Guilin Transportation Guide: How to Get There and Around

Guilin is one of our favorite cities in China, and it's very accessible by train and air. It's also easy to explore by e-bike and bus if you know the basics of the transportation system. This guide will give you essential information about Guilin transportation and make your trip as smooth as possible.

Xiaoyao Building in downtown Guilin

Airport and Railway Stations in Guilin

Several transportation hubs serve Guilin, and they're all a 40-minute or less drive away from the city center. Once you arrive, you can take taxis, shuttles, or buses to the heart of the city easily.

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport

The hall of Guilin Liangjiang Airport

The Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is Guilin's only airport, located 28 kilometers (17 miles) southwest of downtown. You can connect from places like Shanghai and Beijing, and there are a few international airlines that fly there too.

Once you arrive, you have a few different options for getting into Guilin. We recommend the airport shuttle bus that runs every half an hour between 6 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. The fare is 20 RMB, and you'll be dropped off right in the middle of the city. You can also opt for a taxi, which costs between 80 RMB and 90 RMB. Always take an official airport taxi if you decide to go with this option.

Railway Stations

A bullet train from Guilin to Beijing

Guilin has three main railway stations: Guilin Railway Station, which is sometimes known as "South Railway Station," Guilin North, and Guilin West.

Guilin Railway Station

This station is the most popular in Guilin, located downtown in Xiangshan District. It serves fast and regular trains from all over the country, and you'll find plenty of taxis right outside the station, plus public buses. It's easy to get to Line 100, Line 1, and Line 32 right from this station.

Guilin West

Guilin West is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from downtown, and it takes around 20 minutes to get to the city center by car. You'll find plenty of taxis outside, and Guilin West connects with downtown through bus Line 22B and Line 22. If you're taking the high-speed train from Guangzhou, you'll likely come into this station.

Guilin North

Guilin North is 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from downtown Guilin, or 15 minutes by car. You can also take the bus Line 100 to reach the city center.

There are also additional railway stations in plenty of counties in Guilin, Yongfu, and Yangshuo that connect with these major hubs. We can help you plan your trip step by step, including transportation between Guilin and neighboring villages.

Public Guilin Transportation

Getting around is easy once you get into the center of Guilin. Most local people prefer to explore or commute by e-bike, an eco-friendly and fun way to see the city. There are also plenty of buses and taxis available.

E-Bike

If you want to travel in Guilin like a true local, hop on an e-bike. It's the most common form of transportation and the best way to get around Guilin's narrow roads. Since there's no metro system, most people think exploring by e-bike is the best way to travel.

Guilin's e-bikes are all operated by private companies. You can scan the QR code with WeChat or Alipay to rent a bike, and the starting price is 3 RMB for the first 30 minutes, then 1 RMB for each additional 10 minutes. Since downtown Guilin is very small, a full ride around the city costs between 10 and 20 RMB, making it an economical and fun way to see the city.

Pay for your e-bike through an app, like HelloBike. You can also rent a bike from various shops in Guilin, with prices generally ranging from 50 RMB to 100 RMB for a full day.

Taxis and Buses

Taxis and buses are also comparably cheap in Guilin, and you can get just about anywhere easily. Buses cost 2 RMB and cover 60 routes. Popular routes include Line 58, which goes to Reed Flute Cave, or Line 1, which takes you through the scenic city downtown.

Most drivers can't make change, so bring exact cash. Guilin's buses run between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

It's also easy to get a taxi in Guilin, or you can use DiDi, which is a popular ridesharing app in China, to order a lift.

Traveling from Guilin to Nearby Cities and Regions

The Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas in Guilin

Since Guilin is so well-connected, we think it's one of the easiest cities to get to and explore in China. No matter where you're coming from, there's bound to be a plane or train that can connect you. We've put together a list of popular cities and how to get to Guilin from them, below.

Traveling to Guilin	Train	Flight
Guangzhou to Guilin	2.5 to 3 hours	about 1 hour, but direct flights are less frequent
Shenzhen to Guilin	about 3.5 hours	about 1 hour, but direct flights are less frequent
Guizhou to Guilin	about 2 hours	seldom direct flights from Guizhou to Guilin
Hong Kong to Guilin	3 to 3.5 hours	about 1.5 hours
Beijing to Guilin	8 to 9 hours by high-speed train; 19 to 22 hours by regular train	about 3 hours
Shanghai to Guilin	9 hours by high-speed train	about 2.5 hours

Discover Guilin with China Odyssey Tours

Getting to and around Guilin is easy, and there's so much to explore. We can help you plan every step of your journey and ensure that you have a memorable and fun-filled time. Visit our contact page or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to make your vacation dreams a reality.