There are 2 way(s) to get from Beijing to Guilin
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
Popular high-speed train routes, especially Beijing to Guilin, sell out days, sometimes weeks, in advance. Book your tickets as soon as your itinerary is firm using platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn to guarantee your seat and preferred class.
Beijing has several train stations. For most high-speed trains to Guilin, you'll depart from Beijing West Railway Station. Always confirm the exact station name on your ticket to avoid confusion and last-minute rushes.
When booking Chinese train tickets, your passport number is required. Keep your physical passport readily available when collecting tickets and boarding, as it serves as your official ID for travel.
Second class on Chinese high-speed trains is surprisingly comfortable and an excellent value. Unless you prefer extra space or a quieter environment, first class isn't always necessary for an enjoyable journey.
Chinese train stations are vast and busy. Aim to arrive at least 60-90 minutes before departure for passport checks, security screening, and finding your platform, especially if you need to collect tickets.
🛣️ The journey experience
Traveling from Beijing to Guilin presents a classic China travel dilemma: train or plane? For this specific route, the choice hinges on your priorities. While a high-speed train offers a unique opportunity to see the changing landscape and experience China's modern infrastructure firsthand, a flight is undeniably faster. We'll break down the realistic durations, costs, and comfort levels so you can pick the best option for your adventure.
From Beijing to Guilin, your main choices are a direct flight or a high-speed train. Flights take around 3 hours and cost approximately €80, making it the quicker option for covering the significant distance. China's domestic airlines are generally reliable. Alternatively, a high-speed train journey spans about 9 hours and costs around €121. While longer, it offers more comfort and avoids airport transfers, which can often add significant time to your journey.
Booking trains in China can feel daunting with popular routes selling out days in advance and the need for a passport. However, you absolutely can book from abroad! Websites like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn allow you to secure tickets with your passport details well in advance, converting a major fear into a seamless pre-trip task. Always double-check your departure station in mega-cities like Beijing; for Guilin, it's typically the main Guilin North Station, but confirming avoids last-minute stress.
Frequently asked questions — Beijing → Guilin
For Beijing to Guilin, the choice is between high-speed train and plane. The plane is faster, taking about 3 hours compared to 9 hours by train. However, the train offers more comfort, larger baggage allowance, and avoids airport transfers. A bus is not a practical option for this long-distance route.
A high-speed train from Beijing to Guilin typically takes around 9 hours. The cost for a second-class seat is approximately €121. While it's a longer journey than flying, it's a comfortable and efficient way to travel, offering a chance to see more of the Chinese countryside.
It's highly recommended to book your high-speed train tickets at least a few days, preferably a week or two, in advance, especially during peak seasons. Yes, you can absolutely book from abroad using online platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn. You'll need your passport details for the booking process.
High-speed trains to Guilin generally depart from Beijing West Railway Station (Beijing Xi). For class, second class offers excellent value and comfort for most travelers. First class provides more legroom and a slightly quieter environment for a higher price, but second class is usually perfectly sufficient for the 9-hour journey.
No, for a route as long as Beijing to Guilin, neither a bus nor a ferry is a practical or recommended alternative. A bus journey would take upwards of 24 hours, and ferries are not an option for inland travel. Stick to high-speed trains or flights for efficiency and comfort.
✨ Why visit Guilin?
- ✓ Cruising the Li River for breathtaking karst landscapes and picturesque villages.
- ✓ Exploring the Reed Flute Cave with its stunning illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.
- ✓ Hiking or biking through the tranquil rice paddies and limestone peaks of Yangshuo.
- ✓ Visiting the Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbol of Guilin, for iconic photo opportunities.
- ✓ Savoring authentic Guilin rice noodles and other local culinary delights.
☀️ When to visit Guilin?
SUBTROPICAL MONSOON CLIMATE
April to October — pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, but expect some rain in summer.
What to do in Guilin?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Guilin?
For an independent francophone traveler, 3 to 4 days is ideal to explore Guilin and its surroundings. This allows for a full day on the Li River cruise, a day for Yangshuo's highlights like cycling and West Street, and another day for Guilin city attractions such as Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave. If you only have 2 days, focus on the Li River and Yangshuo.
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