Route
Guangzhou to ShenzhenShenzhen to Guangzhou: take the train or fly?
Half an hour between the two anchors of the Pearl River Delta, with a train every couple of minutes. The only choice that matters is which station — a couple of them are a long way from where you're going.
Guangzhou 广州
Guangzhou South
Shenzhen 深圳
Shenzhen North
- 2nd class
- from ¥75 ≈ $10
- business to ¥237
- Departures
- ~400/day
- 06:00–23:09
- Train types
- G · C · D
- Flight
- no flights — too short
Nothing else competes for 100 km. But the fastest G-trains use Guangzhou South and Shenzhen North, both well out of the centre; if you want central Shenzhen, book a train to Futian instead, and consider the older Guangzhou East–Shenzhen intercity for centre-to-centre.
Should you take the train or fly?
There’s nothing to decide — it’s 102 km, about 30 minutes, and trains run almost continuously from before 6am to past 11pm. Second class costs around ¥75. No one flies this.
The only real choice is the stations. The fastest G-trains run Guangzhou South to Shenzhen North — both a metro ride out of their city centres. If you want central Shenzhen, look for a train to Futian, right in the business district. And the older Guangzhou East to Shenzhen intercity line, though slower at about 1h10, puts you centre to centre.
Stations, tickets and what to expect
Which stations. Decide first where you’re staying in Shenzhen, then pick: Shenzhen North (fast, peripheral), Futian (central, fewer trains), or Shenzhen central via the intercity line.
How to book. Trip.com or the 12306 app, passport as the ID type. Electronic ticket — scan your passport at the gate. Second class is all anyone uses.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Common questions
How long is the train from Guangzhou to Shenzhen?
About 30 minutes on the fast G-trains between Guangzhou South and Shenzhen North, up to a bit over an hour on services that make more stops or run to Futian. Over 400 trains run each day.
How much does it cost?
Second class is about ¥75–100 depending on the train, first class around ¥118, business seat about ¥237. It's one of the cheapest intercity trips in China.
Which station should I use in Shenzhen?
Shenzhen North for most fast trains — it's on metro lines 4, 5 and 6 but north of the centre. Futian Station is right in the central business district and some G-trains use it. Choose based on where you're staying.
Is there a more central option?
The older Guangzhou–Shenzhen intercity line runs Guangzhou East to Shenzhen's central station in about 1h10 — slower, but both ends are central. Worth it if your hotels are downtown at both ends.
Should I fly?
No. The cities are 100 km apart; there's no meaningful air service and the train is faster than reaching an airport.
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