6 August 2025·4 min read
How Much Does a Taxi Cost in Hanoi? (2025 Fare Guide)
Hanoi taxis start at VND 12,000–15,000 and cost VND 11,000–16,000/km. Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter costs VND 350,000–450,000 (~$14–18). Grab is the safest option.
Hanoi taxis: flag fall VND 12,000–15,000 (~$0.50–0.60), then VND 11,000–16,000/km (~$0.45–0.65/km). A typical Old Quarter trip costs VND 40,000–100,000 ($1.60–4). Grab is strongly recommended over street-hailed cabs — it offers fixed pricing, route tracking, and eliminates meter manipulation.
Hanoi Taxi Fares (2025)
Noi Bai Airport → Old QuarterVND 350,000–450,000 (~$14–18) via Grab; metered cab VND 400,000–500,000
Hoan Kiem Lake → Temple of LiteratureVND 35,000–60,000 (~$1.40–2.40) via Grab
Old Quarter → Ho Chi Minh MausoleumVND 45,000–80,000 (~$1.80–3.20) via Grab
Grab Car (GrabCar)Fixed price shown before booking — eliminates all overcharging risk
Grab Bike (GrabBike)VND 12,000–20,000 for short trips; fastest in traffic
Be (local Vietnamese app)Alternative to Grab; sometimes 10–15% cheaper; reliable
Taxi Safety in Hanoi
Hanoi has a well-documented problem with meter rigging — some taxis have "turbo meters" that run 5–10× faster than the legal rate. The safest metered companies are Taxi Group (yellow) and Mai Linh (green) — recognisable brands with regulated meters. However, even these can be faked by copy-cat vehicles. The safest approach for all journeys: use Grab or Be. At Noi Bai Airport, book Grab from the arrivals hall before exiting — the taxi mafia operates near exit doors offering rides at inflated rates.
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Xe om (traditional motorbike taxis) are offered throughout Hanoi — negotiate the price firmly before getting on (VND 20,000–50,000 for short trips). Grab Bike is the app-based, safer, pre-priced version. For luggage or longer distances, GrabCar is the reliable choice. The Hanoi Old Quarter is best explored on foot — it's only 1km across.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city?
Yes — Bus 86 runs from Noi Bai Airport to Long Bien Bus Station (passing through Hanoi Old Quarter area) for VND 45,000 (~$1.80), taking 45–60 minutes. Bus 07 runs to Hanoi Old Quarter more directly. Both are air-conditioned and perfectly safe. The bus is significantly cheaper than any taxi option but requires more navigation confidence.
How much should I tip taxi drivers in Hanoi?
Tipping is not expected in Vietnam for taxi drivers. For Grab and Be rides, the app fare is the final amount — no tip prompt. If a metered driver has been particularly helpful (helped with luggage, waited patiently, spoke English well), rounding up VND 10,000–20,000 is a kind gesture.
Book a pre-arranged transfer in Hanoi
Fixed price · no meter disputes · book in advance
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