Quick answer: Travelling from Hanoi to Chongqing (China) offers two very different routes: a direct flight that takes just a couple of hours, or a long overland train journey through northern Vietnam and China. The flight is clearly the fastest and most convenient option when you’re short on time or prefer comfort, while the train route is ideal for travellers looking to maximise the experience—passing through border crossings, changing landscapes and countryside villages, and is usually the more budget-friendly choice.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~950 km by air / ~1 350 km+ by land (via Nanning and Guilin)
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~2–3 hours direct (or ~6–12 hours with stopover) | Train route ~25+ hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight ~US $180–300 per person | Train route ~US $120+ per person
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Direct or near-direct flight Hanoi → Chongqing
- 🚆 Best for value & adventurous travel: Train Hanoi → Nanning → Guilin → Chongqing
Last updated in October 2025
Chongqing – another economic center of Western China.
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- Chongqing (Chóngqìng, 重庆) in the last few years a very fast developing city. The Yangtze River – the longest river in Asia, flows through this city and you can also try out some of the boat trips on this river right in the Chongqing city. The Yangtze plays a large role in the history, culture and economy of China. Chongqing is well known also thanks to the Dazu Rock Carving – series of Chinese religious rock reliefs and engravings (about 180 km west of Chongqing). You can travel by train from Hanoi to Chongqing via Nanning and Guilin or also via Kunming.
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From Hanoi to Chongqing in China you can travel by train or plane.
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Chongqing in China is about 950 km by plane and about 1350 km by land. There are 2 ways of transfer to Chongqing – travel by train or plane. The best and fastest way how to get to Chongqing from Hanoi in Vietnam is to travel by plane. There is no direct flight between these cities, so you have to travel with stopover. Flight from Hanoi to Chongqing takes about 6-12 hours with stopover in another city in China. These fligthts to Chingqing are operady by various airlines: China Southern, Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Air Asia and other well-know airlines. Travel by plane from Hanoi to Chongqing costs about $180 – 300/pp. Another way how to reach Chongqing is to travel by train via Nanning, Guilin and Guiyang, but it takes a lot of time. But you can travel by train from Hanoi to Nanning by Vietnam Railway + China Railway sleeper train and from Nanning you can take a flight to Chongqing. Travel by train to Nanning form Hanoi via Lang Son takes about 12 hours. Travel by bus to from Hanoi to Chongqing does not make a sense. You can book train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Chongqing in China easily online.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Chongqing: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train (via Nanning and Guilin) | 25+ hours | $120+/pp |
| Plane (Flights with stopover) | 6-12 hours | $200+/pp |
1. Train from Hanoi to Chongqing
A) From Hanoi to Nanning (China) by train
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- interesting experience is to travel by train in Vietnam and China (you will see beautiful landscapes)
- a cheapest option how to get from Hanoi to Nanning
- this route is operated by Nanning Railway Bureau of China Railway
- travel by train takes about 12 hours from Hanoi to Nanning Railway Station
- there is 1 train every day in 21:20 of China Railway MR1/T8702 from Hanoi to Nanning
- one-way train ticket to Nanning costs about $55-60/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.
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⚠️ 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 Guilin by train (highspeed)
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- highspeed or fast modern trains from Nanning to Guilin (Guilin – a nice place for visit)
- highspeed trains > travel time about 2-3 hours, about 370 km (1st+2nd class seats, business seat)
- fast trains > travel time about 5.5 hours, about 390 or 440 km (hard seat, hard+soft sleeper)
- train tickets from Nanning to Guilin cost about $10-67/pp
C) From Guilin to Guiyang by train (highspeed)
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- highspeed modern trains from Guilin to Guiyang (1st+2nd class seats, business seat)
- highspeed trains > travel time from Guilin to Guiyang about 2-3 hours, about 420 km
- train tickets from Guilin to Guiyang cost about $25-48/pp
D) From Guiyang to Chongqing by train (fast)
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- fast modern trains from Guiyang to Chongqing
- highspeed trains > travel time from Guiyang to Chongqing about 3 hours
- fast trains > travel time about 10-11 hours, about 460 km (standing, hard seat, hard+soft sleeper)
- train tickets from Guiyang to Chongqing cost about $25-48/pp
- Book and buy train e-tickets from Nanning to Chongqing on 12go.asia ➜
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Chongqing
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- another fast and comfortable way how to get from Hanoi to Chongqing
- stopover in Guangzhou or Bangkok or Changsha (there is no direct flight from Hanoi to Chongqing)
- airlines: China Southern, Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Air Asia…
- the flight with one stopover costs about $180 – 300/pp
- airport in Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport
- airport in Chongqing: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
- flight time can be about 6-12 hours from Hanoi (depends on the stopover)
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Hanoi to Chongqing in China:
1. How to book train tickets or direct flights from Hanoi to Chongqing?
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- You can book flights/train tickets from Hanoi to Chongqing on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can search and book train tickets in China, Vietnam, Thailand…
2. How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Chongqing?
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- Travel by train from Hanoi to Chongqing (via Nanning and Guilin) takes about 25+ hours.
- Travel by plane (no direct flights) from Hanoi to Chongqing takes about 6-12 hours.
3. How far is Chongqing in China from Hanoi?
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Chongqing is about 950 km by plane and about 1350 km by land.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Chongqing?
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- Travel by plane (no direct flight) from Hanoi to Chongqing costs about $200+/pp.
- Travel by train (via Nanning, Guilin) from Hanoi to Chongqing costs about $120+/pp.
5. What is the best and fastest way of getting from Hanoi to Chongqing?
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- The best and fastest way of getting from Hanoi to Chongqing in China is to travel by plane. There are no direct flights, so it is necessary to travel with stopovers. E.g. you can travel by plane to Nanning and from Nanning to Chongqing.
6. What is the cheapest option of travel from Hanoi to Chongqing?
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- The cheapest way how to reach Chonqging in China from Hanoi is to travel by train via Nanning.
7. How to travel from Hanoi to Nanning?
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- From Hanoi to Nanning in China you can travel by train, plane or bus/minivan. Travel by train is a popular option, there is a sleeper train via Lang Son and Pinxiang, travel time is about 12 hours by train. There are also direct flights to Nanning. From Nanning you can travel by train to Chongqing with stopovers in Guilin, Guiyang.
8. Which interesting places you can visit in Chongqing?
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- You can see and visit various interesting places in Chongqing, e.g.: Hongya Cave, Foreigner Street, Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Great Hall of the People, Three Gorges Museum, Ancient Town of Ciqikou, Chaotianmen, Yangtze River Cruise, Dazu Rock Carvings (180 km west of Chongqing)…
9. What are the top attractions to visit in Chongqing?
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- Chongqing, a sprawling city in southwestern China, offers a range of attractions to explore. The must-visit attractions include the Three Gorges Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Three Gorges region; Ciqikou Ancient Town, a preserved old town with traditional architecture and vibrant street life; the Yangtze River Cableway, which provides panoramic views of the city and the Yangtze River; Hongya Cave, a multi-level stilted building complex with shops, restaurants, and beautiful night views; and Eling Park, a hilltop park that offers a peaceful escape and sweeping city views.
10. Can I take a Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing?
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- Yes, Chongqing is one of the major starting points for Yangtze River cruises. You can embark on a memorable cruise journey that takes you through the breathtaking Three Gorges region. The cruises usually last for several days, allowing you to experience the stunning landscapes, navigate through the famous Three Gorges Dam, and explore the cultural and historical sites along the river. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Yangtze River.
11. Is it possible to visit the Dazu Rock Carvings from Chongqing?
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- Yes, it is possible to visit the Dazu Rock Carvings from Chongqing. The Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are located approximately 167 kilometers (104 miles) away from Chongqing. You can take a day trip or join a guided tour to visit this remarkable collection of over 50,000 Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian rock carvings that date back to the 9th century. It’s a fascinating excursion that showcases intricate stone sculptures and provides insights into ancient Chinese art and religion.
12. What is the best time to visit Chongqing?
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- Chongqing has a subtropical monsoon climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to visit Chongqing is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally pleasant. During these periods, you can enjoy mild temperatures and less rainfall. Summers in Chongqing can be sweltering with high humidity, while winters are relatively mild but can experience occasional foggy days. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time in Chongqing.
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