Hanoi to Nanning: train or bus/ Nanning St. to Nanning East

Question

Hello,

We are currently considering whether to take a (daytime) bus from Hanoi to Nanning or the overnight train that has resumed operation a month ago.

For safety and maybe also comfort reasons I think I am favouring the train. This would also leave us with some more time at our first destination in China.

If we do decide on taking the train, we would arrive at Nanning Railway Station at 10:06/10 am. The train to our next destination in China would depart from Nanning East Station either at 11:33 or at 11:42 am. This would only leave us with 1 hour and 23/32 minutes to get from one station to the other and go through the procedures at Nanning East Station. That seems to me like not enough time, especially since I know that it is advised to arrive at a high speed railway station about an hour in advance.

The only other viable option would be to take a train at 14:45, which would leave us with almost 5 hours in Nanning, with our luggage, after a 12h journey on a train, withouth the opportunity to freshen up somewhere.

Now to my questions:

1) Has someone done something similar before or simply travelled between those two stations (Nanning Station and Nanning East Station) (either by train or metro, or even using a taxi/didi) and can give us some advice?

2) Has someone taken the train and/or bus from Hanoi to Nanning (or the other way around) either since the train has resumed operation or sometime in the past and can tell us whether delays are probable, how comfortable the journey is and whether you would recommend it?

Thank you so much in advance!

Answer

Traveling from Hanoi to Nanning gives you a couple of options: daytime bus or the recently resumed overnight train. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide.

1. Train vs Bus from Hanoi to Nanning

Overnight Train: The train is generally safer, more comfortable, and allows you to travel while sleeping, which saves daytime for sightseeing. It is preferable if you want to maximize your first day in China. Since it has resumed operation recently, check recent reviews for punctuality, but minor delays are possible, as with any cross-border train service. Soft sleeper tickets are more comfortable for longer journeys than hard sleeper or seats.
Daytime Bus: Buses run during the day and take around 12–14 hours. They may be less comfortable than the train for a long journey, and border procedures can take extra time. You would be traveling during the day, which allows you to see the scenery, but it’s more tiring.

Recommendation: For safety, comfort, and a better use of time, the overnight train is usually favored over the bus.

2. Transfer from Nanning Railway Station to Nanning East Station

Since your onward train departs from Nanning East at 11:33 or 11:42, and the Hanoi-Nanning train arrives around 10:06, the transfer window is tight (about 1h 23–32 min). Here’s what to consider:

Taxi/Didi: The fastest way is by taxi or Didi. The ride can take 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. Factor in time to exit the first station and enter the second, plus luggage handling.
Metro: Nanning’s metro network currently does not directly connect the two stations efficiently, so relying on metro could be risky if you are tight on time.
Practical Advice: 1h 20–30 min is technically possible but risky, especially with luggage, border/customs procedures, and potential train delays. If anything runs late, you might miss the high-speed train.

3. Alternative Option:

Take the later train from Hanoi (14:45). This gives you almost 5 hours in Nanning, which allows time to rest, freshen up, and travel leisurely to Nanning East Station. It reduces stress and risk of missing your onward train. You can use luggage storage services at Nanning Railway Station or a hotel nearby for convenience.

Summary Recommendations:

If you are confident in a fast transfer and minimal delays, the early train can work, but it is tight.
For a more relaxed and safer experience, consider taking the later train from Hanoi, giving you ample time to handle luggage and transfer to Nanning East.
Always have a backup plan (like knowing taxi/Didi availability and expected travel time) when transferring between stations with a tight window.

Regarding comfort, most travelers find the train to be reasonably comfortable, especially in soft sleeper compartments, and border procedures are usually straightforward if you have all documentation ready. Buses are functional but less comfortable for such a long journey. Delays can happen but are not overly common; allow a buffer when planning connections.

Hanoi to Nanning: train or bus/ Nanning St. to Nanning East

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