Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

HANVietnamTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Noi Bai International Airport

Hanoi, Vietnam

Drop-off

Hanoi Old Quarter / Hoan Kiem Lake

Pin before customs

Fastest

Bus Express 86 (Noi Bai – Hanoi Railway Station via Old Quarter)

bus · 20-30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Bus Express 86 (Noi Bai – Hanoi Railway Station via Old Quarter)
Headway: 20-30
Backup: City Bus 17 (Noi Bai – Long Bien) · 15-20m

Note

Limited-stop orange express bus linking Noi Bai Airport (T1/T2) with Hanoi Railway Station via Long Bien, Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem/Old Quarter area; journey is about 50–60 minutes and operates roughly 05:05–22:30 from city and 06:18–23:30 from airport depending on stop. Highly used by travelers for direct access to the Old Quarter and central hotels, with flat fare around 30,000–35,000 VND and no reservation required.

Budget focus

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Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: City Bus 17 (Noi Bai – Long Bien)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-20m
Note: Local public bus from Noi Bai Airport T1 to Long Bien bus station at the edge of the Old Quarter, taking about 60–65 minutes; from Long Bien it is a short walk or taxi to Hoan Kiem Lake. Cheaper but slower and more crowded than Bus 86, with frequent daytime departures and basic onboard comfort.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Bus Express 86 (Noi Bai – Hanoi Railway Station via Old Quarter)
Mode: bus
Freq: 20-30m
Note: Limited-stop orange express bus linking Noi Bai Airport (T1/T2) with Hanoi Railway Station via Long Bien, Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem/Old Quarter area; journey is about 50–60 minutes and operates roughly 05:05–22:30 from city and 06:18–23:30 from airport depending on stop. Highly used by travelers for direct access to the Old Quarter and central hotels, with flat fare around 30,000–35,000 VND and no reservation required.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.