There are 3 way(s) to get from Chongqing to Guilin
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
High-speed trains, especially on popular routes like Chongqing to Guilin, can sell out days in advance. Secure your tickets online via platforms like 12go.asia or Trip.com as soon as your travel dates are firm. This avoids disappointment and ensures your preferred schedule.
Mega-cities often have multiple train stations. For Chongqing, verify whether your train departs from Chongqing North (Chongqing Bei) or Chongqing West (Chongqing Xi). Always double-check your ticket to avoid arriving at the wrong station and missing your connection.
When booking Chinese train tickets, your passport is your essential ID. Ensure you enter your passport details accurately during the online booking process. You'll need the physical passport for ticket collection and boarding, so keep it handy.
While Second Class on high-speed trains is perfectly comfortable and great value, consider First Class for a bit more space and quieter journey. The price difference is often minimal for shorter trips and can enhance your travel experience significantly.
Although booking online in English is straightforward, having a translation app (like Google Translate with offline Chinese) can be incredibly helpful at stations. It assists with reading signs, asking questions, and navigating more smoothly in an unfamiliar environment.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating China's vastness can seem daunting, but connecting Chongqing to Guilin is a classic route with clear best options. For independent travellers, choosing the right transport means balancing speed, cost, and comfort. The high-speed rail is often your sweet spot, but sometimes a flight saves crucial time, or a bus offers a budget alternative for shorter hops.
For the Chongqing to Guilin leg, you have three main choices. The high-speed train is a fantastic option, taking about 3 hours and costing around €40, offering a comfortable and efficient journey. Flights are quicker in air, just 1 hour for about €35, but factor in airport travel and security. The bus is the longest and cheapest, at 9 hours and around €18, best avoided unless on a very tight budget.
Given the options, the high-speed train is overwhelmingly the best choice here. It bypasses the airport hassle, gets you there fast, and is very comfortable. Remember, popular train routes like this sell out quickly, so booking several days in advance is crucial. You can easily book Chinese trains from abroad using platforms like 12go.asia or Trip.com, ensuring you secure your seat without needing a local ID.
Frequently asked questions — Chongqing → Guilin
The high-speed train is generally the best option for this route. It offers an excellent balance of speed (around 3 hours), comfort, and cost (approximately €40). While flying is faster in the air, the overall journey time with airport transfers makes the train often more efficient.
A high-speed train ticket from Chongqing to Guilin typically costs around €40 for a Second Class seat. Prices can vary slightly depending on the specific train and booking platform, but this gives you a good estimate for budgeting your journey.
The high-speed (bullet) train journey from Chongqing to Guilin takes approximately 3 hours. This makes it a very time-efficient way to cover the distance, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing time in both cities rather than spending a full day travelling.
It's highly recommended to book your high-speed train tickets for Chongqing to Guilin several days, or even weeks, in advance, especially during peak season or holidays, as popular trains sell out fast. Yes, you can absolutely book from abroad using international platforms like 12go.asia or Trip.com, which accept foreign passports and payment methods.
✨ 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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