Contents
Leaving behind the terracotta warriors and the imposing ancient city walls of Xian for the misty, limestone karst peaks of Guilin marks a transition from China's imperial past to its most iconic natural landscapes. The journey slices through the heart of the country and trades the dusty yellow hues of the Loess Plateau for the vibrant greens and winding rivers of the south. It is a route that many travelers prioritize to see the duality of China: the monumental history of the north and the poetic scenery that has inspired Chinese ink paintings for centuries.
China's modern infrastructure makes this transition remarkably smooth. You can leave in the shadow of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the morning and be watching the sunset over the Li River by dinner time. For those looking to secure their spot on these popular routes, you can easily book tickets through GoAsia.cc to ensure your travel plans remain on track.
Xian to Guilin by Train
The high speed rail network is the primary way to navigate this route. Direct bullet trains leave Xian North Railway Station (Xian Bei) in the morning and reach Guilin the same evening. On 27 October 2026 the direct services were the G2239 at 07:38 to Guilin West at 17:52, and the G3739 at 08:07 to Guilin North at 18:05 or Guilin Station at 18:23.[1] The journey is an experience in itself, with a front row seat to the changing topography of China as you zip through tunnels and over massive viaducts.
High Speed Train Classes and Comfort
The trip takes about 10 hours, a full day of travel.[1] The trains sell second, first and business class, plus standing tickets.
- Second Class Seat: The most popular and most economical choice, at 751 to 812 yuan depending on the train and the arrival station.[1]
- First Class Seat: A bit more personal space for 1,200 to 1,297 yuan.[1]
- Business Class: The top of Chinese rail travel, at 2,332 to 2,483.5 yuan.[1] Business class passengers get a free meal at mealtimes, and large stations in provincial capitals have separate business-class waiting areas.[2]
- Standing/No Seat: Standing tickets cost the same as a Second Class seat.[1] They get you there, but they are no fun on such a long journey.
High-speed trains offer several meal packages, including halal meals. Skip strong-smelling food such as instant noodles: China Railway asks passengers not to eat it on board.[3]
Comparing Your Options
The train takes you from city center to city center, so the choice is mostly about budget and comfort for a full day on the rails.
| Mode | Price (yuan) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed Train (Second Class) | 751 to 812[1] | About 10 hours | Standard |
| High Speed Train (First Class) | 1,200 to 1,297[1] | About 10 hours | High |
| High Speed Train (Business Class) | 2,332 to 2,483.5[1] | About 10 hours | Luxury |
Tips for Traveling from Xian to Guilin
To ensure a smooth transition from the ancient capital to the karst mountains, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Book in Advance: High speed train tickets go on sale 15 days before departure, and from 30 December 2026 the sales window grows to 30 days.[4] Book early for the Golden Week and Spring Festival, when popular trains fill up.
- Station Logistics: Xian North is a massive station, so arrive early to clear security and find your platform. You need your passport to buy the ticket, to enter the station and to board.[5]
- Pack Snacks: Pick up some local Xian specialties like Shaanxi flatbread or dried fruits before you head to the station.
- Luggage: Each adult may carry 20 kg of luggage free of charge, and on high-speed trains a single item may measure up to 130 cm in total and weigh up to 20 kg.[6] You carry your own bags through the station, so pack light.
- Guilin Arrival: Guilin has several stations: Guilin, Guilin North and Guilin West. Check which one is on your ticket and plan the last leg to your hotel from there.
Timetable
| Flight Xian - Guilin $ 211.92–253.27 2h 10m – 2h 15m | |
|
|
| Train Xian - Guilin $ 121.81–384.85 11h 2m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Xian to Guilin, including current prices and schedules.
The most affordable option is a Second Class seat on the high speed train, which costs 751 to 812 yuan depending on the train. Standing tickets cost the same as a Second Class seat, so a seat is much better value for the 10 hour trip.
The fastest direct train, the G3739 from Xian North to Guilin North, takes 9 hours and 58 minutes. The other direct services take about 10 hours.
Plan for a train journey of about 10 hours.
High speed trains to Guilin depart from Xian North Railway Station (Xian Bei), in the northern part of the city.
The train takes you from city center to city center without the long check-in processes of airports. A flight is shorter in the air, but you must add the trip to the airport outside Xian and the transfer into Guilin.
Yes, your passport is your ticket in China. The rail system uses real-name e-tickets linked to your passport number, and you show the passport at the station entrance and when boarding the train.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Xian to Guilin, 27 October 2026. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): 12306: station and on-board services FAQ. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [3] China Railway (12306): 12306 help: dining on trains. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket booking page. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [5] China Railway 12306: FAQ: real-name tickets and foreign passports. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- [6] China Railway Customer Service Center (12306): 12306 China Railway: FAQ. Retrieved October 25, 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.