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Leaving the neon-lit skyscrapers of Kowloon for the sprawling metropolis of Guangzhou is a journey that bridges the unique administrative culture of Hong Kong with the industrial and culinary powerhouse of Guangdong province. While these two cities have been connected for decades, the high-speed rail link has turned what used to be a half-day trek into a trip of a little over an hour.
You depart from West Kowloon Station and handle both Hong Kong exit and mainland entry formalities in the same station before you board.[1] Whether you are heading north for a dim sum feast or a business meeting at the Canton Fair, the high-speed train is the most practical way to travel between the two cities.
Kowloon to Guangzhou by Train
High-speed trains run from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou. For 17 October 2026 the 12306 booking page listed 61 services from West Kowloon, mostly to Guangzhou South. The first left at 07:20 (G388, arriving at 08:27) and the last at 22:37 (G6504, arriving at 23:36).[2] Trains to Guangzhou South take between 48 minutes (G6526) and 1 hour 25 minutes. Services that end at Guangzhou North, Xintang or Guangzhou East take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 52 minutes.[2] Some of the services are Vibrant Express trains.[2]
Fares and Seat Classes
Fares are set in renminbi by China State Railway Group, and the Hong Kong dollar fare is adjusted every month with the exchange rate.[3] For trains departing from 11 October 2026, the MTR fare chart lists Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guangzhou South at HK$250 in second class, HK$400 in first class, HK$450 in premium class, HK$550 in premium first class and HK$750 in business class. Guangzhou East costs the same, except that premium first class is not sold.[4]
Immigration at West Kowloon
Real-name checking and ticket verification take place in the Ticketing Concourse (Level B1), followed by the security check and the Hong Kong and mainland immigration formalities in the Departure Concourse (Level B3). You can start these procedures as early as 90 minutes before departure, they normally take 30 to 45 minutes, and real-name checking stops 30 minutes before departure. The boarding gates open 15 minutes before departure and close in the last 5 minutes.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Fare (HKD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Second Class) | HK$250[4] | 48min to 1h 25min[2] |
| Train (First Class) | HK$400[4] | 48min to 1h 25min |
| Train (Business Class) | HK$750[4] | 48min to 1h 25min |
Tips for Traveling from Kowloon to Guangzhou
- Allow Time for Immigration: Even though the train ride is short, you clear both Hong Kong and mainland immigration at West Kowloon Station before boarding, so do not arrive at the last minute.
- Valid Travel Documents: Bring your passport. Holders of ordinary passports from the countries on China's unilateral visa-exemption list can enter for up to 30 days without a visa, and other nationalities need a visa unless another exemption applies.[5]
- Booking in Advance: Tickets for popular times, especially around holidays or the Canton Fair, can sell out quickly. You can book your tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc to secure your preferred departure time and class.
- Baggage Allowance: The maximum baggage weight is 20 kg for an adult and 10 kg for a child, and the length, width and height of each item together must not exceed 130 cm. The high-speed rail does not offer a baggage consignment service.[6]
- Station Logistics: Most high-speed trains arrive at Guangzhou South Station, so plan the onward metro or taxi ride to your hotel in the city.
Timetable
| Train Hong Kong West Kowloon - Guangzhou $ 35.94–93.97 47m – 1h 17m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kowloon to Guangzhou, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest train ticket is a second class seat at HK$250 for trains departing from 11 October 2026. The Hong Kong dollar fare is adjusted every month, so check the current fare when you book.
The High Speed Rail from West Kowloon Station is the fastest option, with the quickest journey in the 17 October 2026 listing taking 48 minutes (G6526). Most trains to Guangzhou South take between 48 minutes and 1 hour 25 minutes.
Trains to Guangzhou South take between 48 minutes and 1 hour 25 minutes, and services ending at Guangzhou North, Xintang or Guangzhou East take up to 1 hour 52 minutes. Also account for the time needed to clear immigration at the station before boarding.
It depends on your nationality. Holders of ordinary passports from the countries on China's unilateral visa-exemption list can enter for up to 30 days without a visa, while other nationalities need a visa unless another exemption applies, such as the 240-hour visa-free transit for eligible travellers with an onward ticket to a third country or region. Check the current nationality list, ports and permitted areas with the National Immigration Administration before booking.
Most high-speed trains from Hong Kong West Kowloon arrive at Guangzhou South Station. Some services end at Guangzhou North, Xintang or Guangzhou East, so double-check your ticket for the specific arrival point.
The maximum baggage weight is 20 kg for an adult and 10 kg for a child, and the length, width and height of each item together must not exceed 130 cm. There is no baggage consignment service.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] MTR Corporation (High Speed Rail Hong Kong Section): High Speed Rail: Departure process. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): Ticket search Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guangzhou South, 17 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] MTR Corporation (High Speed Rail Hong Kong Section): High Speed Rail: Fares. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] MTR Corporation (High Speed Rail Hong Kong Section): HKD implemented fare chart, trains from 11 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] National Immigration Administration of China: List of Countries Covered by Unilateral Visa Exemption Policies. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [6] MTR Corporation (High Speed Rail Hong Kong Section): High Speed Rail: Baggage Regulations. 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.