There are 2 way(s) to get from Xian 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 routes, especially during peak seasons or holidays, sell out fast. Aim to book your train tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance, or even earlier for critical routes, to secure your desired seat and class.
Booking trains and buses from abroad is easiest through English-friendly platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn. They handle the local booking process and provide e-tickets, requiring only your passport details.
Mega-cities like Xi'an often have multiple train stations. Always double-check your ticket for the exact station name (e.g., Xi'an North Station) to avoid arriving at the wrong terminal.
High-speed trains offer Second Class (standard, comfortable), First Class (more space), and sometimes Business Class (premium experience). For 5-hour journeys, Second Class is perfectly adequate and cost-effective.
While flights are faster in the air, factor in travel to/from airports, check-in, security, and potential delays. For domestic routes, trains often offer comparable or even faster door-to-door times for city-center to city-center travel.
🛣️ The journey experience
Traveling from Xi'an to Guilin presents a classic choice for independent travelers in China: do you prioritize speed and efficiency with a flight, or the scenic comfort and cultural immersion of a high-speed train? While China's rail network is impressive, comparing options side-by-side helps you decide the best fit for your itinerary, considering both duration and overall experience. Each mode of transport has its unique advantages, and knowing these can save you time and hassle.
For this route, you have two primary options. A high-speed train journey from Xi'an North to Guilin takes approximately 5 hours and costs around €71. This offers a comfortable, smooth ride through the Chinese landscape. Alternatively, a flight from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is quicker in the air, around 2 hours, but factoring in airport transfers and security, the total door-to-door time is often comparable. Flights typically start from around €80.
Given the dense and sometimes confusing high-speed rail network, it’s crucial to know that popular trains can sell out days in advance, and booking requires your passport. For the Xi'an to Guilin leg, the high-speed train is often a strong contender against flying when you consider total travel time and the superior comfort and scenery. We always recommend booking your tickets in advance online via a trusted platform like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn to ensure you get your preferred class and avoid any last-minute stress about sold-out seats or station confusion.
Frequently asked questions — Xian → Guilin
For most independent travelers, the high-speed train is the best option for its balance of speed, comfort, and scenic views, with a travel time of around 5 hours. While flights are quicker in the air, the overall door-to-door journey often favors the train, especially when considering airport transfers and security checks.
The high-speed train journey from Xi'an North to Guilin typically takes about 5 hours. This is a direct service, offering a comfortable and efficient way to cover the distance between these two popular destinations. Factor in about 30-45 minutes to get to the station and navigate before departure.
A high-speed train ticket from Xi'an to Guilin costs approximately €71 for a Second Class seat. Flights typically start from around €80, but prices can fluctuate significantly based on booking time and airline. Always compare both options, considering the total cost including transfers.
It's highly recommended to book high-speed train tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for popular routes like Xi'an to Guilin, as they can sell out. Yes, you can absolutely book from abroad using reputable online platforms like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn, which accept international payments and require your passport details.
✨ 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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