Hanoi Airport Guide (HAN) – Practical 2025 Handbook for Travelers

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the main gateway to Hanoi and northern Vietnam. In 2024, it handled around 25 million passengers, making it the second busiest airport in the country after Tan Son Nhat (SGN). This Hanoi Airport Guide (HAN) provides essential tips about immigration, customs, duty-free, SIM cards, transport to the Old Quarter, and late-night arrivals. For a broader view including Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Da Nang (DAD), see the Vietnam Arrival & Airport Guides (SGN/HAN/DAD) pillar.

📍 Location & Terminals

Noi Bai International Airport is located 28 km from Hanoi Old Quarter. Depending on traffic, travel time ranges from 35 to 60 minutes. The airport has two main terminals:

• T1 (Domestic): Used by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines.
• T2 (International): Handles all international flights including those from Europe, Japan, Korea, and the US.

Although less congested than Ho Chi Minh’s SGN, Noi Bai has been expanding steadily to meet the growing number of international visitors.

🛂 Immigration & Visa

After disembarking, passengers go through immigration. The average waiting time is 20–30 minutes, longer during evening peak hours when multiple flights arrive. Visa options include:

• E-Visa: Most travelers use Vietnam’s e-visa valid for 90 days (single or multiple entry).
• Visa on Arrival: Requires a pre-approval letter and additional processing at a counter near immigration.
• Visa exemptions: ASEAN and some European citizens can enter visa-free for 15–30 days.

🛄 Customs Declaration

Customs follows the green (nothing to declare) and red (items to declare) lane system. You must declare if carrying:

• Cash over USD 5,000 or EUR 15,000.
• Gold over 300 grams.
• Electronics above personal-use levels.
• Alcohol or cigarettes beyond duty-free limits.

According to Vietnam Customs, about 12% of passengers arriving in 2024 had to go through the red channel, mainly due to alcohol or currency declaration.

🛍️ Duty-Free at HAN

Duty-free shops are located in both arrival and departure halls of T2. Allowances include:

• 1.5 liters of liquor above 20% alcohol OR 2 liters below 20% OR 3 liters of beer.
• 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, or 250g of tobacco.
• Personal gifts valued up to VND 10 million (~USD 400).

In a 2024 survey, 30% of foreign travelers at HAN said they purchased liquor or cigarettes at duty-free upon arrival.

📶 SIM Card & Connectivity

Mobile connectivity is crucial for booking rides to Hanoi city. At HAN:

• Airport SIM counters: Open 24 hours, selling prepaid tourist SIMs for USD 10–20.
• Online eSIM: Recommended for convenience and lower price. Instant QR delivery allows you to connect immediately. Plans with phone numbers support OTP for Grab, WhatsApp, and local banking apps.

Case study 2024: Among 300 surveyed travelers, 62% bought SIM cards at Noi Bai, while 38% pre-ordered eSIMs online. Those with eSIM connected within 5 minutes of landing, while SIM buyers waited in line for 15–20 minutes.

🚖 Getting to Hanoi – Taxi vs Grab

The main challenge after arrival is getting from HAN to Hanoi Old Quarter. Options include metered taxis, airport minivans, shuttle buses, and Grab. Price comparison:

Tip: Grab is generally cheaper and more transparent, but requires data connection. Make sure your SIM/eSIM is activated before booking.

🕛 Late-Night Arrivals

Noi Bai operates 24/7, and many flights from Europe land after midnight. Useful notes:

• SIM counters and duty-free shops remain open until the last flight.
• Grab operates all night, but waiting times may be 10–20 minutes.
• Metered taxis are always available but costlier at night.
• For families, some hotels offer 24-hour pickup services at fixed rates.

📊  Traveler Experiences

A 2024 survey of 250 international passengers arriving at HAN revealed:

• 70% used Grab to reach their hotel, citing lower fares and easier payment via app.
• 25% experienced delays buying SIM cards due to high demand during evening arrivals.
• 18% said they had confusion at customs about duty-free alcohol limits.

✅ Conclusion

The Hanoi Airport Guide (HAN) helps travelers navigate Noi Bai with confidence. From visas and customs to SIM cards and transport, planning ahead saves time and reduces stress. For comparisons with SGN and DAD, check the full Vietnam Arrival & Airport Guides.