Introduction
Taking the high-speed train is now a convenient and comfortable way to travel between Hong Kong and Kaiping in Guangdong Province, China. The newly launched high-speed railway line connects Hong Kong with Kaiping South Station and cities beyond like Zhanjiang, Maoming, Yangjiang. Currently, there is one direct high-speed train running daily between Hong Kong West Kowloon and Kaiping South Railway Station (Kaipingnan). However, transferring at Guangzhou South Railway Station (Guangzhounan) provides more flexibility and train options for this route.
- 1. Hong Kong West Kowloon – Kaiping by direct train, 1 daily
- 2. Hong Kong – Guangzhou South – Kaiping South, more trains
Railway Maps
1. Direct Train: Hong Kong to Zhanjiang Daily Service
| Train No. | Departure Station | Departure Time | Arrival Station | Arrival Time | Frequency | Duration | Fares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G6048 | HK West Kowloon | 10:18 | Kaiping South | 12:41 | once daily | 2h23m | From ￥292 |
| G6046 | Kaiping South | 17:37 | HK West Kowloon | 19:58 | once daily | 2h21m | From ￥292 |
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For a live schedule & ticket availability & refer to www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/
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As of November 2023, there is one direct high-speed train G6048 / 6046 running daily between Hong Kong West Kowloon and Kaiping South Station. The schedule is:
- G6048 departs Hong Kong West Kowloon at 10:18, arriving Kaiping South Station at 12:41.
- G6046 departs Kaiping South Station at 17:37, arriving Hong Kong West Kowloon at 19:58.
The journey takes around 2 hours 23 minutes and second class ticket price starts from ¥292.
2. Transfer at Guangzhou South – More Options
If traveling on other times, the best option is to take a high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou South first, then transfer to a connecting train to Kaiping South. Guangzhou South has frequent train services to both Hong Kong and Kaiping South, providing more flexibility.
When transferring at Guangzhou South, be sure to allow around 45-50 minutes to transfer between trains. Follow the signs for “Transfer” (换乘) to navigate between platforms.
Kaiping South Railway Station
Kaiping South Railway Station, or called Kaipingnan Train Station is a train station along the Shenzhen – Zhanjiang Railway, which is situated in Yanshan Village on Sanbu St in Kaiping, Yangjiang City of Guangdong. It is about 5 km south of Kaiping’s urban area. There is a public bus 621 linking Kaiping South Railway Station and Yici Bus Station (operation time: 07:15 – 20:40). Kaiping South Train Station has high speed trains to or from Zhanjiang West, Maoming, Yangjiang, Taishan, Jiangmen, Foshan West, Guangzhou South, Humen, Shenzhen North.
Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
Hong Kong West Kowloon Station is currently the only train station that operates high speed trains to mainland China. It operates once daily direct train to Zhanjiang West Station. 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
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
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 “Kaipingnan” as Kaiping South railway station.
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 Zhanjiangxi Railway Station or Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Remember to bring your passports or any other necessary documents when buying your tickets.
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
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.
How much time do I need to clear immigration at West Kowloon Station
It is advised to arrive at the West Kowloon Station at least 45 minutes before your departure time, as you need to go through both the Hong Kong Port and the Mainland Port on the same floor of the station. The immigration process may take longer during peak hours or holidays, so you should plan ahead and allow enough time for clearance.
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.
Train Stations Video Guide
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Hong Kong Train Travel Video Guides
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 HK West Kowloon |
 Arrive HK by train |
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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.
Option 2: Trip.com is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc
