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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.
International Driving Permits are not officially recognized for driving in mainland China. You need a valid Chinese driver's license to rent and drive a car legally. Always verify current requirements with the rental provider and local traffic authority before you book.
Getting to Guilin
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.
Airport to city center
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.
Train stations in Guilin
Guilin has two main high-speed rail stations:
- Guilin Railway Station (ζ‘ζη«): Central location, convenient for downtown hotels.
- Guilin North Railway Station (ζ‘ζεη«): Larger station north of the city, served by more long-distance high-speed trains.
- Guilin West Railway Station (ζ‘ζθ₯Ώη«): Smaller, farther west; used by some services.
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.
Getting around Guilin
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.
Guilin to Yangshuo
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 (US$29β79) + fuel | Flexibility, families, photographers |
| Li River cruise | ~4 hours + transfers | Β₯300β800/person (US$43β115) | Scenery, relaxed travel |
| Bus | 1.5β2 hours | Β₯20β50/person (US$3β7) | Budget travelers |
| High-speed rail | 0.5 hour train + transfer | Β₯20β40/person (US$3β6) | Fast, but station is near Xingping |
Price note: Approximate USD values use the August 2026 exchange rate. Prices vary by provider and season.
See the detailed Guilin to Yangshuo comparison.
Guilin to Longji
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.
Car rental
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.
Li River cruise vs driving
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.
Source & verification: Transport times, costs, and station details are based on public timetables, mapping data, and booking platform research reviewed in August 2026. Always confirm current schedules and prices before travel.