Getting There and Away

A stunning night view of the illuminated Sun and Moon Pagodas reflecting in a serene river in Guilin, China.
YFS Visuals, Pexels

Guilin is served by Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), which handles both domestic and international flights. For ground travel, the city has three main railway stations: Guilin Railway Station (also known as Guilin South Station), Guilin North Railway Station, and Guilin West Railway Station. Additionally, several long-distance bus stations, including the Guilin General Bus Station in the city center, provide regional connections.

By Air:

  • Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL):: Located approximately 28-30 kilometers southwest of the city center. Flights connect to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as international destinations such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.
  • Airport Shuttle Bus to City Center:: Available from the airport to Guilin Minhang Hotel (Air Aviation Hotel) in downtown Guilin. The journey typically takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour and costs approximately CNY 20.
  • Airport Shuttle Bus to Guilin North/West Railway Station:: Buses also connect to Guilin North Railway Station (around 80 minutes, CNY 25) and Guilin West Railway Station (around 60 minutes, CNY 25).
  • Taxi from Airport to City Center:: A taxi ride to downtown Guilin usually takes 27-55 minutes and costs approximately CNY 75-120.
  • Taxi from Airport to Yangshuo:: Expect to pay around CNY 250-300 for a taxi, with a travel time of about 1 hour 30 minutes.

By Train:

  • Guilin Railway Station (South):: Situated in the city center, this is the most convenient station for most travelers.
  • Guilin North Railway Station:: Located about 6.5 kilometers north of the city center, primarily serving high-speed trains.
  • Guilin West Railway Station:: Approximately 13 kilometers northwest of downtown; it is further out and has fewer public transport connections.
  • High-Speed Trains:: Guilin is well-connected by high-speed rail to numerous Chinese cities. For instance, a high-speed train from Beijing can take 8-9 hours (G-trains) or about 11.5 hours (overnight D-trains), with fares starting from CNY 648. From Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, direct high-speed trains take about 3 to 3.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from CNY 412 to CNY 1,335.
  • Getting to City Center from Train Stations::
  • From Guilin Railway Station (South):: Located centrally, it is easily accessible by various local public bus lines (fares typically CNY 1-2) or taxis.
  • From Guilin North Railway Station:: A taxi ride to the city center takes around 20-30 minutes and costs CNY 20-25. Alternatively, public buses like Line 100 take about 45 minutes and cost CNY 2.
  • From Guilin West Railway Station:: Taxis to the city center take approximately 11 minutes and cost CNY 30-40. Public bus routes like 22B also connect to the city, taking around 40 minutes for CNY 2.

By Bus (Long-distance):

  • Guilin General Bus Station:: Located in central Guilin, this is a major hub for long-distance bus routes.
  • Routes:: Buses connect Guilin to various destinations within Guangxi Province, including Yangshuo and Longsheng, as well as cities in neighboring provinces like Guangdong and Hunan.
  • Guilin to Yangshuo:: Express buses depart frequently (every 20 minutes from 7:00 AM) from the main bus terminal, costing around CNY 20 for a comfortable ride.

Private Car Transfer:

  • Private car services with a driver are available for convenient transfers, especially for groups or those with significant luggage. This option is particularly useful for journeys to places like Yangshuo or the Longji Rice Terraces.