How to Get from Xiamen to Guangzhou
Discover the best way to travel from Xiamen to Guangzhou. Compare flights and high-speed trains, with timetables and tips for the journey across Southern China.
Contents
The journey from the breezy coastline of Xiamen to the sprawling metropolis of Guangzhou is a classic Southern China transit. While Xiamen invites you to slow down with its seaside promenades and the car free alleys of Gulangyu Island, Guangzhou is the high octane pulse of the Pearl River Delta. This route connects two of China's most significant port cities, bridging Fujian's relaxed island atmosphere and the culinary and commercial powerhouse of Guangdong province.
You have two good options: a short flight, or a high-speed train that covers the distance in roughly the same time once airport procedures are counted. Whether you are heading to Guangzhou for business at the Canton Fair or to explore the historic Shamian Island, you can book your tickets on GoAsia.cc.
Xiamen to Guangzhou by Flight
Flights connect Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). Booking platforms list four daily departures, at 09:50, 14:30, 16:30 and 20:50 (October 2026), so the schedule is less flexible than the many daily trains.[1]
Flight Duration
The flight takes from about 1 hour 40 minutes, usually 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes in the air.[1] Add time for the airport transfer, check-in and security on both ends.
Pricing and Classes
Tickets for this route are generally offered in Economy Class. On booking platforms, one-way fares start at about $95, with the most expensive listed fares at about $290 (October 2026), and prices depend on how far in advance you book and the season.[1] Peak periods such as Lunar New Year or the Canton Fair push prices toward the higher end.
Arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun
Baiyun Airport has three terminals, T1, T2 and T3, and the boarding pass shows which one your flight uses. Check-in for domestic flights at T3 closes 40 minutes before departure. Metro Lines 3 and 9 run toward the airport, and Baiyun Airport North Station at T2 connects to the intercity trains that link all three terminals.[2]
Xiamen to Guangzhou by Train
High-speed trains leave from Xiamen North station. On 20 October 2026, China Railway's 12306 timetable listed 33 trains from Xiamen to Guangzhou. The fastest, G3043 at 09:25, arrived at Guangzhou Xintang at 12:31 (3 hours 6 minutes), and G3047 at 14:00 and G3049 at 18:59 took 3 hours 11 minutes. G3019 at 19:54 ran to Guangzhou South in 3 hours 24 minutes. The slowest listed train, K230, took 12 hours 1 minute overnight to Guangzhou Baiyun.[3] Guangzhou has several stations, so check the arrival station before you book.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Departs from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | From about $95 (October 2026)[1] | From 1h 40min | Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (XMN) |
| High-speed train | Shown when booking on 12306 | From 3h 6min[3] | Xiamen North station |
Tips for Traveling from Xiamen to Guangzhou
- Airport Arrival: Arrive at Xiamen Gaoqi in good time, as the airport handles a high volume of domestic traffic and lines can be long.
- Check Your Terminal: At Guangzhou Baiyun, confirm whether your flight arrives at T1, T2 or T3 before you plan the onward trip.[2]
- Bring Your Passport: Foreign passengers buy real-name train tickets with a valid passport and must show the same document to enter the station and board the train.[4]
- Address in Chinese: Keep your destination address in Chinese characters for taxis and ride-hailing apps, as English signage is less common once you leave the airports.
- Best Time to Visit: Guangzhou can be very humid in summer. If you have a choice, autumn is the more comfortable season for exploring the city's parks and outdoor markets.
Timetable
| Flight Xiamen - Guangzhou $ 94.24–288.31 1h 40m – 1h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Xiamen to Guangzhou, including current prices and schedules.
Flights are listed on booking platforms from about $95 one way in October 2026. Train fares are shown on China Railway's 12306 when you book, so compare both for your date.
The flight is the quickest in the air, from about 1 hour 40 minutes. The fastest high-speed trains take from about 3 hours 6 minutes from Xiamen North, and they spare you the airport procedures.
A flight takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes in the air, plus time for transfers, check-in and security. High-speed trains take from about 3 hours 6 minutes, and the slowest overnight train takes about 12 hours.
Flights depart from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) and arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially around Lunar New Year and major trade fairs such as the Canton Fair, when fares rise.
Booking platforms list four daily departures, at 09:50, 14:30, 16:30 and 20:50 (October 2026). The train offers many more departures through the day.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Xiamen - Guangzhou timetable (flight). Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [2] The People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport's T3 Terminal opens: Your easy travel guide. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [3] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Xiamen to Guangzhou, 20 October 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [4] 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.