Hanoi Layover: Everything You Need To Know For a Smooth Transit
Whether it’s just a few hours before your next flight or you have generous time for a whole day of city exploration, your Hanoi layover can be as exciting as a mini-journey soaking up the city’s atmosphere. Make the most of your layover in Hanoi Airport, don’t just sit boringly waiting, step out and get ready for plenty of thrills.
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Hanoi layover – Transit visa requirements
Many international flights nowadays transit in Hanoi. Understanding the transit process at Noi Bai International Airport can make your trip less stressful. Among tons of concerns regarding a Hanoi layover, the most common one probably is “Can I leave Hanoi airport during layover?” If you really need to leave the transit area, for example for a sightseeing tour, you need to provide valid travel documents, and a visa may be required. Whether or not you need to obtain a Vietnam visa depends on your nationality and your intention of travel.
1. Exempt from a transit visa
If your Hanoi layover is less than 24 hours AND you stay within the transit area during your layover, you don’t need to get a transit visa. In addition to that, travellers from certain countries are eligible for Vietnam visa exemption, and that means you can leave Hanoi airport and return for your connecting flight without any problem.
Below is the full list of countries that are exempted from visa requirements:
Brunei • Myanmar • Belarus • Denmark • Finland • France • Germany • Italy • Japan • Norway • Russia • South Korea • Spain • Sweden • The UK • The Philippines • Cambodia • Indonesia • Kyrgyzstan • Laos • Malaysia • Singapore • Thailand • Chile • Panama.
» Read more on A Traveler’s Guide on International Airports in Vietnam
2. Required to obtain a Vietnam visa
If your Hanoi layover is longer than 24 hours or you wish to leave the airport for a sightseeing tour in a few hours, you are required to get a valid Vietnam visa. But don’t worry – It’s not difficult to get a Vietnam transit visa, and you can go with the easiest option: the Vietnam e-visa. You simply need to apply for the visa online by yourself or through requesting agencies and organisations. The results will be available within 3-5 days. The fee is $25 USD for a single-entry e-visa and $50 USD for a multiple-entry e-visa.
To be granted the visa, applicants should meet the following requirements:
• Foreigners not living in Vietnam
• Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the expected date of entry
• Not being suspended from entry outlined in Article 21 of Law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through, and residence in Vietnam
» Read more on How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa in 5 Minutes
How to get to Hanoi from airport?
The distance from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city centre is approximately 27 km. Travelling by taxi may take up to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Here are the most common ways to get to the city centre.
1. Taxis
Taxis are the most common and convenient way to travel from Noi Bai Airport to the city centre. When you get out from the airport gate, you will see a taxi stop where you can get on the taxi. Remember to check the metre once you begin your journey, and only go with trusted taxi companies, for example:
√ Noi Bai Taxi: Hotline: 0777 888 247 | 0763 111 247
√ Mai Linh Taxi: Hotline: 1055 | 1900 6789
√ G7 Taxi: Hotline: 0243 232 3232
√ Taxi Group: Hotline: 0243 853 5353
The base fare ranges from VND 10,000 – 25,000 for the first 1 km, depending on the vehicle type. A different rate will be applied for the next kilometres. As a result, the taxi fare from Hanoi Airport to the city centre is typically around VND 600,000. The payment methods are varied. You can pay by cash or opt for a cashless payment, such as cards or QR code.
2. Ride-hailing apps
In addition to taxis, ride-hailing apps are commonly used by locals for better prices. Some popular service providers are Grab, Be, and Xanh SM. The last one operates entirely with electric vehicles, offering both electric taxi and electric motorbike rental service.
√ Grab: Google Play | App Store
√ Be: Google Play | App Store
√ Xanh SM: Google Play | App Store
The average rate for booking with a ride-hailing app from Noi Bai Airport to the city centre is around VND 300,000 – 400,000. You can enjoy great discounts when applying certain vouchers available on these apps. Plus, all these apps are available in English, making them easy to navigate.
3. Public buses
√ Bus No.86: This bus links Noi Bai Airport and Hanoi Railway, about 2 kilometres from the Old Quarter, passing by many famous attractions in Hanoi, such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge, etc. The travel time for the whole journey is around 50 minutes. The bus departs from the arrival hall of Terminal 1 (T1).
• Operating hours: From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m daily
• Frequency: Every 45 minutes
• Ticket price: VND 45,000/ pax
√ Bus No.17: Another option to choose from is the public bus from Hanoi Airport to Long Bien Bus Station, about 1 kilometre from the Old Quarter. The downside of this bus route is that it is usually crowded, and travellers with large luggage may find it quite inconvenient.
• Operating hours: From 5.10 a.m. to 10 p.m daily
• Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
• Ticket price: VND 9,000/ pax
√ Bus No.07: Bus No.7 travels from Noi Bai Airport to Cau Giay neighbourhood. There are stops at Thang Long Bridge, Pham Van Dong, Hoang Quoc Viet, Nguyen Van Huyen, Nguyen Khanh Toan, Tran Dang Ninh, and Cau Giay.
• Operating hours: From 5 a.m. to 9.30 p.m daily
• Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
• Ticket price: VND 8,000/ pax
4. Shuttle bus services provided by airliners
√ Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines operates a shuttle bus service from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city centre and vice versa. The journey is made in a comfortable, air-conditioned 16-seater vehicle. The Vietnam Airlines bus departs from or arrives at the Vietnam Airlines’s office at No.1 Quang Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District (about 200m to Hoan Kiem Lake). You can purchase the ticket from Noi Bai Airport at Terminal 1 (Domestic Terminal).
• Operating hours: From 5 a.m. to 10 p.m daily
• Frequency: Every 30 – 45 minutes
• Ticket price: VND 40,000/ pax
√ Vietjet Air
Airport transfer service is available for all flights departing from or arriving at Noi Bai Airport. You will travel in a spacious, air-conditioned 45-seater bus. Just get out of the arrival hall of Terminal 1, and you can easily recognise the Vietjet Air’s shuttle bus.
• Operating hours: From 4 a.m. to 10 p.m daily
• Frequency: Every 30 – 45 minutes
• Ticket price: VND 36,000/ pax
5. Private transfer
One thing to keep in mind is that timing will be extremely crucial to your Hanoi layover. Therefore, it’s sensible to choose the pre-arranged transfer service so that you can maximise your sightseeing time. Although the private transfer rate is higher than that of a taxi, you can take advantage of conveniently selecting your pick-up and drop-off time, and don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
The Hanoi airport transfer cost usually ranges from VND 400,000 for a 4-seater vehicle to VND 460,000 for a 7-seater vehicle to around VND 1,000,000 for a Limousine van. It’s highly recommended that you book a tour including airport transfers to enjoy a better deal for your Hanoi transit.
Hanoi layover tour itinerary
In many cases, your layover can fit a Hanoi city tour 1 day with up to 8 hours of activities. With this perfect time frame, you will be able to fully discover the city’s highlights and transfer from and to the airport in plenty of time. Here is our suggested itinerary for an unforgettable mini-journey in the thousand-year-old Hanoi.
√ Visit the historical landmarks
Hanoi boasts a variety of historic and cultural landmarks, many of which are centuries-old and deeply intertwined with Vietnam’s rich heritage. Your Hanoi layover tour start right the moment you step out of the airport.
One of the must-see attractions is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, the mausoleum is home to the preserved body of the national leader. It’s important to note that the area is heavily policed, and all visitors are expected to dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered. Remember that Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a complex, and if seeing Ho Chi Minh’s body isn’t something you’re particularly interested in, try visiting other historic sites which are also within walking distance, such as Ho Chi Minh Stilt’s House, Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Presidential Palace, or the One Pillar Pagoda.
From Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can walk to Huu Tiep Lake to see the downed B-52 wreckage, a remnant of the Vietnam War. During a U.S. aerial bombing campaign targeting Hanoi and Hai Phong, a B-52 bomber was hit by a missle while flying over Hanoi and crashed into Huu Tiep Lake. The lake now is also called the B-52 Lake by locals.
Next off, head to the Temple of Literature to see the oldest university in Vietnam. Established in 1970, the temple was dedicated to Confucius and served as an educational institution for scholars and elite students. Alternatively, if you are still in the mood for some war stories, make your way to Hoa Lo Museum, also known as Maison Centrale or Hanoi Hilton. With exhibits, photographs, and artifacts depicting the harsh living conditions and torture methods used for the prisoners, some visitors may find the museum a bit overwhelming.
√ Try classic Vietnamese dishes
To satisfy your empty stomach after a long morning sightseeing, treat yourself to a traditional Vietnamese dish. Hanoi’ food scene is where you can find everything that suits your interests, from casual street food to exquisite fine dining. Here are some recommendations:
• Phở (beef noodles soup) Đường Tàu: 3 Tran Phu, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem
• Bún chả (rice vermicelli dipped in soup with pork) Đắc Kim: 1 Hang Manh, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem
• Chả cá (fried turmeric fish in dill) Thăng Long: 6B Duong Thanh, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem
• Nem nướng (grilled pork sausage) Quế Hoa: 23 Ho Hoan Kiem, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem
• Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette) Trâm: 30 Dinh Ngang, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem
√ Stroll along the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is the heart and soul of Hanoi, and you may need a significant amount of time soaking up this fascinating neighbouhood. Dating back to the 13th century, the Old Quarter sets itself apart from other attractions thanks to a cluster of various guilds and lively specialised trading streets. Get ready to immerse yourself in the streets that are packed with scooters swarming around you like a school of fish.
From the Old Quarter, you can take a cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem Lake for a refreshing stroll and a mini-sightseeing tour of The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Turtle Tower.
√ Explore the Hanoi Train Street (if your layover allows for some hours in the evening)
Looking for a unique way to enjoy a cup of coffe in Vietnamese style? You can get the marvellous next-to-the-track view at a local coffee shop. The Hanoi’s train schedule varies, but the general departure times are as follows (*):
• Weekdays (Monday – Friday): 7 p.m., 7.45 p.m., 8.30 p.m., and 10 p.m.
• Weekends (Saturday – Sunday): 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 11.20 a.m., 3.30 p.m., 5.30 pm.m, 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 7.45 p.m., 8.30 p.m., 9 p.m., and 11 p.m.
(*) The train schedule may change without notice, so it’s best to double-check before your visit to ensure you don’t miss the train passing by.
» Read more on Hanoi Layover Tour with Airport Transfers
Hanoi Layover FAQ
Travellers can easily add the capital city of Vietnam to a multi-day tour itinerary, but how about a few transit hours? While a layover tour won’t cover everything, it can provide a satisfying glimpse of Hanoi’s most important landmarks and cultural experiences. Below are the most commonly asked questions that will certainly prepare you better for your Hanoi layover.
1. Is Hanoi city tour worth it?
Hanoi is loved by many foreign tourists for its convenience, diverse cuisine, low costs of living, and welcoming locals. A Hanoi city tour is totally worth it for anyone interested in rich history, colourful cultural scene, mixed lifestyle, and sleepless nights. Opt for a city tour that highlights the city’s iconic landmarks, unique street treats, and authentic experiences.
√ Traditional sightseeing tour: Hanoi’s historic and cultural sites are worth a day tour for first-time travellers. You can cherry-pick the attractions that resonate with you most, whether it’s a historical temple or a modern high-rise. Take into account these must-sees, based on your interests:
• For culture and history enthusiasts: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Musem of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, etc.
• For foodies: Old Quarter Street Food, Dong Xuan Market, Tong Duy Tan Food Street, Hang Buom, etc.
• For shoppers: Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi Weekend Night Market, Trang Tien Plaza, Aeon Mall Long Bien, etc.
√ Food walking tour: Hanoi is a true haven for both local street food and international cuisine. There are countless street vendors and restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining, for you to choose from. Take the opportunity to grasp the quintessences of Hanoi through foods, such as pho, noodles with grilled pork, turmeric fish with dill, egg coffee, etc,
√ Cyclo tour: Exploring the city on a cyclo (a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi) is a fun and unique experience. Cyclo city tours are extremely popular in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. During the cyclo ride, you will get to experience the vibrant streets of Hanoi up close and personal. You can witness the daily of the locals and be part of the insane traffic. This is an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective, at a slower pace.
So, how much is the cyclo tour in Hanoi? Most cyclo tours start at around VND 100,000 to 200,000 per person for an hour. Remember to negotiate the fixed prices before you get on the cyclo, and check the weather forecast to avoid depressing rains.
Generally speaking, a leisurely cyclo ride is both charming and nostalgic, and you will be able to experience the essence of Vietnam, soak up the local atmosphere, and particularly discover its cultural treasures.
2. Is Vietnam Airlines transit tour free?
According to the official website of Vietnam Airlines, “Passengers who travel on international flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, have a long connecting time at transit airports in Vietnam, and are allowed to transit and make a tour in Vietnam according to the rules & regulations of the Immigration department” are eliglible for a transit tour by Vietnam Airlines.
Their transit tours and city tour services at Noi Bai Airport are available with the minimum connection time of 8 hours between flights. Vietnam Airlines offers multiple services, depending on the transit time:
• Between 8 hours and 10 hours
• Between 10 hours and 16 hours
• Between 16 hours and 26 hours
• Between 26 hours and 35 hours
The full service includes tour/hotel and visa fees (if applicable). Transit service is free. Passengers requiring transit visas need to book the service 8 days before the flight departure while passengers exempted from Vietnam visas need to send their enquiries 72 (business) hours before the flight departure. For detailed information about the services, please visit their official website or contact them directly.
3. What to do with a 10/ 12-hour layover in Hanoi?
This duration is perfect for you to deal with the immigration procedures and enjoy a city tour with enough time for travelling to and from the airport. Take a look at our suggested itinerary for a 10-hour layover tour in Hanoi without an overnight stay:
√ Morning
• Transfer from the airport to the city centre
• Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• View the wreckage at Huu Tiep Lake
• Explore the Temple of Literature
√ Afternoon
• Savour traditional Vietnamese lunch
• Head to Hoa Lo Prison
√ Evening
• Take a cyclo ride around Hanoi’s Old Quarter
• Stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Turtle Tower
• Return to the airport
Are you short on time but eager to see more? We have a variety of Hanoi layover tours with airport transfers that are fully customisable, and we make sure you explore as much as you can within your time limit – explore Hanoi, immerse yourself in the local culture, visit attractions, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Contact us now for a detailed itinerary. Your layover is in Ho Chi Minh City? Check out our Ho Chi Minh City Layover Tour with Airport Transfers.