Hanoi Airport to City: Private Arrival Transfer & Pickup

4.66

(196 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Li was already waiting at the arrivals gate, holding my name (well, close enough) on a little white board. I’d barely cleared customs before spotting him — he grinned and waved like we’d met before. The air outside hit me, thick and warm even after midnight, but the car’s AC was instant relief. I remember thinking how weirdly quiet it felt inside after all that airport noise. Li asked if I’d slept on the plane (I hadn’t), then offered bottled water with this gentle nod — small thing, but it made me feel looked after.

The drive from Noi Bai Airport into Hanoi city center took about 40 minutes, maybe less since it was late. We passed rows of scooters parked like dominoes and families out eating noodles under neon lights — honestly, I wasn’t sure if it was still night or already morning. At some point Li pointed out a bridge over the Red River and tried to teach me how to say “Xin chào” properly; he laughed when I butchered it. The city lights flickered through the window and I realized how tired I was, but also kind of wired from landing somewhere totally new.

I didn’t expect a private transfer in Hanoi to feel so personal — just a simple ride, right? But there’s something about being met by someone who knows exactly where you’re going when your brain’s foggy from travel. Includes pickup right at the terminal, AC car (which matters more than you think), and help with bags even if you’re half-awake. Honestly, I still think about that first glimpse of Hanoi through rain-splattered glass as we pulled up to my hotel — not sure why that sticks with me.