There are 2 way(s) to get from Shenzhen 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 often sell out days in advance, especially during peak season or holidays. To secure your preferred ticket, aim to book at least 7-10 days before your travel date. This is crucial for smooth planning.
Shenzhen has multiple train stations. Ensure you know exactly which station your train departs from (e.g., Shenzhen North, Shenzhen Futian) to avoid last-minute confusion and ensure you catch your train on time. Verify this on your ticket.
Booking Chinese train tickets from abroad is simple via platforms like 12go.asia. They accept international payments and you can receive e-tickets, which you then exchange for paper tickets with your passport at the station. This saves a lot of hassle.
Your passport is mandatory for booking and collecting train tickets in China. Always have it with you when purchasing tickets online or at the station, and when boarding the train. No passport, no ticket, no travel.
For most high-speed train journeys, second class offers excellent comfort and value. The seats are spacious and facilities are good. First class provides a bit more legroom but for shorter trips, second class is perfectly adequate and more budget-friendly.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating China's vastness can seem daunting, but for routes like Shenzhen to Guilin, choosing the right transport significantly enhances your travel experience. Forget wasting a day on a slow overnight train; modern China offers efficient alternatives. Knowing whether a high-speed train or bus is best for this specific leg, and understanding realistic durations and comfort levels, will help you travel smart and enjoy more of your trip.
For your journey from Shenzhen to Guilin, the high-speed train is a clear winner. Operated by China Railway, it whisks you there in just 3 hours for around €34. In contrast, a bus takes a much longer 8 hours and costs approximately €14. While the bus is cheaper, the time saved and superior comfort of the bullet train usually make it the preferred option for independent travellers who value efficiency and want to maximize their time exploring.
Booking trains in China can be a concern, especially with popular routes selling out and the need for a passport for reservations. However, you can easily book these tickets online in English well in advance from abroad. This proactive approach ensures you get your preferred seat and avoids the stress of turning up at the station only to find all tickets sold out. Always double-check your departure station, as mega-cities often have several, but with a reliable booking platform, this becomes a simple step.
Frequently asked questions — Shenzhen → Guilin
For Shenzhen to Guilin, the high-speed train is overwhelmingly the best option. It offers a perfect balance of speed, comfort, and price, significantly outperforming the bus in travel time. There are no direct flights or ferries suitable for this route, making the train the clear winner for efficiency and convenience.
The high-speed bullet train from Shenzhen to Guilin typically takes around 3 hours. A second-class ticket usually costs about €34, making it a highly efficient and reasonably priced option for covering this distance swiftly. Prices can vary slightly based on booking time and specific train operator.
It's highly recommended to book your high-speed train tickets at least a week in advance, especially for popular routes like this. Yes, you can absolutely book from abroad using international online platforms like 12go.asia. You'll need your passport details for booking and for collecting the physical ticket at the station.
Trains to Guilin usually depart from Shenzhen North Railway Station (Shenzhenbei), the main hub for high-speed services. For most travellers, second class is perfectly adequate, offering comfortable seating and a pleasant journey. First class provides a bit more space, but for a 3-hour journey, the value of second class is usually unbeatable.
There is indeed a cheaper bus option from Shenzhen to Guilin, costing around €14. However, it takes significantly longer, about 8 hours, compared to the 3-hour train journey. For this route, a ferry is not a viable transport option. Unless budget is your absolute top priority and time is not an issue, the high-speed train offers superior value for money and time.
✨ 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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