Asia - Travel to Vietnam , Hanoi Airport Taxi ?

What is the best way to get from the Noi bai Airport Ha Noi to the city? Is there an easy shuttle or some service that takes people from the airport to the old quarter?

Thanks !

Kim

Welcome to FT, Kim. It has been about a year since I have been, but I remember taxis being reliable and cheap. I also remember it was a longish drive, and I was glad I was comfortable.

There are 3 taxi companies operating there, all charging USD15 (incl tolls) to the Old Quarter. The taxi ranks are right outside the arrival hall.

You can also take a van which charges USD2 per person but they only depart when the van is full (and when I say "full" I mean every square inch of space has been taken up). They will drop you off somewhere near the Cathedral and you will need to deal with the taxi mafia to get to your hotel from there.

My wife went about three years ago. She agrees that a taxi is prob the best way to go because you're tired after the flight, it's pretty chaotic, and they're cheap. She also says take a cab from a "real" taxi company, not these "private" car services.

We have to stop by our tour agent to pick up our train tickets before heading to the train station.. would that be ok? or that would count as another 15 dollars? thanks you!

The official fare from Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter is USD15. You agree on the fare before you board, however the driver may or may not agree with a "stopover" at the USD15 fare.

I would suggest you either negotiate with them (they will definitely ask for a higher fare); or pay the USD15 to get to the travel agent (which I am assuming is located in the Old Quarter) and then get the travel agent to call for you a meter cab to get to the train station.

If this is your first time in Vietnam, I suggest having your hotel meet the flight (yes, a few dollars more but well worth it). There are actually 3 low cost shuttles @ 25000VND - Vietnam Air, Jetstar and Kumho (the Korean holding company of Asiana Air).

I just hope Hanoi starts work on a new airport soon - Saigon's Tan Son Nhat is considerably better.

I just hope Hanoi starts work on a new airport soon

I still think of the current airport as the "new" airport. Doesn't seem long ago I was using the previous one...