35,000–40,000 VND gets you straight from Noi Bai to Hoan Kiem
Bus 86 is the orange “AIRPORT EXPRESS” running between Noi Bai (T1 and T2) and central Hanoi stops like Long Bien and Hoan Kiem in about 45–60 minutes. It runs from early morning into late evening every 20–25 minutes, so you rarely wait long after clearing arrivals. Fares sit in the $1.40–1.60 range (35,000–40,000 VND), paid on board.
You can board at both terminals: look for the signed 86 stop outside T2 (international) and T1 (domestic). The bus clearly shows route 86 on the front and sides, and the livery is a very visible orange and yellow. Regulars on Reddit say they walk straight past the taxi touts at the exit and go directly to the marked 86 bay.
Inside, Bus 86 has proper luggage racks and air‑con, which is a big step up from regular Hanoi city buses. One TripAdvisor report from last week mentions paying 35,000 VND, getting an English stop announcement, and stepping off near Hoan Kiem Lake. There’s usually an attendant walking the aisle taking cash and handing you a printed ticket.
The route hits central points like Long Bien Bus Station, the area north of Hoan Kiem, and several stops that sit within a 5–10 minute walk of many Old Quarter hostels and hotels. Multiple travelers mention that pre-checking the 86 stop list against your hotel on Google Maps can shave 10–15 minutes off your walk with a backpack. Some expats ride 86 into town, then transfer to another city bus for 7,000 VND for their final leg.
Do expect some drag in traffic: people report the 45‑minute run stretching to an hour at rush hour, especially when approaching Long Bien. Buses can fill up around local commuting times, so grabbing a seat near the luggage rack at T2 or T1 helps if you have a 20 kg suitcase. A few reviews note that if you don’t press the stop button early, the driver might roll past quieter stops and leave you with a 3–5 minute walk back.
How to ride Bus 86 step by step
- 1. Exit arrivals at T1 or T2: Follow the ground transport signs until you see the marked city bus area outside each terminal.
- 2. Find the orange 86 stop: Look for a pole or shelter showing “86” and “AIRPORT EXPRESS” in front of T2 or along the bus lane at T1.
- 3. Board through the front or middle door: Confirm “Hoan Kiem / Long Bien” with the driver or attendant before you step on.
- 4. Stow bags on the rack: Use the luggage racks near the front; keep small items and passports on you, not in the hold.
- 5. Pay the conductor: When the attendant comes by, hand over around 35,000–40,000 VND in cash and keep the printed ticket.
- 6. Track your stop: Use offline maps and listen for English stop announcements around Long Bien and Hoan Kiem.
- 7. Press the stop button early: Hit the red button 20–30 seconds before your stop so the driver actually pulls in.
- 8. Get off and walk the last few minutes: Expect a 5–10 minute walk to many Old Quarter addresses from the main 86 stops.
One simple tip: carry at least 40,000 VND in small bills in your pocket before leaving the terminal so you can pay fast and grab a seat while everyone else is still digging in their bags.