How to get to Guilin and travel between its top destinations: flights, trains, buses, cruises, rental cars, and driving routes.
Bottom line: Guilin is reachable by air, high-speed rail, and bus. Once there, choose rental car for flexibility, private driver for comfort, or public transport and cycling for budget and short-distance trips.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) handles domestic flights from across China and a limited number of international routes. Most international travelers connect through Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, or Chengdu. High-speed rail links Guilin to Guangzhou (2.5β3 hours), Shenzhen (3β3.5 hours), and Hong Kong West Kowloon (3.5β4 hours). Long-distance buses connect Guilin to nearby cities and tourist towns.
Read the full getting to Guilin guide for airline, rail, and bus details.
Guilin Liangjiang Airport is about 28 km southwest of downtown. Options include airport bus (about Β₯20, 40β60 minutes), taxi/DiDi (about Β₯80β120, 30β45 minutes), and some hotel shuttles. If you are picking up a rental car, most major rental counters are at or near the airport terminal.
Guilin has two main high-speed rail stations:
Check your ticket carefully β the stations are not interchangeable. High-speed rail to Yangshuo uses Yangshuo Railway Station, which is actually near Xingping, about 30 minutes from Yangshuo town.
Within Guilin city, DiDi and taxis are affordable and reliable. Public buses cover the main areas but have limited English information. For the Li River, Yangshuo, and Longji, you will need a car, driver, tour, or bus.
The 65 km journey between Guilin and Yangshuo is the region's most traveled route. Each option suits a different travel style:
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive | 1β1.5 hours | Β₯200β550/day + fuel | Flexibility, families, photographers |
| Li River cruise | ~4 hours + transfers | Β₯300β800/person | Scenery, relaxed travel |
| Bus | 1.5β2 hours | Β₯20β50/person | Budget travelers |
| High-speed rail | 0.5 hour train + transfer | Β₯20β40/person | Fast, but station is near Xingping |
See the detailed Guilin to Yangshuo comparison.
Longji Rice Terraces are 95 km north of Guilin. The drive takes about 2.5 hours and climbs into narrow mountain roads. Direct tourist buses run from Guilin to the Longji entrance gates, and private drivers offer door-to-door service. See the Guilin to Longji guide for route and parking details.
Renting a car at Guilin Liangjiang Airport is the most convenient option for travelers arriving by air. You need a valid Chinese driver's license. Read our airport car rental guide and full car rental guide.
The Li River cruise shows the classic GuilinβYangshuo scenery from the water. Driving gives you freedom to stop at Xingping, Yulong River, and viewpoints. Many travelers combine both: cruise one way and drive or take a bus back. Our cruise vs driving guide helps you decide.
Practical guides for every major Guilin transfer and transport decision.
Flights to KWL, high-speed rail from Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and long-distance bus options.
Read guide β65 km Β· Drive, cruise, bus, or train? Compare every option with costs and parking tips.
Read guide β95 km Β· Self-drive, bus, or private transfer to Ping'an and Dazhai villages.
Read guide βPick up a rental car at Guilin Liangjiang Airport: license rules, counters, and return.
Read guide βShould you take the Li River cruise or drive? How to combine both for the best experience.
Read guide βRent a bike or e-bike and explore the Yulong River valley at your own pace.
Read guide βFly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) via a Chinese hub such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Beijing. High-speed rail from Hong Kong West Kowloon is also popular.
Not necessarily. Guilin city, the Li River cruise, and Yangshuo are easy without a car. A rental car is most useful for Longji, sunrise viewpoints, and rural back roads.
The Li River cruise is the most scenic. Self-drive gives the most flexibility. The bus and high-speed rail are budget options. See our Guilin to Yangshuo guide.
Yes. The drive from Guilin is 95 km and takes about 2.5 hours. The final section is narrow mountain road. Buses and private drivers are alternatives.
Our Guilin road trip routes connect every destination with distances, times, and parking advice.
Explore Road Trip Routes