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How to Get from Guangzhou to Guilin

Plan the Guangzhou to Guilin high-speed train. See how long it takes, which stations the trains use and what to know before you book.

China GuangzhouGuilin

Last updated: October 29, 2026

How to Get from Guangzhou to Guilin

Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Contents

Guangzhou and Guilin are linked by frequent high-speed trains that take just over 2 hours,[1] so the train is the natural choice for most travelers. It runs from city stations without airport procedures and puts you in Guilin with time left for dinner or a first walk along the river.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Guangzhou to Guilin by Train

China Railway's ticket search listed 72 trains from Guangzhou to Guilin for 18 October 2026, with the first departure at 06:37 (G3886) and the last at 20:57 (D1900).[1] The fastest trains leave from Guangzhou South and arrive at Guilin West. Other services use Guilin North or Guilin station.[2] Timetables change, so check the date you plan to travel on 12306.

High Speed G and D Trains

The fastest trains take just over 2 hours from Guangzhou South to Guilin West: G908 leaves at 12:12 and arrives at 14:16 (2h04), G3722 leaves at 07:31 and arrives at 09:36 (2h05), G918 leaves at 11:13 and arrives at 13:18 (2h05), and D964 leaves at 19:11 and arrives at 21:18 (2h07).[1] G trains sell business, first and second class seats.[3]

When Business Class Makes Sense

Business class is the top seat category on G trains. It is worth considering if you arrive tired from a long flight or carry work gear, but on a journey of about two hours second class is enough for most travelers.

Stations and Onward Travel

Most trains leave from Guangzhou South, and the fast G and D trains arrive at Guilin West. Some services start at Guangzhou Baiyun (G3702, G1936), Guangzhou station (G3726, G2936, D2984), Guangzhou East or Guangzhou Xintang (both G2937). A few trains end at Guilin North or Guilin station and take longer, for example G2896 (4h34 to Guilin) and D3762 (5h08 to Guilin).[2] The station name on your ticket matters: plan your transfer to the departure station, and check how far your arrival station in Guilin is from your hotel or from the bus to Yangshuo.

Tips for Traveling from Guangzhou to Guilin

  • Check the stations. Read the departure and arrival station on your booking, for example Guangzhou South to Guilin West.
  • Booking: 12306 sells tickets 15 days ahead for travel until 29 December 2026, and 30 days ahead for travel from 30 December 2026.[2] 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 Guilin.

Timetable

Guangzhou - Guilin More info / Tickets
Train Guangzhou - Guilin $ 28.41–102.25 2h 4m – 3h 43m
  • →  Second Class Seat 06:37, 07:17, 07:31, 07:35, 08:05, 08:10, 08:20, 08:42, 08:46, 08:59, 09:21, 09:30, 09:54, 09:57, 10:07, 10:30, 10:57, 11:01, 11:13, 11:31, 12:04, 12:12, 12:25, 12:55, 13:17, 14:05, 14:15, 14:55, 15:07, 15:16, 15:28, 15:55, 16:45, 17:32, 17:38, 17:50, 18:10, 18:52
  • →  First Class Seat 08:42, 15:07, 18:52
  • →  Standing 18:52
  • →  No Seat 18:52
  • →  Business Class 07:31, 08:05, 09:57, 10:11, 12:25, 12:55, 15:16

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Guangzhou to Guilin?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Guangzhou to Guilin, including current prices and schedules.

How long does the train from Guangzhou to Guilin take?

On 18 October 2026 the fastest trains took between 2h04 and 2h08, for example G908 from Guangzhou South to Guilin West in 2h04.

How many trains run from Guangzhou to Guilin?

China Railway's ticket search listed 72 trains for 18 October 2026, from 06:37 (G3886) to 20:57 (D1900).

Which seat classes do the G trains sell?

G trains sell business, first and second class seats.

Do I need to check the station name?

Yes. Most trains leave from Guangzhou South and arrive at Guilin West, but some depart from Guangzhou Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangzhou East or Guangzhou Xintang, and some arrive at Guilin North or Guilin station. Use the station shown on your booking.

Do I need my passport to book train tickets?

Yes. 12306 sells real-name tickets to foreign travelers who have a valid passport, and you must show the same document to enter the station and board the train.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Guangzhou to Guilin, 18 October 2026. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
  2. [2] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Guangzhou to Guilin, 28 October 2026. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  3. [3] China Railway (12306): Ticket search Guilin to Guangzhou, 17 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  4. [4] China Railway (12306): 12306 FAQ: real-name tickets, ID and free cabin luggage. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.