Vietnamese border to Nanning

Question

Hi all

I was wondering if anyone here knows if there is any means of transport to Nanning after passing through the border coming from Hanoi? I am trying to work out the quickest way to get to Nanning from Hanoi now there is no direct train. I am wondering if there may be a train just over the border that goes through to Nanning, just not commencing in Vietnam any more. Thanks.

Answer

Traveling from Hanoi, Vietnam to Nanning, China is still feasible despite the absence of a direct train from Hanoi to Nanning. There are several options to reach Nanning once you cross the border into China.

The most common crossing point is at the Hữu Nghị (Friendship) border gate near Lạng Sơn in northern Vietnam, which connects to Pingxiang in Guangxi, China. From there, you can access Chinese domestic transportation options to reach Nanning.

Here are the main options:

Train from Pingxiang to Nanning: While the direct Hanoi-Nanning train no longer operates, you can take a train from Pingxiang (just across the border in China) to Nanning. Chinese trains run regularly between Pingxiang and Nanning, offering soft and hard seat/berth options. Tickets are available at the station or through Chinese online booking platforms.
Bus from the border to Nanning: There are long-distance buses that connect Pingxiang to Nanning. Buses generally depart from the Pingxiang bus station near the border and take approximately 5–6 hours to reach Nanning. This is often the quickest option if you want to avoid transferring trains.
Private car or shuttle service: Some travel agencies offer cross-border shuttle services or private transfers from the Vietnamese side of the border to Nanning. These can be more expensive but provide a more comfortable and direct option.

To summarize, although there is no direct train from Hanoi to Nanning, you can still reach Nanning conveniently by first crossing the Hữu Nghị/Pingxiang border and then continuing by train, bus, or private transfer from Pingxiang. Be sure to check visa requirements for China before traveling, as border entry may require a valid Chinese visa depending on your nationality.

Travel times vary:

Hanoi to Lạng Sơn: ~4–5 hours by bus or train
Lạng Sơn to Pingxiang (border crossing): ~30 minutes to 1 hour
Pingxiang to Nanning: ~5–6 hours by train or bus

Overall, the total journey from Hanoi to Nanning is generally around 10–12 hours, depending on waiting times at the border and the chosen mode of transport. Planning to start early in the day is recommended to avoid delays at the border.

Vietnamese border to Nanning

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