World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
The public bus system in Hanoi is confusing but very cheap although few short-term visitors to Hanoi will attempt it. There are around 50 bus routes operated by Hanoi Transerco (website: www.hanoitranserco.com.vn) with a flat rate fare, operating every 5-20 minutes (depending on the route) from 0500 to 2100 hours. Monthly passes are available. There is a hotline for bus information (tel: (04) 843 6393).

Taxis & Cyclos
Taxi and cyclo are the best way to travel around Hanoi. There are several taxi companies operating within the city and they are all metered. Restaurants, bars and hotels are quite happy to summon a taxi, otherwise vehicles can be hailed on the street. Visitors are advised to check that the meter is turned on. Reliable taxi companies are Airport Taxis (tel: (04) 873 3333), Hanoi Taxi (tel: (04) 853 5353) and Mai Linh Taxi (tel: (04) 822 2666). Cyclos often wait outside hotels and restaurants and a fare should be negotiated to your destination before setting off. Motorbike taxis can be found on street corners and these are a fast way of getting round the city.

Car Hire
It is not possible to rent a car to drive yourself but you can rent a car and driver for the day or longer duration from tour operator such as Exotissimo Travel , 26 Tran Nhat Duat (tel: (04) 828 2150; website: www.exotissimo.com); Vidotour, 308 Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung District (tel: (04) 821 5682; website: www.vidotourtravel.com); and Buffalo Tours, 9-13 Hang Muoi (tel: (04) 828 0702; website: www.buffalotours.com).

Bicycle Hire
In a city that is home to thousands of bicycles, it is possible to rent a bicycle for a day or longer period from a number of outlets on Hang Bac Street in the Old Quarter.

If you are confident on a motorbike it is possible to rent them from shops, also on Hang Bac Street. You will need an international driving permit and a helmet is recommended, even though not compulsory in the city, only on the highways.