shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes to carry passengers between the terminals. The buses are available from 6 am to 1 am. You can find the bus on the 1st floor of Terminal 2 on the western side and on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1 near departures.

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Are There Hotels Available around the Hanoi Airport?

For extra convenience catching late or early flights, there are hotels near the airport.

One choice is to use the sleep pods at the airport. The VATC Sleep Pods are located in Terminal 2 on the 2nd floor and in Terminal 1 on the 3rd floor. They offer a private place to sleep and rest that can be rented by the hour or day. Hourly rates are 12-13 USD for a single room, a full day costs 38 USD.

Several three-star hotels are within 2-3 km of the airport. The Huy Hoang Airport and Dragon Airport Hotel have clean rooms with basic amenities and can help arrange transportation to the airport. Rooms cost between 14 and 18 USD per night. The closest 4-star hotel is the HANZ Noi Bai Airport Boutique Hotel. It’s 3km away, and standard rooms start at 24 USD per night.

The International Flight Schedules to Hanoi Airport (Updated 2024/2025)

Hanoi Airport has 52 routes to 24 different countries, reaching destinations as far away as London. Direct connections include several cities in Europe and Australia and many destinations in Asia.

The Main Services and Facilities of Hanoi Airport

Hanoi Airport offers many services for the convenience of travelers.

ATMs are available in the lobby on the first floor of Terminal 1 and the east and west wings of Terminal 2. Both terminals have currency exchange counters. Numerous kiosks sell local SIM cards that can be purchased with prepaid data plans.

Medical assistance is available 24 hours a day. Emergency care can be found in the arrivals hall on the 1st floor of terminal 2 and in the waiting area on the 3rd floor. In terminal 1, the emergency room is on the 1st floor. Airport staff can also help summon medical staff, who can arrive within 10 minutes of receiving a call.

Free battery charging stations can be found in the lobby areas of both terminals. Luggage packing and free trolley services are also available.

Conclusion

Hanoi Airport’s modern design and services will make travel easy and convenient. It’s a perfect arrival point for international travelers with easy access to the city and nearby attractions. Contact us and start your trip in Vietnam from Hanoi with one of our private or small group tours.