Flight
Fastest option, direct or one-stop flights available
Train via Nanning
Overland route with border crossing and high-speed trains
Train combination
Cheaper option but long journey with transfers
Bus combinations
Long route with multiple changes and border crossing
Quick answer: Travelling from Hanoi to Shanghai (China) can be done either by an over‑land train route via Nanning or by a flight (direct or with a stop‑over). The train route is the longer, more adventurous and often cheaper alternative, taking you through multiple border crossings and changing landscapes. Meanwhile, the flight is the fastest and most convenient option — ideal if you want to maximise your time in Shanghai rather than the journey itself.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~1 900 km by air route / ~2 000+ km by land via Nanning.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~2.5‑3 hours direct. | Train via Nanning ~27‑30 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$220‑350+ per person. | Train US$120+ per person.
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Flight from Hanoi → Shanghai (China).
- 🚆 Best for value & adventure: Train from Hanoi → Nanning → Shanghai, if you have time and enjoy slower travel.
Last updated in April 2026
From Hanoi to Shanghai in China by plane (direct flight) or train.
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- 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.
Shanghai is the most populous city of China, and one of the most visited.
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- 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 |
1. Train from Hanoi to Shanghai
👉 Train via Nanning is a long but rewarding route from Hanoi to Shanghai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to experience cross-country rail travel in Asia
- ✔️ Travel time: ~24–45 hours (depending on train connections)
- ✔️ Cost: $80–420 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: moderate to high (sleeper train + high-speed options)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper train to Nanning + high-speed train to Shanghai
- 💡 Tip: Choose high-speed trains for shorter travel time and book early.
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 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)
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. 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.
1. 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.
B) From Nanning to Shanghai by train (fast or highspeed)
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- 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
- there are also direct flights from Nanning to Shanghai (about 3 hours)
2. BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Shanghai ➜
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Shanghai
👉 Air travel is the quickest and easiest option from Hanoi to Shanghai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers looking for a fast and smooth journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours (nonstop) or longer with connections
- ✔️ Cost: from $200–300+ per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (modern planes with various service levels)
- ✅ Best Option: Nonstop routes operated by major carriers like Vietnam Airlines or China Eastern
- 💡 Tip: Check multiple departure times and book ahead to secure better fares.
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- 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 ➜
❓ FAQ + Travel tips – Hanoi to Shanghai in China:
1. How you can book train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Shanghai?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Shanghai
Planning travel from Hanoi to Shanghai requires more than just choosing a flight. This international route connects Vietnam with one of China’s largest transport and business hubs, so understanding airport choice, arrival timing, climate differences, and local transport can significantly improve your overall journey.
1. Choose Flight Arrival Times That Match Shanghai Logistics
One of the most important things to know before traveling from Hanoi to Shanghai is how arrival time affects immigration and transport. Early-morning arrivals often mean longer passport control queues, while late-night arrivals may limit public transport options. Mid-day or early-evening arrivals usually offer the smoothest transition into the city.
2. Confirm Which Shanghai Airport You Will Arrive At
Shanghai is served by two major airports with very different roles. Pudong handles most international flights and is located farther from the city center, while Hongqiao is closer to downtown and directly connected to high-speed rail and metro lines. Knowing this in advance helps you choose accommodation and plan transfers more efficiently.
3. Prepare Entry Details Before Landing
Immigration procedures in Shanghai can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods. Having your passport, visa, arrival card, and accommodation details ready before landing helps speed up entry and reduces stress after a long journey.
4. Pack With Climate and City Travel in Mind
Shanghai’s weather differs noticeably from Hanoi’s tropical climate. Winters can be cold and dry, while summers are humid. Packing layered clothing and comfortable footwear is essential for navigating a large, walkable city shortly after arrival.
5. Plan Airport-to-City Transport in Advance
Shanghai offers multiple transport options from the airport, including metro lines, airport express services, and taxis. Understanding which option suits your arrival time and luggage situation can save time and avoid confusion on your first day.
6. Keep Your Arrival Day Flexible
For long-haul international routes like Hanoi to Shanghai, it’s wise to avoid tight schedules on arrival day. Allowing extra buffer time helps you recover from travel fatigue and adapt to the city’s scale and pace more comfortably.
Tip: Flight tickets from Hanoi to Shanghai can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure better arrival times, smoother connections, and higher travel comfort — especially during busy travel seasons.