Thinking of taking a train to or from Guangzhou? Guangzhou is well connected to other cities in China, all thanks to the efficient high speed rail. Whether you’re zipping off to Hong Kong, heading north to Beijing, how to book train tickets, or just trying to figure out which station to go to (because yes, Guangzhou has quite a few!), this guide has got you covered.
Guangzhou train map & Popular railway route
With bullet trains running at speeds of up to 350 km/h, taking a train is often faster (and more convenient!) than flying in China. You can get to or from Guangzhou easily. Here are some popular routes!
Guangzhou ⇄ Shenzhen
Source: Wikimedia
The Guangzhou–Shenzhen high-speed rail is one of the most popular and busiest train routes. With over 300 trains running daily, you can hop on a train almost any time.
🚄 Travel time: 36-40 minutes
🚄 Railway station: Guangzhou South-Shenzhen North
💰 Ticket prices:
- Second class: From S$13.83
- First class: From S$18.48
- Business class: From S$37.04
Guangzhou ⇄ Hong Kong
Source: China Train 12306
The Guangzhou–Hong Kong high-speed rail is the most convenient way to travel between the two cities, cutting travel time to under 1 hour! Whether you're heading to Hong Kong for shopping, business, or a weekend getaway, this train route makes the trip smoother.
🚄 Travel time: 53 minutes-2 hours
🚄 Railway station: Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East-Hong Kong West Kowloon
💰 Ticket prices:
- Second class: From S$39.92
- First class: From S$63.86
- Business class: From S$119.74
Guangzhou ⇄ Zhuhai
Source: China Train 12306
The Guangzhou–Zhuhai high-speed rail is the easiest way to reach Zhuhai, the city bordering Macau. Just a smooth 1-hour ride straight to Zhuhai Railway Station, which is right next to the Macau border. The train station is just a 5-minute walk from the Macau border!
🚄 Travel time: About 1 hours
🚄 Railway station: Guangzhou South-Zhuhai Railway Station
💰 Ticket prices
- Second class: From S$13
- First class: From S$16.71
- Business class: From S$38.06
💡 Tip: Once you arrive at Zhuhai Railway Station, you can walk to Gongbei Port for immigration clearance into Macau. After crossing, take a short taxi or bus ride to The Venetian, Ruins of St. Paul’s, or Senado Square.
Guangzhou ⇄ Beijing
Source: Wikipedia
The Guangzhou–Beijing high-speed rail is one of China’s longest and most popular train routes, linking the south to the capital in just 7 to 11 hours. Spanning over 2,200 km, this route offers a comfortable and scenic alternative to flying.
🚄 Travel time: 7-11 hours
🚄 Railway station: Guangzhou South-Beijing West
💰 Ticket prices:
- Second class: From S$160.02
- First class: From S$255.99
- Business class: From S$555.04
Guangzhou ⇄ Shanghai
Source: China Discovery
The Guangzhou–Shanghai high-speed rail connects two of China’s biggest cities, which is a popular choice for business travellers. Covering 1,500 km in as fast as 6.5 hours, you’ll pass Changsha, Nanchang and Hangzhou.
🚄 Travel time: 6.5-8.5 hours
🚄 Railway station: Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East-Shanghai Hongqiao
💰 Ticket prices:
- Second class: From S$151.29
- First class: From S$241.51
- Business class: From S$503.06
Guangzhou ⇄ Hangzhou
The Guangzhou–Hangzhou high-speed rail is an incredible journey. As you zip through dynamic cities and rolling landscapes, you’ll soon find yourself immersed in the natural beauty of Hangzhou. Hangzhou is different to Guangzhou’s modern skyline with its tranquil temples, pagodas, and famous tea plantations.
🚄 Travel time: 6.5-9 hours
🚄 Railway station: Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East-Hangzhou East/Hangzhou West
💰 Ticket prices:
- Second class: From S$132.92
- First class: From S$212.37
- Business class: From S$439.39
Guangzhou ⇄ Xiamen
The Guangzhou–Xiamen high-speed rail is a scenic train trip. You’ll journey through picturesque landscapes and coastal views. Whether you're visiting Xiamen's famous beaches, enjoying the fresh seafood, or exploring the Gulangyu Island, this train ride offers comfort and speed.
🚄 Travel time: 3-5 hours
🚄 Railway station: Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East-Xiamen North
💰 Ticket prices:
- Second class: From S$57.27
- First class: From S$88.09
- Business class: From S$169.21
💡 Tip: If you're visiting Gulangyu Island, take a taxi from Xiamen North Station to the Xiamen ferry terminal, then hop on a short boat ride to this car-free paradise!
Guangzhou railway stations
There are four major train stations handling different types of train services:
Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站)
Source: Wikipedia
This is Guangzhou's main hub for high-speed trains, especially for routes travelling to the south, east, and central China, such as Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Hangzhou. It's one of the busiest stations in China, handling millions of passengers annually.
✅Location: 133 Nanzhan Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou
✅Transfer: Direct access to Metro Line 2, Line 7, Line 22 for easy transfers within the city.
💡 Tip: If you're catching a high-speed train, arrive early because the station can get very busy, especially during peak travel times.
Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站)
Source: Wikipedia
Guangzhou East Railway Station handles both high-speed and regular trains. It's Guangzhou’s central railway station, ideal for long-distance travellers heading to northern and western regions.
✅Location: Linhe Middle Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
✅Transfer: Well-connected to Metro Line 1 and Line 3 to downtown Guangzhou.
💡 Tip: If you're travelling to Beijing or other northern cities, this is your go-to station. It's not as crowded as Guangzhou South, but it's still busy, so plan accordingly!
Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站)
Source: Wikipedia
This is the oldest railway station in Guangzhou, serving as a key link for travellers heading to Beijing, Chengdu, Xi'an and other major northern destinations. It also handles several regional and slower trains. It’s less modern than the newer stations but still well-equipped.
✅Location: Huan Shixi Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
✅Transfer: Metro Line 2 and Line 5 access, linking to the city centre.
Guangzhou North Railway Station (广州北站)
Source: Wikipedia
Located in the northern suburbs, this station is more outlying and serves high-speed trains heading to Beijing, Shenzhen, and other cities in the north and northeast. It's less crowded compared to Guangzhou South, making it a good option for those looking for a quieter experience.
✅Location: Zhanqian Road, Huadu District, Guangzhou
✅Transfer: Access to Metro Line 9, and it’s a bit farther from the city centre.
How to book China train tickets on Trip.com?
Book China train tickets on Trip.com website
- Step 1: Visit Trip.com and register an account
Go to the Trip.com website or download the Trip.com mobile App from the App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Step 2: Search for train tickets
Reach the train page. Enter your departure and arrival cities, and travel dates. Click on "Search" to see the available trains.
- Step 3: Select your train
Browse through the list of available trains and select the one that best fits your schedule. You can filter the results by train type (high-speed or available train), departure and arrival time, departure and arrival station, and seat type. Click “Book” to continue the process.
- Step 4: Enter passenger information & Choose seat class
Fill in the passenger information and contact information, including names, passport details, email, phone number, etc. Trip.com will show you the available seats, and select your preferred seat class.
- Step 5: Make payment & Receive conformation
Choose your preferred payment method and complete the transaction. Trip.com accepts various payment options. After payment, you will receive a confirmation. You can also access your ticket through the Trip.com app.
Book China train tickets on Trip.com App
- Step 1: Download the Trip.com App
Go to the App Store or Google Play Store to download Trip.com App.
- Step 2: Set up a Trip.com account
Register a new account using your email address or log in if you already have an account.
- Step 3: Search for train tickets
On the home screen, tap on "Trains". Enter your departure city and destination city and select your travel date. Tap on "Search" to find available trains.
- Step 4: Select a train
Browse through the list of available trains. You can filter the results by train type (high-speed or available train), departure and arrival time, departure and arrival station, and seat type. Tap on the train that best suits your schedule.
- Step 5: Enter passenger information & Choose seat class
Fill in the passenger information and contact information, including full names, passport numbers, email, etc. Here you can also select your preferred seat class.
- Step 6: Make payment & Receive your ticket
Trip.com accepts various payments. Enter your payment details and confirm the payment. Once the payment is complete, you will receive a booking confirmation. You can access your e-ticket through the Trip.com App under the "My Bookings" section.
Tips for taking trains in China
Travelling by train in China is an exciting and efficient way to get around. Here are some handy tips to make your train journey more enjoyable:
Book your tickets in advance
Train tickets in China can sell out fast, especially for popular routes during peak travel seasons (like Chinese New Year). Booking at least a few days in advance will give you the best chance of securing a seat.
Take advantage of online booking
Apps like 12306 (official) and Trip.com can be super helpful for buying tickets, checking train schedules, and keeping track of your journey. Many also have English versions.
Arrive early at the station
Chinese train stations are large and can be very busy. Arrive at least 30–60 minutes before your departure time to give yourself plenty of time to go through security checks, find your platform, and get settled.
Carry your passport
As Singaporeans, you'll need your passport to buy tickets and board the train. Be sure to carry it with you at all times when travelling. You will need it for boarding.
Plan your train trip with Trip.com
Ready to experience China by train? Trip.com is the perfect platform to help you plan and book your train tickets with ease! You can easily find and book train tickets for your next adventure across China. With user-friendly tools, best price guarantees, and 24/7 customer support, Trip.com makes train travel hassle-free.
Start planning your train journey today and get your tickets with Trip.com!
FAQs
Can I buy tickets at the train station on the day of travel?
Yes, you can buy tickets on the day of travel, but tickets for high-speed trains tend to sell out quickly. It’s recommended to book in advance.How do I know which platform to go to at the train station?
Once you arrive at the station, check the electronic boards for your train number and platform number. This information is displayed in both Chinese and English. You can also ask station staff for assistance if needed.Is there food available on the train?
Many high-speed trains have food carts or dining cars offering snacks and light meals, but the selection may be limited. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks for the journey.