Hanoi has an extensive bus system, perfect for those seeking an affordable way to get around. Here, we have composed an in-depth list of local tips to ease your experience with the Vietnamese version of this communal transport.
How to Identify the Bus Stops in Hanoi
To start our list of tips for taking a bus in Hanoi, we’d like to show you signs to acknowledge a bus stop in the city. Hanoi has thousands of bus stops that do not always look the same. They are usually located in busy spots, such as Hanoi’s famous attractions. You can recognize where the bus picks up by the blue signpost or the steel benches with an overhanging roof.
Big Bus Stations around Hanoi
My Dinh Station: 20 Pham Hung Street, Nam Tu Liem District
Giap Bat Station: 897 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Mai District
Yen Nghia Station: National Highway 6, Ha Dong District
Gia Lam Station: 9 Ngo Gia Kham Street, Long Bien District
How to Catch the Bus in Hanoi
Find Your Route
If you travel by bus, you should first find the optimal route. You can do this by asking a local or simply opening the Google Maps app on your device, typing in your destination, and setting the bus as your means of transportation. Google will give detailed routes with specific bus numbers and where to find them.
Popular Bus Routes in Hanoi
- Route 07:Noi Bai International Airport – Cau Giay (stop by the Museum of Ethnology)
- Route 86: Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi Train Station
- Route 2: Hanoi Opera House – Temple of Literature – Van Phuc Silk Village
- Route 9: Hoan Kiem Lake – Hanoi Old Quarter – Hanoi Zoo – Lenin Monument
- Route 23: Vincom Ba Trieu Tower – Temple of Literature – Fine Arts Museum – Hanoi Opera House
- Route 47: Dong Xuan Market – Long Bien Bridge – Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Get on and Pay the Bus Fare
Once you’ve located the pick-up points, our next tip for taking a bus in Hanoi is self-explanatory: hop on the bus and pay for the ticket. Remember to check the bus number carefully and carry small changes (VND 1,000, VND 2,000, VND 5,000, VND 10,000) for the fare. Below is a list of bus types and their fares in Hanoi:
Types of Buses in Hanoi
Blue Bus: Serves the inner city districts and several satellite towns in the suburbs
Orange Bus: Offer shuttle service from Noi Bai International Airport.
Green Bus: Only runs in the inner city and connects passengers to routes on major streets.
Red – Yellow Bus: The most popular type of buses in Hanoi, connects the city and the suburbs, offers intercity services.
Bus Fares
- Routes under 25 kilometers long: VND 7,000/turn
- Routes from 25 – 30 kilometers long: VND 8,000/turn
- Routes above 30 kilometers long: VND 9,000/turn
- Route 86: VND 35,000/turn
Get off the Bus
Bus assistants might not announce the name of the next stop, so tell the bus driver and assistant in advance to ensure that you get off at the right destination.
How to Stay Safe When Traveling by Bus in Hanoi
Watch out: Hanoi streets can be very busy during certain hours. Be sure to check both ways before getting on or off a bus. You get on from the front door and get off from the back door. However, some older buses may have broken doors, so you should get on/off through either door that opens.
Stay Alert: Be aware of pickpockets and scams on or at the bus station. Put all of your belongings in your backpack and keep it within your sight.
Hold on to the Handle Strap: Buses in Hanoi have a handful of seats, so you’ll usually find yourself standing. Grab the handle straps tightly since the drivers are likely to break unexpectedly.
Be Polite: Acknowledge common bus etiquette, such as prioritizing seats for pregnant women, children, and elderly people.
Look for bus tickets online to travel outside of Hanoi:
Summary of Tips for Taking a Bus in Hanoi
Traveling by bus is not only an affordable way to explore Hanoi, but also a small contribution to protecting the city’s environment and reducing traffic congestion. We hope that our tips above can help you enjoy an exciting yet safe journey in this beautiful city.