How to Get from Chongqing to Guangzhou

Chongqing and Guangzhou are linked by direct high-speed trains and by flights. The fastest G trains take under 6 hours, so the train is a real alternative to flying, and it runs from city stations without airport procedures. Overnight trains take a full night or more.^[1]

Chongqing to Guangzhou by Train

China Railway's ticket search listed 35 trains from Chongqing to Guangzhou for 18 October 2026. They leave from Chongqing West, Chongqing North or Chongqing East. Most G and D trains arrive at Guangzhou South, a few at Guangzhou Baiyun or Guangzhou station, and the slower K and Z trains at Guangzhou North or Guangzhou Baiyun.^[1] Timetables change, so check the date you plan to travel on 12306.

High Speed G and D Trains

The fastest services are G trains from Chongqing West to Guangzhou South. G2965 leaves at 15:33 and arrives at 21:19 (5h46), G2941 leaves at 16:29 and arrives at 22:18 (5h49), and G3711 leaves at 08:33 and arrives at 14:26 (5h53). G905 takes 6h13 (08:44 to 14:57), and the early G1935 runs from Chongqing West to Guangzhou Baiyun in 6h07 (06:00 to 12:07). D trains are slower: D1831 leaves at 08:39 and arrives at 17:12 (8h33).^[1]

Sleeper Trains

D947 leaves Chongqing West at 20:59 and reaches Guangzhou South at 08:25 the next morning (11h26), and D963 leaves at 21:04 and arrives at 08:32 (11h28). The conventional K trains take much longer, for example K1171 from Chongqing East at 19:30 to Guangzhou North at 13:49 the next day (18h19).^[1] A sleeper train only makes sense if you want to save a hotel night, because a G train covers the distance in a single day.

Chongqing to Guangzhou by Flight

Several airlines fly between Chongqing and Guangzhou, so compare schedules and fares on the airline websites. The flight is shorter in the air, but you add the transfers to and from the airports, check-in, security and baggage claim at both ends.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is served by Metro Line 3 (Terminal 2) and by Line 10, which runs between Terminal 3 and Terminal 2. Both lines run from 06:30 to 22:30.^[2] In Guangzhou, Baiyun International Airport opened Terminal 3 and Baiyun Airport East Station on 30 October 2025. From Metro Line 3 or 9 you can get off at Gaozeng station and take the free T3 shuttle bus (about 6 km, 15 minutes), or from Terminal 2 take the intercity train one stop to Terminal 3.^[3] Check the terminal on your ticket before you plan the transfer.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Take a G train if you prefer to avoid airport procedures and your hotels are close to a railway station. Fly if the airports are convenient for both ends of your trip or if you are connecting to another flight. Choose a sleeper train only if the night on board replaces a hotel stay.

Tips for Traveling from Chongqing to Guangzhou

• Check the stations. Chongqing has West, North and East stations and Guangzhou has several stations, so read the station names on your ticket.^[1]
• Booking: 12306 sells tickets 15 days ahead, and for travel after 30 December the sales period is 30 days.^[1] Tickets sell out quickly around the Spring Festival and National Day holidays.
• Passport: Foreign travelers can buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show the same document to enter the station and board.^[4]
• Arrival address: Save your hotel address in Chinese for taxis and ride-hailing apps in Guangzhou.