Kunming – Guilin Train Routes

Kunming and Guilin are two of the most important tourist destinations in the south of China. With the recent introduction of high-speed trains along this route, the trains are now a good alternative to the unreliable flights and the delays due to bad weather in Kunming. The train is also a good alternative to flying because the scenery along this route is very good.

There are two ways to do this route. The simplest is the most obvious route, taking a high-speed trains direct between the two cities. However, we recommend an alternative route: Guilin-Guiyang-Kunming. Even leaving 45 minutes to change trains in Guiyang, you save 2 hours over the non-stop route. There are also more choices and some trains even depart/arrive in Yangshuo. If you have time, you also can visit Guiyang (and surrounding cities) as they are very interesting.

Kunming – Guilin trains

There are two pairs of bullet trains between these two cities for a total travel time of about 8 hours.

Fares are as follows:
First class seats: ¥553.5 to ¥556.5
Second class seats: ¥373.5 to ¥376

Kunming to Guilin to Kunming timetable

Kunming – Guiyang – Guilin trains

Following a different route can save you quite a bit of time and save on the cost of the tickets. While you can transfer trans quite smoothly in Guiyang, we suggest that you leave 30 to 45 minutes between trains just in case. We also suggest that you pick-up all your tickets at the first station. By doing so, you do not need to exit the station in Guiyang and pass security again and can do an internal transit at Guiyang.

Watch this video that explains the easy in-station transit:

In Kunming, trains depart or arrive at the Kunming south station. In Guiyang, the transfer takes places at the Guiyang north station. In Guilin trains depart or arrive at three stations: the Guilin railway station (center of town) or Guilin west or Guilin north. In our opinion, transportation to or from Guilin west is somewhat more complicated. Some, not all of these trains also go to or depart from Yangshuo.

Note that if you are on a tight schedule you can combine a Kunming-Guiyang overnight train with a Guiyang-Guilin bullet train.

Fares are as follows (KM-GY + GY-GL):
Business class: ¥671.5 (KM-GY only)
First class seats: ¥358 + ¥156.5 = ¥514.5
Second class seats: ¥212.5 + 130.5 = ¥343

Kunming to Guiyang to Guilin timetable

Guilin – Guiyang – Kunming timetable

Learn more about:
– High-Speed China trains
– Normal China trains
– Classes of travel on China trains
– China train stations

China train travel Tips
– How to buy train tickets
– How to pick up your train tickets
– Peak travel times to avoid
– How to read a train ticket
– Luggage on China trains
– Child discounts

POPULAR TRAIN ROUTES IN CHINA