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Explore Noi Bai International Airport: Your Guide to Hanoi

07:43 - 07/12/2024

5/5 - (2 votes)

The main airport serving Hanoi, Noi Bai International Airport is also one of the busiest in Vietnam and provides first-rate services to passengers from all over the world. Join MOTOGO Tours discover this famous site!

Noi Bai International Airport is one of the largest airports in Northern Vietnam. ( Source: Collected)

Overview of Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport offers modern conveniences and efficient operations to handle increasing passenger loads, guaranteeing a seamless travel experience. It is an essential part of Vietnam’s aviation sector due to its closeness to Hanoi and ability to process millions of passengers per year.

General Information

As the biggest airport in the northern region and a crucial aviation hub in Vietnam, Noi Bai International Airport is colloquially known as “Cang hang khong Quoc te Noi Bai” in Vietnamese. It links domestic and international destinations through its strategic location in Hanoi’s Phu Minh Commune, Soc Son District. Here are the main points:

A modern airport with high capacity to handle a growing number of travelers. ( Source: Collected)

Distance to Hanoi City Center: The airport is situated 28 kilometers from downtown Hanoi.
Airport Code (IATA): HAN, a globally recognized identifier.
Country Code: +84, the international dialing code for Vietnam.
Contact Number: For inquiries and support, passengers can reach Noi Bai at 024.3886.5047.
Number of Terminals: The airport operates two terminals:
Terminal 1 (T1): Serves domestic flights.
Terminal 2 (T2): Dedicated to international flights and built to world-class standards.
Time Zone: GMT +7, aligning with Vietnam’s official time zone.

At present, takeoffs and landings at Noi Bai International Airport are possible on either of the two parallel runways. Although Runway 1B is somewhat longer at 3,800 meters and likewise 45 meters wide, Runway 1A is 3,200 meters long and the width of Runway 1B is 45 meters. Aircraft cannot take off or land on both runways at the same time due to the roughly 250-meter space between them.

The airport features two parallel runways for efficient takeoffs and landings. ( Source: Collected)

Two areas at the airport, one for Terminal 2 (T2) and one for Terminal 1 (T1), each provide 47 parking spots for aircraft. If you’re looking for parking, Terminal 2 has 24 places and Terminal 1 has 23. Aircraft servicing for domestic and international flights are efficiently handled by this configuration.

Historical Background

Domestic flights began using Noi Bai International Airport in 1978, when it was formally founded. The airport’s original capacity was a more reasonable 100,000 passengers per year. Nevertheless, Noi Bai underwent a period of fast expansion when Vietnam’s economy was liberalized in the 1990s.

Noi Bai International Airport has been in operation for over 30 years since its establishment. ( Source: Collected)

With its initial large expansion in 2001, Terminal 1 could handle 6 million passengers per year. The contemporary, purpose-built Terminal 2 opened to the public in 2015 to meet the growing demand for international passenger services; it can accommodate up to 10 million passengers per year. The airport’s growing passenger capacity—25 million per year by 2023—established it as an indispensable Southeast Asian transportation hub.

The airport currently serves over 25 million passengers annually. ( Source: Collected)

The current goal is to raise Noi Bai’s yearly passenger capacity to 50 million by 2030 by various renovations and extensions, such as the construction of a third runway and more terminals. This expansion shows that Vietnam is becoming more famous as a tourist destination around the world.

How to transfer from the airport to Hanoi center

From Noi Bai International Airport to the center of Hanoi, there are numerous easy options to get about, including taxis, buses, private vehicle services, and motorcycle rentals. You have a lot of options that offer comfort and flexibility; it just depends on how you want to travel and how much money you have.

Ways to Get Around: Buses

Noi Bai Airport is home to two bus terminals, Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international), where all buses make stops. Getting there early is recommended in order to prevent waiting around, particularly during busy times. Private vehicle services or taxis could be more practical for people who have a lot of stuff.

Convenient bus routes connect Noi Bai Airport to the heart of Hanoi. ( Source: Collected)

Some of the most common bus lines that take people from Hanoi’s central business district to Noi Bai International Airport are as follows:

1. Bus Route No. 86: Hanoi Railway Station – Noi Bai Airport

Main route: Hanoi Railway Station—Tran Nhat Duat – Long Bien Bridge – Hoan Kiem Lake – Nhat Tan – Noi Bai Airport.
Time of operation: 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM
How often: Every 20-30 minutes.
Fare: 45,000 VND per trip.
Highlights: Designed for tourists, featuring modern facilities and comfortable seating, with stops at central tourist spots.

2. Bus Route No. 07: Cau Giay – Noi Bai

Main route: Cau Giay – Noi Bai (via Thang Long – Noi Bai Highway).
Time of operation: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
How often: Every 10 to 20 minutes.
Fare: 9,000 VND per trip.
Highlights: Passengers in Cau Giay District can enjoy affordable and accessible transportation.

3. Bus Route No. 17: Long Bien – Noi Bai

Main route: Long Bien – Nguyen Van Cu – Duong Bridge – National Highway 3 – Noi Bai Airport.
Time of operation: 05:00 AM – 08:30 PM.
Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes.
Fare: 9,000 VND per trip.
Highlights: Perfect for travelers in the Gia Lam and Long Bien regions.

4. Bus Route No. 90: Kim Ma – Noi Bai

Main route: Kim Ma – Nhat Tan Bridge – Noi Bai Airport.
Time of operation: 05:30 AM – 10:30 PM.
How often: Every 20-30 minutes.
Fare: 35,000 VND per trip.
Highlights: The Nhat Tan Bridge provides a quick link between downtown Hanoi and Noi Bai Airport.

5. Bus Route No. 109: My Dinh – Noi Bai

Main route: My Dinh Bus Station – Thang Long Bridge – Noi Bai Airport.
Time of operation: 04:30 AM – 09:00 PM.
How often: Every 20-30 minutes.
Fare: 8,000 – 30,000 VND per trip (depending on distance).
Highlights: Perfect for travelers departing from Hanoi’s western side.

Taxi

The 28 kilometers (or roughly 40 to 50 minutes) between the heart of Hanoi and Noi Bai Airport can be easily covered by taxi. The going rate for a traditional taxi is 250,000–350,000 VND, but you can get a somewhat better deal with app-based services like Grab or Be, which start at 200,000 VND. Surge pricing or heavy traffic during peak hours could impact the cost.

Taxis run nonstop to most of Hanoi’s major attractions, such as Cau Giay, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Hanoi Railway Station. These three companies—Mai Linh, Taxi Noibai, and G7—are reliable options. Taxi services can be contacted at the following numbers:

Mai Linh Taxi: 02438 333 333
Taxi Noibai: 0833 110 000
G7 Taxi: 1900 1123

Private Car Services

The most convenient and hassle-free way to get from the heart of Hanoi to Noi Bai International Airport is to hire a private vehicle service. The journey, which takes around 40-50 minutes and covers a distance of 28 miles, is stress-free and convenient, so you can kick back and enjoy the ride.

There is always the option of using a local business or one of the numerous popular ride-hailing applications, such as Grab or Be, to arrange for a private automobile. Depending on the automobile type and the company, the actual pricing for a one-way ride can range from 350,000 to 500,000 VND.

Motorbike rentals

Renting a motorbike is a convenient option for those who want flexibility and speed when traveling from Hanoi city center to Noi Bai International Airport. This option is particularly suitable for travelers who have already rented a motorbike within the city and want to go directly to the airport.

MOTOGO offers motorbike rentals with a variety of models, starting at around 180,000 VND per day. The company also allows customers to drop off their motorbikes at the airport, making it a hassle-free choice for travelers who need to catch a flight without returning the bike to the city rental shop.

Airport Facilities and Services

Two terminals, more than a hundred check-in kiosks, VIP lounges, business centers, and a wide array of food and shopping options are among the modern amenities at Noi Bai International Airport. With an annual passenger volume of nearly 20 million, it guarantees a pleasant, stress-free journey.

Noi Bai Airport offers two terminals, VIP lounges, business centers, and diverse amenities for 20M passengers. ( Source: Collected)

Passenger Terminals

Domestic flights use Terminal 1, while foreign flights use Terminal 2 at Noi Bai foreign Airport. With their spacious layouts and emphasis on passenger comfort, these terminals are built to handle an increasing volume of travelers.

Terminal 1 (Domestic)

Domestic flights use Terminal 1, which handles millions of passengers annually. Approximately 8 million passengers pass through the 25,000 square meter terminal every year. Spacious waiting areas, security checks, and fifty check-in stations are just a few of the modern amenities available. Free Wi-Fi, automated teller machines, currency exchange counters, and several food and shopping options are just a few of the amenities available to passengers.

Terminal 2 (International)

Approximately 140,000 square meters in size, Terminal 2 is the international terminal and is more modern and expansive than Terminal 1. With seventy check-in desks and various baggage claim facilities, it can accommodate more than fourteen million travelers annually. Among the many services offered by the terminal are restaurants, bars, duty-free stores, and a VIP section.

Lounges and Amenities

A wide range of services are available at Noi Bai International Airport to make your travel more pleasant. In both terminals, travelers can take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 provide information counters, baby care facilities, and restrooms. Also, to ensure that passengers stay connected, the airport provides charging outlets for mobile devices in different regions.

VIP Lounges

There are VIP lounges available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport. Passengers can unwind in these lounges before their flights with the help of Wi-Fi, beverages, newspapers, and plush couches.

Business class travelers, VIP members, and those willing to pay a fee (usually between 200,000 and 400,000 VND) can use the lounges.Conference Rooms and Business Centers

Business Centers and Meeting Rooms

In both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, travelers may find business centers and meeting rooms at Noi Bai International Airport. These spaces are equipped with modern facilities including as printing services, high-speed internet, and teleconferencing capabilities. Passengers traveling on business can take advantage of a wide range of expert services at Terminal 2’s 500 square meter business center.

Various private conference rooms can be reserved, with capacities varying from four to twenty persons. Business meetings can take place in peace and quiet in these rooms, which are furnished with video conferencing equipment, presentation facilities, and fast Wi-Fi.

Shopping and Dining Options

Many different shops and restaurants are available to passengers at Noi Bai International Airport. Perfumes, cosmetics, gadgets, and souvenirs are only some of the things offered in the 1,500 square meters of duty-free stores in Terminal 2.

A wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and food courts offering Vietnamese and other cuisines are available at the airport. Tourists can get a bite to eat from a street vendor selling authentic Vietnamese cuisine or treat themselves to a sit-down dinner at one of the many international restaurants. Every kind of traveler can find something to their liking among the more than 30 stores and eateries.

The state-of-the-art Noi Bai International Airport provides first-rate amenities and services to passengers as it connects Hanoi to the rest of the globe. It guarantees a hassle-free and convenient travel experience whether you’re coming or leaving.

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