Noi Bai International Airport, or Hanoi Airport (HAN), is one of the biggest sources of pride for Vietnam’s transportation system. It is also one of the three largest airports in Vietnam, alongside Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Da Nang International Airport. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, Hanoi Airport guide is great address for useful information on service and facilities from how to navigate once arriving, to what services can be found at the airport terminals and transportation to get there from city center.
How to Navigate the Terminals
When you arrive at Noi Bai Airport, there are a few things you need to do depending on whether you’re flying within Vietnam or internationally.
Domestic Flights
If you are flying within Vietnam, you will arrive at Terminal 1, which has four floors:
- Ground floor: This is where you’ll find the arrival hall, baggage claim, customs inspection, and exit hall.
- First floor: Here, you’ll find the departure hall, check-in counters, security check, and boarding gates.
- Second floor: You’ll find restaurants, cafes, shops, and lounges on this floor.
- Third floor: This floor houses various offices.
To check in for your flight, head to the first floor and look for the check-in counter of your airline. Terminal 1 has six domestic airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific, Hai Au Aviation, Vasco, and Bamboo Airways.
After checking in, go through security check and proceed to your boarding gate. Terminal 1 has three departure halls: Hall A for Vietnam Airlines flights, Hall B for Vietjet Air and Jetstar Pacific flights, and Hall E for Hai Au Aviation, Vasco, and Bamboo Airways flights.
When you arrive at Terminal 1 from another city in Vietnam, you will need to go to the ground floor and collect your baggage from the baggage claim area. Then you will need to go through customs inspection and exit the terminal from the exit hall.
International Flights
If you’re flying from or to another country, you’ll arrive at Terminal 2, also with four floors:
- Ground floor: On this floor, you’ll go through quarantine and immigration check, find the visa on arrival counter (if applicable), collect your baggage from the baggage claim area, go through customs inspection, and exit the terminal from the exit hall.
- First floor: This is the arrival hall.
- Second floor: Here, you’ll find the departure hall, check-in counters, security check, immigration check, and boarding gates.
- Third floor: This floor houses restaurants, cafes, shops, and lounges.
To check in for your flight, go to the second floor and find the check-in counter of your airline. There are many international airlines operating from Terminal 2, including Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Lao Airlines, and more.
After checking in, go through security check and immigration check, and then proceed to your boarding gate. Terminal 2 has two departure halls: Hall A for Vietnam Airlines flights and Hall B for flights by other airlines.
When you arrive at Terminal 2 from another country, there are steps to follow depending on whether you need a visa or not:
- If you don’t need a visa or already have one stamped on your passport (such as an e-visa or embassy visa), you can skip the visa on arrival counter. Head directly to the quarantine and immigration check area on the ground floor. There, you’ll need to show your passport and fill out an arrival/departure card. After that, collect your baggage, go through customs inspection, and exit the terminal from the exit hall.
- If you need a visa on arrival (VOA), which means you have applied for a visa approval letter online before arrival (e.g., through [this website]), go to the visa on arrival counter on the ground floor after landing. There, you’ll need to show your passport, visa approval letter, two passport-sized photos, and pay a stamping fee (25 USD for single entry or 50 USD for multiple entry). You’ll receive a visa stamp on your passport and then proceed to the quarantine and immigration check area. The remaining steps are the same as mentioned above.
Note: The visa on arrival process can take some time, especially during busy hours. To avoid long queues, you have the option to use a fast-track service . This service will help you get your visa stamp faster and also provide assistance in reaching the baggage claim area.
What Services and Amenities are Available?
If you’re traveling through Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be glad to know they offer a bunch of useful services and amenities for travelers like us:
- Free Wi-Fi: You can easily connect to the free Wi-Fi network at both terminals. Just select “NoiBai Airport Free Wi-Fi,” enter your phone number, and receive a verification code. The Wi-Fi speed is pretty decent, and you can count on a stable connection.
- Currency exchange and ATMs: Need to exchange money or withdraw cash? No worries! There are currency exchange booths and ATMs throughout the terminals. The exchange rates are fair, and the service fees won’t break the bank. However, it’s better to exchange or withdraw only a small amount at the airport for better rates in the city center.
- Restaurants, cafes, and shops: Hungry or in the mood for some shopping? You’re in luck! Both terminals have a variety of options, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can choose from different cuisines, beverages, souvenirs, books, magazines, and more. Some popular choices include Highlands Coffee, Burger King, Pho 24, Lotteria, Circle K, and Co.op Mart.
- Lounges: Looking for a bit of relaxation and convenience? Visit one of the lounges at both terminals. They have cool names like Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge, Vietjet Skyboss Lounge, Apricot Lounge, Song Hong Business Lounge, and NIA Business Lounge. These lounges offer free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, newspapers, magazines, TVs, showers, massage chairs, and more. You can access them by paying around 20-30 USD, using a membership card like Priority Pass, or with a premium ticket, such as a business class pass.
- Luggage storage and delivery: Got lots of luggage to handle? No problem! You can conveniently store your bags or even have them delivered to your hotel or another destination. Just check out the luggage storage and delivery services at both terminals, like Baggage Storage Service (BSS), Vietnam Airport Ground Services (VIAGS), or Noi Bai Luggage Service (NLS). The fees depend on the size, weight, and duration of storage or delivery.
- SIM cards and mobile data: Need a SIM card or mobile data for your trip? You can easily get one from the telecom providers at both terminals, such as Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, or Vietnamobile. The prices are affordable, and the coverage is reliable. They offer different plans to suit your needs and preferences.
Isn’t it great to have all these convenient options available? Noi Bai Airport is here to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Get to and from the City Center
There are several ways to get to and from the city center from Noi Bai Airport, such as:
- Taxi: The easiest and fastest way to get to and from the city center is by taking a taxi. You can find many taxis waiting outside the terminals or book one in advance through an app (e.g., Grab). The taxi fare is around 300,000 VND (13 USD) for a one-way trip and takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic. Make sure to use a reputable taxi company (e.g., Mai Linh or Taxi Group) or agree on the fare before getting in to avoid scams.
- Bus: The cheapest way to get to and from the city center is by taking a bus. Public buses also connect the airport to the city center. However, this option may be less convenient for tourists due to language barriers and potential crowded conditions. Bus routes 7 and 17 serve the airport, with route 7 heading to Kim Ma Bus Station and route 17 heading to Long Bien Bus Station.
The above is the reviewing information you need to know about Noi Bai International Airport for a smooth trip. Hopefully, this article will help passengers easily travel around Noi Bai Airport.