Flight (with stopover)
Fastest and easiest but more expensive
Train (via Nanning)
Comfortable option with transfer in China
Bus / van + train
Cheapest option but very long and tiring
Motorbike
Not practical for this long cross-border route
Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Guilin (China) can be done by train via Nanning, by bus/van overland, or by flight with a stopover. The train offers the best balance between cost and time, the bus is the cheapest but longest, and the flight is the fastest option, but the most expensive option. There is a train from Hanoi to Nanning and from Nanning to Guilin, train transfer has 2 steps.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~650 km by air / ~800 km by land
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train (via Nanning) ~16 h | Bus ~30–32 h | Flight (with stopover) ~9–15 h
- 💰 Price range: Train US$72–180 per person | Bus US$45 per person | Flight US$180–300 per person
- 🚆 Best for value & time: Train via Nanning
- 🚌 Best for lowest cost: Bus/van overland
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Flight with stopover
Last updated in March 2026
How to get from Hanoi to Guilin?
The distance from Hanoi to Guilin is about 650 km by air and 800 km by land. Travelers can reach Guilin by train via Nanning, by bus and train combination, or by flight with a stopover. Train travel takes about 16 hours via Nanning, while flights usually take 9–15 hours. Train tickets, bus tickets, and flights can be searched and booked online in advance.
Book train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Guilin on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
Guilin – famous for its spectacular karst landscapes.
Guilin (Guìlín) is one of the most scenic destinations in southern China. The city is renowned for its dramatic limestone mountains, the beautiful Li River, and picturesque countryside that resembles parts of Cao Bang Province in Vietnam. Guilin is also a popular gateway to Yangshuo and other natural attractions in Guangxi Province.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Guilin: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train (via Nanning) | 16 hours | $72-180/pp |
| Plane (with stopover) | 9-15 hours | $180-300/pp |
| Bus/Limousine (via Nanning) | 30-32 hours | $45/pp |
How do I get from Hanoi to Guilin?
👉 Train via Nanning is a scenic and budget-friendly way from Hanoi to Guilin.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking an authentic cross-border rail experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~16 hours
- ✔️ Price: $72–180 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (overnight sleeper + Chinese train connections)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper train MR1/T8702 to Nanning + onward China Railway train to Guilin
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance, prepare visas for both countries, and be ready for border checks during the night.
1. Train from Hanoi to Guilin (via Nanning)
The international train operated by Vietnam Railways and China Railways is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel from Hanoi to Guilin. The journey takes approximately 16 hours and continues through Nanning in southern China.
- International train: MR1 / T8702 (soft sleeper berths available)
- Travel time: about 16 hours
- Ticket price: approximately $72–180 per person
- Departure: 1 train daily from Hanoi at around 21:20
- Departure station: Gia Lam Railway Station
- Arrival station: Guilin Railway Station
- Alternative route: limousine/van to Nanning + train to Guilin
Book train tickets from Hanoi to Guilin online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
The train travels from Hanoi to the border town of Dong Dang, where Vietnamese exit procedures take place. After crossing into China at Pingxiang, passengers complete Chinese immigration checks before continuing to Nanning and Guilin. In most cases, you remain on the same train and in the same sleeper cabin throughout the journey.
⚠️ Passport and Visa Requirements
Passenger details on the ticket must exactly match the passport. During boarding and border checks, you must present a valid passport and any required visas for Vietnam and China.
➜ Travelers who are not eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption program may need a valid visa to exit Vietnam.
➜ Travelers who are not eligible for China’s visa exemption program may need a valid visa to enter China.
Please note that e-visa and visa on-arrival are not accepted at Dong Dang international rail border gate.
2. Bus from Hanoi to Guilin (via Nanning)
Traveling by tourist bus is the cheapest way to reach Guilin from Hanoi. Most routes operate via Nanning, where passengers usually change buses before continuing to Guilin. This option is suitable for budget travelers who do not mind a long overland journey.
- Travel by tourist bus via Nanning in southern China
- Travel time: approximately 27–43 hours
- Ticket price: about $45 per person
- Bus operators: Son Duc, 966800 and other regional companies
- Usually includes a transfer or stopover in Nanning
- Departure points are available in central Hanoi
- A budget-friendly alternative to flights and trains
Book and buy bus tickets from Hanoi to Guilin online on Baolau ➜.
Because the journey is very long, it is recommended to bring snacks, water, a power bank, and travel essentials. Passengers also need to complete immigration procedures at the Vietnam–China border crossing before continuing to Nanning and Guilin.
3. Flights from Hanoi to Guilin
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Hanoi to Guilin. Although there are usually no direct flights on this route, several airlines offer connections via major Chinese cities such as Nanning, Guangzhou, Kunming, or other hubs.
- Fastest transport option between Hanoi and Guilin
- Flights typically include 1 stopover in China
- Flight time: approximately 9–15 hours
- Average airfare: about $180–300 per person
- Arrival airport: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
- Several daily connections are available throughout the year
- Ideal for travelers with limited time
Popular airlines on this route include China Eastern, China Southern, Xiamen Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Air China, and other regional carriers.
Search and book flights from Hanoi to Guilin online on 12go.asia ➜.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Hanoi to Guilin in China
How to book train tickets, bus tickets, or flights from Hanoi to Guilin?
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Guilin?
Travel time is about 16 hours by train, 9–15 hours by flight, or 27–43 hours by bus via Nanning.
How far is Guilin from Hanoi?
The distance from Hanoi to Guilin is about 650 km by air and around 800 km by land.
How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Guilin?
Flights cost about $180–300, trains about $72–180, and buses from around $45 per person.
What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Guilin?
The fastest option is a flight with a stopover, usually via Nanning, Guangzhou, or another city in China.
What is the cheapest transport option from Hanoi to Guilin?
The cheapest way to travel is usually by tourist bus via Nanning, with tickets starting at around $45 per person.
Should I choose the train or the bus?
The train is the better option for most travelers, offering sleeper cabins, more comfort, and a shorter journey.
What are the best places to visit in Guilin?
Popular attractions include the Li River, Yangshuo, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Longji Rice Terraces.
Can I take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo?
Yes, the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of the most popular experiences in the region and takes about 4–5 hours.
What is Guilin famous for?
Guilin is famous for its karst mountains, scenic rivers, limestone caves, and some of China’s most beautiful landscapes.
What places can I visit near Guilin?
Popular day trips include Yangshuo, Xingping Ancient Town, Longji Rice Terraces, and Daxu Ancient Town.
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are pleasant and skies are often clear.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Guilin
Traveling from Hanoi to Guilin covers about 650 km by air and around 800 km by land. Travelers can choose between a train via Nanning, a tourist bus, or a flight with a stopover in China.
- Choose a Flight for Speed: Flights with a stopover are the fastest option and usually take 9–15 hours.
- Take the Train for Comfort: International trains via Nanning offer sleeper berths and take about 16 hours.
- Use the Bus for a Lower Budget: Tourist buses via Nanning are cheaper, but the journey can exceed 30 hours.
- Prepare for Border Procedures: Overland routes cross the Vietnam–China border, so make sure your passport and visa are valid.
- Pack for a Long Journey: Bring water, snacks, a power bank, and a travel pillow for extra comfort.
- Explore More of China: From Guilin, you can continue by train to destinations such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or other major cities.
Tip: Train tickets, bus tickets, and flights from Hanoi to Guilin can be searched and booked online in advance.