Hi, I’m Lila Jiang, a China travel professional with over 5 years of experience. During these five years, I’ve traveled extensively around China. Meanwhile, I have a certain understanding of the railway transportation in various cities.Through years of journeys, I’ve honed a knack for distilling practical, user-friendly travel insights. Today, I’m thrilled to share this comprehensive guide to Guangzhou South Railway Station (GZ南), China’s busiest high-speed rail hub integrating intercity rail, metro, long-distance buses, and airport transfers. Whether you’re seeking the fastest downtown commute, budget-friendly options, intercity connections, or airport links, this guide packs detailed operation steps and insider tips to help you find the perfect match for your travel plans.
Station Basic Information Overview
Station Code: GZ南 (Guangzhou South Railway Station, official abbreviation)
Location: Panyu District, Guangzhou (south of downtown, adjacent to Foshan and Dongguan)
Core Distance: Approximately 25 km from Tianhe CBD, 40-60 minutes by car/metro; 45 km from Baiyun Airport, 60-90 minutes by transfer
Terminal & Platform Distribution:
High-Speed Rail Area: 28 platforms (Platform 1-28) serving Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail, Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Rail, Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity Railway, and intercity routes to Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Hong Kong, Changsha, etc.
Floor Distribution:
- B1 Floor: Metro station, taxi waiting area, ride-hailing pickup zones, long-distance bus station, luggage storage
- 1F Floor: Arrival hall, ticket counters, self-service machines, information desk, dining area
- 2F Floor: Departure hall, security check gates, waiting lounges, VIP lounges
- 3F Floor: Platform access, skybridge connecting to waiting areas
Key Note: The station is divided into East and West Squares; East Square focuses on public transportation (metro, bus), West Square on private vehicles (taxi, ride-hailing, private cars).
Comparative Analysis of 5 Intra-City Travel Options
| Travel Option | One-Way Travel Time | Price Range | Target Audience | Core Advantages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (Line 2/7/22) | 35-60 mins (direct/transfer) | $1.00 – $1.71 | Budget-conscious travelers, daily commuters, solo visitors | Low cost, wide coverage, no traffic delays, 24-hour service (Line 2) | Crowded during peak hours, inconvenient for large luggage, transfers needed for some destinations |
| Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail | 15-40 mins (to intercity destinations) | $4.24 – $14.13 | Time-sensitive intercity travelers, visitors to Shenzhen/Hong Kong | Ultra-fast, minimal stops, integrated with station, comfortable seats | Higher price, limited to intercity routes, advance booking recommended |
| Taxi | 40-70 mins (subject to traffic) | $14.13 – $24.73 | Travelers with large luggage, groups, elderly/children | 24/7 door-to-door service, no transfers, comfortable | Prone to rush-hour congestion, night surcharge, long queues during peak travel periods |
| Ride-Hailing Services | 40-70 mins (subject to traffic) | $11.30 – $20.39 | Travelers preferring online booking, small groups | Transparent pricing, selectable car models, avoids on-site queuing | Need to go to designated pickup zones (East/West Square), surge pricing during peaks |
| Long-Distance & Airport Shuttle Bus | 60-120 mins (by route) | $2.12 – $7.07 | Travelers to suburbs, nearby cities, or Baiyun Airport | Wide coverage, sufficient luggage space, cost-effective | Long departure intervals (15-30 mins/shift), longer travel time due to multiple stops |
Option 1: Metro (Most Cost-Effective & Punctual)
As Guangzhou’s core public transportation connecting Guangzhou South Station to downtown and surrounding districts, the metro network (Line 2/7/22) runs through key urban areas, offering high cost-effectiveness and stable operation—ideal for budget travelers and daily commuters.
Core Information
Routes:
- Line 2 (North-South Trunk Line): Guangzhou South Railway Station → Changgang → Haizhu Square → People’s Square → Guangzhou Railway Station → Baiyun Airport North (via transfer)
- Line 7 (East-West Trunk Line): Guangzhou South Railway Station → Shibi → Pazhou → University Town → Yanshan
- Line 22 (Express Line): Guangzhou South Railway Station → Panyu Square → Huadu Square (future extension to Baiyun Airport)
Station Location: B1 Floor of Guangzhou South Station, follow “Metro” signs from arrival hall (East Square direction)
Operating Hours:
- Line 2: Departs station 06:00-23:30; Departs downtown 06:00-23:00 (24-hour service on holidays for key sections)
- Line 7: Departs station 06:00-23:15; Departs Yanshan 06:00-23:00
- Line 22: Departs station 06:15-23:00; Departs Huadu Square 06:00-22:45
Departure Interval: 5-8 mins/shift during peak hours (07:30-09:30, 17:30-19:30), 10-15 mins/shift during off-peak hours; Line 22: 10-12 mins/shift all day
Ticketing & Discounts
Ticketing Channels: Station self-service machines, ticket counters, Alipay/WeChat mini-programs (“Guangzhou Metro”), Guangzhou Metro Card
Price Standard: Fare by distance, $1.00-$1.71 (station to downtown core); $1.71-$2.12 (station to University Town/Pazhou)
Child Policy: Free for children under 1.2m, half fare for children 1.2-1.5m
Fare & Travel Time Reference
| Destination | One-Way Fare | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| People’s Square (Line 2) | $1.55 | 45 mins |
| Haizhu Square (Line 2) | $1.41 | 40 mins |
| University Town (Line 7) | $1.27 | 30 mins |
| Baiyun Airport (Line 2 + Transfer) | $2.83 | 1 hour 20 mins |
Option 2: Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail (Fastest Intercity Transfer)
Guangzhou South Railway Station is the core hub of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail, linking Guangzhou to Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other Pearl River Delta cities with high speed and minimal stops—great for time-sensitive intercity travelers.
Core Information
Route: Guangzhou South Railway Station → Shenzhen North → West Kowloon (Hong Kong) → Dongguan South → Huizhou South
Station Location: 2F Floor of Guangzhou South Railway Station, direct access from departure hall (special security check zone for cross-border trains)
Operating Hours: 06:00-23:00 (adjusts slightly by season; cross-border trains to West Kowloon run 07:00-21:00)
Departure Interval: 10-15 mins/shift for Guangzhou-Shenzhen routes, 20-30 mins/shift for cross-border routes to Hong Kong
Ticketing & Discounts
Ticketing Channels: 12306 app/website, station ticket counters, self-service machines, Hong Kong MTR app (for cross-border tickets)
Price Standard: Airport to Shenzhen North $4.24; Airport to West Kowloon (Hong Kong) $14.13; Airport to Dongguan South $7.07
Special Policy: Passengers with same-day high-speed rail tickets enjoy 10% discount on metro tickets (via Guangzhou Metro app); students with valid IDs enjoy 50% discount on off-peak tickets
Transfer Guide
- At Shenzhen North: Transfer to high-speed rail to Xiamen, Fuzhou, or metro to Shenzhen downtown
- At West Kowloon (Hong Kong): Transfer to Hong Kong MTR (Tung Chung Line, Tsuen Wan Line) to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon
Option 3: Taxi (Door-to-Door Convenience)
Operates 24 hours a day without transfers, suitable for travelers with elderly, children, or large luggage, ensuring a direct and comfortable journey to downtown or surrounding areas.
Waiting & Pricing
Waiting Points: B1 Floor West Square of Guangzhou South Station (follow “Taxi” signs; queue as instructed by staff); separate queues for regular taxis and premium taxis
Pricing Standard:
- Daytime (06:00-23:00): Starting fare $1.98 (within 3 km), $0.35/km for 3-15 km, $0.53/km for over 15 km
- Nighttime (23:00-06:00): Starting fare $2.54, 20% surcharge on subsequent kilometers
- Additional Fees: $0.21/min waiting fee (speed < 12 km/h or stopped), $1.41 expressway toll (one-way if applicable, e.g., to Tianhe CBD via Huanan Expressway)
Fare Reference for Popular Destinations
| Destination | Daytime Fare Range | Nighttime Fare Range | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tianhe CBD (Zhujiang New Town) | $18.98 – $24.73 | $22.78 – $28.53 | 55 mins |
| Guangzhou Railway Station | $16.95 – $20.39 | $20.34 – $23.78 | 45 mins |
| Baiyun Airport | $28.26 – $35.33 | $33.91 – $40.98 | 1 hour |
| Shamian Island | $17.57 – $21.19 | $21.19 – $24.73 | 50 mins |
Option 4: Ride-Hailing Services (Flexible and Controllable)
Online booking with clear price estimates, supports economy, business, and 7-seater car selection, avoids on-site queuing—flexible for diverse travel needs, especially for small groups and travelers with luggage.
Recommended Platforms
DiDi Chuxing, Amap Dache, Alipay Dache (supports English operation interface)
Cross-Border Option: DiDi International for foreign users with overseas payment methods
Pickup Points
- West Square Pickup Zone: B1 Floor West Square, Zones A/B (for economy cars); Zone C (for business/7-seater cars)
- East Square Pickup Zone: B1 Floor East Square, near Metro Line 2 Entrance (backup pickup area during peak hours)
Practical Tips
- Book 20-30 minutes in advance, select “Guangzhou South Railway Station Pickup” and bind train number to sync delay information automatically
- Rush hours (07:30-09:30, 17:30-19:30) and peak travel seasons (Spring Festival, National Day) may have surge pricing (1.2-1.8x)
- Avoid Huanan Expressway and South China Avenue during peak periods; choose alternative routes via app navigation
Price Reference
| Destination | Fare Range | Estimated Travel Time (Non-Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Tianhe CBD (Zhujiang New Town) | $15.54 – $20.39 | 55 mins |
| Guangzhou Railway Station | $12.72 – $16.95 | 45 mins |
| Baiyun Airport | $21.19 – $28.26 | 1 hour |
| Shamian Island | $14.13 – $18.37 | 50 mins |
Option 5: Long-Distance & Airport Shuttle Bus (Economical with Wide Coverage)
The long-distance and airport shuttle bus station, located at B1 Floor East Square of Guangzhou South Station, covers Guangzhou’s downtown districts, suburban areas, and nearby cities (Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai), as well as direct routes to Baiyun Airport—cost-effective for long-distance or multi-city travel.
Key Route Information
| Route Number | Terminus | Departure Time (Guangzhou South) | One-Way Fare | Passing Stations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Line | Baiyun Airport (T1/T2) | 06:30-22:30 (30 mins/shift) | $7.07 | Guangzhou Railway Station, Huadu Square |
| Line Foshan | Foshan City Center (Jihua Park) | 07:00-21:30 (15 mins/shift) | $3.53 | Shunde, Nanhai Square |
| Line Dongguan | Dongguan Humen Railway Station | 08:00-20:00 (20 mins/shift) | $5.30 | Dongguan Railway Station, Chang’an |
| Line Zhuhai | Zhuhai Gongbei Port | 07:00-19:00 (30 mins/shift) | $10.60 | Zhongshan, Zhuhai Railway Station |
Night Shuttle Service
Operating Hours: After 23:00 until 30 minutes after the last high-speed rail arrives
Main Routes: Guangzhou South Station → Tianhe CBD, Guangzhou South Station → Guangzhou Railway Station
Frequency: Departs every 45-60 minutes, fare same as daytime ($2.12-$3.53)
Inter-Station/Airport Transportation Guide
Guangzhou South Railway Station ↔ Other Cities (Intercity)
- To Shenzhen: High-Speed Rail from Guangzhou South → Shenzhen North ($4.24, 30 mins) or Shuttle Bus Line Dongguan ($5.30, 1 hour)
- To Hong Kong: High-Speed Rail from Guangzhou South → West Kowloon ($14.13, 40 mins) [note: no direct trains on some short-term schedules, please check 12306 for real-time information] <superscript>1
- To Foshan: Shuttle Bus Line Foshan ($3.53, 40 mins direct) or Taxi ($14.13-$21.19, 30 mins)
- To Zhuhai: High-Speed Rail (Guangzhou South → Zhuhai, $10.60, 1 hour) or Shuttle Bus Line Zhuhai ($10.60, 1.5 hours)
Guangzhou South Railway Station ↔ Guangzhou Key Railway Stations/Airport
- To Guangzhou Railway Station: Metro Line 2 ($1.41, 45 mins) or Taxi ($16.95-$20.39, 45 mins)
- To Guangzhou East Railway Station: Metro Line 2 + Line 1 ($1.71, 1 hour) or Ride-Hailing ($14.13-$18.37, 50 mins)
- To Baiyun Airport: Shuttle Bus Airport Line ($7.07, 1 hour 20 mins) or Metro Line 2 + Transfer ($2.83, 1 hour 20 mins) or Taxi ($28.26-$35.33, 1 hour)
Platform Transfer & Station Practical Services
Intra-Station Transfer
- High-Speed Rail Transfer: Within the station, follow “Transfer” signs to security check (no need to exit; 5-10 mins between platforms)
- Metro/Rail Transfer: B1 Floor metro station to 2F departure hall via escalator (3-5 mins); follow “Departure Hall” signs
- Bus/Rail Transfer: B1 Floor bus station to 1F arrival hall via elevator/escalator (2-3 mins)
Station Practical Services
- Wi-Fi Connection: Search for “GZSouth-Free-WiFi”, log in via mobile verification code or passport (free, unlimited time)
- Luggage Storage: B1 Floor East/West Squares, charged by size and time: $0.57-$1.41/item/4hrs, $2.12-$3.53/item/day; left-luggage service also available at 1F information desk
- Charging Facilities: Free charging stations in departure/arrival halls and waiting lounges (USB & socket ports); wireless charging in 2F VIP lounges and business waiting areas
- Service Hotline: 020-12306 (multilingual support for train inquiries) and 020-39267123 (station service consultation)
- Currency Exchange: Available in 2F International Waiting Area (for cross-border travelers), supports major global currencies (USD, EUR, HKD, JPY)
- Dining & Shopping: 1F/2F Arrival/Departure Halls with chain restaurants (KFC, McDonald’s, Starbucks) and local snack shops; duty-free shops available in 2F International Area; convenience stores (7-Eleven, Family Mart) on every floor
- Medical Service: 1F East Square Medical Office, providing first-aid services and basic medical consultations (free of charge)
Popular Destinations Traffic Congestion Tips
Core Congestion Periods (Daily)
- Morning Peak: 07:30-09:30 (departure peak for commuters and intercity travelers; security check and metro stations crowded)
- Evening Peak: 17:30-19:30 (arrival peak; taxi/ride-hailing pickup areas and East Square public transport hubs congested)
- Special Congestion: Weekends/holidays (09:00-11:00, 14:00-16:00, 18:00-20:00, tourist and family travel surge); Spring Festival/National Day peak (all day congestion, recommend arriving 2 hours early)
Destination-Specific Congestion Details
- Tianhe CBD: 08:00-10:00, 18:00-20:00 (office commute peak); Huanan Expressway and Zhujiang New Town surrounding roads queue easily
- Baiyun Airport: 08:00-11:00, 15:00-18:00 (flight peak); airport expressway congested for 1-2 km during these periods
- Guangzhou Railway Station: 09:00-12:00, 16:00-19:00 (railway transfer peak); metro Line 2 transfer station crowded
- Station Surroundings: South China Avenue and Huanan Expressway (connecting the station to downtown) congested during peak hours; avoid driving directly to the station if possible
Avoidance Suggestions
- Rush-hour travel: Prioritize Metro Line 2/7 or shuttle bus, avoid taxi/rideshare; if taking high-speed rail, arrive 1.5 hours early
- Railway/airport transfers: Arrive 1.2 hours early if taking taxis/rideshares; metro is more punctual and avoids congestion
- Holiday travel: Book rides 1 hour in advance, or take shuttle bus to avoid surge pricing and queuing; use luggage storage service to reduce burden in crowded areas
- Cross-border travel: Check 12306 in advance for real-time train schedules, as some short-term periods may have no direct trains to Hong Kong West Kowloon <superscript>1.
FAQ
Q: Arrived in the early morning (after midnight), what transportation is available besides taxis?
A: Take the night shuttle bus to Tianhe CBD/Guangzhou Railway Station (departs every 45-60 minutes after 23:00), or wait for the first metro (06:00) in the 2F waiting lounge (24-hour open, with charging facilities and seating).
Q: Traveling with a stroller or wheelchair, which transportation is most convenient?
A: Taxis, ride-hailing services, or airport shuttle buses (all have barrier-free access); Metro Line 2/7/22 have elevators at all stations but some may need staff assistance—contact the station service desk in advance for help.
Q: What if I miss the last metro or high-speed rail?
A: Choose taxi/ride-hailing or night shuttle bus; consult the 1F information desk for real-time night route information. The station also has 24-hour waiting lounges for passengers who need to wait for the next day’s transportation.
Q: Can I book long-distance/shuttle bus tickets in advance?
A: On-site purchase (cash/QR code) is available; intercity routes (Foshan/Dongguan/Zhuhai) and airport shuttle bus support advance booking via “Guangzhou South Railway Station” official WeChat account or “Guangzhou Bus Network” app (book up to 7 days in advance).
Q: Is there a direct high-speed rail from Guangzhou South to Hong Kong? How to check the schedule?
A: Direct high-speed rail to Hong Kong West Kowloon is available during most periods, but some short-term schedules may have no direct trains<superscript>1. You can check real-time schedules and book tickets via the 12306 app/website or Hong Kong MTR app.
Lila Jiang
She is Lila Jiang, a 28-year-old girl.
With over 10 years in the travel industry, she’s chased wanderlust near and far;
what she loves most is diving into local cultures,
finding hidden gems, and connecting with people who bring journeys to life.