Taxis in Hanoi
Exploring Hanoi by taxi is by far the most comfortable and convenient way to explore the Vietnamese capital. Upwards of 20,000 taxis operate in the city, some of which are part of the official Hanoi taxi fleet, and others which are linked to ride-sharing apps. You can secure a cab by walking to a designated taxi rank, hailing a driver from the street, using a Hanoi taxi app, or calling any of the reputable taxi services in Hanoi on the phone.
A mix of sedans and minivans are available, but there tends to be a greater number of standard-sized taxis on the road. Licensed taxis in Hanoi are easy to spot, as they’re typically white or silver with a red, green, or blue strip and a ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof. The vehicles may also be green in color, depending on the taxi company. Hanoi taxi fares are calculated using the meters fitted in each official cab. However, some operators might offer fixed fares for popular routes like from Hanoi Airport to the city center.
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How much is a taxi in Hanoi?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM HAN TO CITY CENTER | 11.70 € | 11.70 € | 40 MIN |
| FROM HAN TO OLD QUARTER | 11.20 € | 11.20 € | 35 MIN |
| FROM HANOI TO OPERA HOUSE | 2 € | 2 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM HANOI TO WEST LAKE | 2.80 € | 2.80 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM HANOI TO TRAN QUOC PAGODA | 2 € | 2 € | 10 MIN |
Hanoi Taxi Prices
Hanoi taxi prices are based on government regulations that calculate fares based on the distance to your destination. At present, the price of taking a taxi in Hanoi is the same regardless of whether you’re traveling during the day or at night.
The current Hanoi taxi rates are as follows:
Base fare: €0.35 (VND 10,000)
Price per km: €0.40 (VND 11,000)
Waiting time per hour: €0.90 (VND 25,000)
It’s important to note that extras like tolls are often not included in the metered fare and may be added to your total at the end of the ride.
When taking a Hanoi Airport taxi to the city center, the taxi fare will set you back approximately €11.70 (VND 320,000), while the trip from the center to the West Lake area will come in at about €2.80 (VND 75,000).
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How to get a taxi in Hanoi
With such a plentiful supply of Hanoi taxis, you’ll never have to wait too long to find a driver. Many people choose to flag down a taxi from the street side, while others opt to call a local operator or use Hanoi taxi apps like Grab and Be. Another option is to make your way to one of the city’s taxi ranks. You’ll find taxi stands in busy areas in Hanoi, like outside the airport, train station, and shopping centers, as well as around touristic parts of the city like Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hanoi Opera House, and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.
How to get a taxi from Hanoi Airport
Hanoi Airport taxis depart from outside each of the two terminal buildings 24/7. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have a taxi rank outside their respective Arrival areas on the first floor. Drivers may approach you in the Arrivals Hall, but to ensure you travel in an official Hanoi taxi that offers fair, metered prices, booking your ride at the taxi desk close to the exit is best. Here, you can find taxis to accommodate small and large groups, and most are pre-paid when you book from the taxi stand.
How to get a taxi from Hanoi Railway Station
Taxi drivers operate from directly outside the main entrance to the Hanoi Railway Station, and there are usually cabsavailable at any time of day. If your train gets in late at night or early in the morning, you may have to wait slightly longer than usual. Both sedans and minivans serve this area, but the latter tend to be in shorter supply.
How to get a taxi from Giap Bat Bus Station
You’ll have no trouble finding a taxi at Hanoi‘s busiest bus terminal, Giap Bat. When you exit the station, you’ll notice several bus-only lanes, and directly behind these is a designated taxi rank marked by a ‘Taxi Group’ sign. Most cabs here can take up to four passengers, so you’ll likely have a longer wait if you require something larger.
How to get a taxi from Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Hoàn Kiếm Lake lies in the heart of Hanoi city center, and it’s super simple to hail a taxi from anywhere in the area. However, if you’re struggling to spot any drivers, walk towards Ngoc Son Temple, as there are typically numerous taxis parked outside the entrance. Like many popular spots in the center, there are more standard-sized vehicles here, rather than 7-seaters or minivans.
How to get a taxi from Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
There’s a vast pedestrianized area in front of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. At either end of this walkway, you’ll generally find several parked Hanoi taxis that can take you wherever you need to go in the city. Large vehicles are few and far between, so bigger groups may be best off sticking to multiple sedan cars instead.
Most popular Hanoi taxi apps
Using a taxi app in Hanoi is among the most popular ways to book a ride. If you’d prefer to pay in advance by card, can’t find a taxi nearby, or are worried about overcharging, opting for apps like Grab and Be are great alternatives. Keep in mind that during rush hours, there may be significant waiting times when you choose a Hanoi taxi app.
Those of you who’d prefer to guarantee a timely pickup can arrange a Hanoi taxi with Welcome Pickups. You can pre-book a taxi with us for a specific time for a competitive, fixed price.
Useful Hanoi taxi numbers
Many taxi operators in Hanoi accept pickup requests over the phone. You can make the call yourself if you have a local SIM card or the option to make international calls. Otherwise, it’s best to ask your hotel or the bar or restaurant you’re visiting to book a cab for you. This is among the most convenient options, but different establishments may have affiliations with specific taxi companies, potentially leading to surcharges. Additionally, some operators may have call-out fees that will be added to the metered rate.
Some trustworthy Hanoi taxi services include:
Mai Linh Taxi: +84 (24) 3833 3333
CP Taxi: +84 (24) 3826 2626
52 Taxi: +84 (43) 852 5252
Hanoi Taxi: +84 (43) 853 5353
Booking your Hanoi taxi in advance
Dealing with an unfamiliar city and a language barrier can be confusing enough as it is. As a result, organizing your transport in advance can ensure you have a stress-free experience when you reach the city. It also eliminates the worry of encountering drivers who may try to overcharge you by taking longer routes and offering expensive fares.
When you pre-book your Hanoi taxi with Welcome Pickups, you won’t have to fret about a thing. Beyond our low-cost, fixed prices, we offer flexible cancellation, on-time pickups, and seamless pre-payment options.
Hanoi taxi tips
- Unless you opt for a pre-paid taxi service or use a Hanoi taxi app, you'll need to pay for your ride using Vietnamese Dong, the local currency.
- Many taxi drivers in Hanoi speak very little English, so be sure to have your address in written or digital format.
- Make sure the taximeter is zeroed when you start the ride, and check Google Maps to ensure your driver is taking the fastest route.
- Stick to taxis where the driver agrees to turn on the meter if you're ever unsure about the fates you're offered.
- Using smaller notes is recommended, as drivers may not always have much change.
- Larger groups should consider booking taxis in advance to cut out long waiting times.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Hanoi
Regrettably, most taxis in Hanoi aren’t wheelchair-accessible, though many can hold a foldable wheelchair. If you require a vehicle that’s suitable for passengers with reduced mobility, your best option is to contact operators like Mai Linh Taxi (+84 (24) 3833 3333) or (+84 (43) 852 5252) and inquire about their adapted vehicles.
Safety and complaints for taxis in Hanoi
Hanoi is generally considered a very safe place for visitors, and this extends to the city’s taxi services. That said, unfortunately, there are many Hanoi taxi drivers who will approach you, offering overpriced fares or intentionally taking longer to reach your destination. As such, the best way to avoid running into these issues is to stick to using official cabs or ride-sharing apps.
Should you have an unpleasant experience in which you felt unsafe or overcharged, make note of the driver’s name, ID number, and registration. With this information, you can file a report with the taxi company in question or make a complaint with the local police by calling them at +84 (69) 219 6422.