Flight
Fastest option, direct flights or short connections available
Train via Nanning
Overland route with border crossing and Chinese high-speed trains
Train combination
Cheaper route but requires transfers and longer travel time
Bus / minivan
Very long journey with border crossing and limited comfort
Quick answer: Travelling from Hanoi to Shenzhen (China) is possible by direct flight or by train via Nanning. The train crosses the Vietnam–China border at Dong Dang and offers a scenic overland journey through southern China, while direct flights take only about 2 hours and are the fastest and most convenient option.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~850 km by air / ~1 000+ km by train route via Nanning.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Train via Nanning ~17–28 hours. | Flight ~2 hours
- 💰 Price range: Train US$100+ per person | Flight US$150–300 per person
- 🚆 Best for value & adventure: Train from Hanoi → Nanning → Shenzhen.
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Direct or connecting flight Hanoi → Shenzhen.
Last updated in April 2026
How to travel from Hanoi to Shenzhen
You can travel from Hanoi to Shenzhen by direct flight, international train via Nanning, or long-distance bus. Direct flights take about 2 hours and are the fastest and most comfortable option.
The international train via Nanning takes about 17–28 hours and offers a scenic cross-border journey. Long-distance buses take around 25 hours and are usually the cheapest option. Train tickets, bus tickets, and flights can all be searched and booked online in advance.
Shenzhen is one of China’s largest modern cities.
Shenzhen (深圳) is a major business and technology hub in southern China, located next to Hong Kong. The city is well connected by high-speed rail and domestic flights, making it a popular gateway for international travelers.
Top attractions include Window of the World, Shenzhen Happy Valley, China Folk Culture Village, KK100 Tower, and Xianhu Botanic Garden. From Shenzhen, you can also continue by high-speed train to Guangzhou / Canton.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Shenzhen ➜
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Shenzhen: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 2 hours | $150-300/pp |
| Train by China Railway | 17-28 hours | $100+/pp |
| Bus/Van | 25 hours | $70/pp |
1. Train from Hanoi to Shenzhen
👉 Train via Nanning is a scenic overland route from Hanoi to Shenzhen.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers looking for a budget-friendly and memorable rail journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~16–28 hours (including transfer in Nanning)
- ✔️ Cost: $70–170 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: moderate to high (soft sleepers + high-speed train seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Soft sleeper on Hanoi–Nanning train + high-speed train to Shenzhen
- 💡 Tip: Prepare visas and allow time for border checks.
A) Hanoi to Nanning by International Train
- One of the most scenic ways to travel from Vietnam to China.
- International overnight train operated by China Railway (MR1/T8702).
- Travel time is about 12 hours.
- Departure from Hanoi at 21:20, one train every day.
- Soft Sleeper cabins offer the most comfortable journey.
- Train tickets cost about $50–60 per person.
- Departure: Gia Lam Railway Station.
- Arrival: Nanning Railway Station.
The train travels via Dong Dang, where Vietnamese exit immigration is completed. Passengers remain on the same train, but passports and visas are checked before crossing into China.
After crossing the border, the train stops at Pingxiang for Chinese immigration and customs. Once entry procedures are completed, the journey continues to Nanning. Remember that China is one hour ahead of Vietnam.
Before traveling, check the latest visa requirements here: China Visa Guide.
BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Nanning ➜
⚠️ Important: Your ticket details must exactly match your passport. A valid passport and the required visa for both Vietnam and China are mandatory for boarding.
If your nationality requires a visa for either country, obtain it before departure. Vietnam e-visas and visa on arrival are not accepted for exit at the Dong Dang international railway border crossing.
B) From Nanning to Shenzhen by High-Speed Train
After arriving in Nanning, you can continue to Shenzhen by modern high-speed train. This is the fastest overland option in China, with dozens of departures every day and comfortable seating classes.
- High-speed trains cover the 670 km route in about 3.5–4 hours.
- Regular trains are available and take about 15.5 hours.
- Ticket prices range from $23–117 per person, depending on the train and seat class.
- Choose from 2nd Class, 1st Class, Business Seats, or sleeper options on slower trains.
- Trains depart from Nanning Railway Station and Nanning East Station.
- They arrive at Shenzhen North, Shenzhen East, or Futian Station.
- Book train tickets online on 12go.asia ➜.
- If you prefer flying, direct flights from Nanning to Shenzhen take about 1.5 hours.
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Shenzhen
👉 Direct or connecting flights are the fastest way from Hanoi to Shenzhen.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want a quick and easy transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2 hours (direct) or longer with stopover
- ✔️ Cost: $150–300 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (modern aircraft, low-cost and full-service airlines)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flights from Hanoi with airlines like VietJet Air or China Southern
- 💡 Tip: Book in advance and compare direct vs. connecting flights for better deals.
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Shenzhen. Both direct and connecting flights are available throughout the week.
- Direct flights take about 2 hours.
- Airfares usually range from $150–300 per person.
- Flights depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
- Arrival is at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.
- Airlines include VietJet Air, China Southern, AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and others.
- Book flights from Hanoi to Shenzhen online on Baolau ➜.
3. BUS / MINIVAN from Hanoi to Shenzhen
👉 Bus or minivan is a long-distance alternative from Hanoi to Shenzhen.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers open to long overland journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~25 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $70 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: moderate (limousine minivans with reclining seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Comfortable minivan services with fewer stops and better onboard facilities
- 💡 Tip: Expect a lengthy trip and check border crossing requirements in advance.
A direct minivan is the cheapest overland option from Hanoi to Shenzhen. Although the journey is long, it is a convenient choice if you prefer to avoid train transfers.
- Travel time is about 25 hours.
- Tickets cost around $70 per person.
- The route is operated by Son Duc Limousine.
- Book minivan tickets from Hanoi to Shenzhen online on Baolau ➜.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Hanoi to Shenzhen
How to book train, bus tickets and flights from Hanoi to Shenzhen?
Book train, bus tickets and flights online on Baolau ➜. You can also search and book routes via Nanning or other cities.
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Shenzhen?
Direct flights take about 2 hours, trains 17–28 hours, and buses around 25 hours.
What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Shenzhen?
The travel distance from Hanoi to Shenzhen is about 850 km.
How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Shenzhen?
Flights cost about $150–300, trains from $100, and buses around $70 per person.
What is the best way to get from Hanoi to Shenzhen?
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable option, with direct and connecting flights available.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Hanoi to Shenzhen?
The cheapest option is usually the bus, but the journey takes about 25 hours.
How can I travel from Hanoi to Nanning?
Travel by train, bus or flight. Read the full guide: Hanoi to Nanning.
Does Shenzhen have beaches?
Yes. Dameisha and Xiaomeisha are the city’s most popular beaches for swimming and relaxing.
Can I visit Hong Kong from Shenzhen?
Yes. Hong Kong is easily accessible by train, bus or taxi through several border crossings.
Where are the best shopping areas in Shenzhen?
Huaqiangbei, Dongmen Pedestrian Street and Luohu Commercial City are the most popular shopping districts.
When is the best time to visit Shenzhen?
The best months are March–May and September–November, when the weather is warm and pleasant.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Shenzhen ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Shenzhen
Traveling from Hanoi in Vietnam to Shenzhen in China covers about 850 km. You can travel by direct flight, international train via Nanning, or long-distance bus.
- Fly for the Fastest Journey: Direct flights take about 2 hours and are the most convenient option.
- Travel by Train: International trains via Nanning offer a comfortable way to reach Shenzhen.
- Prepare for Border Control: Carry your passport, visa, and travel documents for international border checks.
- Avoid Holiday Travel: Chinese holidays can lead to busy trains, flights, and longer border waiting times.
- Download Offline Maps: Offline navigation can be useful after arriving in Shenzhen.
- Book Early: Flights, trains, and buses are often fully booked during weekends and peak travel seasons.
Tip: Train tickets, bus tickets, flights, and private transfers from Hanoi to Shenzhen can be searched and booked online in advance.