How to go → HANOI to SHANGHAI ☀️

hanoi-to-shanghai-china
Shanghai at night. How to get from Hanoi to Shanghai? From Hanoi to Shanghai you can travel by train or plane.

1. Train – Hanoi to Shanghai
2. Flight – Hanoi to Shanghai
🎫 Book a Tour in China
🎫 Book Tickets Online

From Hanoi to Shanghai in China by plane (direct flight) or train.

    • Travel distance from Hanoi in Vietnam to Shanghai in China is about 2000 km by plane. The best and fastest option of transfer to Shanghai from Hanoi is to travel by plane, because there are direct flights from Noi Bai International Airport. Direct flight from Hanoi to Shanghai (Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao airports) takes about 3 hours and it costs about $300/pp, flights with stopover start at $200/pp. Another option is to travel by train of Vietnam Railway + China Railway MR1/T8702. This train departs from Gia Lam Railway Station in Hanoi and arrive to Nanning in China (via Lang Son and Pingxiang)  Nanning is only about 200 km from Dong Dang border town in Vietnam and there are highspeed trains from Nanning to Shanghai. Travel by train from Hanoi to Nanning is about 12 hours and about 12 hours by highspeed train from Nanning to Shanghai, tottaly it could be about 27-30 hours with stopover. Travel by train of Vietnam Railways + China Railway from Hanoi to Shanghai (via Nanning) costs about $120+/pp. You can search and book train tickets and direct flights to Shanghai from Hanoi online.

BOOK TICKETS to Shanghai

Shanghai is the most populous city of China, and one of the most visited.

    • Shanghai (Shàng Hǎi, 上海) is very important economic center and the most populous city of China. Shanghai has more than 24 million inhabitants and it is a popular travel destination for visitors from all the world. Shanghai is situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, empties into the East China Sea. Shanghai was originally a fishing and textiles town, the city gained its identity after it was opened to foreign powers by the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. In 1990, it was chosen to spearhead modern China’s reform and opening up, which resulted in intense development. The commerce river – Huangpu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, is lined up with a gallery of different architectures, known as the Bund. From Shanghai you can also travel by high-speed train of China Railway to Hangzhou or Nanjing. Shanghai is also one of the most important transport hub, Shanghai Pudong Airport is one of the most important and frequented airport in this city of China. From Shanghai you can also travel by highspeed train to Beijing.
Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Shanghai: Travel Time Cost Range
Plane (direct flight) 2.5-3 hours $220-350/pp
Train (via Nanning) 27-30 hours $120+/pp

BOOK a TOUR in Shanghai


1. Train from Hanoi to Shanghai


A) From Hanoi to Nanning (China) by train

    • 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 in China
    • this route is operated by train of Vietnam Railway + Nanning Railway Bureau of China Railway
    • train – Vietnam Railway + China Railway MR1/T8702 (comfortable, Soft Bed)
    • travel by train takes about 12 hours from Hanoi to Nanning
    • there is 1 train every day in 21:20 of Vietnam Railway + China Railway MR1/T8702 from Hanoi to Nanning
    • one-way train ticket costs about 1 000 000 viet.dongs ($45-55/pp)
    • railway station in Hanoi – Gia Lam Railway Station (481 Ngọc Lâm)
    • railway station in Nanning – Nanning Railway Station (63 Zhonghua Rd)
    • Book and buy train e-tickets from Hanoi to Nanning on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜, secured online payment

This train departs from Hanoi – Gia Lam Railway Station (30 minutes from the city center) 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. In Pingxiang, passengers must get off the train again and complete immigration entry procedures at Chinese border. After this procedure train continue to Nanning. Read also very carefully this article – How to get a chinese Visa in Hanoi. In the near future there is also a plan to build a new High-Speed Line from Nanning to Pingxiang.

NOTE: You will receive an electronic voucher (e-ticket) 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 the train, print your voucher. Passenger must present voucher of the e-ticket along with the passport.

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Travel by train from Hanoi to Nanning (China) – China Railway MR1/T870.


B) From Nanning to Shanghai by train (fast or highspeed)

    • there are fast or highspeed modern trains from Nanning to Shanghai by China Railways
    • fast trains > travel time is about 25-33 hours, about 2100 km (hard seat, hard+soft sleeper)
    • highspeed trains > travel time is about 12 hours, about 2000 km (1st+2nd class seats, business seat)
    • train ticket from Nanning to Shanghai costs about $30-370/pp, business seat – the most expensive option
    • railway stations in Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai South
    • K-train is the slowest train, G+T-trains are the most fastest trains
    • Book and buy your train tickets from Nanning to Shanghai on 12go.asia ➜
    • there are also direct flights from Nanning to Shanghai (about 3 hours)
train-nanning-to-shanghai
From Nanning to Shanghai you can travel by train of China Railways.


2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Shanghai

    • the fastest and most comfortable way how to get from Hanoi to Shanghai
    • there are direct flights or transfer flights from Hanoi to Shanghai
    • airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, VietJetAir, Asiana Airlines, Air Asia…
    • the price for the direct flight starts from $300/pp, transfer flight from $200/pp
    • time of the direct flight is about 2.5-3 hours from Hanoi (Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern)
    • flights from Noi Bai International Airport to Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao airports
    • Book and buy your flight from Hanoi to Shanghai on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
best-hostels-shanghai-china
Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel (photo: Agoda). 15 best backpackers hostels in Shanghai.
best-cheap-hotels-shanghai
Motel Shanghai Xinchuan Road (photo: Agoda). 15 best cheap hotels in Shanghai.
best-luxury-hotels-shanghai
Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai (photo: Agoda). 15 best luxury hotels + resorts in Shanghai.

Baolau – search, book, buy tickets + flights

– a company specializing in train, bus, ferry tickets mainly for Vietnam (+Cambodia and Laos)
– you can buy also a bus tickets (Mai Linh, Hoang Long, TheSinh Tourist, Futabus, InterBus Lines…)
– flights of Vietnamese Airlines, VietJet Air, JetStar Pacific as well as flights to neighbouring countries
– ferry tickets for Vietnam, Cambodia, eg. ferry to Cat Baferry to Phu Quoc, ferry to Phnom Penh, ferry to Quan Lan
– tickets for Malaysia (eg. Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Malacca to Penang, Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands…)
– the price of tickets depends on the official price of transport company
– you will see the final price before you make a payment transaction
– acceptable online train e-ticket in your mobile phone in Vietnam (I recommend to print a ticket)
– read any other information about ticket before you order, read also frequently asked questions on Baolau

12go.asia – search, book, buy tickets + flights

– a specialist for train, bus, ferry tickets mainly in Thailand (also tickets for Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos)
– from 2018 you can book train tickets for China online (Beijing to Shanghai, Beijing to Xian, Shanghai to Hangzhou..)
– tickets for the main routes in Thailand, eg: Bangkok to Surat Thani, Bangkok to PhuketBangkok to Chiang Mai
– boat/ferry tickets for Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, eg. ferry to Vung Tau, Koh Phangan, Koh Rong, Koh Samui, Koh Chang
– more information about train tickets and trains in Thailand
– if you buy an train ticket for tourist trains in Vietnam to Lao Cai (Orient Express, Sapaly, Chapa …), you must pick it up at the station
– information about 12go.asia read in article about transportation in Vietnam

shanghai-city-china1
Sunset in Shanghai.
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Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower at the Huangphu river.
Oriental-Pearl-Tower-shanghai-china
Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower and center at night.


FAQ + Travel tips – Hanoi to Shanghai in China:

1. How you can book train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Shanghai?

    • You can book flights or train tickets from Hanoi to Shanghai on Baolau or 12go.asia.
    • You can search + book train tickets from Hanoi > Nanning, Nanning > Shanghai…

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

    • Travel by train from Hanoi to Shanghai (via Nanning) takes about 27-30 hours.
    • Travel by plane (direct flight) from Hanoi to Shanghai takes about 2.5-3 hours.

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

    • Travel distance from Hanoi to Shanghai is about 1925 km by plane and about 2500 km by land.

4. How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Shanghai?

    • Travel by plane (direct flight) from Hanoi to Shanghai costs about $220-350/pp.
    • Travel by train (via Nanning) from Hanoi to Shanghai costs about $120+/pp.

5. What is the best and fast way of getting from Hanoi to Shanghai?

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

6. What is the cheapest way of travel from Hanoi to Shanghai in China?

    • The cheapest way of travel from Hanoi to Shanghai in China is to travel by train via Nanning. There is one train of Vietnam Railways + China Railway from Hanoi to Nanning. This train departs from Gia Lam Railway Station in Hanoi and goes via Dong Dang border in Lang Son (Vietnam) and Pingxiang city in China, arrives to Nanning. Trains from Nanning to Shanghai arrive to Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai South railway station, there are a lot of seat + sleeper trains of China Railways from Nanning.

7. Is there another option how to reach Shanghai from Nanning?

    • Yes, you can also take a direct flight or flight with stopover. There are various flights from Nanning to Shanghai by China Southern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Spring Airlines, China West Air, Deer Jet, United Eagle Airlines or Juneyao Airlines. Travel time by plane – direct flight is about 3 hours.

8. How to get from Shanghai to Hangzhou?

    • From Shanghai to Hangzhou you can travel by high-speed train – the best way, or bus and taxi. Travel by high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou takes about 2-3 hours.

9. Which interesting places you can visit in Shanghai?

    • There are various interesting tourist places in Shanghai, e.g.: The Bund, Nanjing road, Yuyuan garden, Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, World financial center, People’s Square, Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Disneyland park, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Happy Valley Square, Happy Valley Shanghai…

10. What are the top attractions to visit in Shanghai?

    • Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis in China, offers a range of attractions to explore. The top attractions include The Bund, a famous waterfront promenade with stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline; Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden featuring beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and ponds; Oriental Pearl Tower, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city; Shanghai Disneyland, a world-class amusement park with thrilling rides and entertainment; and Tianzifang, a trendy arts and crafts enclave filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

11. How can I experience the nightlife in Shanghai?

    • Shanghai has a dynamic and lively nightlife scene. The Bund is a popular spot to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, with its glamorous bars and clubs offering breathtaking views of the city lights. Nanjing Road and Xintiandi are also bustling areas with a wide range of nightlife options, including bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Additionally, you can explore the vibrant nightlife in areas like Jing’an and the Former French Concession, which offer a mix of trendy bars, rooftop lounges, and local live music venues.

12. Can I take a Huangpu River cruise in Shanghai?

    • Yes, taking a Huangpu River cruise is a popular activity in Shanghai. The cruise allows you to enjoy scenic views of Shanghai’s iconic skyline, with historic buildings on one side and modern skyscrapers on the other. The cruises usually operate in the evening, offering a magical experience as the city lights up. You can choose from various cruise options, including short trips along the Bund or longer cruises that take you to the mouth of the Yangtze River. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of Shanghai’s architecture and the river’s importance in the city’s history.

13. Are there any traditional markets in Shanghai?

    • Yes, Shanghai offers traditional markets where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and find unique items. One of the most famous markets is the Yuyuan Bazaar, located near the Yu Garden. Here, you can shop for traditional Chinese handicrafts, souvenirs, and enjoy local snacks. Another popular market is Tianzifang, known for its narrow alleyways filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. For a taste of old Shanghai, visit Dongtai Road Antique Market, where you can browse through vintage items, antiques, and cultural artifacts.

BOOK your HOTEL in Shanghai


2 Ways of Transfer from Hanoi to Shanghai:

1. Train from Hanoi to Shanghai
A) From Hanoi to Nanning (China) by train
Train Route Hanoi to Nanning
Train Operators Vietnam Railway + Nanning Railway Bureau of China Railway
Train Vietnam Railway + China Railway MR1/T8702 (Comfortable, Soft Bed)
Travel Time About 12 hours
Frequency 1 train daily at 21:20
One-Way Ticket Price About 1,000,000 Vietnamese dong ($45-55/pp)
Departure Station (Hanoi) Gia Lam Railway Station (481 Ngọc Lâm)
Arrival Station (Nanning) Nanning Railway Station (63 Zhonghua Rd)
B) From Nanning to Shanghai by train (fast or highspeed)
Train Route Nanning to Shanghai
Train Operators China Railways
Train Types Fast trains (hard seat, hard+soft sleeper) or highspeed trains (1st+2nd class seats)
Travel Time About 25-33 hours for fast trains, about 12 hours for highspeed trains
One-Way Ticket Price About $30-370/pp (business seat being the most expensive option)
Arrival Stations (Shanghai) Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai South
Train Types K-train (slowest), G+T-trains (fastest)
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Shanghai
Transport Options Flights
Airlines China Eastern, China Southern, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, VietJetAir, Asiana Airlines…
Price Range Direct flight: starts from $300/pp, Transfer flight: starts from $200/pp
Travel Time About 2.5-3 hours for direct flights (Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern)
Departure Airport (Hanoi) Noi Bai International Airport
Arrival Airports (Shanghai) Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao airports

BOOK a TOUR in Shanghai


🎫 Book your train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Shanghai:

(You can change your departure or arrival place, eg. Hanoi > Nanning, Nanning > Shanghai…)

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Travel – Vietnam to China ➔

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