Hanoi Airport, known as Noi Bai International Airport, is the main gateway to Hanoi. You’ll find it located about 30 kilometers from downtown Hanoi, typically taking around 45 minutes to reach the city center, though this can vary depending on traffic conditions.

I. About Noi Bai Airport

Hanoi Airport, known as Noi Bai International Airport, is the main gateway to Hanoi. The airport has two distinct terminals, with Terminal 1 serving domestic travelers and Terminal 2 handling international flights. You’ll find it located about 30 kilometers from downtown Hanoi, typically taking around 45 minutes to reach the city center, though this can vary depending on traffic conditions.

• Official name: Noi Bai International Airport
• Location: Phu Minh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi City
• Hotline: 024.3886.5047
• Website: noibaiairport.vn
• Hanoi Airport code (IATA code): HAN
• Hanoi Airport code (ICAO code): VVNB

1. Noi Bai International Airport terminal 1 for domestic passengers

Terminal 1 at Noi Bai Airport is 115,000 square meters in size. This terminal alone has the capacity to handle up to 15 million tourists in a year and does so quite efficiently across its 4 stories, including:

• First floor: Arrival and baggage claim areas
• Second floor: Check-in, baggage drop-off, and waiting areas for departing passengers
• Third floor: Administrative offices for airport staff
• Fourth floor: Restaurants, fast food counters, and souvenir shops

2. Noi Bai International Airport terminal 2 for international passengers

Terminal 2 of Noi Bai Airport spans an area of 139,216 square meters. This terminal has the capacity to handle 10 million passengers yearly. It spreads across four levels. The layout of Terminal 2 is as follows:

• First floor: International Arrival Hall
• Second floor: Immigration and Customs procedures for Transit and International Arrivals
• Third floor: International Departure Hall
• Fourth floor: Lounge for Business Class and Commercial Air Services

II. Guidelines for Arriving and Deperting from Noi Bai Airport

1. Hanoi Airport Arrivals Procedures

The departure process at Hanoi Airport is designed to be simple and easy for every passenger. It is important to know the necessary steps to get a smooth experience.

• Step 1 – Immigration: On an international flight, you will first have to go through immigration when you land in Hanoi. Prepare your visa and passport for inspection, if necessary.
• Step 2 – Baggage Claim: After clearing immigration, follow signs to baggage claim where you can collect your checked luggage. Watch the overhead screens to find your designated carousel number.
• Step 3 – Custom: It is the last phase. Use the red channel if you’re carrying anything that has to be declared, but most travelers can continue through the green “Nothing to Declare” channel. Customs officials can help if you’re not sure which channel to utilize and speak basic English.

2. Hanoi Airport Departures Procedures

Arriving at Hanoi Airport is a welcoming experience for visitors, and it is good to know in advance what to expect:

• Step 1 – Check-in: Arrive two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours when traveling internationally. Check-in desks normally open two hours before the scheduled departure time and close 45 minutes before that time. Passports and visas, if necessary, should be easily accessible for international passengers at all times. International travelers should have their passport and visa (if required) readily available throughout the process.
• Step 2 – Security Check: You will go through security screening after check-in, when officers will ask you to take off your shoes, belt, and pockets. Before going to their departure gates, international travelers must first cross immigration. Pay attention to the flight information screens and tune in for any flight-related announcements.
• Step 3 – Immigration: International travelers must clear immigration. Make sure you have your passport and visa (if necessary) ready for inspection.
• Step 4 – Boarding: Following security and immigration, follow the signs to your departure gate. Stay attentive to gate announcements for any updates on your flight’s status.

III. Important Areas & Processes in Hanoi Noi Bai Airport

1. Passport Control

Although wait times can change based on airline schedules, the immigration process at Noi Bai is usually quick. During regular business hours, immigration agents process visitors rapidly and speak basic English. Keep your passport and arrival card close at hand. You will receive these on the plane. There is clear information in both Vietnamese and English, and the immigration area is well-ventilated.

2. Baggage Claim & Customs

Once through immigration, you’ll enter the roomy baggage claim area. After landing, luggage usually comes 15 to 25 minutes later. The area will likely be busier if you arrive in the early morning or late evening. Clear digital screens displaying flight numbers and origins are present on each carousel.

• Timing: Typically, bags arrive within 15-25 minutes, but this can vary. Occasionally, delays do occur especially if the flight was particularly full or if there were issues with unloading.
• Tip: Keep your baggage claim tag handy for verification. It’s common for bags to be misidentified, so being prepared can save you time.

Then, you’ll find two channels:

• The Green Channel is for travelers with nothing to declare
• The Red Channel is for those carrying items that need to be declared (like valuable electronics or large amounts of cash)

Protips: To have a stress-free and easy journey, you can consider to book Vietnam Fast-track Service. This is a service that provide easy procedure for both arrival and departure with passengers in Vietnam airports (including Noi Bai – Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat – Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Cam Ranh – Khanh Hoa).

IV. Transfer From Hanoi Airport to City Centre

The distance from Hanoi Airport to the city center varies depending on the specific location within the city center, with an average distance of approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). Typically, the journey takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Now, let’s explore the various transfer options available at Hanoi Airport for visitors.

1. Shuttle Bus

Shuttle busses are an inexpensive and practical means of getting to the heart of the city. Between the airport and the city, shuttle services are run by three main domestic airlines: Jetstar Pacific, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines. The price each person is just 40,000 VND ($2). Because the driver will only stop when you ask them to, you will need to inform them where you wish to get off.

2. Hiring a Taxi

Taxis are one of the most common forms of transportation at Hanoi Airport which are readily available at the airport 24/24. Ensure you choose reputable taxi companies with a taximeter before starting your journey. Some trusted taxi companies are: Hanoi Mai Linh taxi, Noi Bai taxi and Hanoi Thang Long taxi.

3. Book a Grab

Grab is a very common app-based booking mobility in Vietnam. Download this mobile app before coming to Vietnam and book for a convenient and reliable ride to your desired location. 

4. Private Cars

If you prefer a more personalized and private transportation experience, booking a private car in advance is an excellent choice. You can book a private car with Vietnamdiscovery to have an enjoyable ride with our English speaking driver, eliminating language barriers. 

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