How to get to Hanoi

Hanoi is the vibrant capital of Vietnam, located in the north of the country and combining the charm of ancient temples with the energy of a modern Asian metropolis. When planning your trip, it is important to know in advance how to get to Hanoi: thanks to its status as a major transport hub, you can arrive here not only by plane but also by train, intercity bus, or car.

The main air gateway for travellers heading to the capital is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). It is one of the country's largest aviation hubs, receiving direct and connecting flights from all over the world. Modern terminals ensure a comfortable arrival, and the wide network of flights makes the city accessible for tourists from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The airport is located approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre. This distance can be covered in 40–50 minutes by taxi, city buses, or specialised airline shuttles. The journey to your hotel will allow you to immediately immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the local landscapes, shifting from suburban views to bustling city streets.

If you plan to visit Hanoi as part of a larger journey across the country, flying remains the most convenient option. Regular air services connect the capital with key resorts and cities in Vietnam, such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, or Ho Chi Minh City, allowing you to save time when moving between the north and the south.

Rail transport is a popular and atmospheric way to get to Hanoi, especially for those already travelling within the country. The capital's main station — Ga Ha Noi — is located in the city centre and serves as a key hub for trains from all directions.

Trains arrive here from the south of the country, travelling along the famous railway line connecting the capital with Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang. This journey, often referred to as a trip on the "Reunification Express", allows you to enjoy the picturesque views of Vietnam. The station also actively receives trains from the north, particularly from Lao Cai, which is the gateway to the mountainous tourist region of Sapa.

Bus services connect the capital with many regions, offering tourists the opportunity to enjoy views of the Vietnamese countryside along the way. One of the most popular routes is the trip from picturesque Halong: buses cover the distance of 160 kilometres in approximately 2.5–3 hours. Even faster, in less than two hours, you can arrive from the port city of Haiphong, which is located just 120 kilometres from Hanoi.

There is also a regular service established with the city of Thanh Hoa, from where the 160-kilometre journey takes an average of 3–4 hours. Most intercity flights arrive at major bus stations, such as My Dinh or Giap Bat, from where it is easy to get to the centre by taxi. Thanks to modern highways and comfortable cabins, such a journey becomes not a tiring transfer, but a pleasant part of getting to know the country.

Modern expressways make travelling to the capital by car fast and tireless. The journey from the port city of Haiphong (120 km) will take about one and a half to two hours, while the road from the famous Halong Bay (150 km) will require approximately 2.5 hours. The route from the city of Thanh Hoa is also popular: drivers usually cover the distance of 160 km in 3 hours, passing through colourful rural landscapes.

Renting a car with a driver or booking an intercity taxi is a common practice, ensuring maximum comfort for "door-to-door" travel. The cost of a private transfer for these directions usually varies between 1.5–2.5 million dong (about 60–100 USD), which can be more economical than train or bus tickets for a group of several people or a family.

A trip to Hanoi promises to be vibrant and eventful, but it is better to prepare for meeting this dynamic metropolis in advance. We have collected a few practical recommendations for you that will help make your trip around the capital of Vietnam comfortable and safe.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: Hanoi differs from southern resorts by having a distinct winter. If you are travelling from November to March, be sure to bring a light jacket, jeans, and a jumper, as the temperature can drop to +10–15°C, and indoor heating is often absent. In summer, it is hot and humid, so choose modest clothing made from natural fabrics and comfortable shoes for long walks.
2. Transport: Traffic in the city is very dense and chaotic, so renting a motorbike without driving experience in Asia is not recommended. The most convenient and safe way to get around is by using taxi-hailing apps (such as Grab). This guarantees a fixed price and eliminates the need to explain the address using gestures.
3. Finances: The national currency is the Vietnamese Dong. Cards are accepted in shopping centres, hotels, and major restaurants, but for street food, markets, and souvenir shops, you will need cash. It is most profitable and safe to exchange money at jewellery shops (gold shops) or official bank branches.
4. Health and Safety: It is strictly not recommended to drink tap water; buy only bottled water. Pharmacies are common in the city, but if you need specific prescription medications, it is better to bring them with you. It is also useful to carry hand sanitiser and wet wipes.
5. Communication: In the tourist centre (the Old Quarter), many service staff speak English. However, outside this area, the language barrier can be a challenge. We recommend downloading an offline Vietnamese language pack in Google Translate in advance — this will greatly simplify communication with taxi drivers and vendors.
6. Local Etiquette: The Vietnamese are a reserved and polite people. When entering Buddhist temples and pagodas, be sure to cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes. In public, try not to raise your voice or show aggression: a smile here resolves any issues much faster.
7. What to Avoid: Be careful with street vendors offering to clean your shoes or sell doughnuts — often the price is named only after the service is rendered, and it may be inflated. Also, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing.
8. The Art of Crossing the Road: This is perhaps the main skill needed in Hanoi. Pedestrian crossings are often ignored by drivers. To cross the street in a dense stream of motorbikes, walk slowly, smoothly, and predictably, raising your hand up. Do not make sudden movements and do not run — drivers will navigate around you if they understand the trajectory of your movement.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor domestic inconveniences and fully focus on the unique atmosphere, history, and gastronomy of this amazing city.