Getting around Hanoi is easy once your apps are set up, and it removes the single biggest source of tourist stress: haggling over transport. Here's a plain, step-by-step guide to Grab, Gojek and the public buses.
1. Set Up Grab First
Download Grab, add your details and ideally a card, and make sure you have a local SIM or eSIM for data. The fare is shown and fixed before you confirm, so there's never a meter argument.
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2. Bike vs Car: Which to Choose
GrabBike (motorbike taxi) is cheapest and beats traffic — you get a helmet and ride pillion. GrabCar suits luggage, groups, rain and heat. Pick per situation; both are fixed-price.
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3. Gojek as a Backup
Gojek works almost identically and is handy when Grab is surging or short on drivers. Having both installed means you're never stuck waiting.
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4. Paying: Cash or Card
You can pay cash to the driver or link a card in-app. Cash is fine everywhere; keep small notes so change is easy.
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5. Public Buses for the Adventurous
Buses are dirt cheap and cover the city, but routes and stops take some decoding — use Google Maps transit directions. Great for budget travellers with time; the airport Bus 86 is the most tourist-friendly line.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Grab safe in Hanoi?
A: Yes — it's the standard, safe way to get around, with fixed fares, driver details and a helmet on bikes.
Q: Do I need cash or can I pay by card?
A: Either. You can link a card or pay the driver cash; small notes make cash payments smooth.
Q: Are public buses worth it for tourists?
A: For budget travellers with time, yes — they're very cheap. Otherwise Grab is far simpler for door-to-door trips.
