Planning to travel by train to or from Guangzhou? Guangzhou is one of the cities with excellent high-speed rail connections to other major cities in China. Whether you want to head to Hong Kong, travel north to Beijing, learn how to book train tickets, or figure out which station to go to, this guide will help you.

Guangzhou Train Map & Popular Routes

With high-speed trains reaching speeds up to 350 km/h, travelling by train in China is often faster (and more comfortable!) than flying. Guangzhou is well connected and easy to reach or depart from. Here are some popular routes you should know as a Malaysian traveller:

Guangzhou ⇄ Shenzhen

The Guangzhou–Shenzhen high-speed train is one of the busiest and most popular routes. With over 300 trains operating daily, you can catch a train almost anytime.

🚄 Travel time: 36–40 minutes
🚉 Stations: Guangzhou South – Shenzhen North
💰 Ticket prices:

• Second class: From RM45
• First class: From RM60
• Business class: From RM120

Guangzhou ⇄ Hong Kong

The Guangzhou–Hong Kong high-speed train is the most convenient way to travel between the two cities, reducing travel time to less than an hour! Whether you’re heading to Hong Kong for shopping, business, or a weekend getaway, this train route makes your trip smooth and easy.

🚄 Travel time: 53 minutes – 2 hours
🚉 Stations: Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East – Hong Kong West Kowloon
💰 Ticket prices:

• Second class: From RM130
• First class: From RM210
• Business class: From RM390

Guangzhou ⇄ Zhuhai

The Guangzhou–Zhuhai high-speed train is the easiest way to reach Zhuhai, a city bordering Macau. A smooth 1-hour ride takes you directly to Zhuhai Railway Station, located right next to the Macau border.

🚄 Travel time: Around 1 hour
🚉 Stations: Guangzhou South – Zhuhai Railway Station
💰 Ticket prices:

• Second class: From RM43
• First class: From RM55
• Business class: From RM125

💡 Tip: After arriving at Zhuhai Railway Station, you can walk to Gongbei Port for immigration clearance to Macau. Once across, take a short taxi or bus ride to The Venetian, Ruins of St. Paul’s, or Senado Square.

Guangzhou ⇄ Beijing

The Guangzhou–Beijing high-speed train is one of the longest and most popular routes in China, connecting the south to the capital in just 7 to 11 hours. Covering over 2,200 km, this route offers a comfortable and scenic alternative to flying.

🚄 Travel time: 7–11 hours
🚉 Stations: Guangzhou South – Beijing West
💰 Ticket prices:

• Second class: From RM520
• First class: From RM830
• Business class: From RM1,800

Guangzhou ⇄ Shanghai

The Guangzhou–Shanghai high-speed train connects China’s two biggest cities and is a popular choice among business travellers. Covering 1,500 km in as fast as 6.5 hours, the route passes through Changsha, Nanchang, and Hangzhou.

🚄 Travel time: 6.5–8.5 hours
🚉 Stations: Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East – Shanghai Hongqiao
💰 Ticket prices:

• Second class: From RM490
• First class: From RM780
• Business class: From RM1,600

Guangzhou ⇄ Hangzhou

The Guangzhou–Hangzhou high-speed train journey is truly amazing. As you speed through dynamic cities and rolling landscapes, you’ll be captivated by Hangzhou’s natural beauty. Unlike Guangzhou’s modern skyline, Hangzhou charms visitors with serene temples, pagodas, and famous tea plantations.

🚄 Travel time: 6.5–9 hours
🚉 Stations: Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East – Hangzhou East/Hangzhou West
💰 Ticket prices:

• Second class: From RM430
• First class: From RM690
• Business class: From RM1,430

Guangzhou ⇄ Xiamen

The Guangzhou–Xiamen high-speed train offers a beautiful journey along the coast. Whether you’re visiting Xiamen’s famous beaches, enjoying fresh seafood, or exploring Gulangyu Island, this train trip provides comfort and speed.

🚄 Travel time: 3–5 hours
🚉 Stations: Guangzhou South/Guangzhou East – Xiamen North
💰 Ticket prices:

• Second class: From RM185
• First class: From RM280
• Business class: From RM540

💡 Tip: If you’re visiting Gulangyu Island, take a taxi from Xiamen North Station to the ferry terminal, then enjoy a short boat ride to this car-free paradise!

Guangzhou Railway Stations: A Guide for Indonesian Travellers

Guangzhou, one of the largest cities in China, has four main railway stations serving different types of train services. Here’s a brief guide to each station to help you navigate your journey better:

Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站)

This is Guangzhou’s main hub for high-speed trains, especially for routes heading south, east, and central China, including popular destinations like Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Hangzhou. It is one of the busiest stations in China, handling millions of passengers every year.

• Location: 133 Nanzhan Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou
• Transport: Direct connections to Metro Line 2, Line 7, and Line 22, making city transfers easy.
• Tip: If you’re taking a high-speed train, arrive early as the station can get very crowded, especially during peak hours.

Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站)

This station serves both high-speed and regular trains. It’s ideal for travellers heading to northern and western regions of China.

• Location: Linhe Middle Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
• Transport: Well connected with Metro Line 1 and Line 3 to Guangzhou city centre.
• Tip: If you’re travelling to Beijing or other northern cities, this station is your best choice. Although not as busy as Guangzhou South, planning ahead is recommended.

Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站)

As the oldest railway station in Guangzhou, this station mainly serves travellers going to Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an, and other major northern destinations. It also handles some regional and slower trains. Though less modern than the newer stations, its facilities are still adequate.

• Location: Huan Shixi Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Transport: Access to Metro Line 2 and Line 5, connecting you easily to the city centre.

Guangzhou North Railway Station (广州北站)

Situated in the northern suburbs, this station serves high-speed trains to Beijing, Shenzhen, and other cities in the north and northeast. It is quieter than Guangzhou South, making it a good option if you prefer a less crowded experience.

• Location: Zhanqian Road, Huadu District, Guangzhou
• Transport: Connected to Metro Line 9, but it’s a bit far from the city centre.

How to Book Train Tickets in China Using Trip.com — A Guide from a Malaysian Traveller

As a Malaysian traveller who loves exploring China by train, I find Trip.com super convenient for booking train tickets online. If you’re planning a trip to China and want an easy way to secure your train rides, here’s how you can do it step-by-step using Trip.com:

Booking China Train Tickets on Trip.com

Step 1: Sign Up or Log In

Head over to the Trip.com website or download their app from Google Play or the App Store. Create an account or log in if you already have one.

Step 2: Search for Your Train

Go to the “Train Tickets” section. Key in your departure city, destination, and travel date. Then tap “Search” to see the available trains.

Step 3: Pick Your Train

Look through the options and choose the train that suits your schedule and budget. You can filter by train type (high-speed or normal), departure time, and class of seat. When you’re ready, click “Book.”

Step 4: Enter Passenger Details

Fill in your details, including your full name (as per passport), passport number, contact email, and phone number. Select your preferred seat class (Second, First, or Business).

Step 5: Payment and Confirmation

Make payment through your preferred method—Trip.com accepts cards and other convenient options. After payment, your booking confirmation and e-ticket will be sent to your email. You can also access your tickets anytime on the app.

How to Book China Train Tickets Using the Trip.com App — A Guide from a Malaysian Traveller

Step 1: Download the Trip.com App

Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and download the Trip.com app.

Step 2: Set Up Your Trip.com Account

Sign up for 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 “Train.” Enter your departure city, destination, and travel date. Then tap “Search” to find available trains.

Step 4: Choose Your Train

Browse through the available train options. You can filter by train type (high-speed or regular), departure and arrival times, stations, and seat class. Tap on the train that best fits your schedule.

Step 5: Enter Passenger Details & Select Seat Class

Fill in your passenger information including full name, passport number, email, and other contact details. Here you can also select your preferred seat class.

Step 6: Make Payment & Receive Your Ticket

Trip.com accepts various payment methods. Enter your payment details and confirm the transaction. Once the payment is complete, you’ll receive a booking confirmation. Your e-ticket will be available in the app under “My Bookings.”

Tips for Travelling by Train in China: A Guide for Indonesian Travellers

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Travelling by train in China is an exciting and efficient way to explore the country. Here are some useful tips to make your train journey more enjoyable:

1. Book Your Tickets Early

Train tickets in China can sell out quickly, especially on popular routes during peak seasons like Chinese New Year. Booking your tickets several days in advance gives you the best chance of securing a seat. Prices may vary, but planning ahead helps you avoid sudden price hikes.

2. Use Online Booking Platforms

Apps like the official 12306 and Trip.com are very helpful for buying tickets, checking train schedules, and tracking your journey. Both offer English versions and are user-friendly, making booking easier for foreign travellers.

3. Arrive Early at the Station

Train stations in China are large and often crowded. Arriving at least 30 to 60 minutes before departure gives you enough time to pass security checks, find your platform, and settle in comfortably.

4. Bring Your Passport

As an Indonesian traveller, you’ll need your passport to buy tickets and board trains. Always carry it with you throughout your journey.

Plan Your Train Journey with Trip.com

Ready to experience train travel in China? Trip.com is the perfect platform to help you plan and book your train tickets with ease. It offers user-friendly tools, the best price guarantee, and 24/7 customer support, making your train journey hassle-free and smooth.