A pair of high-speed trains G79/G80 connects Beijing West Railway Station and Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station, with a travel time of approximately 8.5 hours. It passes through major metropolises along the way including Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Changsha, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. A second-class ticket from Beijing to Hong Kong or return by high-speed train costs US$154.
Beijing - Hong Kong High-Speed Trains
- Distance: 2,397 kilometers (1,489 miles)
- Duration: 8 hours and 31 minutes
- Number of trains in service: 1 pair of high-speed trains
- Terminals: Beijing West Station, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
Beijing to Hong Kong Scenic Railway MapBeijing to Hong Kong High-Speed Train Schedule
(Updated on March 5th, 2024)
| G79 Beijing West Station "北京西" to West Kowloon Station "西九龙" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time | |
| Beijing West | 10:00 | ||
| Shijiazhuang | 11:00 | 11:02 | |
| Zhengzhou East | 12:18 | 12:21 | |
| Wuhan | 13:55 | 13:58 | |
| Changsha South | 15:16 | 15:20 | |
| Guangzhou South | 17:38 | 17:41 | |
| Shenzhen North | 18:10 | 18:13 | |
| West Kowloon | 18:31 | ||
Hong Kong to Beijing High-Speed Train Schedule
(Updated on March 5th, 2024)
| West Kowloon Station "西九龙" to Beijing West Station "北京西" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time | |
| West Kowloon | 11:00 | ||
| Shenzhen North | 11:18 | 11:21 | |
| Guangzhou South | 11:50 | 11:53 | |
| Changsha South | 14:10 | 14:13 | |
| Wuhan | 15:31 | 15:34 | |
| Zhengzhou East | 17:08 | 17:11 | |
| Shijiazhuang | 18:27 | 18:30 | |
| Beijing West | 19:30 | ||
Seat Classes and Prices on the Beijing – Hong Kong Bullet Train
| Ticket Types | Business Class | First Class | Second Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult ticket | US$542 (CNY3686.5) | US$277 (CNY1888.5) | US$174 (CNY1179.5) |
| Child ticket | US$271 (CNY1844) | US$139 (CNY945) | US$87 (CNY590) |
Children under 14 years of age can travel for free, but without their own seat. A child ticket is needed if a seat is required. Children over 14 years of age (including 14) are eligible for children's tickets (half price).
Hong Kong to Beijing, by Train or Airplane?
| High-Speed Train | Airplane | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | US$163 for second class US$259 for first class |
US$148-US$500 for economy class | |
| Duration | 8.5 hours | 3.5 hours | |
| Frequency | 1 high-speed train per day | 25 direct flights per day | |
| Punctuality | Punctual | Occasional delays | |
| Seat Space | More leg room than on an airplane | Cramped | |
| Pros | 1. Reasonable ticket prices 2. High-speed trains are fast and punctual 3. You can walk around on the train to stretch your legs 4. Enjoy window views on the way |
1. The fastest mode of transportation between Beijing and Hong Kong 2. Airfare can be competitive when there are discounts |
|
| Cons | 1. Bullet train stations are a bit far from downtown 2. Sometimes it is noisy on train carriages, especially during Chinese holidays |
1. Seats on airplanes are cramped 2. Airports are far from downtown areas 3. It takes more time for boarding airplanes 4. Not many window views |
|
| In conclusion | If travel time is your first concern, then the flight is the best choice for you. If you are on a budget, high-speed train is a cost-effective and comfortable choice. | ||
Co-Location Arrangement for Immigration
Located within West Kowloon Station, you'll find the Hong Kong Port Area and Mainland Port Area on the B2 and B3 floors, respectively. Passengers embarking on high-speed train journeys between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland can conveniently undergo entry and exit immigration procedures in close proximity. This streamlined arrangement significantly reduces both time and inconvenience, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Mainland Bound Station Arrival, Getting Tickets, Immigration, Customs and Boarding Procedures
To access the ticket purchasing office for mainland-bound trains, head to the Ticket Hall located on level B1. Once you have obtained your tickets, proceed through the ticket examinations and security scanner checks. Next, make your way to the Departure Hall on level B3 using the conveniently available escalators.
Upon reaching B3, commence the departure process by going through Hong Kong Immigration Departure Clearance, where your passport will be checked. Afterward, proceed to the Customs clearance area and traverse a long corridor that leads to the Immigration Check Point. Here, you will wait in line for visa and passport checks. Continue the process by passing through the Customs Procedures area. Finally, find a spot near the train platform gates and await their opening, marking the final stage before boarding your train.
Upon the opening of the gates, departing passengers will need to descend to the B4 Platform using the available escalators. From there, locate and enter your designated carriage as stated on your ticket.
For information about riding the bullet trains and tips about bullet trains and tickets, see: 7 Things to Know Before Riding a Train in China and How To Take a Train in China.
Hong Kong Bound Disembarkation, Immigration, Customs, and Exit Procedures
The passengers who are arriving will disembark their trains at the B4 Platform. Go up to level B2 via the escalators, and then undergo passport checking at the mainland Departure Clearance area. Go through the adjacent mainland customs area and walk down the passageway.
At Hong Kong Immigration, they will check your passport and visa status. Undergo the Hong Kong Quarantine check, if any, pass through Hong Kong Customs, and then have your ticket checked before exiting the station.
For more information about entering/exiting/using the West Kowloon Station, see Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.
Using the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policies for These Trains
To facilitate a more convenient visit to Beijing, you can take advantage of their 144-hour travel policies, eliminating the need to get a visa before arriving or at the airport. It's important to note that Beijing West serves as a valid port of entry and departure for Beijing. However, it's essential to remember that the third country (region) rule applies, allowing the train to be used for one-way visa-free travel.
Utilizing this method, you can also travel out from Beijing to Tianjin, the Great Wall, and Hebei Province too!
Read more about the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy.
To learn more about touring Beijing and/or Hong Kong visa-free, see Hong Kong's Visa Requirements/Visa-Free Policies and How to Plan Your Beijing Visa-Free Tour