Flight
Fastest and easiest but more expensive
Train (overnight sleeper)
Comfortable journey with sleeper beds
Bus / limousine van
Cheapest option but less comfortable
Motorbike
Not practical for this long cross-border route
Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Nanning in China is possible by bus, van, train, or flight. Buses and vans are the cheapest and most popular option, while trains offer more comfort via the Đồng Đăng – Pingxiang border crossing. Flights are the fastest option but usually more expensive.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 370–400 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus 9–10 hours • Train about 12 hours • Flight 1–6 hours.
- 💰 Ticket price: Bus $24–43 • Train $50–60 • Flights from about $120.
- 🚍 Best budget option: Bus or van via the Vietnam–China border.
- 🚆 Best comfort: Train via Đồng Đăng and Pingxiang.
- 🛂 Border crossing: Passport and China visa may be required.
Last updated: March 2026
From Hanoi to Nanning you can travel by train, bus/van, or plane.
Travel distance from Hanoi to Nanning in China is about 380 km via Lang Son. The most popular transport options are the international train, tourist bus/minivan, or direct flight.
A comfortable option is the overnight sleeper train operated by Vietnam Railways and China Railways. The train travels via Dong Dang and Pingxiang and reaches Nanning in about 12–13 hours. Train tickets cost around $50–60/pp.
The cheapest option is a bus or minivan via Lang Son. Travel time is about 8–10 hours and tickets cost around $24–43/pp. The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 1.5 hours and costing approximately $120–150/pp.
From Nanning, you can continue by train to other cities in China. From Hanoi, you can also travel to Beijing or Shanghai.
Nanning – Gateway to Southern China
Nanning is the capital of Guangxi Province and an important railway hub in southern China. It offers fast train connections to major cities and is one of the easiest Chinese destinations to reach from northern Vietnam.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Nanning | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (direct flight) | 1 hour, 6–10 hours with stopover | $120–170 per person |
| Sleeper Train (Vietnam + China Railway) | 12 hours | $50-60 per person |
| Bus, Limousine, Van | 8–9 hours | $24–43 per person |
How to get from Hanoi to Nanning?
1. TRAIN from Hanoi to Nanning
👉 Train is a scenic and budget-friendly way from Hanoi to Nanning.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking an authentic experience and overnight journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~12 hours
- ✔️ Price: $50–60 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleeper train cabins with basic facilities)
- ✅ Best option: Overnight sleeper train MR1/T8702 operated by China Railway
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and exchange your e-voucher at Gia Lam Station before departure; prepare for border checks during the night.
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- interesting experience is to travel by train in Vietnam and China (you will see beautiful landscapes)
- a cheap option how to get from Hanoi to Nanning
- sleeper MR1/T8702 train from Hanoi to Nanning is operated by China Railway
- travel by train from Hanoi to Nanning takes about 12 hours
- there is 1 train every day, departs at 21:20 – MR1/T8702 train from Hanoi to Nanning
- 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 is a top travel route from Hanoi to Nanning – recommended – book your train tickets online!
NOTE: You will receive an electronic voucher attached to your booking confirmation by email. You can exchange this electronic voucher for the physical tickets at the Gia Lam station in Hanoi before boarding, print you voucher. Passenger must present voucher of the e-ticket along with the passport.
This train goes from Hanoi – Gia Lam Railway Station and continue to Dong Dang. Dong Dang is a Vietnamese border 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. Train arrives at about 02:00 in Dong Dang Railway Station.
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.
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.
2. TOURIST BUS / LIMOUSINE from Hanoi to Nanning
👉 Tourist bus / limousine is a cheap and fairly comfortable way from Hanoi to Nanning.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who still want decent comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~8–9 hours
- ✔️ Price: $24–43 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern buses, limousines or sleeper vans)
- ✅ Best option: Tourist buses or limousines with companies like Techbus VN, Grouptour or Luxury Van Limousine
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and be prepared for border crossing procedures during the trip.
A popular and budget-friendly way to travel from Hanoi to Nanning is by tourist bus, limousine, van, or modern sleeper bus. Ticket prices range from about $24–43/pp, making this one of the cheapest transport options between Vietnam and China.
The journey takes approximately 8–9 hours, depending on traffic and border procedures. Most services travel via Lang Son and the Huu Nghi / Friendship Pass border crossing before continuing to Nanning.
Companies such as Techbus VN, Son Duc Limousine, Luxury Van Limousine, and Grouptour operate modern vehicles with comfortable seats, air-conditioning, and luggage space. Departure and arrival points may vary, so always check the details before booking.
For extra comfort, some operators also provide sleeper buses with reclining seats or flat beds, suitable for overnight travel. Bus transport is a good choice for travelers looking for an affordable and direct overland connection from Hanoi to Nanning.
3. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Nanning
👉 Flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Hanoi to Nanning.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel comfortably
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour (direct) or ~6–7 hours (with stopover)
- ✔️ Price: $120–170 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft with full-service airlines)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flights with China Eastern Airlines or connecting flights with China Southern
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance and consider direct flights to save the most time.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Hanoi to Nanning is by plane. Direct flights operate between the two cities, while some airlines also offer connecting flights via other Chinese cities.
A direct flight from Hanoi to Nanning takes about 1–1.5 hours. Flights with a stopover can take around 5–7 hours, depending on the connection. Airlines on this route may include China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and other regional carriers.
Flight prices usually range from $120–170/pp for direct services, although fares can vary throughout the year. Booking in advance often helps secure better prices and more flight options.
Flights depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and arrive at Nanning Wuxu International Airport. For travelers with limited time, flying is the most efficient way to reach Nanning from northern Vietnam.
❓ Hanoi to Nanning in China – FAQ + Travel Tips:
How to book tickets or flights from Hanoi to Nanning?
What is the travel time from Hanoi to Nanning?
Travel time is about 1–1.5 hours by flight, 8–10 hours by bus or van, and around 12–13 hours by international train.
What is the distance from Hanoi to Nanning?
The travel distance from Hanoi to Nanning is approximately 370–400 km via Lang Son and the China–Vietnam border.
How much does travel from Hanoi to Nanning cost?
Bus tickets cost about $24–43/pp, train tickets about $50–60/pp, and flights usually start from around $120/pp.
What is the best way to travel from Hanoi to Nanning?
The fastest and most comfortable option is a direct flight, while the international train offers a unique cross-border travel experience.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Nanning?
The cheapest option is usually a tourist bus or minivan via the Lang Son border crossing.
From which station does the train to Nanning depart?
The international train to Nanning departs from Gia Lam Railway Station in Hanoi.
Why visit Nanning from Hanoi?
Nanning offers Chinese culture, local cuisine, parks, shopping districts, and convenient rail connections to other cities in China.
How to get around in Nanning?
You can travel around Nanning by metro, public buses, taxis, or ride-sharing services such as Didi.
How to travel from Nanning to Vietnam?
You can return to Vietnam by international train via Pingxiang, tourist bus, minivan, or direct flight.
What is the best time to visit Nanning?
The best time to visit Nanning is from October to April, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is lower.
Where to stay in Nanning?
Nanning offers many hotels and accommodation options near the city center, metro stations, and railway stations.
Best Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Nanning
🚆 Train
Advantages:
- Comfortable sleeper train
- Scenic border route
- Direct international connection
Disadvantages:
- Longer travel time
- Only 1 departure daily
🚌 Bus / Van
Advantages:
- Cheap and popular option
- Multiple daily departures
- Fast border crossing
Disadvantages:
- Less comfortable for long trips
- Traffic can cause delays
✈️ Flight
Advantages:
- Fastest transport option
- Comfortable for long-distance travel
- Good for onward travel in China
Disadvantages:
- Usually more expensive
- Some flights require stopovers
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Nanning
Traveling from Hanoi to Nanning in China is a popular international route and you can travel by bus, train, or direct flight.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights are the quickest way to reach Nanning.
- Cheapest Transport: Buses and vans via the border crossing are the most affordable.
- Border Crossing: Prepare your passport and China visa before departure.
- What to Bring: Pack snacks, water, charger, and some warm clothes for long transfers.
- Currency: Carry some Chinese yuan for transport and small purchases.
- Book Early: International buses, trains, and flights can sell out quickly.
Tip: Bus, train, and flight tickets from Hanoi to Nanning can be searched and booked online in advance.