Your Vietnam Welcome Mat at Hanoi Airport
Introduction
The Noi Bai International Airport (IATA: HAN, ICAO: VVNB) or the Hanoi Airport is considered to be one of the 2nd largest and busiest airports in Vietnam. The modern facility, situated 35 kilometers northeast of Hanoi's city center, is the primary airport serving international and domestic travelers visiting Vietnam's capital and northern region.
Airlines and Destinations
Among the biggest carriers using Hanoi Airport are Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier; budget airlines Vietjet Air and Jetstar Pacific. The airport daily serves more than 700 flights and provides non-stop passenger flights to 66 cities across the world, most of which are in Asia. Besides that major international network, the airline has 15 domestic routes currently running from Hanoi.
Number of Passengers and Flights
In recent years, Noi Bai International Airport has shown great growth. The number of passengers the airport served in 2018 went up to a total of 28 million, making it rank as one of the busiest airports. The Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City route is the busiest flight in Southeast Asia and 4th among other flights worldwide, with more than 10.8 million passengers traveling in 2013.
How to Get Here
Noi Bai International Airport can be reached by travelers from Hanoi city in different ways. The easiest and cheapest option is traveling by public bus; the direct lines 7 or 17 connect you with the airport. The trip is around 60 minutes and only costs 5,000 VND (roughly $0.30 USD) per person. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a taxi, which takes around 40-45 minutes and costs about $13 USD (300,000 VND).
Parking
There are many parking lots in both the short-term and long-term portions of Noi Bai International Airport, helping you have a place to leave your car. The parking lots are located near the terminals, allowing passengers to directly access their vehicles.
Transportation Prices
From Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City center, the cost also depends on the mode of transportation. Public bus: 5,000 VND ($0.30 USD) per person. Vietnam Airlines also has shuttle buses running for 50,000 VND (about $2 USD) per ride. There are taxis for the more convenient option, but they can run you from 300,000 to 400,000 VND (~$13-17 USD).
Terminal Layout
There are two main terminals at the Noi Bai International Airport; Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights, and Terminal 2 is a multi-purpose terminal, where all international traffic departs from. A free shuttle bus is available that links the terminals every 10 to 15 minutes, so passengers can get from one terminal to another with ease.
Navigate the Airport
It is also pretty easy to get around at Noi Bai Airport, with clearly signed and laid out departure areas. Upon arrival, passengers can be directed through the appropriate signs to Immigration and Customs areas for clearance as required. Following, they can go to the baggage claim area and exit the airport.
Getting Between Terminals
A free shuttle bus can also transport passengers connecting from one terminal to the other. It would normally take 5-10 minutes to travel from one terminal to the other.
Services and Amenities
Noi Bai International Airport also provides various services and facilities for travelers. These include duty-free shops, various eateries and cafes, as well as banks with currency exchange facilities. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, lounges, and other passenger-friendly amenities to make your travel comfortable.
Restaurants and Shops
Noi Bai Airport has many different dining options for passengers, from local Vietnamese foods to some familiar international fast-food chains. The airport also has several retail stores, including duty-free shops, for those in need of a gift or two, or are looking to purchase some electronics.
Security and Customs
Noi Bai Airport carries out stringent security measures to safeguard its passengers. The departure areas are behind security and immigration controls that everyone must pass through. The customs process is also expedient, with separate lanes for arriving and departing passengers.
Accessibility
Everything in Noi Bai International Airport is designed to be convenient for all types of travelers, even those with disabilities. Terminals have ramps, elevators, and units for passengers with reduced mobility. Support can be provided depending upon the request for a hassle-free and pleasant journey.
Travel Tips
Check-in, security, and immigration can be time-consuming, so arriving at least 2 hours before your flight is ideal when passing through Noi Bai Airport. Additionally, it is a good idea to research the airport layout and facilities ahead of time so that you can strategically plan your stay at the airport.