Introduction
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, is one of China’s largest and most vibrant cities. Known as the ‘City of Flowers,’ it is a major transportation hub in southern China. Getting to Guangzhou from Beijing is convenient with multiple transportation options available.
Transportation Options Overview
- By Plane: The fastest option, with flight duration of about 3 hours
- By High-Speed Train: Comfortable and popular, taking approximately 7-8 hours
- By Overnight Train: Economical choice, saving daytime travel time
By Plane
Flying is the quickest way to travel between Beijing and Guangzhou.
- Airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Flight Duration: About 3 hours
- Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines operate frequent flights
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 600-2000, depending on season
- Airport Transfer: From CAN airport, take metro Line 3 or airport shuttle bus to the city center (about 45 minutes).
By High-Speed Train
High-speed train is a popular option between Beijing and Guangzhou.
- Stations: Beijing West Railway Station (Beijingxi) to Guangzhou South Railway Station (Guangzhounan)
- Travel Time: Approximately 7-8 hours
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 800-1300
- Seat Classes: Second class, first class, and business class
By Overnight Train
For budget-conscious travelers.
- Travel Time: Approximately 20-24 hours
- Accommodation: Hard sleeper or soft sleeper
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 300-600
Recommendation
- For Speed: Take a flight for the quickest journey
- For Comfort: Take the high-speed train, which offers spacious seats
- For Budget: Take an overnight train to save on both transportation and accommodation
Tips for Travelers
- Booking: Book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons
- Platforms: For trains, use the official 12306.cn website or app. For flights, use Ctrip, Trip.com, or official airline websites
- Season: The best time to visit Guangzhou is autumn (September-November)
Last Updated: July 2026
Note: Schedules and prices are subject to change. Please verify current information on official booking platforms before traveling.