Flight
Fastest option with one stop, usually via major Chinese hubs
Train via Nanning
Overland route with border crossing and Chinese high-speed trains
Train combination
Cheaper route but multiple transfers and long travel time
Bus combinations
Very complicated with long travel time and border procedures
Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Nanjing can be done either by train via Nanning or by flight with a stopover. The train journey is a scenic and budget-friendly option that lets you experience both Vietnam and China by rail. Flights are the fastest and most convenient choice, usually taking less time overall and offering greater comfort for long-distance travel.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~1 800 km by land (via Nanning)
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train via Nanning ~25–40 hours | Flight with stop-over ~5.5-8 hours
- 💰 Price range: Train US$150–280 per person | Flight US$250–500 per person
- 🚆 Best for value & adventure: Train from Hanoi → Nanning → Nanjing
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Flight via stop-over Hanoi → Nanjing
Last updated in October 2026
Hanoi to Nanjing: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | Travel Time | Price | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight with stopover | 5.5–8 hours | $250–500 | ★★★★★ | Speed and comfort |
| 🚆 Train via Nanning | 25–40 hours | $150–280 | ★★★★☆ | Rail adventure and value |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Our recommendation: A flight with a stopover is the most practical option if you want to reach Nanjing from Hanoi quickly. Choose the train via Nanning if you prefer an overland journey through Vietnam and China and want to experience Chinese high-speed rail. Allow extra time for transfers and border formalities.
Before travelling, check current train schedules, ticket availability, and visa requirements for crossing from Vietnam into China.
1. Train from Hanoi to Nanjing
👉 Train via Nanning is a scenic and budget-friendly way from Hanoi to Nanjing.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who enjoy long-distance rail journeys across Vietnam and China
- ✔️ Total travel time: approx. 25–40 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $150–280 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (sleeper train + high-speed trains in China)
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight train to Nanning + high-speed train to Nanjing
- 💡 Tip: Prepare visas in advance and choose high-speed trains in China for faster travel.
A) Train from Hanoi to Nanning
Traveling by train from Hanoi to Nanning is the cheapest and most interesting overland route between Vietnam and China. The journey combines Vietnam Railways and China Railways services and passes through the Dong Dang–Pingxiang border crossing.
- Travel time: about 12 hours
- Ticket price: about $45–50 per person
- Train: MR1 / T8702 with soft sleeper cabins
- Departure: Gia Lam Railway Station
- Arrival: Nanning Railway Station
- Frequency: 1 train daily at around 21:20
The train crosses the border at Dong Dang and Pingxiang, where passengers complete immigration procedures before continuing to Nanning.
Book train tickets from Hanoi to Nanning on Baolau ➜.
⚠️ Passport & Visa: Carry a valid passport and all required visas for Vietnam and China. Border checks are mandatory and ticket details must match your passport.
Please note that e-visa and visa on-arrival are not accepted at Dong Dang international rail border gate.
B) Train from Nanning to Nanjing (2,000 km)
From Nanning, you can continue to Nanjing by modern high-speed or conventional trains operated by China Railways. High-speed trains are the most popular option, offering a comfortable and efficient journey across eastern China.
- High-speed trains (G-trains): about 10–11 hours, 1st class, 2nd class, and business seats
- Regular trains: about 28 hours, hard seats and sleeper berths available
- Ticket price: about $100–230 per person
- Arrival station: Nanjing South Railway Station
- Recommended option: High-speed train with a 2nd class seat
- Alternative: Direct flights from Nanning to Nanjing take about 2.5 hours
Check train schedules and book tickets from Nanning to Nanjing on 12go.asia ➜.
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Nanjing
👉 Air travel is the quickest and most convenient option from Hanoi to Nanjing.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer shorter travel time and minimal transfers
- ✔️ Duration: approx. 5.5–7 hours (including stopover)
- ✔️ Cost: about $250–500 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (standard airline services with one connection)
- ✅ Best Option: Flight route with transfer in a major Chinese hub city
- 💡 Tip: Look for shorter layovers and compare departure times for smoother connections.
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Hanoi to Nanjing. There are currently no direct flights, so travelers usually connect through Guangzhou or another major Chinese city.
- Flight time: about 5.5–7 hours with a stopover
- Ticket price: about $250–500 per person
- Departure airport: Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- Arrival airport: Nanjing Lukou International Airport
- Airlines: China Southern, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, Air China, Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines
- Best choice: Ideal for travelers who want to save time and avoid long train transfers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Hanoi to Nanjing
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Nanjing by train or plane?
Trains via Nanning take about 25–40 hours, while flights with a stopover take around 5.5–8 hours.
What is the distance from Hanoi to Nanjing, China?
The overland route from Hanoi to Nanjing covers approximately 2,400 km, depending on the connections.
How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Nanjing?
Train tickets cost about $150–280 per person, while flights with a stopover cost around $250–500.
What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Nanjing?
A flight with a stopover is the fastest option, usually taking approximately 5.5–8 hours.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Hanoi to Nanjing?
Train travel via Nanning is often cheaper, with tickets costing approximately $150–280 per person.
How do you travel by train from Hanoi to Nanjing?
Take an international train from Hanoi to Nanning, then continue to Nanjing by China Railway train.
What is the best time of year to visit Nanjing?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) generally offer comfortable weather for sightseeing.
Do you need a visa to travel from Hanoi to Nanjing by train?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so check China’s current entry rules before travelling.
Where can you book train tickets from Hanoi to Nanjing?
Book the Hanoi–Nanning train and onward Nanning–Nanjing connection separately, checking availability for both journeys.
Is it better to travel from Hanoi to Nanjing by plane or train?
Flying is best for speed and convenience, while the train suits travellers who prefer overland journeys.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Nanjing
Traveling from Hanoi to Nanjing involves either a flight with a stopover or a long rail journey via Nanning. Planning ahead can save time and make the trip more comfortable.
- Choose Flights for Speed: Flights with a stopover take about 6–8 hours.
- Travel by Train: The route via Nanning offers a scenic journey through Vietnam and China.
- Prepare Travel Documents: Check passport and visa requirements before crossing the border.
- Pack for the Journey: Bring water, snacks, a power bank, and a travel pillow.
- Plan Your Arrival: Nanjing South Railway Station and Lukou Airport offer metro, taxi, and bus connections.
- Check the Weather: Nanjing is often cooler than Hanoi, especially in autumn and winter.
Tip: Flights and train tickets from Hanoi to Nanjing can be searched and booked online in advance, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons.
Nanjing – one of China’s most historic cities.
Nanjing (南京市) is a former capital of China and an important cultural center in eastern China. The city is famous for its historical monuments, museums, ancient city walls, and imperial heritage.
Top attractions include the Confucius Temple, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Qinhuai River, Presidential Palace, Purple Mountain, and Nanjing City Wall. Nanjing is also located only about 300 km from Shanghai and is well connected by high-speed trains.
From Hanoi to Nanjing you can travel by plane or train.
The fastest option is a flight with a stopover, usually in Guangzhou or another Chinese city. Flight time is about 6–8 hours. Another option is train travel via Nanning, where you transfer to a China Railway train to Nanjing.
Train tickets and flights can be booked online in advance. From Hanoi, you can also travel to Beijing or Shanghai by train or plane.