Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter by Bus: The Cheapest Honest Route from the Airport
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-17
If you’ve just landed at Noi Bai airport, the noi bai airport to old quarter bus is the cheapest way to reach the Old Quarter. It costs just ₹200 (~$2.07), a fraction of a Grab, and drops you within a five-minute walk of Hoan Kiem Lake. Planning the wider region? Our Southeast Asia backpacking hub covers the full multi-country route.
This guide is for travellers who typed “Noi Bai airport to Old Quarter by bus” into Google at 11pm the night before their flight. I’ve cross-checked the bus numbers, stops, fares and luggage rules against Hanoi Bus Station (transerco) and current traveller reports from June 2026. Use it as your pre-flight checklist.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Forget bus 86. For the Old Quarter, bus 7 or 17 drops you closer to your guesthouse in many cases, runs more often in peak hours, and accepts the same Hanoi city bus fare (₹33 (~9,000 VND or ~$0.34)). Only take 86 if you’re staying near Long Bien bus station.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest option Noi Bai to Old Quarter | City bus 7 or 17 (one change at Long Bien) | ₹33 (~9,000 VND or ~$0.34) per leg |
| Direct Noi Bai to Old Quarter bus | Bus 86 (no change required) | ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72) |
| Old Quarter back to Noi Bai Airport | Bus 86 from Dinh Tien Hoang / Long Bien | ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72) |
| Total journey time door-to-door | 60 to 90 minutes including wait + change | , |
| Luggage allowed on city bus | Yes, but aisle space is tight | , |
All on-the-ground prices above are in Vietnamese Dong (VND), the official currency of Vietnam. A grab-bike from the airport currently runs ₹37-₹92 (~10,000-25,000 VND or ~$0.38-$0.96) within the city, and a grab-car ₹147-₹295 (~40,000-80,000 VND or ~$1.53-$3.06).
Which Bus Should You Take?
There are three realistic options. The “best” one depends on where in the Old Quarter your hostel is, how much luggage you have, and what time your flight lands.
Option 1: Bus 86 (Direct, Recommended for Most Travellers)
Bus 86 is the airport express run by Hanoi Transport and Services Company (Transerco). It runs a fixed airport-to-city route: Noi Bai Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to the Long Bien bus station, with one stop in the Old Quarter area at Dinh Tien Hoang Street (Hoan Kiem Lake side).
- Fare: ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72) per person
- Operating hours: roughly 05:00 to 22:30, every 25 to 30 minutes
- Luggage: there’s a dedicated luggage compartment under the floor of the bus, accessible from outside, handy if you’re carrying bigger bags after a Halong Bay overnight that you’ve overpacked for.
- Tickets: bought on board from the conductor in cash, or via the Hanoi Bus app (Hanoibus)
If you’re staying anywhere between Hoan Kiem Lake and St Joseph’s Cathedral, this is your bus. The Dinh Tien Hoang stop is a 3 to 5 minute walk from most Old Quarter hostels.
Safety Alert: Avoid unofficial “bus 86” touts who approach you inside the terminal claiming the bus is cancelled. Walk out to the official bus stand (signposted “Bus 86 / 07 / 17”) and buy from the conductor.
Option 2: Bus 7 or 17 (Cheapest, One Change Required)
Bus 7 and 17 are regular Hanoi city buses. They don’t go to the airport terminal directly, but they terminate at the airport’s “Noi Bai” stop on the main road, about 800 metres from Terminal 1 and 1.2 km from Terminal 2. You then walk into the airport, or take the free airport shuttle between terminals.
- Fare: ₹33 (~9,000 VND or ~$0.34) per ride
- Operating hours: 05:00 to around 22:00, every 15 to 20 minutes
- Why bother: total cost is ₹66 (~18,000 VND or ~$0.69) return (₹66 (~$0.68)), about 2.5x cheaper than bus 86
- Why not: 800-metre walk with luggage at 1am after a long-haul flight isn’t fun
The smart version: take bus 86 in (because you’ve just landed and you’re tired), and bus 7 or 17 out when you have lighter bags and more energy to walk.
Option 3: Minivan / Shuttle (Middle Ground)
Private airport minivans (Mai Linh, Noi Bai Express, and several smaller operators) run door-to-door for ₹295-₹442 (~80,000-120,000 VND or ~$3.06-$4.58) per person. They’re faster (45 minutes) and they drop you at your hostel, but you share with other passengers and the driver may take a detour to drop others first. Book via your hostel reception the day before, or walk out of the terminal and bargain at the official taxi rank.
Step-by-Step: Noi Bai to Old Quarter by Bus 86
1. Land and clear immigration
Vietnam runs a 90-day multiple-entry e-Visa for Indian passport holders, applied online at the official portal (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) for $25 USD (around ₹2,408 at the current rate of 1 USD = ₹96.3294). Apply at least 3 working days before your flight. On arrival, immigration lines at Noi Bai are fast, usually 15 to 25 minutes. If you want the full visa run-down before you fly, the Vietnam e-visa guide walks through every step.
2. Walk out to the bus stand
Exit the terminal building, ignore every taxi and minivan offer, and walk to the official bus stand located outside Arrivals, 30 metres to the left of Terminal 1 and directly across the drop-off lane at Terminal 2. If you’re flying into Hanoi for the first time, skim our Hanoi airport overview so the terminal layout makes sense before you land. You’ll see the bus 86 bus parked, green-and-yellow Transerco livery, “86” printed on the front and side.
3. Buy the ticket
Board the bus. A conductor in a uniform will approach with a handheld ticket machine. Tell them “Old Quarter” or “Dinh Tien Hoang”. They will hand you a printed ticket for ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72). Pay in cash (VND). Keep the ticket until you exit; a conductor checks at the door.
4. Stow your luggage
Larger bags go in the underfloor compartment. The driver or conductor will open it from outside. Smaller daypacks stay on your lap or between your knees. Don’t leave valuables in the underfloor compartment.
5. Confirm the route
Ask the conductor to confirm: “Dinh Tien Hoang?” They’ll nod. The bus runs Terminal 1 → Terminal 2 → Noi Bai toll gate → Thang Long Bridge → Long Bien bus station → Dinh Tien Hoang (Hoan Kiem Lake) → Hanoi Railway Station. The Old Quarter stop is Dinh Tien Hoang, in front of Hoan Kiem Lake, around 50 to 60 minutes after leaving the airport depending on traffic.
6. Walk to your hostel
From the Dinh Tien Hoang stop, walk into the Old Quarter alleys. Most hostels are 3 to 10 minutes away. If your hostel is in the French Quarter or near the Temple of Literature, transfer at Long Bien to bus 4, 8 or 31.
The Reverse Route: Old Quarter Back to Noi Bai Airport
Travellers on Reddit and TripAdvisor confirm the return trip works exactly the same way, and it’s the most under-covered part of this route online. Three working options, ordered by ease:
Bus 86 from Dinh Tien Hoang / Long Bien
The 86 picks up in the Old Quarter at the same Dinh Tien Hoang stop where it dropped you, and runs back to Noi Bai every 25 to 30 minutes from around 05:00 to 22:30. Same ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72) fare, same luggage compartment, same conductor. Plan to leave 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight, because the journey takes 60 to 90 minutes door-to-door.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Most airport-bus tickets for the return trip can be bought in advance from your hostel reception or any Old Quarter travel agent for the same ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72) price. They give you a reserved seat and a guaranteed pickup point. Worth it for a 6am flight.
Bus 7 or 17 from Long Bien
Both city buses terminate at the Noi Bai stop on the main highway, from where you walk 800 metres to Terminal 1. Cheaper (₹33 (~9,000 VND or ~$0.34)) and runs more often, but you’ll be standing on a Vietnamese highway shoulder with your backpack at 4am. Not for everyone.
Walking to the airport (Don’t)
Hanoi has a metro line under construction (Line 2, Nam Thang Long - Tran Hung Dao) that will eventually serve Noi Bai directly. As of mid-2026, it’s still in testing. Until it opens, don’t try to walk the 25 km to the airport. Take a bus or a taxi.
Cost Breakdown: Bus vs Grab vs Taxi
| Mode | Fare per trip | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 86 (public, direct) | ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72) | 60 to 75 min | Budget travellers, light luggage |
| Bus 7 / 17 (public, with change) | ₹33 (~9,000 VND or ~$0.34) per leg | 75 to 90 min | Tightest budget, daytime only |
| Grab Bike | ₹37-₹92 (~10,000-25,000 VND or ~$0.38-$0.96) | 45 to 60 min | Solo with backpack |
| Grab Car | ₹147-₹295 (~40,000-80,000 VND or ~$1.53-$3.06) | 45 to 60 min | Two or more people, big bags |
| Airport Minivan | ₹295-₹442 (~80,000-120,000 VND or ~$3.06-$4.58) | 50 to 70 min | Door-to-door comfort |
| Hanoi Taxi (Vinasun, Mai Linh) | ₹921-₹1,289 (~250,000-350,000 VND or ~$9.55-$13.37) | 45 to 60 min | Late-night fallback |
Common Mistakes Indians Make on the Noi Bai Airport Bus
1. Following the wrong “bus 86” out of arrivals. Fake touts will direct you to a private van, charge ₹737 (~200,000 VND or ~$7.64), and call it “bus 86”. Always walk to the official Transerco bus stand outside the terminal, identifiable by the green-and-yellow livery and the “86” route number printed on the bus.
2. Not carrying small VND notes. The conductor may not have change for a ₹1,842 (~500,000 VND or ~$19.10) note. Withdraw smaller denominations from the airport ATM before walking to the bus stand, or pay the exact ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72) fare if you have it.
3. Bringing oversized luggage. Bus 86 has a luggage compartment, but anything over 25 kg or larger than a 65-litre backpack gets awkward. If you’re carrying a hard-shell suitcase and a full pack, take a Grab.
4. Getting off at Long Bien by mistake. Long Bien is a major bus interchange, not a tourist area. Stay on bus 86 until the conductor calls “Dinh Tien Hoang”. If you fall asleep, the next stop is Hanoi Railway Station, from where you can take a taxi or a connecting city bus back into the Old Quarter.
5. Trying to do this at 3am. The last bus 86 leaves the airport around 22:30. If your flight lands after midnight, take a Grab (which will cost around ₹921-₹1,289 (~250,000-350,000 VND or ~$9.55-$13.37)) or pre-book a hostel airport pickup for around ₹552-₹737 (~150,000-200,000 VND or ~$5.73-$7.64).
Getting Connected on the Bus
You won’t need data to ride the bus, but you’ll need it the moment you walk out of the Old Quarter stop to find your hostel on Google Maps. Two solid options:
- Local SIM (Vietnamobile or Viettel): ₹184-₹368 (~50,000-100,000 VND or ~$1.91-$3.82) for 7 days of data. Buy from the Viettel counter inside the arrivals hall before walking out.
- eSIM: Get Nomad eSIM, activates before you fly, 3 to 5 GB of data for around ₹868 (~9 USD).
Either way, set up a cash-stored Grab account on your phone before you land. Indian cards don’t always link cleanly to Grab; load cash via the GrabPay top-up at any Circle K or FamilyMart in the Old Quarter.
What to Do After You Drop Bags at the Hostel
You’ve saved ₹1,000 (~$10.36) by taking the bus. Spend some of it well.
If it’s lunchtime, walk to Hong Hoai’s Restaurant for a proper Hanoi set meal, phở bò and a fresh sugarcane juice. Travellers say it’s the kind of place where grandmothers still pull up chairs for solo diners. For a strong Vietnamese coffee, The King Cafe on a tucked-away lane is a quiet afternoon reset. If your palate is screaming for home after a long-haul flight, Swad Kitchen 5 in the Old Quarter does butter chicken with garlic naan for around ₹737-₹1,105 (~200,000-300,000 VND or ~$7.64-$11.46) a plate.
In the evening, queue up for the Traditional Water Puppet Show Ticket in Hanoi tour, a uniquely Vietnamese art form with live traditional music. If you’ve got a few extra days after the Old Quarter, the Vietnam 7–10 day Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh itinerary lays out how to chain this stop with Hoi An and beyond. If your back is screaming from the flight, a Traditional Vietnamese Massage Workshop is a perfect reset before you start exploring the rest of Hanoi on foot.
FAQ
Is bus 86 from Noi Bai to Old Quarter safe at night?
Yes. Bus 86 runs until about 22:30 with conductors, CCTV inside the bus, and other passengers. After 22:30, switch to a Grab or pre-booked minivan. Walking alone in the airport-to-city highway stretch after midnight is not recommended.
How much is the bus from Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter?
Bus 86 costs ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72) per person (about ₹166 (~$1.72)). Bus 7 or 17 with a change costs ₹33 (~9,000 VND or ~$0.34) per leg (about ₹33 (~$0.34) each).
Does bus 86 take luggage?
Yes. There’s an underfloor luggage compartment for bigger bags, and small daypacks on your lap. Avoid bringing more than one large suitcase per person.
Where does bus 86 drop you in the Old Quarter?
The main Old Quarter stop is on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, near Hoan Kiem Lake. From there, most Old Quarter hostels are a 3 to 10 minute walk.
Can I pay for the bus with UPI or a forex card?
No. The conductor only accepts Vietnamese Dong cash, exact change preferred. Bring small VND notes from the airport ATM.
How do I get from Old Quarter back to Noi Bai Airport by bus?
Catch bus 86 from the same Dinh Tien Hoang stop, or from Long Bien bus station, every 25 to 30 minutes from 05:00 to 22:30. Fare is ₹166 (~45,000 VND or ~$1.72). Leave 3 hours before an international flight.
What’s the best option for a 6am flight?
Pre-book a hostel airport pickup the night before (₹552-₹737 (~150,000-200,000 VND or ~$5.73-$7.64)), or take a Grab from your hostel (around ₹921-₹1,289 (~250,000-350,000 VND or ~$9.55-$13.37)). Bus 86 doesn’t run early enough for a 6am international flight.
Subodh’s Take
If you can carry your own backpack and your hostel is anywhere near Hoan Kiem Lake, bus 86 is the move. The 60-minute ride gives you a free Hanoi city tour on the way in, the conductor will remember you’re a foreigner and flag your stop, and you’ll arrive with an extra ₹1,500 (~$15.55) in your pocket for actual phở. The only time to skip it is past 22:30, with two large suitcases, or with young kids. Otherwise, save the Grab money for later, yaar.
— Subodh
