China

How to get from Guangzhou to Guilin

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
2h 1min
💶
From
14€
📍
Distance
384 km
Powered by 12Go system

There are 2 way(s) to get from Guangzhou to Guilin

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Guangzhou
📍High-speed trains to Guilin typically depart from Guangzhou South Railway Station (Guangzhou Nan). This is a modern, massive station with numerous platforms, waiting areas, and amenities. It's well-organized but can be overwhelming due to its sheer size.
🚇Guangzhou South is well-connected by metro. Take Metro Line 2 or Line 7 directly to Guangzhou South Railway Station. A taxi or ride-hailing service is also an option, taking about 30-50 minutes from the city center, costing around 60-100 CNY depending on traffic.
Trains to Guilin depart frequently throughout the day, typically from early morning (around 07:00) until late evening (around 21:00). During peak hours, there can be departures every 15-30 minutes.
💸 Transport from 14€ per person
Fastest: 2h 1min
Recommended: Train (China Railway) — 27€
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

💡
Book High-Speed Trains Early

Popular routes like Guangzhou to Guilin can sell out days in advance, especially during holidays. Booking online via platforms like 12go.asia or Baolau.vn with your passport at least a week ahead is highly recommended to secure your preferred ticket.

💡
Identify the Correct Station

Guangzhou has multiple train stations. For high-speed trains to Guilin, you'll most likely depart from Guangzhou South Railway Station (Guangzhou Nan). Always double-check your ticket for the precise departure station to avoid last-minute panic.

💡
Passport is Essential

When booking tickets online and when collecting or boarding trains in China, your physical passport is mandatory. Keep it readily accessible; a photocopy or digital image is not sufficient for identification.

💡
Consider First Class for Comfort

For only a slight price increase on a 2-hour journey, First Class on China's high-speed trains offers more legroom and a quieter environment. It's a worthy upgrade if you value extra comfort.

💡
Arrive Early for Stations

Chinese train stations are often massive and require time to navigate through security and find your platform. Aim to arrive at least 60-90 minutes before your train's scheduled departure, especially if you need to collect tickets.

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from Guangzhou to Guilin? You're in for a treat, connecting one of China's vibrant metropolises to the stunning karst landscapes. The good news is that for this particular route, the choice is quite straightforward, with high-speed rail being your undisputed champion. It’s a fantastic example of China's modern infrastructure making what used to be a long journey incredibly quick and comfortable, letting you maximize your time enjoying the destination.

Your primary options are the high-speed train and the bus. The bullet train journey takes a mere 2 hours and costs around €27, whisking you directly from Guangzhou into Guilin's heart. In stark contrast, the bus, while cheaper at about €14, will eat up approximately 6 hours of your day. For independent travelers looking for efficiency, comfort, and more time for exploration, the train clearly pulls ahead.

Don't let China's vastness or its rail network's complexity deter you; for popular routes like Guangzhou to Guilin, the high-speed train is a game-changer. Booking in advance, ideally a few days to a week ahead, is always wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred seat. Most online booking platforms like 12go.asia or Baolau.vn allow you to book using your passport from abroad, giving you peace of mind before you even arrive.

Frequently asked questions — Guangzhou → Guilin

✨ 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.
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — to fully experience the Li River, Yangshuo, and city attractions.

☀️ When to visit Guilin?

SUBTROPICAL MONSOON CLIMATE

April to October — pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, but expect some rain in summer.

Jan 😞
Feb 😞
Mar 😐
Apr 😊
May 😊
Jun 😊
Jul 😐
Aug 😐
Sep 😊
Oct 😊
Nov 😐
Dec 😞
📍
In Guilin — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Guilin
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Guilin?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
⛰️
Li River Cruise
Embark on a scenic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, revealing iconic karst landscapes, buffaloes, and local life. The most picturesque section is between Xingping and Yangshuo. Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out quickly.
🐘
Elephant Trunk Hill
Visit Guilin's most famous landmark, Elephant Trunk Hill, resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. It's best viewed from across the river in Elephant Trunk Hill Park. Consider visiting early morning for fewer crowds and better light for photos; entrance fee around 5€.
🌅
Reed Flute Cave
Explore the illuminated Reed Flute Cave, a stunning natural limestone cave with an impressive array of stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations. Allow about an hour for the guided tour. It's easily accessible by bus or taxi from downtown Guilin.
🍜
Guilin Rice Noodles
Savor authentic Guilin Rice Noodles (Mifen), a staple local dish. Look for small, bustling eateries, often indicated by long queues of locals. Customize your bowl with various toppings like peanuts, pickled beans, and chili oil for a delicious meal costing just a few euros.
🏞️
Yangshuo Countryside Cycling
Rent a bike in Yangshuo (easily reached from Guilin) and cycle through its picturesque countryside, passing rice paddies, karst peaks, and local villages. Paths are generally flat and well-maintained. A full day's rental costs around 5-10€, offering a truly immersive experience.
🏞️
Seven Star Park
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Seven Star Park, Guilin's largest park, featuring caves, bridges, a zoo, and beautiful gardens. Climb to Camel Hill for panoramic views. Entry is affordable, around 3-5€. It's a great escape from the city bustle and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
🌃
Two Rivers & Four Lakes Night Cruise
Take a magical night cruise along Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes, where ancient bridges and pagodas are beautifully lit up. This offers a unique perspective of the city's charm after dark. Boats depart frequently from various piers, with tickets starting around 15-20€.
🌳
Daxu Ancient Town
Explore Daxu Ancient Town, a well-preserved ancient market town just 30 km east of Guilin. Wander its flagstone streets, admire traditional wooden houses, and visit the old stone bridge. It's less touristy than other spots; take a local bus from Guilin South Bus Station for an authentic experience.

⏱️ How long to visit Guilin?

2 to 4 days

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.

Related searches

train Guangzhou Guilin bus Guangzhou Guilin how to get from Guangzhou to Guilin ticket price Guangzhou to Guilin travel time Guangzhou to Guilin travel to China

Other trips from Guangzhou

Book now