Hong Kong is a spectacular place that should be on your next destination list. Bustling, bustling and bustling but with undeniable charm, this former British colony is now a Special Administrative Region of China, which has developed from its origins as fishing and ranching villages to one of the most important financial centers in the world as well as one of the cities with the highest population density. Known for its skyline and busy harbour, Hong Kong has much more to offer, such as stunning views from Victoria Peak, spending the day at the Marine Park or Disneyland, shopping at Temple Street Market or tasting delicious food. From here, you can continue your journey across China to many other destinations, but Guangzhou City is a popular destination. Also known as Guangzhou, this city boasts over 2,200 years of history and is full of impressive architecture, both historic and modern, including temples, mosques, plazas and the famous Canton Tower. You can also enjoy parks, museums, theme parks, a zoo and a vibrant food scene. If you want to know what are the best ways to travel from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, don’t miss what we tell you below.
Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station opened in 2018 © estherpoon / Shutterstock.com
Travel options from Hong Kong to Guangzhou
There are only 130 kilometers in a straight line from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, so these cities are quite close. The road route is a bit longer, because you have to cross water straits to reach Guangzhou, but it’s only 180 kilometers anyway. Going by road is an option and you can travel by very cheap bus. If you don’t mind paying more to go a little faster, you can also travel from Hong Kong to Guangzhou by train or even by plane.
Please check the visa requirements for citizens of your country before booking your ticket. Although Hong Kong is technically part of China, the requirements are different in the two territories, and when traveling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, you must cross the border. Make sure you will be able to travel to avoid potential problems.
Hong Kong to Guangzhou flights
Hong Kong International Airport © unge255_photostock / Shutterstock.com
Let’s start with the most expensive option. Airplane is the most expensive means of transport from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, but it is also the fastest, at least in theory. Please note that although the flight is only an hour long, there are transfers and waiting times that add to the total duration.
In Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Airport is 30 kilometers (19 mi) from the city center. It is actually on a different island. It doesn’t take long to get there from the airport, especially if you take the Airport Express high-speed train, which is a highly recommended option. You will also need to have enough extra time to check in and pass security. It is one of the world’s busiest airports, which means it may take longer than expected to get to your gate.
In Guangzhou, the flight lands at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which is located north of the city. It is also a busy airport, so you may have to wait a while for your luggage to be unloaded. There are good transport links to get into the city, including express buses and the metro.
With all this extra time to get to the airport, get to the gate, and then enter the city, flying from Hong Kong to Guangzhou can take longer than traveling by train or bus. You’ll have to decide if it’s really worth flying, and to compare the different flight, train and bus options, you can use a travel site 12Go.asia. Cathay Dragon Airlines operates two daily flights.
From Hong Kong to Guangzhou by bus
Chinalink bus at the Hong Kong-China border crossing © shawn michael / Shutterstock.com
Traveling by bus from Hong Kong to Guangzhou is cheap, and although it may seem like a very slow mode of transport, according to the timetable, the journey takes only about two hours, depending on the stops where you get on and off the bus.
Check out the 12Go website to check out the different departure and arrival locations of the reputable Chinalink bus company. This company regularly operates air-conditioned buses that are perfectly comfortable for a trip of this duration. Tickets can be purchased online. There are departure stops at Hong Kong Airport, TST West Elements and Wan Chai, so you can choose the location that is most convenient for you depending on where you are staying in Hong Kong. In Guangzhou, buses stop near the Haizu Square subway station, which is also very convenient for other parts of the city.
The only possible downside to traveling by bus from Hong Kong to Guangzhou is that there may be delays when crossing the Chinese border depending on the time of day you travel. Make sure you meet the necessary visa requirements to make the process as simple and quick as possible.
From Hong Kong to Guangzhou by train
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Train, Guangzhou South Railway Station © Weiquan / Shutterstock.com
The last option to make this trip is also economical and practical. Trains from Hong Kong to Guangzhou are more expensive than buses, but the journey takes less time. Almost all trains reach Guangzhou within an hour, and you can choose the ticket type that best suits your pocket to travel first or second class. There are many trains daily, so it’s easy to find one that suits your travel plans.
Hong Kong to Guangzhou trains depart from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, which is part of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, and arrive at Guagzhou South Railway Station. It takes some time to reach Hong Kong Railway Station and get around Guangzhou upon arrival, but high-speed connections allow you to travel easily between the two cities. The trains are modern and comfortable. They are operated by China Railway and have air conditioning, toilets and stewards on board.
Traveling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou is quite quick, cheap and easy, no matter which mode of transport you travel with. If you are looking for the cheapest, the best option is the bus. Trains are also inexpensive, especially when compared to a plane ticket, which is the most expensive option to get from Hong Kong to Guangzhou.