Hanoi Public Transport Guide 2025-2027

Hanoi Public Transport Guide 2025-2027: Complete System Overview with 12 Options

Navigating Hanoi’s bustling streets just got easier with our comprehensive 2025-2027 public transport guide. From newly launched metro lines to e-bike sharing systems, discover how to explore Vietnam’s capital efficiently, safely, and affordably with insider tips that seasoned expats use daily.

Why This Guide Matters: Hanoi’s Transport Revolution (2025-2027)

Hanoi’s public transportation landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The capital city that was once dominated by personal motorbikes has evolved into a multi-modal transport hub with increasing options for both residents and visitors.

The 2025-2027 period marks a pivotal shift in how people move around Hanoi, with several key developments:

Expanded metro network with three operational lines (up from just one in 2022)
Integrated payment systems across all transport modes
Real-time tracking via multiple apps in multiple languages
Reduced carbon emissions with the introduction of 500+ electric buses
Greater accessibility for travelers with disabilities

Whether you’re a first-time visitor planning a Hanoi city tour, a digital nomad settling in for months, or a curious traveler looking to experience the capital like a local, understanding these transport options will significantly enhance your Vietnam experience.

1. Hanoi’s Bus Network: The Most Extensive Hanoi Public Transport System

Hanoi’s bus system remains the backbone of public transportation, with over 120 routes covering virtually every district of the capital. Since its major 2024 overhaul, buses have become significantly more tourist-friendly.

1.1 Standard City Buses (Xe Buýt Thường)

These red and yellow buses form the core network and serve both central and suburban areas.

Fare structure: 7,000-9,000 VND per journey (approximately $0.28-$0.36)
Hours of operation: 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours
Notable routes for tourists:

Bus #86: Connects Noi Bai Airport to the city center (30,000 VND)
Bus #09: Circles Hoan Kiem Lake and passes major attractions
Bus #14: Links Old Quarter with West Lake area

Pro tip: Look for the digital display boards at major bus stops showing real-time arrival information in both Vietnamese and English.

1.2 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

The dedicated BRT line runs 14.7 km from Kim Ma to Yen Nghia station along its own lane, bypassing traffic congestion.

Fare: 9,000 VND flat rate
Frequency: Every 5-7 minutes during peak hours
Notable feature: Air-conditioned stations with automated ticketing

1.3 Electric Buses (Xe Buýt Điện)

Introduced in 2023 and expanded in 2025, Hanoi now operates 12 electric bus routes with a fleet of 526 vehicles.

Routes: E01 through E12, covering 160 km of city roads
Fare: Same as standard buses
Features: USB charging ports, WiFi, wheelchair accessibility, and lower floors for easy boarding

Insider tip: Download the HanoiBus app (available in English, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese) for real-time tracking of all bus types. The app provides route suggestions and estimated arrival times with 95% accuracy.

2. Hanoi Metro System: The Growing Rapid Transit Network

What began as a single line has now expanded into a functional network that serves as the fastest way to travel across the city during peak hours.

2.1 Line 2A (Cat Linh – Ha Dong)

The pioneer line running 13.5 km through the western districts.

Stations: 12 elevated stations
Operating hours: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Frequency: Every 6 minutes during peak hours
Fare: 8,000-15,000 VND based on distance
Daily ridership: Approximately 32,000 passengers

2.2 Line 3 (Nhon – Hanoi Railway Station)

Opened in late 2025, this 12.5 km line connects the densely populated western suburbs to the city center.

Stations: 10 elevated and 2 underground stations
Key stops: National Convention Center, Thu Le Park, and Hanoi Railway Station
Notable feature: Direct connection to Line 2A at Van Mieu station

2.3 Line 1 (Ngoc Hoi – Yen Vien)

The newest addition (opened January 2027), running north-south through eastern Hanoi.

Length: 14.8 km
Stations: 11 stations
Unique benefit: Connects to both Lines 2A and 3, creating a true network effect

What tourists love: The Hanoi Metro Card (150,000 VND) offers unlimited rides for 72 hours across all lines and includes free transfers to connecting bus routes—perfect for short-term visitors exploring the city.

3. Taxi Services: Traditional Yet Evolving

Despite the rise of ride-hailing apps, traditional taxis remain prevalent throughout Hanoi, with approximately 20,000 licensed vehicles in operation.

3.1 Reputable Taxi Companies

Mai Linh Taxi (green vehicles): Most trusted by locals, with drivers required to return forgotten items

Base fare: 12,000 VND + 17,600 VND per km
English-speaking hotline: +84-24-38-222-666

Taxi Group (white and red vehicles): Popular for airport transfers

Base fare: 12,000 VND + 17,800 VND per km
Online booking available in English

VinTaxi (all-electric fleet): The eco-friendly premium option

Slightly higher rates but zero emissions
All vehicles equipped with dash cams for security

3.2 Avoiding Taxi Scams

Despite improvements, tourists should remain vigilant:

Always insist on using the meter (đồng hồ)
Check that the taxi logo matches the driver’s ID
Take a photo of the license plate before entering
Have your destination written in Vietnamese to avoid “misunderstandings”

Local knowledge: Many hotels and tourist restaurants have partnerships with specific taxi companies. Ask reception to call a reputable taxi rather than hailing one from the street.

4. Ride-Hailing Applications: The Digital Transport Revolution

Ride-hailing has transformed how people navigate Hanoi, offering transparency and convenience that traditional transport often lacks.

4.1 Grab: The Market Leader

Since Uber’s departure from Vietnam, Grab has dominated the market.

Services offered:

GrabCar (sedan vehicles)
GrabBike (motorcycle taxi)
GrabCar Plus (premium vehicles)
GrabFood (meal delivery)

Pricing example: 3 km GrabBike ride costs approximately 25,000-30,000 VND
Payment options: Cash, credit card, or GrabPay (e-wallet)
Languages: Full English interface

4.2 Be Group: The Local Competitor

Launched in 2018, Be has grown to become Grab’s main competitor with a focus on the local experience.

Unique features:

BeCareful: Female-only drivers for female passengers
BeBike: Often 10-15% cheaper than GrabBike
BeDelivery: Same-day package delivery within the city

4.3 Gojek: The Indonesian Entrant

Expanded to Hanoi in 2024, offering competitive rates and additional services.

Standout offerings:

GoRide (motorcycle taxi)
GoCar (car service)
GoFood (food delivery)
GoSend (package delivery)

Traveler insight: During monsoon season (July-September), ride-hailing apps offer a “rain surcharge” of 10,000-20,000 VND due to increased demand. Plan accordingly or use the metro during these times.

5. Xe Ôm: Traditional Motorcycle Taxis

Despite the rise of digital alternatives, traditional xe ôm (motorcycle taxis) persist, particularly around bus stations, markets, and areas with limited app coverage.

5.1 Finding and Negotiating with Xe Ôm

Identification: Drivers typically gather at fixed spots wearing helmets
Negotiation: Always agree on price before riding (expect 15,000-20,000 VND per km)
Typical fare examples:

Old Quarter to West Lake: 40,000-50,000 VND
Hoan Kiem to Long Bien Bridge: 30,000 VND

5.2 Safety Considerations

While convenient, traditional xe ôm comes with safety considerations:

Helmet quality varies significantly
No insurance coverage for passengers
Limited tracking if issues arise
Language barriers can cause confusion

Local perspective: Use xe ôm only for short distances in non-peak hours, and always take a photo of the license plate if you’re carrying valuables.

6. Electric Vehicle Services: Eco-Friendly Transport Options

Hanoi’s push toward carbon neutrality has introduced several electric mobility options that weren’t available just a few years ago.

6.1 VinFast Electric Bus Network

The VinFast E-Bus network launched in 2024 now includes:

Routes: 18 dedicated electric-only routes
Fleet size: 526 buses (fully electric)
Special features:

Silent operation
Zero emissions
Lower boarding height for accessibility
USB charging at every seat
Real-time air quality monitors inside

6.2 Electric Taxis

Several companies now operate all-electric taxi fleets:

Green SM: 200+ VinFast VF e34 vehicles
Mai Linh E-Taxi: 300+ BYD e6 vehicles
Average fare: Comparable to traditional taxis but with premium vehicle quality

6.3 Electric Motorbike Rentals

For those wanting independent travel, electric motorbike rentals have emerged as a popular option.

Typical cost: 150,000-200,000 VND per day
Leading providers:

Dat Bike Rental: Vietnamese-made electric motorcycles
Yadea Rental: Chinese-manufactured e-bikes

Environmental impact: Choosing electric transportation in Hanoi reduces your carbon footprint by approximately 70% compared to conventional vehicles.

7. Bicycle Sharing and Rentals: Human-Powered Transportation

Cycling in Hanoi was once considered dangerous, but dedicated bike lanes introduced in 2024-2025 have made it increasingly viable, especially in certain districts.

7.1 Bike Sharing Programs

QBike: Hanoi’s first large-scale bike-sharing system

87 stations throughout the city
1,500 bicycles (30% electric-assist)
Rental fee: 10,000 VND per 30 minutes
Requirements: Download app and provide ID verification

S-Bike: The premium bike-sharing alternative

45 stations primarily in Ba Dinh and Tay Ho districts
All bikes feature electric assist
Rental fee: 15,000 VND per 30 minutes

7.2 Traditional Bike Rentals

For longer rental periods, traditional shops offer better value:

Daily rates: 30,000-50,000 VND for standard bikes
Weekly rates: 150,000-200,000 VND
Recommended shops:

Hanoi Bicycle Collective (28 Nhat Chieu, Tay Ho)
Old Quarter Cycles (31 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem)

Cycling safety tip: While bike lanes exist, they’re often occupied by parked vehicles or street vendors. Maintain defensive cycling practices and avoid major arterial roads during rush hours.

8. Water Bus: Navigating Hanoi’s Waterways

Launched in 2026, Hanoi’s water bus system offers a scenic alternative for crossing the Red River and traveling along the West Lake shoreline.

8.1 Red River Line

Route: Bach Dang Wharf ↔ Gia Lam (crossing Red River)
Journey time: 15 minutes (versus 30+ minutes by road)
Frequency: Every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fare: 15,000 VND one-way

8.2 West Lake Circuit

Route: Circular route with 6 stops around West Lake
Total circuit time: 45 minutes
Frequency: Every 20 minutes from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Fare: 20,000 VND (hop-on, hop-off daily pass: 50,000 VND)

Tourist perspective: The West Lake water bus provides spectacular views of Tran Quoc Pagoda and lakeside villas that can’t be appreciated from land routes. It’s particularly magical during sunset hours.

9. Airport Transportation: Getting To and From Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport lies approximately 35 km north of Hanoi’s city center, with multiple transport options connecting it to downtown.

9.1 Airport Express Bus

Bus #86: The most economical option

Fare: 35,000 VND one-way
Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
Operating hours: 5:00 AM to midnight
Journey time: 60-70 minutes depending on traffic
Route: Noi Bai ↔ Hanoi Railway Station with stops in between

9.2 Airport Minibus and Limousine Services

Several companies offer premium airport transfers:

JetBus: 9-seat premium minibuses

Fare: 65,000 VND one-way
Features: WiFi, bottled water, charging ports
Booking: Online or at airport counters

VIP Limousine: Door-to-door service

Fare: 180,000-250,000 VND per person
Features: Luxury sedans or MPVs, English-speaking drivers

9.3 Airport Taxi Options

Airport taxi queue: Official taxis with fixed rates

Fare to Old Quarter: Approximately 350,000-400,000 VND
Journey time: 40-60 minutes depending on traffic

Pre-booked taxis: Arranged through hotels or online

Typical fare: 300,000-350,000 VND
Benefit: Driver waiting with your name, no queuing

Time-saving tip: If arriving during evening rush hour (4:30-7:00 PM), the airport bus may actually be faster than taxis as it can use dedicated bus lanes on certain stretches.

10. Integrated Transport Apps: Digital Tools for Seamless Travel

The digital transformation of Hanoi’s transport system means travelers can now plan multi-modal journeys through single applications.

10.1 Essential Hanoi Transport Apps

Hanoi Transport (official government app)

Features: Integrated journey planning across all public transport
Languages: Vietnamese, English, Chinese, Korean
Unique feature: Official service updates and disruption alerts

Moovit

Coverage: All buses, metro lines, and walking directions
Offline capability: Downloaded maps work without data connection
Community updates: Real-time crowdsourced information

Grab Super App

Beyond ride-hailing: Includes public transport routing
Payment integration: Single payment method for multiple services
Food delivery: Convenient for longer stays

10.2 Digital Payment Options for Transport

Cashless payment has become increasingly prevalent across Hanoi’s transport network:

Hanoi Transport Card: Reloadable contactless card for all public transport

Initial cost: 50,000 VND (including 30,000 VND credit)
Available at: Metro stations, major bus terminals, tourist information centers

Mobile wallets accepted:

MoMo
ZaloPay
VNPay
Grab Pay

Digital nomad hack: Link your Hanoi Transport Card to the official app for automatic top-ups and journey history tracking—useful for expense reports and budgeting during longer stays.

11. Accessibility Features: Inclusive Hanoi Public Transport Options

Hanoi has made significant strides in improving transport accessibility, particularly since 2024.

11.1 Metro Accessibility

All metro stations now feature:

Elevators at every station
Tactile paving for visually impaired travelers
Priority seating areas clearly marked
Gap fillers between platform and train
Audio announcements in Vietnamese and English

11.2 Bus System Accessibility

Low-floor buses: 65% of the fleet (as of 2025)
Wheelchair ramps: Available on all electric buses and 45% of standard buses
Priority seating: Front section reserved on all buses
Stop announcements: Visual and audio on newer vehicles

Accessibility insight: When traveling with mobility challenges, the metro system offers the most consistent accessibility features, while bus accessibility varies by route and vehicle age.

12. Planning Hanoi Day Trips Using Public Transport

Many of Hanoi’s surrounding attractions are accessible via public transportation, making day trips affordable and straightforward.

12.1 Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Distance from center: 13 km southeast
Transport options:

Bus #47 from Long Bien Bus Station (fare: 8,000 VND)
Journey time: 40 minutes

12.2 Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong)

Distance from center: 60 km southwest
Transport options:

Bus #105 from My Dinh Bus Station to Huong Son (fare: 12,000 VND)
Journey time: 90 minutes + 15-minute boat ride (80,000 VND)

12.3 Duong Lam Ancient Village

Distance from center: 44 km west
Transport options:

Bus #201 from My Dinh Bus Station (fare: 10,000 VND)
Journey time: 75 minutes

12.4 Halong Bay Day Trip Considerations

While Halong Bay is Vietnam’s premier natural attraction, public transport options are limited. For those seeking the iconic limestone karsts, consider:

Organized day tours: Most efficient option (time-consuming by public transport)
Overnight options: For a more relaxed experience, consider a Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night package which includes round-trip transportation from Hanoi

Local suggestion: While day trips to Halong Bay are possible, the 4-hour journey each way makes overnight stays much more enjoyable. Many visitors prefer organized tours with Vietnam Marvel Travel for seamless arrangements.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Hanoi Public Transport Experience

Hanoi’s public transportation network has evolved dramatically, offering visitors unprecedented access to this vibrant capital. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Best Practices for Different Traveler Types

Budget travelers: Combine bus and metro for most journeys; use Grab for late-night travel
Family travelers: Metro during daytime, pre-booked taxis for convenience with children
Business travelers: Airport limousine services and GrabCar+ for reliability and comfort
Solo explorers: Bike sharing for local neighborhoods, public transport for longer distances

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (May-August): Early morning travel recommended to avoid heat and afternoon storms
Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year): Reduced services; plan accordingly
Winter (December-February): Bus and metro preferable to open-air options during chilly mornings

Navigating Hanoi’s transportation options might seem daunting at first glance, but the system’s continued modernization has made it increasingly user-friendly. With proper planning and the right apps at your fingertips, you’ll be traversing the capital like a local in no time.

For those planning to extend their northern Vietnam experience beyond Hanoi, consider how these transport options connect to overnight experiences like Halong Bay luxury cruises, where the journey becomes part of the destination.

This guide was last updated in January 2025. While we strive for accuracy, transport schedules and fares may change. Check official sources for the most current information.

Contact Information

Website: vietnammarveltravel.com
Email: vietnammarveltravel@gmail.com
Phone: +84.978.358.422
WhatsApp: +84 978.358.422

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