Guangzhou to Xiamen Train 2026: Time, Price & Fastest Route

Fastest option first: direct high-speed trains connect Guangzhou with Xiamen, with journey times varying by service. Published schedules list about 19 daily departures, while exact times and availability can change by travel date.

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For official date-specific searches, bookings, changes, and refunds, use China Railway's 12306 website. China Railway says it has not authorized other websites or apps to provide equivalent official services. English-language booking platforms may still be useful if you prefer customer support or a simpler interface.

For step-by-step guidance on registering, choosing between 12306 and a booking platform, and boarding with only your passport, see our complete guide to booking China's high-speed trains.

How long is the Guangzhou to Xiamen train ride?

Direct services can take from about 2 hours 44 minutes to 5 hours 13 minutes, depending on the departure and stops. The fastest listed direct service, G3044, departs Guangzhou at 07:53 and arrives in Xiamen at 11:19, taking 3 hours 26 minutes. Timetable details can change, so check your travel date before booking.

If no suitable direct train is available, you can transfer at Shenzhen North. Guangzhou South to Shenzhen North takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours, followed by about 2.5 to 4 hours from Shenzhen North to Xiamen North. The combined journey is roughly 3 to 6 hours.

Which stations do Guangzhou and Xiamen trains use?

Direct high-speed trains operate between Guangzhou East or Guangzhou South and Xiamen or Xiamen North. Check the exact stations on your ticket before booking accommodation or planning onward transport.

Modern Chinese high-speed rail station at night

How much does a ticket cost?

Published fares for direct high-speed trains vary by service and seat class:

Second class: CNY 229 to 398
First class: CNY 447 to 624
Business class: CNY 902.50 to 1,322

Check the date-specific fare in 12306 or your booking platform before paying.

Is it a direct train, or do you have to transfer?

Many departures are direct, so you can board in Guangzhou and get off in Xiamen without changing trains. If the direct timetable does not suit you, Shenzhen North is the main transfer option described for this route.

Can you stop at Fujian Tulou on the way?

The Fujian Tulou clusters are not presented as a direct stop on this rail route. Plan them as a separate side trip from Xiamen rather than assuming you can visit them during a normal Guangzhou-to-Xiamen journey.

Traditional Hakka tulou roundhouses in the hills of Fujian

Is the train faster than flying?

The best choice depends on your exact departure and airport connections. Compare the complete door-to-door journey, including transfers and check-in, with the train time shown for your chosen service.

Direct high-speed vs. a transfer itinerary

Option	Duration	Price	Best for
Direct high-speed train	About 2h 44m to 5h 13m	CNY 229 to 1,322 depending on class	Travelers who want a simpler journey
Transfer at Shenzhen North	About 3 to 6 hours	Check date-specific fares	Travelers who need more departure choices

Getting around once you're in Xiamen

Your arrival station affects the onward journey. Check whether your ticket ends at Xiamen or Xiamen North, then plan your taxi, metro, ferry, or hotel transfer accordingly. If your trip includes Gulangyu Island, allow extra time to reach the passenger ferry terminal from the railway station.

Xiamen skyline and waterfront seen from above

Booking checklist

Search both direct services and Shenzhen North transfers for your travel date.
Check the exact departure and arrival stations before booking accommodation.
Compare second, first, and business-class fares in the date-specific search.
Use the official 12306 website for China Railway's own booking, change, and refund services.
Plan Fujian Tulou as a separate side trip rather than a guaranteed rail stopover.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Guangzhou to Xiamen take? Direct services take about 2 hours 44 minutes to 5 hours 13 minutes, while a Shenzhen North transfer takes roughly 3 to 6 hours.

Which stations serve this route? Direct trains operate between Guangzhou East or Guangzhou South and Xiamen or Xiamen North. Confirm the stations on your ticket.

How much is a Guangzhou to Xiamen train ticket? Published direct-train fares range from CNY 229 to 398 in second class, CNY 447 to 624 in first class, and CNY 902.50 to 1,322 in business class.

Can I transfer at Shenzhen North? Yes. If a direct service is unsuitable, the combined journey via Shenzhen North takes about 3 to 6 hours.

Can I visit Fujian Tulou as a stopover? Do not assume so. Plan the Tulou clusters as a separate side trip from Xiamen.