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: Traveling from Hanoi to Shanghai (China) is possible by direct or connecting flight, or by train via Nanning. Flying is the fastest and most convenient option, while the train offers a scenic cross-border journey through Vietnam and China, making it a great choice for travelers with more time.
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
How to travel from Hanoi to Shanghai
You can travel from Hanoi to Shanghai by direct or connecting flight, or by train via Nanning. Flying is the fastest option, while the train offers a scenic cross-border journey through Vietnam and China.
The distance is about 2,000 km by air. Direct flights take around 3 hours, while the international train to Nanning followed by a high-speed train to Shanghai takes about 27–30 hours in total. Train tickets and flights can be searched and booked online in advance.
Shanghai is China’s largest city and financial hub.
Shanghai (上海) is the most populous city in China and one of the country’s top travel destinations. It is famous for the Bund, the futuristic Pudong skyline, historic neighborhoods, and excellent shopping and dining.
Shanghai is also one of China’s busiest transport hubs, with extensive high-speed rail connections. From here, you can easily continue by train to Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, and many other cities.
| 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) Train from Hanoi to Nanning (China)
The international sleeper train from Hanoi to Nanning is the most popular overland route between Vietnam and China. It offers a comfortable overnight journey via Dong Dang and Pingxiang and is a great choice if you want to continue by high-speed train to Shanghai.
- Affordable and comfortable international train connection.
- Operated by Vietnam Railways and China Railway.
- Travel time is about 12 hours.
- One sleeper train (MR1/T8702) departs daily at 21:20.
- Tickets cost about $45–55 per person.
- Departure: Gia Lam Railway Station.
- Arrival: Nanning Railway Station.
The train departs from Gia Lam Railway Station and travels to Dong Dang, the Vietnamese border town. Passengers remain in the same carriage throughout the journey, but passport and exit procedures are completed at Dong Dang before entering China.
After leaving Dong Dang at 02:50, the train arrives in Pingxiang at 04:31 (China is one hour ahead of Vietnam). All passengers leave the train for Chinese immigration before continuing to Nanning. The train departs Pingxiang at 06:15. Before traveling, read the latest visa requirements here: Visa for China: Who Needs to Apply and How?. China also plans to build a new high-speed railway between Nanning and Pingxiang.
BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Nanning ➜
⚠️ Passport & Visa: Your passport details must match your ticket exactly. A valid passport and the required visas for both Vietnam and China are mandatory for boarding.
➜ Foreign travelers who are not eligible for Vietnam’s visa exemption need a valid visa to leave Vietnam.
➜ Foreign travelers who are not eligible for China’s visa exemption need a valid Chinese visa before arrival.
Important: Vietnam e-visas and visa on arrival are not accepted at the Dong Dang international railway border crossing.
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
- 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.
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Shanghai. You can choose from direct flights or cheaper connecting flights operated by several international airlines.
- Direct and connecting flights are available every day.
- Direct flights take about 2.5–3 hours.
- Connecting flights are often available at lower prices.
- Airfares start from about $300 for direct flights and $200 for connecting flights.
- Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, VietJet Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Asiana Airlines, and others.
- Flights depart from Noi Bai International Airport.
- Arrival is at Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.
- Book flights from Hanoi to Shanghai on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Hanoi to Shanghai
How to book train tickets or flights from Hanoi to Shanghai?
Book flights and train tickets online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Shanghai?
Direct flights take about 2.5–3 hours, while the train journey via Nanning takes about 27–30 hours.
How far is Shanghai from Hanoi?
The distance from Hanoi to Shanghai is about 1,925 km by air and around 2,500 km by land.
How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Shanghai?
Flights cost about $220–350, while train travel via Nanning starts at around $120 per person.
What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Shanghai?
A direct flight is the fastest option, while connecting flights offer more departure choices.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Hanoi to Shanghai?
The cheapest overland option is traveling by train via Nanning.
Can I fly from Nanning to Shanghai?
Yes. Direct flights from Nanning to Shanghai take about 3 hours and are available daily.
How do I travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou?
The best option is the high-speed train. Travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou takes about 2–3 hours.
What are the top attractions in Shanghai?
Popular sights include The Bund, Yu Garden, Oriental Pearl Tower, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Museum, and Shanghai Disneyland.
Where is the best nightlife in Shanghai?
The Bund, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road, Jing’an, and the Former French Concession are popular nightlife districts.
Can I take a Huangpu River cruise?
Yes. Evening cruises on the Huangpu River offer spectacular views of the Bund and Pudong skyline.
Where can I shop in Shanghai?
Visit Yuyuan Bazaar, Tianzifang, Nanjing Road, or Dongtai Road Antique Market for shopping and local culture.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Shanghai
Traveling from Hanoi to Shanghai covers about 2,000 km. You can travel by direct or connecting flight, or by an international train via Nanning and China’s high-speed rail network.
- Fly to Save Time: Direct flights take only about 3 hours.
- Travel by Train: The route via Nanning is a scenic and budget-friendly alternative.
- Choose the Right Airport: Pudong serves most international flights, while Hongqiao is closer to the city center.
- Prepare Your Documents: Keep your passport, visa, and accommodation details ready for immigration.
- Use Public Transport: Shanghai’s metro is the easiest way to reach most attractions.
- Book Early: Flights and train tickets are often cheaper when booked in advance.
Tip: Train tickets and flights from Hanoi to Shanghai can be searched and booked online in advance.