Quick answer: Travelling from Hanoi to Hangzhou (China) can be done by train via Nanning in China or by flight with a stop-over. The train route offers a unique overland experience, passing through scenic landscapes of northern Vietnam and southern China, and is ideal for those who enjoy slow travel and want to experience cross-border rail journeys. While the train is the more adventurous and often cheaper option, flying remains significantly faster and more convenient — making it a preferred choice for travellers short on time or seeking comfort.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~650 km by air / ~800+ km by land (via Nanning)
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train route ~24–50 hours | Flight (with stop-over) ~9–14 hours
- 💰 Price range: Train US$100–400 per person | Flight US$150–450 per person
- 🚆 Best for value & adventure: Train from Hanoi → Nanning → Hangzhou
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Flight with stop-over to Hangzhou
Last updated in October 2025
Hangzhou – a very interesting place in the east of China.
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- Hangzhou (Hángzhōu, 杭州), this beautiful and interesting city is only about 180 km west of Shanghai. Hangzhou is located along Southeast coast of China. It is the capital of Zhejiang Province, the center of politics, economy, science, education, and culture of the province. Hangzhou is a key national tourism city, historical city and vice provincial level city as confirmed by the State Council. It should be your stop if you are traveling to Shanghai. It is very easy accesible through the high speed railway network in the east of China. Hangzhou has a history of about 2,500 years. Hangzhou has a stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Hangzhou is one of the Seven Ancient Capital Cities. The best way of transport to Hangzhou from Hanoi is to take a flight to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.
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From Hanoi to Hangzhou in China you can travel by train or plane.
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- From Hanoi to Hangzhou you can travel by train or you can use a flight with stopover. You can travel by train of Vietnam Railway + China Railway via Nanning in China. This sleeper train goes via Lang Son – Dong Dang border crossing in Vietnam. Nanning is only about 220 km from Vietnam and there are the high speed trains to Hangzhou and travel time is about 11 hours from Nanning. But totally it can take up to 24-50 hours to reach Hangzhou. It depends which train you will use in China, because there are fast (+sleeper) and highspeed trains. The most comfortable option of transfer is to travel by plane, there are flights to Hangzhou with stopover in another city in China. Travel by plane from Hanoi to Hangzhou with stopover can take up to 9-14 hours. From Nanning to Hangzhou you can also travel by plane, there are also direct flights. You can search and book train tickets or flights to Hangozhou from Hanoi online. Read carefully all the instruction before you go. From Hanoi you can also go to Nanning.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Hangzhou: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flight with stopover | 9-14 hours | $150-450/pp |
| Train by China Railway (via Nanning) | 24-50 hours | $100-400/pp |
1. Train from Hanoi to Hangzhou
A) From Hanoi to Nanning (China) by train
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- interesting experience is to travel by train in Vietnam and China
- a cheap option how to get from Hanoi to Nanning
- this route is operated by Nanning Railway Bureau of China Railway
- train – China Railway MR1/T8702 (comfortable, Soft Bed)
- travel by train from Hanoi to Nanning takes about 12 hours
- there is 1 train every day in 21:20 of China Railway MR1/T8702
- one-way train ticket costs about 1 000 000 viet.dongs ($50-60/pp)
- train station in Hanoi – Gia Lam Railway Station (481 Ngọc Lâm)
- train station in Nanning – Nanning Railway Station (63 Zhonghua Rd)
This train goes from Hanoi – Gia Lam Railway Station and continue to Dong Dang. Dong Dang is a vietnamese border town in Lang Son province. You need to stock yourself before taking train as there is no restaurant there. In your whole trip you’ll stay on the same train and even on the same room from beginning to end of the trip. While travelling by train you’ll be able to get a view of Vietnamese border. Dong Dang border be the place where you need to show your passport and get them stamped.
Then the train departs from Dong Dang at 02:50 AM in Vietnam and arrives at 04:31 AM to Pingxiang in China. Note that there is +1 hour difference between China and Vietnam. In Pingxiang, passengers must get off the train again and complete immigration entry procedures at Chinese border. After this procedure train continue to Nanning. The train departs from Pingxiang at 06:15 AM. Read also very carefully this article – Visa for China: Who Needs to Apply and How?. In the near future there is also a plan to build a new High-Speed Line from Nanning to Pingxiang.
1. BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Nanning ➜
⚠️ Passenger details according to passport: During the check-in, you will need to present the passport at the boarding gates and validate the full name and the passport number. Passengers will be required to comply with immigration procedures and present their passports with valid visas for Vietnam and China, otherwise boarding may be denied with no right to refund or delay the travel schedule.
➜ If you are not a Vietnamese national or a Vietnam resident and your passport is not included in the list of visa exemption for Vietnam, you will be required a stamped visa to exit Vietnam.
➜ If you are not a Chinese national or a China resident and your passport is not included in the list of visa exemption for China, you will be required a stamped visa to enter China.
Please note that e-visa and visa on-arrival are not accepted at Dong Dang international rail border gate.
B) From Nanning to Hangzhou by the high speed/regular train
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- highspeed or fast modern trains from Nanning to Hangzhou (you can continue to Shanghai)
- high speed trains > travel time is about 11 hours, travel distance 1800 km (1st+2nd class seats, business seat)
- fast trains > travel time is about 21-24 hours, travel distance 1850-2000 km (hard seat, hard+soft sleeper)
- train tickets from Nanning to Hangzhou cost about $40-340 (1st + 2nd class, business…)
- trains depart from Nanning East Railway Station and arrive to Hangzhou East Railway Station
- from Nanning to Hangzhou you can also travel by plane, there are direct flights (about 2.5 hours)
2. BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Hangzhou ➜
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Hangzhou
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- the fastest and comfortable way how to get from Hanoi to Hangzhou
- there are no direct flights from Hanoi to Hangzhou (1 or 2 stopovers/transfers)
- flight time is about 9-14 hours from Hanoi (with transfer in Guangzhou, Nanning or Bangkok or Macao or Changsha…)
- flights from Hanoi to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport costs about 150-450 USD/pp
- airlines to Hangzhou: China Southern, Nok Air, Air Macau, Air China, Air Asia…
- Book your flight from Hanoi to Hangzhou on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- eg. you can book flight with stopover in Nanning
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Hanoi to Hangzhou:
1. How to book and buy tickets + flights from Hanoi to Hangzhou?
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- You can book tickets or flights from Hanoi to Hangzhou on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can also book another tickets, e.g. Hanoi > Guilin, Nanning > Hangzhou…
2. How long does it take from Hanoi to Hangzhou?
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- Travel by plane from Hanoi to Hangzhou takes about 9-14 hour.
- Travel by train from Hanoi to Hangzhou (via Nanning) takes about 24-50 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Hangzhou?
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Hangzhou by plane is about 1762 km.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Hangzhou?
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- Travel by plane from Hanoi to Hangzhou costs about $150-450/pp.
- Travel by train from Hanoi to Hangzhou (via Nanning) costs about $100-400/pp.
5. What is the best way of transport from Hanoi to Hangzhou?
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- The best and fastest comfortable way how to travel to Hangzhou from Hanoi in Vietnam is to travel by plane. It can take about 8-14 hour with stopover. E.g. you can take a flight to Nanning and from Nanning you can take another direct flight to Hangzhou. There are various airlines on this route.
6. What is the most cheapest way of getting from Hanoi to Hangzhou?
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- The most cheapest way of transfer from Hanoi to Hangzhou is to travel by train of Vietnam Railway and China Railways. This sleeper train arrive to Nanning and goes via Lang Son – Dong Dang in Vietnam. Travel by train to Hangzhou from Hanoi costs totally about $75-350/pp. It depends what type of train you will choose and book in China. From Nanning to Hangzhou there are various types of trains of China Railways (highspeed trains, fast trains, 1st-3rd class, business class…).
7. Is it possible to travel by bus from Hanoi to Hangzhou?
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- Teoretically it is possible. There are some private buses or minibuses from Hanoi to Nanning. And from Nanning you can travel by bus to Hangzhou, but it is a little bit complicated and this option takes a lot of time. It does not make a sense to travel by bus from Hanoi to Hangzhou.
8. Is there another way how to travel from Nanning to Hangzhou?
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- Yes, you can also travel by plane to Hangzhou. There are direct flights between Nanning and Hangzhou.
9. What are the top attractions to visit in Hangzhou?
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- Hangzhou, known as the „Paradise on Earth,“ is famous for its natural beauty and historical sites. The top attractions to visit in Hangzhou include the West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque scenery and serene surroundings. The Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in China, is also a must-visit. Other notable attractions include the Six Harmonies Pagoda, the Qinghefang Ancient Street, and the National Tea Museum, where you can learn about China’s tea culture.
10. Can I take a boat ride on the West Lake in Hangzhou?
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- Absolutely! Taking a boat ride on the West Lake is a popular activity for visitors to Hangzhou. You can choose from various boat options, such as traditional wooden boats or electric boats, to cruise along the lake and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, pagodas, and gardens. It’s a relaxing and scenic experience that allows you to appreciate the beauty of Hangzhou’s iconic landmark.
11. Can I explore the Grand Canal in Hangzhou?
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- Yes, the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passes through Hangzhou, making it possible to explore this ancient waterway. The Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal offers charming waterfront scenes, historic bridges, and traditional architecture. You can take a leisurely walk along the canal banks, rent a bicycle to explore the nearby areas, or even take a boat tour to experience the canal’s significance in China’s history and culture.
12. What is the best time to visit Hangzhou?
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- The best time to visit Hangzhou is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather during these periods is generally mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Hangzhou’s natural scenery, such as the West Lake, looks particularly stunning during these seasons. Summers in Hangzhou can be hot and humid, while winters are chilly but relatively mild. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time in Hangzhou.
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