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Trading the mist-covered limestone karsts of the Li River for the shimmering skyscrapers of the Pearl River Delta is a journey that highlights China's incredible diversity. While Guilin captures the timeless beauty of traditional Chinese ink paintings, Guangzhou represents the nation's relentless modern energy and world-famous Cantonese culinary heritage.
The high-speed rail network has turned this route into a trip of a few hours. You can enjoy a final bamboo boat ride in the morning and sit down for a traditional dim sum dinner in Guangzhou by evening.
Guilin to Guangzhou by Train
The high-speed train is the main way to travel between the two cities. For 17 October 2026 the 12306 booking page listed 71 services from Guilin to Guangzhou. The first left Guilin North at 06:00 (G3747, arriving at Guangzhou South at 08:01) and the last in the listing left Guilin West at 20:48 (G2271, arriving at 22:54).[1] The fastest services, G3707 and G3795, take 1 hour 58 minutes and 2 hours 2 minutes. G trains mostly take 2 to 3 hours, D trains between 2 hours 26 minutes and 3 hours 42 minutes, and D3665 takes 5 hours.[1]
Stations
The listing shows three departure stations in Guilin: Guilin North, Guilin West and Guilin. Most trains arrive at Guangzhou South, and some end at Guangzhou, Guangzhou Baiyun, Guangzhou Xintang or Zengcheng.[1] Check the station names on your ticket before you travel.
Seat Classes
G trains in the listing sell business class, first class and second class seats, and some also sell premium first class. D trains sell first and second class, and standing tickets without a seat appear as well.[1] The fare for your date and seat class is shown on 12306 or when you book. You can book your preferred departure on GoAsia.cc.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Stations |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (G) | 1h 58min to 3h 2min[1] | Guilin North, West or Guilin to Guangzhou South and other Guangzhou stations |
| High-speed train (D) | 2h 26min to 3h 42min[1] | Guilin North, West or Guilin to Guangzhou South |
Tips for Traveling from Guilin to Guangzhou
- Choose the Right Station: Guilin has several railway stations, and Guangzhou has more than one arrival station. Double-check your ticket carefully to ensure you head to the correct one.
- Arrive Early for Security: Chinese railway stations function much like airports, with a security luggage scan and a ticket and ID check, so allow extra time, especially during peak holiday periods.
- Keep Your Passport Handy: Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show the same document to enter the station and board the train.[2]
Timetable
| Train Guilin - Guangzhou $ 30.37–96.60 2h 2m – 3h 40m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Guilin to Guangzhou, including current prices and schedules.
Fares depend on the train, seat class and date. Second class on a G or D train is the standard economy choice, and the fare for your date is shown on 12306 or when you book.
The fastest services in the listing for 17 October 2026, G3707 and G3795, take 1 hour 58 minutes and 2 hours 2 minutes.
G trains mostly take between 2 and 3 hours, and D trains between 2 hours 26 minutes and 3 hours 42 minutes. One slower D train takes 5 hours.
Usually not. Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with their passport and show the same passport to enter the station and board the train.
Trains to Guangzhou leave from Guilin North, Guilin West and Guilin. The departure station is printed on your ticket, so check it before you travel.
Most trains from Guilin arrive at Guangzhou South. Some end at Guangzhou, Guangzhou Baiyun, Guangzhou Xintang or Zengcheng, so check the arrival station on your ticket.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] China Railway (12306): Ticket search Guilin to Guangzhou, 17 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): 12306 FAQ. 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.