There are many ways to come to and leave Guilin: air, train, boat or bus. The most convenient to get around is by  taxi or bicycle or take a tour.
Air
Flying is the most convenient way to come to or leave Guilin. You can fly to or from most major domestic cities and directly to/from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau and Thailand.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is 30 kilometers west of the city (about a 40 minute taxi ride). Most large hotels have shuttles available (with prior notice). Other airport shuttles cost RMB20 and operate without a fixed schedule. A taxi into the city will cost around RMB80-RMB100.A shuttle bus is available for departing passengers leaving from the CAAC Shanghai Road office (at Minzhu Road) for the airport.
Train
China's vast train system is focused on serving its large population who fully understand how the train network operates and of course, speak Chinese. Traveling by train is certainly achievable and can be a great way to get to know the people, the culture and to see the country side at a more leisurely pace. It is also a much cheaper means of transport that traveling by air.
Click here to look at the timetable for trains arriving and departing to/form Guilin Trains.
Coach
Intercity express coaches arrive and depart from the intercity station. The coach network in China is very good. Most routes from major cities are serviced by new long distance coaches that are comfortable and have seatbelts fitted to the coaches. Tickets are obtained from the bus station.
Most short range buses that service nearby towns like Yangshuo and Xing’an leave from the old railway station in the west. These buses should be inexpensive (RMB10-20 to Yangshuo)
Cruise Boat to Yangshuo
The most popular and spectacular way to get from Guilin to Yangshuo is by taking a tour on the Lijiang River. Boat tickets can be bought through your hotel or at the ticket office on Binjiang Road near the Lijiang River and south of Fir Lake or click here to book a tour.
Taxi or Bike
The best way to get around in Guilin is either by taxi or bicycle. Taxis are relatively inexpensive compared to other cities. Bicycles can be rented by the day at hotels throughout Guilin (RMB15-20) and at many cafes and hostels in Yangshuo (RMB10). |
