Get to Hanoi Without Getting Scammed

Updated 16/05/26
noi-bai-airport-outside

Welcome to Hanoi! You’ve just touched down, cleared immigration, and you’re ready to start your Vietnam adventure. But there is one final hurdle: the 30km journey from Noi Bai Airport into the heart of the Old Quarter.

As a team that has lived and breathed Hanoi for over two decades, we’ve seen every airport trick in the book. Whether you’re here to pick up a rental bike or join one of our tours, this guide ensures you get to your hotel without overpaying or getting lost.

Contents

The "Zero-Hassle" Option: Let Us Handle It

Before we dive into the public transport options, there is a better way. When you book a [Internal Link: Rentabike Vietnam Tour], we don’t just give you a bike; we give you peace of mind from the moment you land.

Every Rentabike Vietnam tour includes a private airport transfer. When you’re jet-lagged and tired, the last thing you want to do is hunt for a SIM card with no local currency or haggle with a “dodgy” driver. Here is how we make your arrival seamless:

    • WhatsApp Coordination: We’re in touch with you before you even leave home.

 

    • Hotel Contact: We are also in touch with your hotel and have them ready and waiting for your arrival.

 

    • The Welcome: Our driver meets you at the arrival gate with a placard clearly showing your Group Leader’s name.

 

    • No Hidden Costs: Forget arguing about luggage fees or airport tolls. It’s all covered.

 

  • Door-to-Door Safety: We take you directly to your hotel in a comfortable car or minibus. No being dropped in a “random” alleyway 500 meters from your destination.

 

It goes without saying that peace of mind like this is PRICELESS.

The Budget Winner: Bus 86 (Express)

bus-86-noi-bai-to-hanoi

For solo travelers or couples with light luggage, the Bus 86 Express is unbeatable. It is clean, air-conditioned, and has specific racks for your bags.

    • Cost: 45,000 VND (approx. $1.75).

 

    • Timing: Runs every 20-30 minutes. The last bus from the airport departs around 10:10 PM.

 

  • Drop-off: It stops at major landmarks like the Central Post Office (Hoan Kiem Lake) and the Hanoi Railway Station.

Pro Tip: Make sure that you have 50k in VND to be able to pay. You will find the driver rarely has change.

If you are not in a rush and are not too tired this is a very affordable way to get into central Hanoi with minimal hassle.

Honda XR150L 2025 model in Hanoi

Honda XR 150 Motorcycle Rental

Ready for adventure? The Honda XR150 is your perfect companion for rugged backroads, mountain passes, and open highways.

✅ Lightweight, reliable, and fuel-efficient
✅ Comfortable for long rides and multi-day tours
✅ Trusted by riders across Vietnam for the legendary Ha Giang Loop

The Modern Standard: Grab, Be, or Xanh SM

Ride-hailing apps are the safest way to get a car because the price is transparent. However, note that in 2026, prices have risen slightly due to fuel and airport tolls.

    • Estimated Cost: 320,000 – 450,000 VND ($13–$18).

 

  • Top Pick: We highly recommend Xanh SM (the cyan-colored electric taxis). They are incredibly professional, the cars are silent and clean, and they have fixed airport rates.

 

Pro Tip: Only meet your driver at the designated “Ride-Hailing Pickup” zone. Ignore anyone inside the terminal claiming to be your “Grab driver.”

Private Transfers: For Families & Late Arrivals

drivers waiting to collect passengers at noi bai airport

If you land after 10:30 PM (when the buses stop) or have a lot of gear, a pre-booked car is worth the extra few dollars. Expect to pay 350,000 – 550,000 VND.

3 Rules to Avoid the "Airport Hustle"

    • Get a SIM Card First: Head to the booths in the arrivals hall and grab a Viettel or Vinaphone SIM. You need data to book your ride and track your route.

 

    • Small Bills are King: If you take the bus, have a 50k note ready. If you use a taxi, don’t expect change for a 500k note for a 300k ride, without using some persuasion.

 

  • Ignore the “Inside” Drivers: Men standing in the terminal asking “Where you go?” or “You need taxi?” will charge you double or triple and also try to make you pay for tolls and excess luggage. Forget that. Walk past them and go to the official queue or your app pickup point.
On tour with rentabike vietnam

Great Loop | 12-Day Motorcycle Tour

Ready to ride the ultimate northern loop? This 12-day adventure takes you deep into Vietnam’s wildest and most breathtaking landscapes.

✅ Over 1,800 km of tarmac, dirt, and single track
✅ Ride legendary passes, visit remote villages, and cross the Chinese borderlands
✅ Stay with ethnic minority families, experience authentic highland life

FAQ

There is a “Locker Room” (Luggage Storage) at T2 on the 2nd Floor, but it can be pricey for long-term storage. If you are starting a Vietnam Expedition with us, we recommend bringing your gear to our shop. Most of our tour guests leave their “city clothes” or empty suitcases in our secure storage for free while they are out on the road, saving you the airport storage fees.

Immigration at Noi Bai can sometimes take over an hour. Unlike a standard taxi or a Klook booking that might leave after 30 minutes of waiting, we monitor your flight status in real-time. Your driver will stay in the arrival hall until you walk through those doors.

We stay connected via WhatsApp, so just ping us when you’ve cleared customs and we’ll be right there.

Standard airport taxis are small sedans that struggle with four people plus riding gear. We use 7-seater SUVs or 16-seater minibuses for our tour groups. This means you won’t be squashed in with your helmets and boots on your lap; there’s plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the first views of the Red River Delta.

That’s up to you! Most guests prefer to go straight to their hotel to shower and recover from jet lag. However, if you’re eager to see your bike, we can drop you at our Hanoi HQ first for a coffee and a briefing, then take you and your bags to your hotel afterward.

Not at all. Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, though it is appreciated for exceptional service. For our included transfers, the driver’s fee, petrol, and tolls are all pre-paid by us. You can focus on the scenery and your upcoming trip rather than worrying about whether you have the right “change” for a tip the moment you arrive.

Now that you're in Hanoi... let's ride!

Once you’ve settled into your hotel, come visit us. Hanoi is best seen on two wheels, but the real magic is in the mountains. Whether you need a daily scooter rental or you’re ready to tackle the 10 Day Due North on a CB500x, we’ve got you covered.

Find us at Rentabike Vietnam – Your gateway to the North.

Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle rental

Engine Type

air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC

Displacement

411 cc

Bore X Stroke

78 mm x 86 mm

Ignition

TCI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic forks; stanchion diameter 41 mm

Rear Suspension

linkage-type monoshock

Front Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 2-piston floating caliper

Rear Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 240 mm, single-piston floating caliper

Front Tyres

90/90 – 21

Rear Tyres

120/90 – 17

Wheelbase

1465 mm

Seat Height

800 mm

Ground Clearance

220 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

15 litres

Dimensions

2190 mm (L) x 840 mm (W) x 1360 mm (H)

Daily

Total

Rider (CRF 300)

$220

Pillion

$120

Damage Waiver

$20

Private Room

$40

Support Vehicle*

$150

* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group. 

Daily

Total

Rider (XR 150)

Rider (CRF 300)

Rider (CB 500X)

Rider (Himalayan 400)

$220

Rider (GS 1250)

Pillion

$120

Damage Waiver

$20

Private Room

$40

Support Vehicle*

$150

* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group. 

Daily

Total

Jeep (1 PAX)

$210

Jeep (2 PAX)

$120

Jeep (3 PAX)

$90

Jeep (4+ PAX)

$80

Rider (Easy Rider)

$115

Rider (Self-Drive)

$105

Private Room

$15

* Our jeep tour prices operate on a sliding scale. The larger your group, the less each person pays—each member of your group will pay the lowest daily rate shown. For example, if you have a group of 4 or more, you will each only pay $80/day. All prices are given in USD.

BMW 1250 GS

Engine Type

air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine

Displacement

1255 cc

Bore X Stroke

102.5 mm x 76 mm

Ignition

FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm

Rear Suspension

single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

Front Brakes

dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers

Rear Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper

Front Tyres

120/70 R19

Rear Tyres

170/60 R17

Wheelbase

1514 mm

Seat Height

850 mm

Ground Clearance

790 mm

Kerb Weight

249 kg

Fuel Capacity

20 litres

Dimensions

2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

air cooled, OHC, single cylinder

Displacement

149 cc

Bore X Stroke

57.3 mm x 57.8 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

20 mm piston valve carburettor

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel

Rear Suspension

single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

mechanical drum

Front Tyres

90/90 19

Rear Tyres

110/90 17

Wheelbase

1362 mm

Seat Height

825 mm

Ground Clearance

243 mm

Kerb Weight

129 kg

Fuel Capacity

12 litres

Dimensions

2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

Engine Type

liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke

Displacement

470 cc

Bore X Stroke

67 mm x 66.8 mm

Ignition

PGMI – FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS

Rear Brakes

240 mm disc; ABS

Front Tyres

110/80R19M/C (59H)

Rear Tyres

160/60R17M/C

Wheelbase

1445 mm

Seat Height

830 mm

Ground Clearance

180 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

17.7 litres

Dimensions

2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

Displacement

286 cc

Bore X Stroke

76 mm x 63 mm

Ignition

Full Transistor Digital

Fuel System

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

43 mm telescopic upside down

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

220 mm disc, single piston caliper

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

120/80 18

Wheelbase

1455 mm

Seat Height

880 mm

Ground Clearance

285 mm

Kerb Weight

142 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.8 litres

Dimensions

2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)