Key hubs
Hanoi airport and railway station
- Airport
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), about 35 km north-east of the centre; Terminal 2 handles international flights. Direct flights from several Indian cities are listed, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad; schedules change, so verify before booking.
- Railway station
- Hanoi Station (Ga Ha Noi), 120 Le Duan Street, is the terminus of the North-South railway and lines to Lao Cai, Hai Phong and Dong Dang. No train links India with Vietnam, so most visitors arrive by air.
- Getting around
- Ride-hailing apps and metered taxis are the easiest option. Two elevated metro lines operate, but most sights are not on them. Crossing roads on foot needs a steady pace.
How to reach Hanoi by air
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is about 35 km north-east of the centre, roughly 45 to 60 minutes by road depending on traffic. Terminal 2 handles international flights. Direct flights from several Indian cities are listed, but check current schedules.
How to reach Hanoi by train
Hanoi Station on Le Duan Street is the terminus of the North-South railway and of lines to Lao Cai, Hai Phong and Dong Dang. There are no trains between India and Vietnam, so most visitors arrive by air.
How to reach Hanoi by road
Expressways and highways link Hanoi with Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong and Ninh Binh; journey times vary with traffic. Hire a car and driver for day trips, since connections by public bus are harder to manage.
Getting around Hanoi
Ride-hailing apps and metered taxis cover most trips. Two elevated metro lines run, on Line 2A and Line 3 sections, though they serve few of the main sights. Walking works around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Hanoi
- Cross roads slowly and steadily; do not stop or run. Scooters are used to going around steady walkers.
- Use ride-hailing apps or hotel taxis for sights outside the centre. The Ethnology Museum is some distance from the Old Quarter.
- Carry your medicines in original packaging, with a prescription list, and check customs rules for any controlled drugs before you fly.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.