Opened in 2012, the Beijing-Guangzhou railway holds significant importance as China's primary vertical rail line. Stretching across an impressive distance of 2,298 kilometers (1,428 miles), it also holds the distinction of being the world's longest high-speed railway.
This rail line offers both high-speed trains and regular sleeper trains for passengers. The fastest high-speed trains can complete the journey between Beijing and Guangzhou in just 8 hours, allowing travelers to cover the distance within a single day. On the other hand, regular sleeper trains provide an overnight travel experience between the two cities.
The high-speed railway from Beijing to Guangzhou originates from Beijing West Railway Station and terminates at Guangzhou South Railway Station. Presently, there are six pairs of G-category high-speed trains operating between these two cities, all of which run during the daytime.
(Updated on Sep 6, 2023)
| Train Number | Departure - Arrival | Duration | Ticket Fares |
| G335 | 07:26 - 17:19 | 9 h 53 min | Second class: US$125 (862 CNY) First class: US$199 (1380 CNY) Business class: US$391 (2724 CNY) |
| G77 | 08:00 - 16:00 | 8 h | |
| G79 | 10:00 - 17:38 | 7 h 38 min | |
| G337 | 10:23 - 20:27 | 10 h 4 min | |
| G339 | 13:10 - 23:09 | 9 h 59 min | |
| G81 | 14:00 - 22:07 | 8 h 7 min |
(Updated on Sep 6, 2023)
| Train Number | Departure - Arrival | Duration | Ticket Fares |
| G336 | 07:42 - 17:58 | 10 h 16 min | Second class: US$125 (862 CNY) First class: US$199 (1380 CNY) Business class: US$391 (2724 CNY) |
| G82 | 08:25 - 16:27 | 8 h 2 min | |
| G338 | 11:15 - 21:20 | 10 h 5 min | |
| G80 | 11:53 - 19:30 | 7 h 37 min | |
| G340 | 12:50 - 22:55 | 10 h 5 min | |
| G78 | 13:50 - 21:49 | 7 h 59 min |
Check up-to-date Beijing - Guangzhou bullet train schedules.
There are four pairs of high-speed sleeper trains that operate exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, between Beijing and Guangzhou. These trains offer various classes of sleepers, including hard sleeper, soft sleeper, and deluxe sleeper, to accommodate passengers' needs for overnight trips.
| Beijing West to Guangzhou South | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
| D903 | 20:08 | 06:33 next day | 10 h 25 min |
| D909 | 20:13 | 06:48 next day | 10 h 35 min |
| D927 | 20:18 | 06:53 next day | 10 h 35 min |
| D923 | 20:27 | 06:43 next day | 10 h 16 min |
| Guangzhou South to Beijing West | |||
| Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
| G427 | 06:21 | 10:58 | 4 h 37 min |
| G89 | 06:53 | 11:24 | 4 h 31 min |
| G89 | 06:53 | 11:24 | 4 h 31 min |
| G89 | 06:53 | 11:24 | 4 h 31 min |
The high-speed trains operating on the Beijing-Guangzhou rail route offer three types of seating options: second class seat, first class seat, and business class seat.
Among travelers, the second class seat and first class seat are the most popular choices. However, the business class seat, while being the most expensive, provides the highest level of comfort.
Second class seat is the standard type and the cheapest on high-speed trains. It is also the most common types on G, D and C trains. A second-class coach has five seats in a row, two seats on one side of the aisle and three on the other. The configuration is A+B+C and D+F. Seats numbered A and F are window seats.
First class carriage provides more comfort and privacy than second class. The first-class seat is wider than a second-class seat. First-class seats are arranged as A+C and D+F across the coach width, offering more leg room and elbow room. Moreover, there is an automatic door to separate the coach from the others to keep quiet and private.
Business class seats are available on most G-category trains and some D and C-category trains. This is the most luxurious and expensive class on high-speed trains. There are three seats in a row, two seats on one side and one on the other side of the aisle (A+C and F). As first class, there is also an automatic door to keep the coach quiet and private.
Soft sleeper compartments are usually located in dedicated carriages, with each compartment accommodating four beds. The layout is typically two lower beds and two upper beds, arranged in two sets of bunk beds.
Soft sleeper beds are more spacious and comfortable than in other classes, with thicker mattresses, pillows, and clean bedding provided. Additionally, each bed has a reading light, power outlet, and a fold-out table for your convenience.
Hard sleeper is another common class of accommodation on overnight high-speed trains in China. While not as luxurious as the soft sleeper, it still provides a decent level of comfort and affordability.
Each hard sleeper compartment accommodating six beds. The beds are arranged in three sets of bunk beds, with two lower beds and two upper beds per set. Unlike soft sleeper compartments, hard sleeper compartments have an open layout without doors.
Hard sleeper beds have relatively thinner mattresses compared to soft sleeper beds, but they still come with clean bedding, including sheets, a pillow, and a blanket.
Also read China train types and seat classes.
High-speed trains from Beijing to Guangzhou conclude their journey at Beijing West Railway Station and Guangzhou South Railway Station. These railway stations are conveniently connected to the downtown areas through various modes of city public transportation, ensuring easy access for travelers.
Beijing West Railway Station is one of the main train stations serving both high-speed trains and regular trains. It is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the Forbidden City.
You can take subway lines 7 and 9 to get to Beijing West Railway Station. You will get off on the -1F, then take the escalator to the 2F where the waiting rooms are located. If you take a taxi, you will get off at the north or south square of the station. Enter the building and then take the escalator to the waiting room.
Guangzhou South Railway Station is far away from downtown area but has convenient city public transport. The subway station is located in the -1F of the station building. You can take subway lines 2 and 7 to Guangzhou South Railway Station and then follow the signs to the ticket office or waiting hall.
In addition to high-speed trains, there are also three regular overnight trains running between Beijing and Guangzhou, with the travel time of 21 to 29 hours. Regular trains terminate at different train stations from high-speed trains. They depart from Beijing West Railway Station and arrive at Guangzhou Railway Station.
(Updated on Sep 6, 2023)
| Train Number | Departure - Arrival | Duration | Ticket Fares |
| Z835 | 09:20 - 07:45 next day | 22 h 25 min | Hard sleeper: US$68 (434.5 CNY) Soft sleeper: US$118 (764.5 CNY) Superior soft sleeper: US$196 (1409.5 CNY) |
| Z13 | 14:24 - 13:24 next day | 23 h | |
| Z501 | 20:24 - 19:06 next day | 22 h 42 min | |
| Z111 | 23:04 - 21:43 next day | 22 h 39 min |
(Updated on Sep 6, 2023)
| Train Number | Departure - Arrival | Duration | Ticket Fares |
| Z113 | 06:36 - 05:28 next day | 22 h 52 min | Hard sleeper: US$68 (434.5 CNY) Soft sleeper: US$118 (764.5 CNY) Superior soft sleeper: US$196 (1409.5 CNY) |
| Z503 | 07:39 - 06:49 next day | 23 h 10 min | |
| Z837 | 15:01 - 13:44 next day | 22 h 43 min | |
| Z11 | 16:16 - 15:15 next day | 22 h 59 min |
Check up-to-date Beijing - Guangzhou bullet train schedules.
To travel from Guangzhou to Beijing, you have the options of both train and flight. The choice between the two depends on your preferences for factors such as travel time, convenience, cost, and personal comfort. Here are some details to consider:
Duration: The high-speed train journey from Guangzhou to Beijing takes approximately 4.5 hours. For those preferring an overnight option, the high-speed overnight train takes approximately 10 hours. However, if you opt for a regular train, the travel time increases to around 22 hours.
Comfort: Trains in China offer various classes, including high-speed trains with comfortable seating, power outlets, and ample legroom.
Scenery: This route offers scenic views of the countryside, allowing you to witness the diverse landscapes of China.
Scheduling: Airlines offer frequent flights between the two cities, providing more flexibility in terms of departure and arrival times.
Cost: Non-bullet train fares are generally less expensive compared to flights. However, high-speed train fares are comparable to flight fares in terms of cost.
Duration: Direct flights from Guangzhou to Beijing typically take around 3-4 hours, making it a considerably faster option compared to train travel.
Convenience: Airports are usually located outside the city center, so you may need to consider additional travel time to and from the airports.
Cost: Flights can vary in price depending on factors like the airline, class, and how early you book your ticket.
Comfort: Modern airplanes provide a comfortable journey with amenities like in-flight entertainment and onboard services.
For the most convenient option, purchasing train tickets online through a reputable travel agency such as Train Spread is highly recommended. Train Spread offers online booking services for train tickets, allowing you to save valuable time and avoid unnecessary hassle in the process. Our dedicated team of local travel specialists, who possess extensive experience in booking train tickets and planning train travel routes, will handle all inquiries and ensure a seamless booking experience for you.
High-speed trains are a highly popular mode of transportation for the Beijing to Shanghai route.
Over 200 bullet trains operate on this route, with the shortest duration of 29 minutes.
Both high-speed trains and sleeper overnight trains are available on this route. There are 12 pairs of high-speed trains between these two cities
