Attention: This article is subject to be updated since the new T2 – International Airport Terminal starts operation from January 2015. However, the information on traveling remains true and correct.
You will be landed at Noi Bai International Airport (IATA: HAN), over 30km (45-60min) north of the city. The airport is relatively small but new international terminal is being built, expects to start operation by end of 2014.
VISA AND IMMIGRATION
You can pre-arrange a visa on arrival online or get it sorted before you leave, through your local embassy, travel agent or Meracus.
Obtaining Visa Upon Arrival
You will arrive at either arrival hall A or B for international flights; hall A, B or E for local flights. Process is going smooth and takes about 30-45 minutes (or less) for immigration, baggage claim and custom.
Immigration at Noi Bai Airport
From Noi Bai airport to Hanoi, there are 4 options to travel to Hanoi center for your choice:
Bus stop at Noi Bai airport
PRICE: VND7,000/pax (US$0.4)
There are bus #07 and bus #17 running daily from 05:00 to 22:00. To catch the buses, exit on the arrival hall, keep walking right, pass the taxis and minibuses, pass the coaches and to the buses which are at the end of the car park
- The bus #07 goes to the Daewoo Hotel on the western Hanoi (about 6km to the historical centre of Hanoi).
- Bus #17 goes close to the Qld Quarter, to Long Bien depot (just a few blocks from Hoan Kiem Lake or Meracus Hotels).
Attention:
- Baggage is not permitted aboard the buses, so you may need to wait a few minutes to try your luck several times or paying for the baggage.
- Do ignore taxi drivers or shuttle bus operators that claim the bus stop is a few kilometers away or that service has been terminated.
Minibus at Noi Bai airport
PRICE: VND40,000/pax (~US$2).
- To catch the shuttle minibus, exit on the arrival level to the taxi lane and keep walking right to the minibus section;
- The bus leaves the airport when full. It will drop you in No.1 Quang Trung street in city center. You may ask for dropping you at Meracus Hotels with additional VND40,000/person. Otherwise, you can catch a cab from there to Meracus Hotels at about US$2.
Attention:
- Drivers may try to persuade you staying at “their cousin’s hotel” for a commission by saying that Meracus is full because of any reason (eg. a typhoon in Halong Bay). Don’t believe them.
- Driver may potentially create trouble if you have additional bags but you can get the same rate if you push.
Taxigroup airport taxi at Noi Bai airport
PRICE: ~VND350,000/4-seat car/way (US$17).
- There are airport taxi stands right outside the arrival exit, on the taxi lane.
- You need to have clear price agreement with driver before get into the car. The fixed charge is about VND350,000 for 4-seat car or VND380,000 (US$19) for a 7-seat car. It is not recommended to pay on taxi meter as because it costs higher at about VND460,000 (US$23) or ridiculously higher if the meter is tampered.
Most reputable cab companies are TaxiGroup {+84-4-38535353 or +84-4-38515151) and Mai Linh Taxi (+84-4-38616161).
Do have clear price agreement before getting on – Mai Linh Taxi
Attention:
- Don’t pay any further than the fixed price which includes all fees. Tips are welcome;
- At night, drivers may only agree to metered fare. Do shop around for a fixed price which might be higher than the above fixed charge;
- Do remember or write down the taxi brand name and number (on the windshield). It is very useful for claiming overcharges, scam or lost items;
- Driver may drop you at “their cousin’s hotel” or even a hotel pretending Meracus to collect a commission. Therefore, do have Meracus’s address ready and maybe print out a map beforehand;
Meracus staff waiting outside your baggage claim exit
PRICE: US$18/4-seater/way or US$22/7-seater/way
- Meracus does provide pick-up and drop-off service with private car and reasonable price:
- Our staff with a pickup card having your name shall be at the airport on your arrival.
- For some reasons, if you do not find our hotel staff, do not leave the arrival hall and call us from the Tourism Information for assistance.
Tourism Information – You can call us here free if not seeing our staff
For more information or request airport pickup/drop-off, please see this link
You will arrive at Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Ha Noi in Vietnamese) located in city centre, 3km (10min) to Meracus Hotels. You can exit via either one in Tran Quy Cap street in the north of station or the other in Le Duan street in the east.
From the station to Meracus, there are options for your choice:
1. METERED TAXIS: US$3
Taxi is the best way to travel from train station to Meracus hotels, it cost around US$3 for a metered ride. Most reputable cab companies are TaxiGroup (+84-4-3853 5353) and Mai Linh Taxi (+84-4-3861 6161).
Reliable taxis – Taxigroup and Mai Linh
Attention:
- Do remember or write down the taxi brand name and number (on the windshield). It is very useful for claiming overcharges, scam or lost items;
- Driver may drop you at “their cousin’s hotel” or even a hotel pretending Meracus to collect a commission. Therefore, do have Meracus’s address ready and maybe print out a map beforehand;
2. MERACUS PICKUP SERVICE: US$5/person
For your convenience, Meracus does provide pick-up and drop-off service from and to the station. For more information or request a pickup, please follow this link.
The best way to travel from bus stop to our Meracus hotels is by taxi. However, please do remember our recommended cab companies of Taxi Group and Mai Linh Taxi. If you need any assistance, please do call us.
Reliable taxis – Taxigroup and Mai Linh
