Hanoi Airport Guide: Complete Guide to Noi Bai International Airport

The principal airport in Hanoi and northern Vietnam is the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). It is the second-busiest airport in the country, and it is also a major entry point for international and domestic flights, 30 kilometers north of the city center.

In this Hanoi Airport guide, you will find the terminals, modes of transport, facilities, visas, and some facts and tips on the way to move through this airport without any hassles.

One of the premium lounges at Noi Bai International Airport – access via Priority Pass or business class for a comfortable wait in Hanoi Airport

Introduction to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Name of the airport: Noi Bai International Airport.
IATA code: HAN
Address: Soc Son District, Hanoi.
Proximity to city center: It is about 30–40 minutes by road.
Noi Bai Airport handles millions of passengers annually and serves Hanoi with flights in Asia, Europe, and Australia as well as in domestic destinations, within Vietnam.

Hanoi Airport Terminals Overview

Noi Bai Airport has two major terminals, which are distinctly divided in terms of purpose.

Terminal 1 (T1) – Domestic Flights

Terminal 1 operates all the domestic flights in Vietnam.
Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines
Facilities: convenience stores, local restaurants, and cafes.
Security and checking in are usually effective, but are congested at peak times.

International Flights Terminal 2 (T2)

All the international arrivals and departures are carried out in the terminal 2.
Airlines: international airlines and Vietnam Airlines international airlines.
There are duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, and currency exchange.
On the arrival level, there is immigration and baggage claim.
T1 and T2 are served by free shuttle buses every several minutes.

Immigration and Visa at Hanoi Airport.

Visa on Arrival and eVisa
Vietnam permits qualified tourists to access the country with:

• Single or multiple-entry eVisa (depending on nationality) to Vietnam.
• Approval letter of visa on arrival (collected at the landing visa counters)

Terminal 2 has immigration counters. Queues can be longer during the busiest arrival periods.

Required Documents
A passport with a minimum of 6 months' validity.
A visa approval letter or eVisa that has been printed.
Filled arrival card (when necessary)

Spacious domestic terminal (T1) at Noi Bai Airport

To Hanoi City Center Airport Transport

Airport Bus Services
The cheapest mode of transport is the buses.
Popular routes include:
Bus 86: Has direct routes to the Hanoi Old Quarter and the main railway station.
Bus 7 & 17: Linkage with the central areas.
Travel time: 45–60 minutes
Price: Extremely cheap as opposed to taxis.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
There is the use of taxis and ride-hailing services.
There are official taxi companies that work in the arrival exits.
There are ride-hailing applications like Grab.
Travel time: 30-45 minutes, referring to traffic.
Make sure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare beforehand

Private Airport Transfers
The ideal cases in private transfers are:

• Late-night arrivals
• Luggage-carrying families or travelers.
• First-time visitors

There are numerous hotels and travel agencies that have pre-booked airport pickups.

Noi Bai Airport provides plenty of amenities and services for every traveler's needs

Airport Services and Facilities

Currency Exchange and ATMs
Both terminals have currency exchange counters.
The ATMs are found in the arrival and departure hall.
It is advisable to share a little at the airport and a lot in the city.

SIM Cards and Internet
Vietnam SIM cards are sold in the arrival halls of Terminal 2 to travelers.
Data plans are affordable
Major providers offer tourist SIM packages
The airport is equipped with free Wi-Fi.

Lounges at Hanoi Airport
There are a number of lounges in the two terminals.
Priority Pass holders and business class passengers can use this.
Provide meals, beverages, wireless internet access, and comfortable seats.
Good when there is an early departure or long layover.

Food and Shopping

Noi Bai Airport offers:

• Vietnamese food, including pho and banh mi.
• Fast food choices of international origin.
• Tax-free alcohol, cosmetic, and souvenir shopping.

The charges are also expensive compared to the city yet affordable in a global airport.

Duty-free shopping zone at Noi Bai Airport departures – stock up on Vietnamese coffee, silk, and international brands before your flight from Hanoi

Connection between Flights at Hanoi Airport

In case you pass through Hanoi:

• The domestic and international flights operate through different terminals.
• Give international to domestic transfers ample time (at least 2.5 3 hours).
• Baggage can be required to be brought in and re-examined.
• Bright signages are used to direct transfer passengers.

Recommended Arrival Time at Hanoi Airport
International flights: Check in at least 3 hours prior to the flight.
In-country flights: 2 hours prior to take-off.

Peak travel times include:

• Early mornings
• Late evenings
• The Vietnamese state holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year).

Pre-flight Advice on How to Have a Seamless Process.

Get Here on Time: Hanoi traffic is never predictable. When leaving the city, it is best to get away at least 3.5 hours prior to take off on international travels.
Free Water: T2 has free drinking water stations at the gates. Bring a reusable bottle.
Smoking Areas: The terminals have smoking rooms, which are enclosed in glass.

Is Hanoi Airport Easy to Use?

Generally, Noi Bai International Airport is a modern, well-structured, and traveler-friendly airport, particularly following the recent upgrades. Although it may be crowded during peak seasons, it has signage and services are also getting better.

Final Thoughts
This guide to Hanoi Airport contains the necessary information that will ensure that passengers arrive, leave, or even pass through the airport with ease. Being in Hanoi, either as a first-time visitor or to make a connection with another destination in Vietnam, being aware of how the airport functions can help in time-saving and stress reduction.

Noi Bai International Airport is a very convenient entrance to or exit out of Vietnam with proper planning.