How to get to Hanoi and travel around this city

The transportation in Hanoi is quite convenient as there are numerous ways to get in/around the city. It takes you from a couple of minutes to half an hour to transfer from one to another place. While traveling between Hanoi and nearby destinations takes a few hours depending on the means of transportation. Following our guide to Hanoi transportation, you will get an overview of how to get in/around Hanoi, popular travel routes, and other more.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is one of the largest and most ancient cities in the world. Hanoi is famous for picturesque pagodas, colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delectable cuisine. It is a great place to explore and gain insight into the culture and the people. But first, we need to find out the different means of transportation available in Hanoi to discover this fantastic city.

Visiting Hanoi, most tourists are concerned with the traffic situation and have many problems going around the city. Hanoi has made huge improvements regarding the efficiency of the transport system and road capacity expansion in recent years. So it is now easier and more convenient to travel to and around Hanoi. 

Here are some of the most popular transportation forms that tourists can take to get to and around Hanoi.

Hanoi Transportation Getting To And Getting Around

Getting to Central Hanoi from the Airport

By Bus

Traveling by bus in Hanoi is considered a great solution for the traffic situation in the city. This form of transport will get you the opportunity to explore the city, especially in the Old Quarter, as it passes through many famous places with ease. You will enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable trip, without worrying about the bad weather or the traffic chaos during rush hour in Hanoi. It is only just the first reason why you should take a bus to get directly to Central Hanoi, there are a few more:

• It is the cheapest way to Hanoi Old Quarter. You can enjoy an economical journey at an exceptionally cheap price. There are 4 airport buses that will get you to Central Hanoi, including Bus numbers 07, 17, 90, and 86. Each bus has a different route and will drive you to various destinations, so determine your desired stop before your bus trip.
• The bus is on schedule. Two types of buses are available in Hanoi: Airport bus and Shuttle bus. Both types of buses run on a regular basis and they have a fixed schedule. There is always a trip every 20 minutes, from early morning to late afternoon.  
• It can carry your bulky luggage. Even if your luggage takes up a lot of space, the bus has enough room for them. Therefore, this type of transportation is highly suitable for traveling to Central Hanoi, especially when you travel with a large group of friends. 

 

Travel From The Airport To Hanoi Old Quarter By Bus

By Taxi

Taxis are a means of transport that provides a high-grade service to tourists wanting to travel to Central Hanoi quickly. Taxis in Hanoi are often 4-seat or 7-seat cars and they are usually equipped with high-quality interiors and air conditioners. The city is well-served by a large number of taxis that are virtually available everywhere around town. You can easily wave for a taxi on the street or call one, especially when you are at the airport. Most tourists will choose this mode of transport to get to the Old Quarter because of its convenience and its availability. 

All taxis have meters and you should double-check the open-door fare to see if the meters are functioning well. The distance from the airport to Hanoi Old Quarter is 30 kilometers and the price range should be between 300,000 to 350,000 VND. 

Here are some other important notes you need to remember before taking a taxi:

• Choose the right and trustable taxi companies. Brands including G7, Mai Linh, Taxi Group, and Airport Taxi are providing the best quality and high standards of service in Hanoi. 
• Determine where you will go, or else your driver may “beat around the bush”. You may need to search for the route and your desired destination on the Internet prior to your journey to make sure that he drives the right way.
• Remember the number plates of your cab in case of forgetting your belongings or luggage. You can contact directly to the taxi company’s customer service and ask for help, so that, remembering your taxi’s number plate will come in handy.

 

Take A Taxi To Central Hanoi

Getting around Hanoi

By Motorcycle Taxi (Xe om)

With a motorcycle taxi, you can sit back in the back seat and discover some city’s most amazing sights. You can find Xe om in most parts of the city, around street corners, especially near some tourist attractions and hotels. There are 2 types of motorcycle taxis in Hanoi: traditional and hi-tech. For hi-tech motorcycle taxis, you will be informed about the price and journey prior to your booking, so that you can avoid some risks of being scammed when traveling around Hanoi. 

 

Get A Hi-Tech Motorcycle Taxi

By Cyclo

Getting around Hanoi by cyclo is the old-fashioned way of traveling. It is a must-try form of transport when you visit Hanoi, as it will give you a unique experience in exploring the city’s most attractive sights. As it is quite challenging to get through the chaotic traffic, cyclos are only available for touring around the Old Quarter, where most of the best food restaurants and most stunning attractions are located. So don’t miss out on this method of transportation, because it only costs you as much as 100,000 VND ($5) for an hour’s ride!

Get Around The City By Cyclo The Old Fashioned Way

By Bicycle

Riding a bicycle in Hanoi is definitely not for the faint-hearted, as the traffic here is intimidating, and no rules are applied once you hit the road. But if you are quick at learning and adapting, the ride can be an eye-opening experience and full of surprises. Rental costs for a bicycle are about 5$ per day, or you can enjoy a much cheaper price at your hotel’s bike rental services. 

Pedal Through The City's Stunning Sights

By Motorbike 

Renting a scooter is a cheap and easy way to travel between several destinations on your own schedule. Many hotels and local guesthouses have scooter rental services with a price ranging from $5 to $10. And take note that you will need a driver's license before you can rent and start exploring Hanoi.

Rent A Motorbike To Travel On Your Own Schedule

By Car

A rented car is a great way to discover the city at your desired speed. You can enjoy a comfortable ride without having to worry about the traffic chaos during rush hour. However, car rental cost is more expensive as compared to other modes of transportation. The price for renting a car can vary depending on many factors, including location, car type, or the rental company. It ranges between $50 to $100 per day.

Moreover, driving cars in Vietnam can be daunting for firstcomers. It is recommended that you should hire a chauffeur to drive you to your desired destinations and get you through the city traffic in the most effective way.

Hire A Car With A Chauffeur (optional)

Hanoi has diverse transportation facilities that come in all sizes and shapes. It is becoming easier and easier for tourists to visit this lovely city, even for long-distance travel. If you are a first-time visitor to Hanoi and don't know what type of transport to choose from, you can take a look at our detailed transportation guides below or get in touch with BestPrice Travel to find out the best solution for your trip.