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Guangzhou to Chengdu Train: 7h High Speed Train or Night Sleeper (D962)?

Written by Senior Expert Celine Schneider|Updated: 2025-11-17

The Guangzhou to Chengdu high speed train covers 1,500-kilometer and connects two of China's official UNESCO "Cities of Gastronomy". It’s a long journey to take a high-speed train from Guangzhou to Chengdu, about 7-10.5 hours with approximately 19 daily departures.

And Second Class tickets starting as low as ¥578 , it's a popular and practical route. But this raises the most important question: why take a 10-hour train when a flight is only 2.5 hours?

This Guangzhou to Chengdu bullet train guide will explain exactly why the high-speed train is often the smarter, more comfortable, and far more memorable choice

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Content Preview

  • triangleGuangzhou to Chengdu Distance & 2 Options (Flights & High Speed Train) Comparison
  • triangleGuangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Facts (Bullet Train Route Map Included)
  • triangleGuangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Live Train Schedule (12306 Data)
  • triangleGuangzhou to Chengdu Bullet Train Pro-Tip: "G" Train vs. "D" Train
  • triangleTickets & Seat Class Comparison: Is Business or First Class Worth It for 8-10 Hours?
  • triangleA Foreigner's Guide to Booking Guangzhou to Chengdu Train Tickets
  • triangleGuangzhou to Chengdu Train Stations: Good News, It's Simple!
  • triangleFrom Chengdu East Station? Here's How to Get to the City, Pandas & Where to Eat First
  • triangleChina High Speed Train Ride Made Easy with AOT

Guangzhou to Chengdu Distance & 2 Options (Flights & High Speed Train) Comparison

Hop on a China High Speed Train for a smooth ride
Hop on a China High Speed Train for a smooth ride
Ride fast trains in China
Ride fast trains in China

First, let's look at the distance data from Guangzhou to Chengdu:

  • Direct Air Distance: Approximately 1,220 km (≈ 758 miles)
  • High-Speed Rail Distance: Around 1505–1510 kilometers (about 936–939 miles)
  • Driving Distance: Approximately 1,575 km (≈ 976 miles)

Transportation Comparison: Flights vs. High-Speed Train

Although this article focuses on the high-speed train, the flight (only about 2.5 hours of flying time) remains the top choice for business travelers or tourists who are short on time and wish to start their vacation as soon as possible. Flying is objectively the fastest and most convenient choice.

However, the high-speed train offers a reliable alternative with its own unique advantages. The main scenario is: when flight tickets are too expensive.

For example, during the summer vacation, Golden Week, or the Spring Festival travel rush, tickets from Guangzhou to Chengdu can be extremely hard to find or may rise to full price or higher. At times like these, the fixed-price high-speed train ticket offers exceptional value.

Here is a detailed comparison of the two options:

Feature Flights High-Speed Train
Total Travel Time Fastest (Approx. 4.5 - 5.5 hours)
(Includes: 2.5 hr flight + 2-3 hrs for airport transit, security & waiting)
Longer (Approx. 7.5 - 11 hours)
(Station-to-station time; train stations are often closer to the city center)
Travel Cost Highly Variable
Approx. 500 - 1500 CNY (Economy)
Prices can surge during peak season
Fixed Price
Approx. 550 - 600 CNY (2nd Class)
Not affected by travel seasons
Convenience Airports are usually far, security process is complex Stations are often central, boarding is simpler
Comfort Smooth flight, but limited seat space More legroom, can walk around, stable network signal

Guangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Facts (Bullet Train Route Map Included)

  • icon Shortest travel time:
     
  • icon Longest travel time:
     
  • icon Lowest train ticket cost:
     
  • icon Avg. daily departures:
     
  • icon Earliest departure:
     
  • icon Latest departure:
     

Taking a high-speed train from Guangzhou to Chengdu is both convenient and efficient, with 19 daily trains running between 6:30 AM and 9:38 PM. The journey takes about 7 to 10.5 hours.

Here is a Guangzhou to Chengdu high speed train map shows the train makes brief stops at popular destinations like Yangshuo, Guilin, Guiyang, Yibin, Leshan, and Meishan, giving you a glimpse of some of China's most stunning landscapes.

Guangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Route Map
Guangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Route Map

Guangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Live Train Schedule (12306 Data)

The tool below is synced directly with the official 12306 China Railway system. It shows all departures for both the daytime 'G' trains and the 'D962' night sleeper. You can see the exact, real-time availability and pricing.

Filter
Train Type:
Depart Time:

icon Guangzhou(广州) - Chengdu(成都) icon results

  • Train No.
  • Departure / Train Staiton
  • Duration
  • Seat Type
  • Price
  • Availability
 

Contact Us to Book the Train Schedules

Guangzhou to Chengdu Bullet Train Pro-Tip: "G" Train vs. "D" Train

China High Speed Train
China High Speed Train
China High Speed Train
China High Speed Train

You will see both "G" and "D" trains on this route. "G" trains (7-8.5 hours) are the fastest and are the only ones that offer Business Class. "D" trains (9-10.5 hours) are slightly slower but offer significantly lower ticket prices.

D-trains are slightly cheaper, but the savings aren't enough to make them stand out. The train we want to highlight is the D692. It’s the only sleeper train from Guangzhou to Chengdu. This makes it the best choice for backpackers, even when compared to flying.

Option 1: The Daytime High Speed Train (The Daytime Sightseer)

Guangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Scenery
Guangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Scenery
Guangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Scenery
Guangzhou to Chengdu High Speed Train Scenery

If you choose the daytime high speed train. It means you will pass directly through the stunning Karst landscapes of Guilin and Guiyang. your window will be filled with the same mystical limestone peaks you see in Chinese paintings.

We highly recommend booking a window seat (Seats A or F in Second Class; A or D in First Class) to fully enjoy this moving art show.

Option 2 (The Insider's Choice): The D962 Night Sleeper

Guangzhou to Chengdu D692
Guangzhou to Chengdu D692
Guangzhou to Chengdu Night Sleeper Train
Guangzhou to Chengdu Night Sleeper Train

The D962 is a modern high-speed sleeper train. You board at Guangzhou South in the evening and settle into your Soft Sleeper cabin. This is a private, 4-bunk compartment with a lockable door, clean linens, and a pillow.

This is the ideal choice for savvy travelers, backpackers, families, and anyone who wants to maximize their time in Chengdu.

  • Overnight Advantage: The D692 is an overnight train, departing Guangzhou at 21:38 and arriving in Chengdu the next morning at 07:43.
  • Great Value: The price for this sleeper (upper berth) is only 680 CNY. Compared to the combined cost of a flight and hotel, which can be thousands during peak season, this is an incredible deal.

Tickets & Seat Class Comparison: Is Business or First Class Worth It for 8-10 Hours?

China High Speed Train
China High Speed Train
China High Speed Train
China High Speed Train
Classes Facilities Prices(¥)
Second Class 3-2 seating layout, comfortable padded chairs, moderate legroom, slight recline, basic services. 552-668
First Class 2-2 seating layout, wider reclining seats, quieter environment, more legroom, ideal for comfort. 883-1069
Business Class 2-1 seating layout, wide fully reclining seats (almost beds), premium service, extra space. 1140-2270

For a 10-hour trip, your seat choice matters. Second Class (2+3 layout) is the budget standard and is perfectly comfortable, but it can get crowded and noisy, which can be draining over a full day.

First Class (2+2 layout) is our strong recommendation for this route. It is a significant upgrade in comfort for a reasonable price. The cabin is much quieter, and the wider seats and generous legroom make it possible to sleep comfortably or work on a laptop for hours.

Business Class (1+2 layout) is the peak of luxury, offering a fully lie-flat seat, exclusive lounge access at the station, and complimentary meals and snacks.

For a 10-hour daylight journey, it is a significant splurge, but it is the equivalent of a first-class airline suite, ensuring you arrive in Chengdu completely refreshed.

A Foreigner's Guide to Booking Guangzhou to Chengdu Train Tickets

China Railway 12306 App
China Railway 12306 App
China High Speed Train
China High Speed Train

All train tickets in China operate on a "real-name" system, meaning your ticket is tied to your passport. You must bring your physical passport to the station to board.

Option 1 (Easiest): Trip. This is the most recommended method for international travelers. The interface is in English, and it accepts all major international credit cards (like Visa and Mastercard) and PayPal.

Option 2 (Official): The 12306 App. This is the official China Railway app and has no booking fees. However, it requires a complex passport verification process that can take several days.

Option 3 (Best for First-timer): Travel agency like Asia Odyssey Travel. We can help you book the moment tickets are released, securing your bunk. You can book in 2 minutes using international payments (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal), and our 24/7 English support is your safety net for this high-demand booking.

Guangzhou to Chengdu Train Stations: Good News, It's Simple!

Guangzhou South Railway Station
Guangzhou South Railway Station
Chengdu East Railway Station
Chengdu East Railway Station

After the "station maze" of other routes (like Guangzhou to Hangzhou), this line is wonderfully simple. You don't need to worry about complex choices.

Guangzhou South Station (广州南): Departure

All trains on this route depart from Guangzhou South Station (广州南站). t is located about 17km from the city center , so you must allow adequate time.

The easiest way to get there is via Metro Line 2 or Line 7, which takes approximately 40-45 minutes from a central area like Tianhe District. We recommend arriving at the station at least 45 minutes before your departure to navigate security and find your departure gate.

Chengdu East Station (成都东): Arrival

For your arrival, Chengdu East (成都东) is your destination. 99% of trains arrive here. This is Chengdu's main, modern hub, and it is perfectly connected to the city center via Metro Line 2 and Line 7.

You'll be at your hotel in no time. (You may see one odd train going to "Chengdu South," but it's an outlier and can be safely ignored).

From Chengdu East Station? Here's How to Get to the City, Pandas & Where to Eat First

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Pandas
Chengdu Pandas

To the City Center: Simply follow the signs to the metro, take Line 2, and you will be at Tianfu Square (the city's main plaza) in about 12 minutes.

To the Panda Base: To see Chengdu's most famous residents, the route is also efficient.

  • From Chengdu East, take Metro Line 7 one stop to Sima Bridge, transfer to Line 3 (northbound), and get off at Panda Avenue Station.
  • From there, a dedicated shuttle bus (like the 408 or 409) will take you directly to the entrance of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Your First Meal: You've arrived in the "City of Hotpot." While the station itself has fast food options like KFC and Tim Hortons , you are only a short taxi or metro ride from some of the world's most exciting food.

Consider heading to a nearby high-rated restaurant (like Yuebaiwei for quality Sichuan dishes ) or diving straight into a famous food area like Jinli Ancient Street or Kuanzhai Alley to begin your culinary exploration.

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

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.

Related Guangzhou & Chengdu High-Speed Train Route Guides

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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