How to Get to Nanning. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Nanning Wuxu International Airport (NNG) is the main airport, found roughly 32 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of the city center.

Flight Options

Domestic Airlines: Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines link Nanning to major Chinese cities.
International/Regional Airlines: Direct flights to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, Phnom Penh.
Direct Flights: Nanning typically does not have direct flights from major global hubs outside Asia. Connect via Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong or Bangkok.

Airport Transfers

Reaching the city center from Nanning Wuxu International Airport is straightforward.

Transfer Choices

Airport Shuttle Bus: Lines connect to various city points (e.g., railway stations). Cost ¥20-¥30.
Taxi/DiDi: Available outside terminals. ¥80-¥120 into the city's core (30-50 min). DiDi Chuxing functions similarly to Uber.
Metro: Line 2 directly connects to Wuxu Airport Station. Cost ¥4-¥7 (30-40 min to city). Most budget-friendly.

Price Fluctuations

Expect higher flight prices during Chinese public holidays (Lunar New Year, National Day, May Day) and high summer travel. Booking well in advance usually secures better rates. Use services like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Airport Facilities

Facilities include diverse dining options (local/international), duty-free shops, retail, ATMs, and currency exchange counters. Free Wi-Fi is available, though it may require a Chinese person phone number for registration.

Late-Night Arrivals

For late-night arrivals, airport shuttle bus schedules might be limited. Taxis or DiDi remain reliable options during these hours. Always confirm the fare or use the meter for taxis.

Land Transportation

Trains & Buses

High-Speed Rail: Nanning East Railway Station connections to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin, Guiyang, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming.
Conventional Trains: Nanning Railway Station for slower routes and the global train to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Long-distance Buses: Langdong and Jiangnan bus stations offer connections within Guangxi and neighboring provinces.
Booking: Purchase tickets online via Trip.com or China Highlights, or directly at stations. Book in advance, especially for popular routes.

Border Crossing & Driving

Friendship Pass (Youyi Guan): Main land border to Vietnam (Lang Son Province). Buses from Nanning lead to the pass.
Requirements For driving: Foreigners cannot legally drive in China with an International Driving Permit. A Chinese driving license is mandatory.
Road Conditions: Major roads are well-maintained, but urban traffic is dense and chaotic. Exercise caution as a walker.
Car Rentals: Renting a car for self-drive is impractical for most tourists. Consider hiring a car with a driver via DiscoverCars.com.

Sea/River Arrivals

No Sea Ports

Nanning, an inland city on the Yong River, does not serve as a port for international sea or cruise arrivals. Travel to coastal areas like Beihai is overland.

River Cruises

Local boat trips on the river on the Yong River provide sightseeing tours of the city, very popular in the evenings. These are recreational, not long-distance transport.

Immigration

Not applicable for Nanning via water. All international arrivals occur via Nanning Wuxu International Airport or land border crossings.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Generally, no specific exit fees or taxes are levied as you leave China by air or land. These costs are typically included in your ticket price.

Departure Timing

International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure at Nanning Wuxu International Airport for check-in, security, and immigration.
Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
High-Speed Rail: Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure at Nanning East or Nanning Railway Station.

Station Facilities

Departure areas at Nanning Wuxu International Airport and major railway stations provide different facilities.

Available Amenities

Waiting lounges.
Dining options.
Retail stores for last-minute purchases.

International Train Departure

For the international train to Hanoi, allow extra time (at least 1-2 hours) as border procedures are completed at the station or the border crossing.

Special Considerations

Direct overnight assistance to Hanoi from Nanning Railway Station.
Immigration and customs procedures at the border.
Factor in additional time for these procedures.

Currency Conversion

Convert any remaining local currency if you do not plan to return to China soon, or spend it before going through security.

Financial Tips

Spend remaining Yuan on last-minute souvenirs or airport food.
Use airport exchange services for small amounts, but expect less favorable rates.
Digital payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) may still deduct from linked international cards for a short period.

Departure Checklist

Documents

Passport, boarding pass, visa (if separate). Ensure all are easily accessible.

Baggage

Confirm weight and size with airline limits. Remove any forbidden items (e.g., power banks in checked luggage).

Connectivity

Check VPN status. Delete any sensitive data from public devices used.

Final Tip

Double-check all personal belongings before leaving your accommodation and again before passing through security. Avoid rushing to prevent leaving anything behind.

How to Get to Nanning