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Guangzhou to Nanjing Distance: How far is Nanjing from Guangzhou by Train
The train journey from Guangzhou to Nanjing covers a distance of approximately 1,581 kilometers (around 983 miles). This long-distance ride gives you a chance to see several major cities along the way.
The train typically makes short stops in cities like Changsha, Wuhan, and Hefei, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and explore a bit before continuing to their destination.
Guangzhou to Nanjing: Train vs. Flight (A Reliability & Comfort Comparison)
The Honest Case for Flying (The "Time-Saver")
Let's get this out of the way. If your goal is pure speed, if you are on a tight business schedule, or if you find a deeply discounted ticket, a flight is the answer. Full stop. It gets you from A to B on the same day.
The Real Reason to Take the Guangzhou to Nanjing High Speed Train
Reliability: Flights from Guangzhou are often delayed by notorious weather (thunderstorms, typhoons) and air traffic control.
A 2-hour flight can easily become a 5-hour airport wait. High-speed trains, however, are punctual and immune to weather, making them the most reliable, stress-free option for tight schedules.
Practicality: Trains have no practical luggage limits or fees, unlike airlines' strict 20kg cap and excess charges. They also offer a smooth, ground-level journey, which is a calm alternative for anxious flyers.
Guangzhou to Nanjing High Speed Train Facts: 6 Trains Daily
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With 6 trains operating daily, these are G-trains, part of the Fuxinghao Bullet trains, which can reach speeds up to 350 km/h. The trains run between 6:18 AM and 3:00 PM, offering flexible travel options throughout the day.
The journey typically takes between 7.5 to 10 hours, depending on the specific train and stops along the way. Ticket prices range from 698 RMB to 2,863 RMB (about $100-$400 USD), varying by seat class and train type.
Guangzhou to Nanjing High Speed Train Schedule (Live Data)
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Contact Us to Book the Train Schedules
Convinced that the train is a smart choice? Now for the "how." This isn't a static, outdated timetable. The schedule below is sourced directly from the official railway data, giving you live, real-time information on train numbers, departure/arrival times, and current ticket prices.
How to Read This Schedule: G Trains
"G" Trains (Gāotiě): This is the fastest high-speed train, hitting 300-350 km/h. This is the 7-10 hours train we have been discussing and the one you should book.
Choosing Your Seat Class for an 7-10 Hours Guangzhou to Nanjing Bullet Train Ride (With Tickets Prices)
For a long journey like this, your seat choice matters. Here is an honest breakdown of the facilities and which one you should book.
Second Class (The Budget Option): From RMB 660 – RMB 823 (Approx. $95 – $118 USD)
With fares ranging from RMB 660 to RMB 823 (Approx. $95 – $118 USD), this is the standard 3+2 seating arrangement, similar to economy on a plane, but with significantly more legroom. All seats are equipped with power sockets and a tray table.
To be perfectly honest, for a 7-10 hour journey, this can feel cramped and potentially loud. It's an absolutely perfect option for shorter 2-3 hour trips, but we would recommend upgrading to First or Business Class for this specific long-distance route if your budget allows.
First Class is Our Recommendation for This Route: (RMB 1054 – RMB 1314, Ca. $150 – $188 USD)
For a long 8-hour daytime journey, this is our top pick. The extra cost for First Class, which typically runs from RMB 1054 to RMB 1314 (Approx. $150 – $188 USD), is an excellent investment in your comfort.
This upgrade gets you a spacious 2+2 seating arrangement. The seats are noticeably wider and recline much further (think of a domestic US first-class airline seat), and the entire car is significantly quieter.
We strongly believe this is 100% worth it for this specific route. You'll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore, not completely worn out.
Business Class (The Luxury Option): RMB 2054 – RMB 2713 (About $294 –$388 USD)
This is the ultimate luxury, with lie-flat pods similar to an international business-class flight. You get complimentary meals and exclusive lounge access. For an 7-10 hours daytime trip, it's probably overkill unless you truly need to lie flat and sleep. First Class is the real winner here.
Advanced Travel Options: Stopovers & Faster Transfers
This is where the train network truly defeats the airline. The train gives you "pro-level" flexibility. After you've mastered the direct trip, here are two "advanced" options.
The 6.5-Hour "Express" Route (via Wuhan Transfer)
| Guangzhou to Wuhan | Wuhan to Nanjing | Total |
|---|---|---|
| G566 (09:45-13:02) 3h20m |
G678 (13:30-16:22) 2h52m |
6.5 h |
| G874 (10:43-14:25) 3h42m |
G600 (15:00-17:31) 2h30m |
7h |
If 8 hours is still too long, here's a "pro tip": you can often book a faster 6.5-hour total journey. This involves booking two separate tickets with a quick, "same-station transfer" at Wuhan Station (武汉站).
Wuhan is a major hub where the Guangzhou and Nanjing lines intersect. This "hack" is a favorite for local travelers who value speed but still want the reliability of the train.
The "Mini-Trip" Option: An Overnight Stopover in Wuhan or Changsha
Why waste a travel day? The real magic of the train network is its flexibility. You can turn your "commute" into an "adventure."
Book a morning train from Guangzhou to Wuhan (4 hours). Arrive in time for lunch, explore the legendary Yellow Crane Tower, and spend the evening eating your way through Wuhan's incredible street food. Stay overnight. The next morning, take the 2.5-hour train to Nanjing.
You just added a whole new city to your itinerary! You can do the same in Changsha, the fiery capital of Hunan cuisine.
How to Book Your Guangzhou to Nanjing Bullet Train Tickets (Direct vs. Stopover)
Booking Chinese train tickets as a foreigner can seem intimidating, but it's gotten much easier. You must book in advance, as these routes sell out.
Booking a Direct A → B Ticket (The Easy Way)
Booking your tickets is straightforward. The official "12306" app or website is the direct source for all tickets. While it has become more accessible to non-Chinese residents, it does require a one-time registration process that you'll need to complete carefully with your passport details.
If you are concerned about the registration success rate, or simply prefer the convenience of a familiar English-language platform, using a trusted online travel agency like Trip is an excellent alternative. They make the booking process simple and readily accept international credit cards.
Regardless of which method you choose, you will book using your passport number, and your passport itself is your electronic ticket—you simply scan it at the gate to board the train.
How to Book the "Stopover" or "Transfer" Ticket
This is key: You cannot book this as one ticket. You must book two separate tickets:
- Ticket 1: Guangzhou South → Wuhan
- Ticket 2: Wuhan → Nanjing South (for the same day or the next day)
The Stress-Free Way: Let Us Handle It
Does booking multi-city tickets and coordinating transfers sound like a hassle? As your travel experts, we can handle all of this for you.
As part of any travel package, our team will book all your train tickets, secure the best seats, and simply add the e-tickets to your itinerary. No stress, no apps, no hassle.
Your Travel Day Guide: Stations, Food, and Luggage Tips
Before You Go: Navigating Guangzhou South Station
Your G-train will almost certainly leave from Guangzhou South Station (广州南站). It is a gigantic, modern airport-style hub. It can take 45-60 minutes by subway to get there.
I strongly recommend you arrive at the station at least 60 minutes before your train's departure time. You will need to go through a security check, find your departure hall (it's huge), and wait at your gate.
The subway (Metro) is the best way. Line 2, Line 7, and Line 22 all go directly to "Guangzhou South Railway Station."
Nanjing South Railway Station: Your Arrival Station
You will arrive at Nanjing South Station (南京南站), Nanjing's main high-speed hub. It is also massive, but it's modern and well-organized. The best part is its perfect city connection. The station is a hub for Metro Line 1, Line 3, and Line S1.
From here, you can get to your hotel in the Xinjiekou (downtown) or Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) areas quickly and easily.
On-Board Food: A "Guide Friend" Tip (Pack Dim Sum!)
The onboard meal box is... fine. It's edible, but it's not gourmet. The train also has a dining car, but my single best piece of advice for this trip is this: pack a "picnic" from Guangzhou. The city is the world's dim sum capital.
Go to a local shop near your hotel that morning, get a few boxes of har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, and char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and bring them on the train.
From Nanjing South Station to Top Attractions (Transport Guide)
You've made it! You've arrived at Nanjing South. Here is a quick guide to get you from the station to the city's top attractions.
Transport from Nanjing South: Your best options are the Metro (fastest and cheapest) or Didi (China's Uber, very convenient). Taxis are also available.
How to Get to Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple): Take the Metro Line 3 (Green Line) directly from Nanjing South Station. It's about a 20-25 minute ride.
How to Get to Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum: Take Metro Line 3 to Daxinggong, then transfer to Line 2 to Muxuyuan. It's a longer trip, about 45-50 minutes. A Didi/taxi might be easier here.
How to Get to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial: Take Metro Line 1 to Xinjiekou, then transfer to Line 2 and get off at Yunjinlu Station. This is about a 30-35 minute trip.
China High Speed Train Ride Made Easy with AOT
Let Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) handle your high-speed rail adventures in China! We'll book your tickets, guide you through stations, and provide 24/7 support. Skip the confusion and travel stress-free with us.
Tour Packeges: China High Speed Train Tour Packages
China High Speed Train Cities: Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Hong Kong, Nanjing
Useful Travel Tips: China High Speed Train Guide
Contact us today to start planning your adventure, and let us show you the dynamic beauty and enduring traditions of this extraordinary region.
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