Guangzhou to Guilin by Train
By China Rail Guide Updated 2026-05-31 Fares verified May 2026 against China Railway (12306)
- Fastest
- 2h 04m
- Distance
- 500 km
- Trains/day
- 70+
- From
- $28
Guilin — the karst peaks and Li River cruises of southern China — is a direct high-speed ride from Guangzhou. The fastest G-trains reach Guilin in about 2 hours; cheaper D-trains run a little slower.
At a glance
- Fastest G-trains take about 2 hours; most run 2–3 hours.
- Over 70 trains a day — frequent G and D services.
- Departs Guangzhou South (广州南) and arrives Guilin West (桂林西); some go to Guilin North (桂林北) or central Guilin.
- Gateway to the Li River, Yangshuo and the Longji rice terraces.
Fastest, or cheapest?
This route runs more than one type of train — here's the trade-off:
| Train type | Fastest | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| G — High-speed | 2h 04m | ¥185 / $26 | Fastest |
| D — Express EMU | ~2h 30m | ¥164 / $23 | Cheaper, a little slower |
Fares by class
High-speed (G/C) seat classes on the main service:
| Class | Price (CNY) | Approx. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class | ¥197 | $28 |
| First Class | ¥316 | $45 |
| Business Class | ¥559 | $79 |
G-train fares for Guangzhou South–Guilin West; cheaper D-trains start around ¥164, and trains to Guilin North / central Guilin vary slightly. Official China Railway (12306) fares.
Stations & train types
Trains depart from Guangzhou South and arrive at Guilin West or Guilin North. Direct trains run this route.
- G — High-speed (up to 350 km/h)
- D — Express EMU (200–260 km/h)
Train or flight from Guangzhou to Guilin?
A flight looks quicker on paper, but China's domestic flights ask you to arrive about 2 hours early, and airports sit well outside the city. High-speed trains leave from a central station with quick security. Most trains take 2–3 hours (fastest non-stop 2h 04m). Counting the whole door-to-door trip:
| 🚄 High-speed train | ✈️ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| On board / in the air | 2h 4m | ~1h 20m |
| Getting there & through | + ~30m (central station, fast security) | + 2h arrive early, + ~1h30m to/from airports |
| Realistic door-to-door | ~2h 34m | ~4h 50m |
Flight time is estimated from route distance; airport arrival and transfer times are typical for China domestic travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Guangzhou to Guilin?
The fastest G-trains take about 2 hours; most run 2 to 3 hours. Cheaper D-trains take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
How much is a Guangzhou to Guilin train ticket?
On the G-trains, Second Class is about ¥197 (~$28), First Class ¥316, and Business Class ¥559. Cheaper D-trains start around ¥164. These are official China Railway (12306) fares.
Which station do trains arrive at in Guilin?
Most trains arrive at Guilin West (桂林西); some go to Guilin North (桂林北) or central Guilin station. All are linked to the city by bus or taxi.
Schedule and fares reflect China Railway (12306) official services, last verified 2026-05 against live booking data. Times and prices can change — confirm when you book.