Car Rental in Hanoi

Hanoi is not only bustling streets, but also the rice fields of the Red River Delta, the ancient temples of Ninh Binh, and the mountain slopes of Sapa. Public transport is unlikely to take you to these places, and regular taxi rides can be quite expensive. Renting a car in Hanoi allows you to plan your own schedule and see a different side of Vietnam.

With your own vehicle, you can visit Ha Long Bay at a convenient time, explore the Tam Coc caves without rushing, or drive to the traditional craft villages in the suburbs. You don’t have to wait for buses, adjust to a group, or settle for standard tours.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Hanoi

The price of car rental depends on three main factors: the model, the season, and the rental period. The longer you rent a car, the lower the daily rate will be. At the end of the high tourist season, you can expect the following price ranges:

• Budget city models such as VinFast Fadil or MG 5 cost around $30–40 per day.
• Mid-range cars like the Mazda 3 or Toyota Avanza usually cost $40–50.
• Crossovers such as Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Santa Fe are about $60 per day. Higher-class SUVs like Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Fortuner start from $150.
• Minivans for 7 passengers are available from $60 per day.

These figures are guidelines — during the low season, prices are lower and you can rent a car cheaper than these rates. During peak tourist season, prices are usually slightly higher.

Security Deposit for Car Rental in Hanoi

When renting a car in Hanoi, you will almost always be asked to provide a security deposit. The amount usually ranges from $500 to $800, depending on the class and value of the vehicle. This sum is held for the entire rental period to cover possible fines or damages.

Almost all local rental companies allow you to provide the deposit without a credit card. You can leave the deposit in cash or with a debit card. This is especially convenient for Russian tourists, as credit cards from Russian banks of international payment systems do not work in the country.

What Cars Can You Rent in Hanoi

The car rental fleet in Hanoi is focused on popular models in the region that are well adapted to local conditions. The most common options include Mazda 3, MG 5, Mazda CX-5, and VinFast Fadil. These are spacious vehicles with reliable engines.

Their specifications are sufficient for comfortable driving through city streets with heavy traffic. The same cars are suitable for trips outside the city, including mountain roads in northern Vietnam.

Driver Requirements for Car Rental in Hanoi

To rent a car, prepare a valid driver’s license, a passport, and a booking confirmation. The confirmation is a voucher sent to your email — a printed copy or an electronic version on your phone is sufficient.

Each car has its own specific rental conditions. The minimum driver age usually starts at 19, and the required driving experience is 2 years. All requirements are listed in the description of each vehicle. When searching, use filters to enter your age and driving experience — this will help you immediately see options available to you.

FAQ

Are there any additional expenses when renting a car in Hanoi?

The renter pays for all ongoing expenses. These include fuel, paid parking in the city, traffic fines, and toll road fees.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Hanoi?

To rent a car in Hanoi, you must have an International Driving Permit together with your national driver’s license. Both documents must be valid at the time of rental.

Rental companies do not accept photocopies, phone photos, or digital versions of licenses. When signing the contract, you must present the originals of both licenses — national and international.

Where and how will I receive the car in Hanoi?

When booking, you choose a convenient pick-up location. Most companies offer pick-up at their office, at Noi Bai Airport, or delivery to your hotel. Delivery terms vary for each vehicle — this service can be either free or paid.

Some rental companies operate 24/7, but picking up the car outside business hours may incur an additional fee. The exact delivery conditions and cost of extra services are shown in each vehicle’s listing during booking.

Can I rent a car and drive to Nha Trang or Cam Ranh?

You are allowed to drive rented vehicles on all public roads in Vietnam. Leaving the country is strictly prohibited, but intercity travel is not restricted. No special permits are required to travel from Hanoi to Nha Trang or Cam Ranh.

If you plan to take a ferry, you must inform the rental company when arranging the booking. You can also select different pick-up and drop-off cities — just choose the corresponding options when searching for a car.

Can we take turns driving?

Yes, but with an important condition: every single driver must be added to the rental agreement in advance. Adding a second driver is a separate option, often paid, and must be included during booking. Driving the car by a person not listed in the contract is prohibited and may void the insurance.

Where can I park a rental car?

You can park the car anywhere it is not prohibited by road signs or markings. Paid city parking is fully the renter’s responsibility, as well as any fines for illegal parking.

In central Hanoi, many streets are narrow and free parking spaces are rare. We recommend using guarded parking lots at shopping malls or hotels — this helps avoid vehicle damage and fines.