Foreigner’s Guide to Taking Train between Hong Kong & Guangzhou

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Introduction

When traveling between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, taking a train is a fast and convenient option. Starting from January, 2023, there are two rail routes available for Hong Kong – Guangzhou train:

guangzhou shenzhen hong kong express rail link
guangzhou shenzhen hong kong express rail link
  • 1. Guangzhounan route: HK – Guangzhou South
  • 2. Guangzhoudong route: HK – Guangzhou East
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As of May 2023, there are 33 daily trains running between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, with most using the large & mordern Guangzhounan (Guangzhou South)  and only 7 using the centrally-located Guangzhoudong (Guangzhou East).

High Speed Railway & Station Map

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Hong Kong – Guangzhou Train Schedule

There are two train routes available between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, and below are the schedules for each.

1. Guangzhounan Route

The Guangzhounan route includes stops:  Hong Kong West Kowloon – Futian –  Shenzhenbei – Humen – Guangzhounan (Guangzhou South).

Train Type Departure Station Arrival Station Frequency Duration Operation Time Fares
G HK West Kowloon Guangzhou South 26 daily 46m – 1h09m 08:25-22:50 ￥215
G Guangzhou South HK West Kowloon 26 daily 45m – 1h13m 07:04- 21:50 ￥215
For a live schedule & ticket availability & refer to www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/

2. Guangzhoudong Route

The Guangzhoudong route includes stops: Hong Kong West Kowloon – Futian – Shenzhenbei – Dongguannan – Changping – Dongguan – Guangzhoudong (Guangzhou East).

Train Type Departure Station Arrival Station Frequency Duration Operation Time Fares
G HK West Kowloon Guangzhou East 7 daily 1h29m – 1h42m 08:06-22:12 ￥215
G Guangzhou East HK West Kowloon 6 daily 1h40m – 1h53m 07:56-19:56 ￥215
For a live schedule & ticket availability & refer to www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/

Which Train Station: Guangzhounan vs Guangzhoudong

guangzhou-south-railway-stationguangzhou-south-railway-station
guangzhoudong-railway-stationguangzhoudong-railway-station

If you are traveling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, you will arrive at either Guangzhounan Station (Guangzhou South) or Guangzhoudong Station (Guangzhou East).

Photo guide: how to take a train from Guangzhou South

arrive-guangzhou-south-by-metro
arrive-guangzhou-south-by-metroYou can get to Guangzhou South Station by metro
metro-entrance-k
metro-entrance-kTake the entrance K to get from the metro to Guangzhou South Railway Station.
go-to-train
go-to-trainJust walk through the corridor to go to the station waiting area.
arrive-guangzhou-south
arrive-guangzhou-southIf your train is from Guangzhou South to Zhuhai, you don\'t need to go to the leavel 3. Just at level 1 to find your train.
escalator-to-waiting-area
escalator-to-waiting-areaTake this escalator to get to level 3, the waitting area.
guangzhou-south-station-waiting-area
guangzhou-south-station-waiting-areawaiting area of Guangzhou South
overview-guangzhou-south
overview-guangzhou-southGet a feel on how big Guangzhou South is.
information-board
information-boardFind which check-in gate is for your train on the screen board. It offers English version.
check-in-gate
check-in-gateCheck-in gates B11 and 10B
find-your-train
find-your-trainAfter boarding begins, you just have your tickets checked. Then take the escalator down to find your train.
vibrant-express-to-hongkong-at-guangzhou-south
vibrant-express-to-hongkong-at-guangzhou-southThe Vibrant Express to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station stopping at Guangzhou South Railway Station.
second-class-seat-vibrant-express
second-class-seat-vibrant-expressSecond class seat on Vibrant Express
first-class-seat-vibrant-express
first-class-seat-vibrant-expressFirst class seat on Vibrant Express
  • Guangzhou South Station:
    • Location: No. 275, Middle Guangzhou Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou
    • Distance from City Center: 16 km
  • Guangzhou East Station:
    • Location: No.1 Dongzhan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
    • Distance from City Center: 10 km
Differences Guangzhou South Station Guangzhou East Station
Location Panyu District in southern edge of city centrally-located in Tianhe District in eastern part of city
Train Services High-speed and regional High-speed and regular
Transportation Direct connection to Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link
Connected to Guangzhou Metro line 2, line 7, line 22 & Foshan metro line 2		 More accessible for travelers staying in Guangzhou or heading to the central and eastern Guangdong Province; Connected to Guangzhou Metro lines 1 and line 3
Facilities Modern and spacious, with a wide range of shops and services Similar amenities, with a more central location
Travel time Shorter travel time to Hong Kong Longer travel time to Hong Kong
Connections More convenient for Hong Kong, Beijing, Wuhan, Changsha, Guilin, Nanning etc Better for Shenzhen, Dongguan, and other cities in eastern and central Guangdong Province
Trains to HK 26 daily 6-7 daily
To Baiyun Airport Line 2 (blue) to Jiahewanggang Station, transfer to Line 3 (orange) to Airport South Station (approx. 70 mins); Airport Express bus to airport in 50-60 mins Line 3 (orange) to Airport South Station (approx. 50 mins)

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station

hongkong-west-kowloon-by-mtrhongkong-west-kowloon-by-mtr
hongkong-west-kowloon-station-mtr-kowloon-austin-stationhongkong-west-kowloon-station-mtr-kowloon-austin-station

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station is currently the only train station that operates high speed trains to Guangzhou South & Guangzhou East. The other original Hum Hom Station no longer operates through train services to Guangzhou East. So, HK West Kowloon is your only opertion. You can take the MTR to the West Kowloon Station. It is located between Kowloon Station & Austin Station. Just use www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/jp2/ to plan your route.

Photo Guide: how to take a train from HK West Kowloon

Photos courtesy of Keith Wong: Entrance to HK West Kowloon Station from Austin MTR Station. Passengers can get to HK West Kowloon Station by MTR by arriving at Austin Station or Kowloon Station.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong: Entrance to HK West Kowloon Station from Austin MTR Station. Passengers can get to HK West Kowloon Station by MTR by arriving at Austin Station or Kowloon Station.Photos courtesy of Keith Wong: Entrance to HK West Kowloon Station from Austin MTR Station. Passengers can get to HK West Kowloon Station by MTR by arriving at Austin Station or Kowloon Station.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Link way from Austin station to West Kowloon Station.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Link way from Austin station to West Kowloon Station.Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Link way from Austin station to West Kowloon Station.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Towards departure area for security checks.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Towards departure area for security checks.Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Towards departure area for security checks.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Self-service ticket machine for HK citizens. These don't accept foreigner's passports. Visitors & passport holders must collect or buy tickets from ticket counters next to machines in HK West Kowloon Station.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Self-service ticket machine for HK citizens. These don't accept foreigner's passports. Visitors & passport holders must collect or buy tickets from ticket counters next to machines in HK West Kowloon Station.Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Self-service ticket machine for HK citizens. These don't accept foreigner's passports. Visitors & passport holders must collect or buy tickets from ticket counters next to machines in HK West Kowloon Station.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Towards HK and China Immigration Area. No photos allow in this area. You clear both China and HK immigration in HK West Kowloon Station.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Towards HK and China Immigration Area. No photos allow in this area. You clear both China and HK immigration in HK West Kowloon Station.Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Towards HK and China Immigration Area. No photos allow in this area. You clear both China and HK immigration in HK West Kowloon Station.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): depatures
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): depaturesPhotos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): depatures
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Queue to go down to train platform by escalator.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Queue to go down to train platform by escalator.Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Queue to go down to train platform by escalator.
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Trains from HK West Kowloon Station to China cities (Xiamen).
Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Trains from HK West Kowloon Station to China cities (Xiamen). Photos courtesy of Keith Wong (Singaporean working in HK, ChinaTrain12306 visitors): Trains from HK West Kowloon Station to China cities (Xiamen).

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station Port operation time: 06:30 – 23:30

How to Buy Tickets Online

There are several ways to book your train tickets online. Just remember that booking herizon for train tickets opens 15 days before your travel date. It is recommended to book you tickets as soon as possible in advance to secure your seat at your desired departure time.

Check Live English Schedule

guangzhou-hongkong-train-schedule-chinahighlightsguangzhou-hongkong-train-schedule-chinahighlights
hongkong-guangzhou-timetables-12306-china-railwayhongkong-guangzhou-timetables-12306-china-railway
guangzhou-hongkong-high-speed-train-scheduleguangzhou-hongkong-high-speed-train-schedule

1. Book with 12306 China Railway

www.12306.cn is the offcial website of China Railway, which now has supported English. It also provides an offcial ticketing (English version) App – Tielu 12306 for both iOS and Android.

Jack’s friendly reminder: In the official site www.12306.cn, you can enter “hkw” or ‘hkwestkowloon‘ as Hong Kong West Kowloon Station; and “gzn”& “guangzhounan” as Guangzhou South; “gzd” & “guangzhoudong” as Guangzhou East.

2. Book with China Highlights

www.chinahighlights.com is a trusted online ticket agent who get possitive reviews & is  often recommended on Trip Advisor forum. They offer real-time train schedule online, English-language support, They can also provide assistance in case of any issues with your tickets or travel or when you’re running into trouble. Even they can deliver tickets to your hotel in advance. You can place orders with them any time. They are helpful, especially when you’re not familiar with the China’s transportation system or do not speak Chinese.

How to Buy Tickets at Train Station

If you prefer to purchase your train tickets in person at the train station, you can do so at either Guangzhou South Station, Guangzhou East Station, or Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Remember to bring your passports or any other necessary documents when buying your tickets.

Which Ticket Window in Guangzhou East & Guangzhou South

The official China Railway has arranged designated ticket windows in Guangzhou South and Guangzhou East for Guangzhou – Hong Kong train services for buying or chaning tickets. They have professinal staffs at the desingated windows who speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

guangzhou-east-railway-station-ticket-window-8
guangzhou-east-railway-station-ticket-window-8
waiting-room-no-4-hongkong-train
waiting-room-no-4-hongkong-train
waiting-room-for-train-to-hk-at-guangzhoudong
waiting-room-for-train-to-hk-at-guangzhoudong
ticket-check-for-train-to-hongkong
ticket-check-for-train-to-hongkong
CRH trains to Shenzhen; High speed trains to Hong Kong West Kowloon are departing here
CRH trains to Shenzhen; High speed trains to Hong Kong West Kowloon are departing hereCRH trains to Shenzhen; High speed trains to Hong Kong West Kowloon are departing here
  • Guangzhou East: Window 8 in Ticket office in 2nd Floor
  • Guangzhou South: Window 8 in Ticket Officie No.2 in 1st Floor; Changing tickets at window 68.

When to Buy Tickets

Tickets can be booked up to 15 days on the official 12306 China Railway website. It is always advisable to buy tickets in advance to secure ticket availability or seat assignment. Ticets tend to sell out quickly on this popular route especially during the bussy travel peak period, such as the public National Days (Gold Week), Labour’s Days, Chinese Moon Festival or Qingming Festival. But if you use an online ticket agent www.chinahighlights.com, you can order tickets any time with them and they will book it for you once the tickets are released online.

Immigration & Customs Procedures at Hong Kong West Kowloon

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hongkong-west-kowloon-station-mtr-kowloon-austin-stationhongkong-west-kowloon-station-mtr-kowloon-austin-station

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station is a joint checkpoint between Hong Kong and mainland China, which means that border control and immigration procedures for both Hong Kong and mainland China are conducted in one place in Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. So prepare for all necessary travel documents like passports and visas at hand and allow surfficient time for the immigration and customs procedures for both Hong Kong and Manland sides.

Boarding Tips and Procedures

Make sure to arrive at the train station early enough before departure time to allow for ticket checks, immigration and custom procedures, security checks and boarding. You will need to present your passport and train ticket for verification before boarding the train.

Visa to Mainland China

You need a visa to enter mainland China if you are taking a train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. While most passports are granted visa on arrival for Hong Kong, you’ll still  need a visa to enter mainland China. Just apply it in advance.

FAQs

  • Is there a fast train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou?

    • Yes, there are high-speed trains that run between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, with the fastest ones taking only around 45 minutes.

  • Can you take a train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou?

    • Yes, you can take a train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to either Guangzhounan Station or Guangzhoudong Station in Guangzhou.

  • How long is the train ride from Hong Kong to Guangzhou?

    • The train ride from Hong Kong to Guangzhou ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 53 minutes, depending on the train route and stops.

  • Are there any visa requirements for traveling between Hong Kong and Guangzhou by train?

    • Yes, foreign tourists must have valid visas for both Hong Kong and China when traveling between these two places.

Train Stations Video Guide

Guangzhou Train Stations Video Guides

Guangzhou South

Guangzhou East

Guangzhou Station

Hong Kong Train Travel Video Guides

HK West Kowloon

Arrive HK by train

Trusted Online Ticket Agents:

Option 1: China Highlights is a reliable online agency  for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee from $6.

Book a Train

Option 2: China DIY Travel  is also a trusted online ticketing agent & get recommended for their excellent service on TripAdvisor. Helen & her Australian husband, team are always helpful buying tickets for foreigners. ChinaTrain12306 users can use PROMO CODE “ct123” to reduce booking fees.

china-diy-logo
Book a train

3 Replies to “Foreigner’s Guide to Taking Train between Hong Kong & Guangzhou”

  1. Hi,
    If I buy a ticket from Guangzhou South to Kowloon West on the new fast train service it says I need to collect it in Kowloon west, which is fine, but do you know how far in advance you can collect it?

    I’m going from Kowloon West to GZ South 10 days prior, can I collect both tickets on this day?

    That’s how the through train used to work at Hung Hom, but I can’t fine any info for the fast train.

  2. Hello, i arrive to Guangzhou South from Yangshuo and then plan to catch a Hong Kong train. Is it possible just to change the platform or do i need to pass some control as i am leaving the territory of mainland China?This is the important question for me as i need to understand how much time do i need to leave between the two trains.
    Thank you

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