Guilin to Yangshuo: Best Transport Options for First-Time Visitors
Yangshuo is about 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) southeast of downtown Guilin. Traveling from Guilin to Yangshuo is easy, but the best option depends on what matters most to you: scenery, speed, budget, flexibility, or comfort.
The five main ways to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo are the Li River cruise, high-speed train, bus, taxi, and private transfer. In this guide, we compare each option and explain which one is best for first-time visitors, families, and travelers with luggage.
Guilin to Yangshuo Map
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Way from Guilin to Yangshuo?
The best way to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo depends on your travel style.
| Option | Best for | Typical Time | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Li River Cruise | Scenery | 4-5 hours + transfer | Fixed schedule |
| High-speed Train | Speed | 30 minutes + transfer | The station is outside town |
| Bus | Budget | About 1.5 hours | Less comfortable |
| Taxi | Flexibility | About 1.5 hours | Price may vary |
| Private Transfer | Comfort | About 1.5 hours | Higher cost |
If you are visiting Guilin for the first time and want a worry-free trip, we recommend either a Li River cruise with hotel-to-pier transfer or a private transfer with a custom Yangshuo tour. Both options work especially well for international travelers, families, couples, and guests with luggage.
Not sure which option is best for you? We can help you choose based on your hotel location, luggage, travel dates, and sightseeing plans. Just contact us!
Option 1: Li River Cruise - the Most Scenic Way from Guilin to Yangshuo
The Li River cruise is the classic way to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo. For many visitors, it is not just transportation. It is one of the highlights of the trip.
Along the river, you can enjoy the famous karst hills, bamboo-lined banks, fishing villages, and the beautiful landscape that makes Guilin so well known.
The cruises last about 4-5 hours and depart in the morning from piers outside downtown Guilin, so you'll need an additional transfer from your hotel to the pier.
Li River Cruise Schedule
| 4-Star Ship | 3-Star Ship | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Time | 9:00-9:30 AM | 9:00-9:30 AM |
| Duration | 4-5 hours | 4-5 hours |
| Boarding Point | Guilin Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头) | Guilin Mopanshan Pier (磨盘山码头) |
| Drop-off Point | Yangshuo Shuidongmen Pier (水东门码头) | Yangshuo Longtoushan Pier (龙头山码头) |
| Ticket Price | CNY340-450 per person | CNY255-510 per person |
Cruise schedules and prices may vary by season, ship type, and water level.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, and travelers who want sightseeing and transport in one experience.
Things to know: The cruise is not the most flexible option. You need to reach the pier on time, and luggage can be inconvenient if you are moving directly between hotels. That is why many travelers prefer to book the cruise together with a transfer service.
How we can help:
- Private transfer from your hotel to the pier
- Luggage assistance
- English-speaking guide
- Cruise ticket and sightseeing arrangements
- A one-price private tour package
This is a great option if you want the beauty of the Li River without worrying about the transport details.
Option 2: High-Speed Train - the Fastest Way from Guilin to Yangshuo
If speed is your priority, the high-speed train is the fastest way to go from Guilin to Yangshuo. The train itself usually takes only about 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the departure station and service.
There are direct bullet trains from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Chongqing to Yangshuo Railway Station.
Things to know:
Yangshuo Railway Station is not in central Yangshuo town. It is closer to the Xingping area, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) away from the town. After arriving by train, you may still need a taxi or shuttle bus to reach places such as West Street, Yulong River, or your hotel in Yangshuo town. The transfer from the station to the main tourist area usually takes around 1 hour by car. Once waiting time and the transfer after arrival are included, the total journey for many travelers is often closer to 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best for: Travelers with limited time, independent travelers, and visitors who do not mind one more transfer after arrival.
How we can help:
If you want the speed of the train without the confusion after arrival, we can arrange:
- Yangshuo station pick-up and direct transfer to your hotel
- optional English-speaking guide
- a private vehicle for the rest of your Yangshuo sightseeing
This is especially useful for families, senior travelers, and guests with suitcases.
Option 3: Bus - A Budget-Friendly Choice
The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo. Coaches are a practical choice for budget travelers, but they are less convenient if you have large luggage, young children, or need English-language support.
Guilin South Bus Station (桂林汽车客运南站) provides direct express buses to Yangshuo Bus Station.
- Location: on the west side of Kaifeng Road and the south side of Chadian Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin
- How to get there: take Bus No.12, 36, 82, or K99 and get off at South Bus Station (汽车客运南站)
- Departures: 7:00-20:30 (every 15-30 minutes)
- Price: around CNY20-35 per person
- Duration: about 1.5 hours
Things to know: There are also buses leaving from the square in front of Guilin Railway Station, but some are privately operated and may stop several times on the way to pick up more passengers. If you want a more direct and reliable bus service, Guilin South Bus Station is usually the better option.
The bus from Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Bus Station leaves at 9:50, 10:10, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00. The cost is CNY60 per ticket.
Best for: Backpackers, budget travelers, and visitors with flexible schedules.
For travelers coming straight from the airport, a long train ride, or a hotel move day, many people find that a private transfer is much easier.
Option 4: Taxi - A Flexible Direct Option
A taxi from Guilin to Yangshuo is a simple choice if you want to travel directly by road without using stations or piers.
From downtown Guilin, a taxi ride to Yangshuo usually takes about 1.5 hours and costs about CNY 200 per car, one way. From Guilin Liangjiang Airport, the ride is also commonly around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Best for: Travelers who want a direct ride, visitors making a last-minute decision, and guests who prefer not to change transport.
Things to know: A taxi is more flexible than a train or cruise, but it is not the same as a pre-arranged private transfer. Taxi prices may vary depending on route, traffic, and pickup point. In Yangshuo itself, taxi pricing is not always as standardized as visitors may expect, especially outside the most common town routes.
If you are carrying large luggage, arriving late, traveling with family, or want guaranteed pickup and smoother service, a private transfer is usually the better choice.
Option 5: Private Transfer - the Easiest Way from Guilin to Yangshuo
A private transfer from Guilin to Yangshuo is the easiest and most comfortable choice for international travelers. The drive is usually about 1 to 2 hours, depending on pickup point, route, and traffic. The cost is about CNY400-450 per car, one way.
With a private transfer, your driver picks you up anywhere in Guilin and takes you directly to your Yangshuo hotel. There is no need to change transport, wait in line, or worry about finding a car at the last minute.
Best for: Families, couples, senior travelers, photographers, and guests with luggage.
Contact us for a custom proposal based on your schedule. We can arrange a private Guilin–Yangshuo transfer with flexible hotel pick-up, luggage assistance, optional sightseeing stops, and an English-speaking guide if needed.
FAQs on Guilin to Yangshuo
Is the Li River cruise the best way from Guilin to Yangshuo?
It is the best choice for scenery. The Li River cruise is one of the most famous travel experiences in Guilin and is especially popular with first-time visitors. The journey is longer than the train or car, but the views are the main reason people choose it.
Is the high-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo the fastest option?
Yes. The train is usually the fastest transport option, often taking roughly 20 to 40 minutes. But you still need another transfer after arrival because the Yangshuo Railway Station is not in the town center.
Is there a direct bus from Guilin to Yangshuo?
Yes. Direct coaches are a common and budget-friendly option, and the trip is usually around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and departure point.
What is the easiest way to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo with luggage?
For most travelers with luggage, the easiest option is a private transfer or a Li River cruise with transfer service. These options reduce transport changes and make hotel, pier, and station connections much easier.
Can you arrange a transfer-only service?
Yes. We can arrange transfer-only services such as hotel to pier, station to hotel, Guilin to Yangshuo private transfer, and Yangshuo to Guilin airport or train station.
Can you arrange a custom Guilin and Yangshuo tour?
Yes. We can create a custom private tour with a private car, driver, English-speaking guide, attraction tickets, and one-price service.
What is the difference between a taxi and a private transfer from Guilin to Yangshuo?
A taxi is better for flexible, last-minute travel. A private transfer is better if you want a confirmed pick-up, smoother service, and easier luggage handling. In addition, taxi pricing can vary more, while a private transfer is easier to arrange in advance.