A complete guide for arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) which is located about 30 km from Hanoi city center is the second busiest aviation hub in Vietnam, welcoming millions of passengers each year. For many first-time travelers, arriving to this airport can feel a bit stressful. As a result, this article will provide you with everything you need to know for a smooth arrival process, from Immigration to getting into Hanoi center.

Noi Bai International Airport arrival map and terminal layout

Before arrival at Noi Bai Airport, it is important for you to understand the map and terminal layout of the airport that helps you save time and feel more confident once coming to a new city.

Until now, Noi Bai International Airport has two main terminals:

• T1: Domestic Terminal (for all domestic flights);
• T2: International Terminal (for arrivals/departures from overseas);

Layout of Noi Bai International Terminal T2

• Level 1: Immigration & Baggage Claim;
• Level 2: Customs & Exit to Arrival Hall;
• Ground Level: Transportation hub (taxi, buses, ride-hailing pickup);

👉 Tips for smooth navigation at T2 Noi Bai:

• Follow the clear blue signs in English and Vietnamese;
• Ask for help at Information counters or airport staff;

Step-by-step arrival guide at T2 Noi Bai International Airport

Once your plane lands, you’ll follow these three steps before heading into Hanoi.

Step 01: Immigration Clearance

• Follow signs for “Immigration/Passport Control”;
• Join the correct line: “Nơi cấp thị thực Visa on arrival” (if using a visa approval letter) or “Arrival” (if you already have a visa or Vietnam eVisa);
• In this step, you are required to prepare:
• • Original Passport (valid for at least 06 months from the date of departure from Vietnam, and 02 blank pages);
  • Vietnam visa/e-visa or entry permit;
  • Completed arrival card, if required.

Immigration is often the most time-consuming part of the arrival process at Noi Bai Airport. During busy arrival periods, particularly when several international flights land around the same time, long queues are very common and waiting times can easily reach 50–90 minutes or even longer.

Estimated time: Around 30–60 minutes during quieter periods, but 50–90 minutes or longer is common during busy periods.

If you prefer to avoid the regular immigration queues and enter Vietnam much faster, consider using our VIP Arrival Fast Track Service, which provides priority immigration assistance at Noi Bai Airport.

Step 02: Baggage Claim

When you finish clearing Immigration, go ahead for luggage collection.

To get the luggage:

• Check your flight number on the display screens;
• Collect luggage from the assigned carousel;
• Free luggage carts are available nearby the baggage claim area;
• Verify your baggage tag before leaving to make sure you don’t take wrong;
• If there are any issues with lost baggage, please contact the Airlines staff at their Lost and Found; or Noi Bai Airport Security Center at 024 358 42627;

Estimated time: 15 – 30 minutes (time can be longer due to special situation).

Step 03: Customs Clearance

The final step before leaving the airport is customs clearance. To get this step done, please follow the guide below.

• Choose the appropriate lane:
  • Green Channel: Nothing to declare
  • Red Channel: Items to declare
• Present your Customs declaration form (if required);

Estimated time: 5 – 15 minutes.

Tips for saving time when arrival at Noi Bai T2

If you arrive during peak hours, queues at Immigration and Customs can be long and consume a lot of time. Therefore, if you are going with senior, children and do not want to waste time queuing, you may consider using a VIP Fast Track service. With this service, our staff will meet and greet you at the arrival gate, escort you through the Fast Track lane, and assist with Immigration procedures.

👉 Check more details of VIP Fast Track Imigration.

Internet connection at Noi Bai T2

Staying connected is essential upon arrival, especially when you want to navigate the route, to check emails or take a Grab.

Here are your best options for connecting Internet at T2 Noi Bai:

• Airport WiFi: Free WiFi available throughout the terminal with the name “Noi Bai Airport Free Wi-Fi”, though speed may vary during peak times.
• Physical SIM card: Available at telecom counters in the Arrival Hall. While it doesn’t need special step to install in your phone, you will need to use your passport for SIM registration which is annoying sometimes. Vietnam SIM card may cost around 200,000 to 500,000 VND (US$8 – 20) with the validity of 7 up to 30 days depending on the plan.
• eSIM: Up to now, Vietnam eSIM is considered the most convenient choice by most travelers because you can buy online before your trip, scan QR code, and connect instantly upon landing. Plans start from US$10.9 with the data up to daily 5GB. Check here for more details.

Getting to Hanoi city center from Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai is about 30 km from Hanoi Old Quarter, and the travel time varies from 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Here are some ways to transfer from Noi Bai T2 to Hanoi center for your references.

Private Airport Transfer

• Best option for groups, families, or travelers with heavy luggage;
• Our driver will meet you at Arrival Hall (1F) with your name on welcoming board, and take you directly to your hotel;

Taxi

• Reliable companies: Mai Linh, Taxi Group, etc;
• Cost: around 350,000 – 400,000 VND (US$15 – 18);
• Duration: 40 – 60 minutes;
• Notes: Pay attention to the taxi meter, and always take taxi from the official stands or counters;

Ride-hailing Apps

• Reliable apps: Grab, G7 Taxi, Be, Xanh SM;
• Cost: 250,000 – 350,000 VND (US$10 – 15);
• Notes: Follow app instructions to the pickup point;

Public Buses

Economical option for solo travelers. Here are several routes connecting Noi Bai with Hanoi center you can consider.

• Bus 86: Noi Bai → Hanoi Railway Station via Old Quarter (Cost: 45,000 VND); 45’/trip;
• Bus 68: Noi Bai → Ha Dong (Cost: 50,000 VND); 30’/trip;
• Bus 07: Noi Bai → Cau Giay (Cost: 12,000 VND); from 05:30 AM – 21:05 PM;
• Bus 17: Noi Bai → Long Bien (Cost: 15,000 VND); from 05:10 AM – 22:00 PM;
• Bus 90: Noi Bai → Hao Nam (Cost: 15,000 VND); from 06:40 AM – 22:30 PM;
• Bus E10: Noi Bai → Vinhomes Ocean Park (Cost: 20,000 VND); from 06:20 AM – 22:00 PM;
• Bus from Vietnam Airlines/ Vietjet: Noi Bai → Thong Nhat Park (Tran Nhan Tong Road) (Cost: 40,000 VND); operation time depends on airlines.

Arriving at Noi Bai International Airport doesn’t have to be stressful if you know what to expect. By following this guide, understanding the terminal layout, preparing documents for Immigration, choosing the right internet option, and arranging your transfer, you’ll ensure a smooth and hassle-free start to your Hanoi journey. And in case you need further assistance, contact us via Hotline/ WhatsApp/ Viber/ Zalo +84 86 517 8972, OR email sales@vmetravel.net.

👉 In case you need to take domestic flight to another city in Vietnam, check how to transfer from International to Domestic Terminal at Noi Bai Airport here. 

Disclaimer: Features of plans can be changed by local network provider. While we put an effort to ensure that the provided information is correct and up-to-date, there are probably changes which we are unaware of.