Flight
Fastest option, direct or short connection flights available
Direct train
Unique long-distance journey with sleeper cabins and border crossing
Train via Nanning
Cheaper option with transfer and shorter train segments
Bus combinations
Very long route with multiple changes and complex border crossing
Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Beijing (China) is possible by direct or connecting flight, or by train via Nanning. Flying is the fastest and most convenient option, while the train offers a scenic cross-border journey through Vietnam and China, making it a great choice for travelers with more time.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~2,400‑3,000 km by train route | ~2,300‑2,500 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train via Nanning ~34‑36 hours | Flight direct ~3.5 hours (or longer with stop‑over)
- 💰 Price range: Train roughly US $100‑250 per person | Flights start at around US $200+ per person
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Flight Hanoi → Beijing (direct or via stop‑over)
- 🚆 Best for adventure & value: Train Hanoi → Nanning → Beijing, if you have the time and want to enjoy the journey
Last updated in April 2026
How to travel from Hanoi to Beijing
You can travel from Hanoi to Beijing by direct or connecting flight, or by international train via Nanning. Flying is the fastest option, while the train offers a unique cross-border journey through Vietnam and China.
The railway route covers nearly 3,000 km. The sleeper train from Hanoi to Nanning takes about 12 hours, followed by high-speed or overnight trains to Beijing. Direct flights take about 3.5 hours and are the most comfortable choice. From Beijing, you can also continue by high-speed train or plane to Shanghai or Xian.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Beijing ➜
Beijing is China’s historic and cultural capital.
Beijing (北京) is the capital of China and one of the world’s most visited cities. It is famous for landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace.
The nearby Great Wall of China is one of the country’s top attractions and can be visited on a day trip from the city. Beijing is also a major transport hub with excellent high-speed rail connections throughout China.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Beijing: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane – Direct Flight | 3.5 hours | $200+/pp |
| Train by China Railway via Nanning | 36 hours | $100-250/pp |
How do I get from Hanoi to Beijing?
1. Train from Hanoi to Beijing via Nanning
👉 Train via Nanning is a classic long-distance route from Hanoi to Beijing.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers seeking a traditional rail journey across Vietnam and China
- ✔️ Travel time: ~23–40 hours (depending on train types)
- ✔️ Cost: $90–280 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: moderate to high (soft sleepers or high-speed train seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper train to Nanning + high-speed train to Beijing
- 💡 Tip: Book key segments early and prepare documents for border control.
A) From Hanoi to Nanning by International Train
The international sleeper train from Hanoi to Nanning is the most popular overland route between Vietnam and China. It offers a comfortable journey with border formalities completed during the trip and easy connections to China’s high-speed rail network.
- Affordable and scenic way to travel to China.
- Operated by Vietnam Railways and China Railway (MR1/T8702).
- Travel time is about 12 hours via Pingxiang.
- One train departs daily at 21:20 from Hanoi.
- Train tickets cost about $50–60 per person.
- Departure from Gia Lam Railway Station.
- If tickets are unavailable, try another departure date as availability is limited.
The train stops at Dong Dang in Lang Son province for Vietnamese exit immigration before continuing to Pingxiang, where passengers complete Chinese immigration. After border procedures, the train continues directly to Nanning. China is one hour ahead of Vietnam.
Before traveling, check the latest visa requirements: Visa for China: Who Needs to Apply and How?. A new high-speed railway between Pingxiang and Nanning is also planned.
1. BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Nanning ➜
⚠️ Important: Your passport details must exactly match your ticket. A valid passport and the required visas for Vietnam and China are mandatory.
Vietnam e-visas and visa on arrival are not accepted for exit through the Dong Dang international railway border crossing.
B) From Nanning to Beijing by Train
From Nanning, you can continue to Beijing by high-speed or overnight train. High-speed services are the fastest option, while overnight trains offer sleeper berths for a more relaxed long-distance journey.
- China Railway operates high-speed (G) and regular (T, Z) trains.
- High-speed trains take about 11–13 hours.
- Regular trains take about 23–30 hours.
- Tickets cost about $38–220 per person.
- Trains depart from Nanning Railway Station or Nanning East.
- Most trains arrive at Beijing West Railway Station.
- Direct flights between Nanning and Beijing are also available and take about 3.5 hours.
2. BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Beijing ➜
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Beijing
👉 Flights are the fastest and most comfortable way from Hanoi to Beijing.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want a quick and hassle-free journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3.5 hours (direct) or longer with stopovers
- ✔️ Cost: from $200+ per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (wide choice of airlines and flight classes)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flights with airlines like Vietnam Airlines or China Southern
- 💡 Tip: Book early and compare direct vs. connecting flights for best value.
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Hanoi to Beijing. You can choose between direct flights or connections via other Asian cities.
- Direct flights take about 3.5 hours.
- Flights depart from Noi Bai International Airport.
- Arrival is at Beijing Daxing International Airport.
- Airfares start from about $200 per person.
- Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, China Southern, China Eastern, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Asiana Airlines.
- Book flights from Hanoi to Beijing online on Baolau ➜.
- Noi Bai Airport is easily reached by Airport Express Bus No. 86 or taxi.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Hanoi to Beijing
How to book train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Beijing?
Book train tickets and flights online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Beijing?
Direct flights take about 3.5 hours. Train travel via Nanning takes about 36 hours.
What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Beijing?
The distance from Hanoi to Beijing is about 2,400 km by air and 3,000 km by rail.
How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Beijing?
Flights start from about $200, while train tickets cost around $100–250 per person.
What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Beijing?
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable option.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Hanoi to Beijing?
Direct flights are often cheaper than the train, especially when booked in advance.
How do I get from Hanoi city center to Noi Bai Airport?
Take Express Bus No. 86, a local bus, or a taxi. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Is there an alternative overland route to Beijing?
Yes. Travel by train to Nanning, then continue to Beijing by high-speed or overnight train.
What are the top attractions in Beijing?
Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace.
How can I visit the Great Wall from Beijing?
Popular sections include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling, accessible by tours, buses, or private transport.
Where are the best shopping areas in Beijing?
Silk Street Market, Wangfujing Street, and Panjiayuan Antique Market are among the most popular.
Can I visit the Forbidden City?
Yes. The Forbidden City is open to visitors, but booking tickets in advance is recommended.
How can I get around Beijing?
The subway is the fastest option. Buses, taxis, and bike-sharing are also widely available.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Beijing
Traveling from Hanoi to Beijing covers about 2,400 km by air. You can travel by direct flight or by international train via Nanning and the Vietnam–China border crossing.
- Fly to Save Time: Direct flights take about 3.5 hours and are the fastest option.
- Travel by Train: The route via Nanning offers a scenic journey through Vietnam and China.
- Prepare Your Documents: Carry a valid passport and Chinese visa before departure.
- Pack for the Season: Beijing winters are much colder than Hanoi, so check the weather forecast.
- Use Beijing’s Metro: The subway is the fastest way to reach the city’s main attractions.
- Book Early: Flights and train tickets often sell out during holidays and peak travel periods.
Tip: Train tickets and flights from Hanoi to Beijing can be searched and booked online in advance.