HANOI to CHENGDU → Train, Flight, Bus? ☀️

hanoi-to-chengdu-china
How to get from Hanoi to Chengdu in China? You can travel to Chengdu by train or use a flight.

1. Train – Hanoi to Chengdu
2. Flight – Hanoi to Chengdu
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🎫 Book Ticket to Chengdu

From Hanoi in Vietnam to Chengdu in China you can travel by train or plane.

    • From Hanoi, Vietnam, to Chengdu in China, the distance is approximately 1080 km by air and about 1600 km by land. Opting for direct flights presents the best and fastest option, although flight schedules are somewhat limited. Alternatively, various flights with stopovers, such as in Kunming, are available. Another route is by train from Hanoi to Chengdu. If traveling by train, begin with a Vietnam Railways train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (approximately 8 hours), then cross the border to Hekou in China. From Hekou North Railway Station, continue by China Railways train to Kunming (seats, 3.5-7 hours) and from Kunming to Chengdu (seats, 5-7 hours). The total travel time by train from Hanoi to Chengdu, via Lao Cai in Vietnam, Hekou, and Kunming in China, is about 20-30 hours. Trains arrive at Chengdu East Railway Station. Easily search and book train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Chengdu in China online.

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Chengdu


Chengdu in the Sichuan province – a major economic center of China.

    • Chengdu (Chéng​dū, 成都, Sichuan province) – ranks as the 5th largest city and serves as a key economic hub in China. It holds the capital status of Sichuan province and boasts a population of approximately 15 million in the Chengdu city prefecture. Chengdu Shuangliu Airport stands as one of China’s major air transportation hubs, offering flights to numerous international destinations and most major Chinese cities. Within the city, transportation options include a metro system, extensive bus network, private taxis, and bicycles. Chengdu boasts a vibrant nightlife, featuring modern Western-style buildings in the expansive city center, along with attractions such as the Chengdu Museum and chic hotels. With a mix of new and historical landmarks, Chengdu offers an array of popular tourist sites to explore. Renowned for its beloved giant pandas and delectable Sichuan cuisine like hotpot, Chengdu remains a sought-after destination. Giant pandas are a primary draw for visitors, making Chengdu a must-visit destination. From Chengdu, travelers can also journey by train or plane to Tibet.
Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Chengdu: Travel Time Cost Range
Train (via Lao Cai, Hekou North, Kunming) 20-30 hours $90-300/pp
Plane (direct flight) 2.5 hours $200-300/pp
Plane (with stopover) N/A $600+/pp

1. Train from From Hanoi to Chengdu


A) From Hanoi to Lao Cai by train (border town)

    • Trains from Hanoi run to Lao Cai town (340 km from Hanoi), it is the end station and the border town (25 km from Sapa). Trains may be from Vietnam Railways with less comfort (ofic.vietnamese railways) or also trains for tourists (also 2-bed cabin in train), but also more expensive (Orient Express, King Express, Fansipan, Sapaly, Livitrans…). Travel by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes about 7.5-8 hours. You can search and buy train tickets online. From Lao Cai Railway station you need to go or take a taxi to the border crossing, cross the border to Hekou (China), only about 2 km.
    • Book and buy train e-tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜

Vietnam Railways trains – SP1, SP3, SP7, LC3:

    • hard or soft seat – price for one-way ticket from 120 000 – 160 000 Viet.dongs / 1 person
    • hard bed (6-bed cabin) or soft bed (4-bed cabin) – price for one-way ticket from 270 000 – 400 000 Viet.dongs / 1 person
    • SP = new trains, LC3 = old train, carry-on baggage – 20 kg
    • seat selection available online on Baolau

Tourist and private train operators (added to SP1 + SP3):

    • Livitrans, Violette Train, Oriental Express, King Express, Sapaly, PV2, Fansipan Express, Victoria Express
    • price from 700 000 – 1 800 000 Viet.dongs / 1 person – soft bed (depend on the type of cabin)
    • better quality and service, 2 or 4-bed cabins, carry-on baggage – 20 kg
    • the most deluxe train – Victoria Express Train (price for ticket from 2 500 000 – 3 500 000 Viet.dongs)
    • Read this article: Luxury tourist trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai
vietnam-train-seat-cabin-berth
Trains in Vietnam are renovated, new and clean. Soft seats and 4-berth cabin (photo: Baolau)


➜ For bookings with Royal Railway and private railway companies
Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express and Saigon Golden Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email to collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.

➜ For bookings with Vietnam Railways and private railway companies Livitrans Express and Violette Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present when boarding the train.

➜ If you buy bus tickets online on Baolau or 12go.asia, you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus

B) From Hekou (China) to Kunming by train (400 km)

    • Hekou North Railway Station (or Hekou Bei Train Station) is about 4 km from the center of Hekou town in China (border town), so the best way how to get there is go by taxi. It is about 6 km from Lao Cai City.
    • from Hekou North Railway Station you can go by train of China Railways to Kunming
    • one-way train ticket from Hekou North to Kunming costs about $8-31/pp
    • there are seat trains to Kunming – first class seat, second class seat, or hard seat (C+K trains)
    • C-trains are the fastest trains, K-train is the slowest train – but the most cheapest option
    • there are about 4-5 trains every day from Hekou North to Kunming
    • travel by train from Hekou North to Kunming takes about 3.5-7 hours
    • trains arrive to Kunming South or Kuming Railway Station in Kunming City
    • Book train tickets from Hekou North to Kunming on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜

C) From Kunming to Chengdu by train (1 100 km)

    • from Kunming you can go by train of China Railways to Chengdu
    • one-way train ticket from Kunming to Chengdu costs about $69-235/pp
    • there are seat trains to Chengdu – first class seat, second class seat, premium or business seat (G trains)
    • the most cheapest option is second class seat
    • there are a lot of trains every day from Kunming to Chengdu
    • travel by train from Kunming to Chengdu takes about 5-7 hours
    • trains departs from Kunming South or Kuming Railway Station
    • trains arrive to Chengdu East Railway Station
    • Book train tickets from Kunming to Chengdu on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
    • there are also direct flights from Kunming to Chengdu (about 1.5 hour)
train-hekou-to-chengdu-china
From Hekou to Chengdu you can travel by train of China Railways via Kunming. The fastest option takes totally about 9 hours.


2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Chengdu

    • this is the most comfortable and fastest way how to get from Hanoi to Chengdu
    • there is a direct flight from Hanoi to Chengdu (but it is limited)
    • you can also take a flight to Kunming and in Kunming take another flight to Chengdu
    • airlines from Hanoi to Chengdu: China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines, China Southern, Vietnam Airlines
    • direct flight from Hanoi to Chengdu takes about 2.5 hours
    • direct fligth from Hanoi to Chengdu costs about $200/pp, flight with stopover about $600+/pp
    • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is about 30 km south from the city center
    • from the Chengdu airport to the city is possible to go by bus or taxi/car
    • Book flights from Hanoi to Chengdu online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
    • metro line #10 operates between the airport and the city center, line #10 connects directly to line #3
best-cheap-hostels-chengdu-china
Chengdu Flipflop Lounge Hostel (photo: Agoda). 15 best cheap backpackers hostels in Chengdu.
best-cheap-hotels-chengdu-china
Xishu Garden Inn in Chengdu (photo: Agoda). 15 best cheap hotels in Chengdu.
best-luxury-hotels-chengdu
The Temple House in Chengdu (photo: Agoda). 15 best luxury 5 star hotels and resorts in Chengdu.


FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Hanoi to Chengdu:

1. How to book train tickets or direct flights from Hanoi to Chengdu?

    • You can book flights/train tickets from Hanoi to Chengdu on Baolau or 12go.asia.
    • You can search and book train tickets also for another routes, e.g. Kunming > Chengdu…

2. How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Chengdu?

    • Travel by train from Hanoi to Chengdu (via Lao Cai, Hekou North, Kunming) takes about 20-30 hours.
    • Travel by plane (direct flight) from Hanoi to Chengdu takes about 2.5 hours.

3. How far is Chengdu in China from Hanoi in Vietnam?

    • Travel distance from Hanoi to Chengdu is about 1080 km by plane and about 1600 km by land.

4. How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Chengdu?

    • Direct flight from Hanoi to Chengdu costs about $200-300/pp, flight with stopover about $600+/pp.
    • Travel by train (via Lao Cai, Hekou North, Kunming) from Hanoi to Chengdu costs about $90-300/pp.

5. What is the best and fastest way of transport from Hanoi to Chengdu?

    • The best and fastest way of getting from Hanoi to Chengdu is to travel by plane. There are direct flights, but it is limited. There are also flights with stopovers in another cities in China, e.g. in Kunming.

6. Is there a direct train from Hanoi to Chengdu?

    • No, there are no direct trains from Hanoi to Chengdu. It is necessary to travel by train via Lao Cai, Hekou and Kunming.

7. What types of train you can take from Hanoi to Lao Cai?

    • There are seat and sleeper trains of Vietnam Railways + various private luxury tourist trains. Travel time by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai is about 8 hours, so it is better to book sleeper berth.

8. How to travel by train from Hanoi to Chengdu in China?

    • If you want to travel by train to Chengdu from Hanoi, you have to take and book 3 trains. This way has 3 steps: 1.step – train of Vietnam Railway from Hanoi to Lao Cai (in Lao Cai cross the border to Hekou), 2.step – train of China Railway from Hekou North to Kunming, 3.step – train from Kunming to Chengdu.

9. Which interesting places you can visit in Chengdu?

    • You can visit and see various interesting places in Chengdu, e.g.: Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi), Mount Qingcheng, Jinli Pedestrian Street, Wenshu Yuan Monastery, Qingyang Palace (Green Ram Temple), Luodai Ancient Town, Chengdu Culture Park, Jinsha Site Museum, Du Fu Cottage, Sichuan Museum, Wuhou Memorial Temple

10. What is the best time to visit Chengdu

    • The best time to visit Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province in China, is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather in Chengdu is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall. Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers clear skies and vibrant foliage. One of the main reasons to visit Chengdu is to see the giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Spring and autumn provide comfortable weather for observing these adorable creatures and exploring the panda reserve.

BOOK your HOTEL in Chengdu

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Chengu


🎫 Book your train tickets/flights from Hanoi to Chengdu + Schedule:

(You can search and book another route + tickets, e.g. Hanoi > Lao Cai, Kunming > Chengdu…)

Hanoi to Kunming ➔

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