How much does a Grab ride cost in Hanoi in 2026?
GrabBike: 12,000–15,000 VND per km; a typical short Old Quarter trip runs 35,000–55,000 VND. GrabCar: 15,000–20,000 per km, 55,000–90,000 for the same distance. Airport (Nội Bài) to Old Quarter: GrabBike 150,000–180,000 VND, GrabCar 250,000–320,000 VND. Surge pricing applies during rush hour (7–9am, 5–7pm) and rain.
Grab is the most reliable transport tool in Hanoi for a visitor: price shown before you confirm, driver location tracked on the map, and payment either by app or cash at delivery. The rates below are as of April 2026 and track Grab’s base fare structure for Hanoi.
Base fares (April 2026)
| Service | Base rate | Booking fee | Typical short trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| GrabBike | 12,000–15,000 VND/km | 5,000 VND | 35,000–55,000 VND |
| GrabCar (4-seat) | 15,000–20,000 VND/km | 5,000 VND | 55,000–90,000 VND |
| GrabCar (7-seat) | 17,000–22,000 VND/km | 5,000 VND | 65,000–100,000 VND |
“Short trip” = 3–5km, typical within or between adjacent Old Quarter districts.
Route estimates
These are typical fares — actual price shows in the app before booking:
- Old Quarter → Tây Hồ (West Lake): GrabBike 45,000–65,000 VND, GrabCar 65,000–90,000 VND (15–25 min)
- Old Quarter → Hai Bà Trưng district: GrabBike 35,000–50,000 VND (10–15 min)
- Old Quarter → Mỹ Đình bus station: GrabBike 80,000–110,000 VND, GrabCar 120,000–160,000 VND (30–45 min)
- Old Quarter → Nội Bài airport: GrabBike 150,000–190,000 VND, GrabCar 250,000–340,000 VND (30–50 min without traffic)
When fares increase
Grab’s dynamic pricing activates when:
- Rush hour: 7–9am and 5–7pm weekdays
- Rain: surges 20–40% during heavy downpours — and Hanoi has unpredictable short rainstorms
- Late night (11pm–6am): small late-night multiplier
- Tet holiday period: fares can increase 50–100%
If the app shows a price significantly higher than normal, dismiss the booking, wait 10–15 minutes, and rebook — surge pricing often resolves quickly.
Payment
Grab accepts:
- Cash on delivery — most reliable, driver always accepts
- GrabPay wallet — top up with a Vietnamese card or international card; some foreign cards don’t work
- Credit card — works intermittently; driver can reject card payment for GrabBike without penalty
Cash is the safest default if you’re not sure your card works.
Be app — the alternative
Be is Grab’s main competitor in Hanoi. Similar pricing, similar quality, smaller driver pool in some areas. Worth downloading as a backup if Grab shows no drivers available in your zone — both apps work on international numbers and don’t require a Vietnamese SIM.