Goto Guanzhou
Feb 18, 2005, 3:36 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Abu Dhabi UAE
Programs: EY Plat, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 895
Welcome to flyertalk JAL!
Of course one would suspect that flying in is the best, but I disagree. You have to be aware that the city of GZ and the Pearl River Delta are such a terrible place to be, that going in via HKG with the express train is really your best option. Take your first and last hotel night in HKG and spend as little time as possible in GZ.
The new airport in GZ is also quite far out of town. If it is your first trip to the PRD from Oz you might consider carrying an air purrifier with you. Anyway, you will find out yourself.
Of course one would suspect that flying in is the best, but I disagree. You have to be aware that the city of GZ and the Pearl River Delta are such a terrible place to be, that going in via HKG with the express train is really your best option. Take your first and last hotel night in HKG and spend as little time as possible in GZ.
The new airport in GZ is also quite far out of town. If it is your first trip to the PRD from Oz you might consider carrying an air purrifier with you. Anyway, you will find out yourself.
Feb 18, 2005, 2:07 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: UA, bmi, Leaders Club
Posts: 499
I agree that going into Guanzhou by train is the best choice, but staying a night overthere is really not that bad as well. I think the Swan hotel really worth a visit, as the premier address in Guanzhou, and also hold legendary status. It is located on the bank of the Pearl River, a river view room is a treat in itself.
Feb 24, 2005, 9:40 pm
#5
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: HKG
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JAL2007 -
http://www.kcrc.com/eng/services/ser...itts_intro.asp
Schedules and fares for Kowloon-Guangzhou direct trains.
There are also several coach companies that have HK Airport - Guangzhou service. No need to go into the city to catch the train. Counters at the ground transportation center at HKG.
http://www.kcrc.com/eng/services/ser...itts_intro.asp
Schedules and fares for Kowloon-Guangzhou direct trains.
There are also several coach companies that have HK Airport - Guangzhou service. No need to go into the city to catch the train. Counters at the ground transportation center at HKG.
Feb 24, 2005, 10:13 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Kam Leng; Two Dragons GH
Posts: 1,615
Things may have changed, but a couple of years ago I found the KTT trains superior in comfort and faciltities to the trains listed as semi-high speed. I don't have experience with the Xinshisu trains.
Rich
Rich
Feb 28, 2005, 4:23 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Abu Dhabi UAE
Programs: EY Plat, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 895
It would be wise to go for the KTT trains, they offer more value for money.
As far as the bus is concerned; My experiences with this service has been quite a mixed bag.
On some days they can waste an incredible amount of time in LMC boarder crossing. Also they take at least 3 hours...
As far as the bus is concerned; My experiences with this service has been quite a mixed bag.
On some days they can waste an incredible amount of time in LMC boarder crossing. Also they take at least 3 hours...
Mar 3, 2005, 7:16 am
#9
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I know you have your mind made up, but I just don't get it.
Coaches go directly from the airport. Sure, they may take up to 3 hours, because of traffic into Guangzhou and the border crossing, but you don't need to go into Kowloon. Plus just checking on some schedule, CTS (Chinese Travel Service) alone has like 22 departures a day, sometimes every 30 minutes. There are one or two other companies too. And the coach brings you directly to China Hotel with immediate connection to Garden Hotel (a few bus terminates at White Swan Hotel too). Adult price is HK$250 door to door.
Now, if you take the train, you need to get to the train station. Well, that takes 45 minutes at least. Taxi fare is over HK$300. If you take Airport Express, that's HK$90, and either a taxi connection (~$40) or wait for shuttle. Only direct connection is the A21 bus (HK$33), but that's slower. Then there are only 12 train departures a day (only 3 of them the "ktt" that others are suggesting). Sure the train takes only 1:30-1:45 or so, but you need to be there slightly earlier to clear immigrations. If you miss a departure, then it's another hour or more. And the train drops you off at Guangzhou East station, so it's another subway or taxi ride to your hotel. Fare for the train is still $180-190 for standard class, or $230 if the departure is a faster Xinshisu.
The only problem with the coach is the border crossing, which can be crowded and chaotic. I'd probably avoid that during major holidays, but during other times of the year, the coach is much faster, cheaper and more convenient.
Now, if you have other reasons to go to Hong Kong - want to spend some time in the city, etc - or if you're a train fan that's fine. But if you just want to go to Guangzhou, then I just don't see why you'd want to take the train.
Coaches go directly from the airport. Sure, they may take up to 3 hours, because of traffic into Guangzhou and the border crossing, but you don't need to go into Kowloon. Plus just checking on some schedule, CTS (Chinese Travel Service) alone has like 22 departures a day, sometimes every 30 minutes. There are one or two other companies too. And the coach brings you directly to China Hotel with immediate connection to Garden Hotel (a few bus terminates at White Swan Hotel too). Adult price is HK$250 door to door.
Now, if you take the train, you need to get to the train station. Well, that takes 45 minutes at least. Taxi fare is over HK$300. If you take Airport Express, that's HK$90, and either a taxi connection (~$40) or wait for shuttle. Only direct connection is the A21 bus (HK$33), but that's slower. Then there are only 12 train departures a day (only 3 of them the "ktt" that others are suggesting). Sure the train takes only 1:30-1:45 or so, but you need to be there slightly earlier to clear immigrations. If you miss a departure, then it's another hour or more. And the train drops you off at Guangzhou East station, so it's another subway or taxi ride to your hotel. Fare for the train is still $180-190 for standard class, or $230 if the departure is a faster Xinshisu.
The only problem with the coach is the border crossing, which can be crowded and chaotic. I'd probably avoid that during major holidays, but during other times of the year, the coach is much faster, cheaper and more convenient.
Now, if you have other reasons to go to Hong Kong - want to spend some time in the city, etc - or if you're a train fan that's fine. But if you just want to go to Guangzhou, then I just don't see why you'd want to take the train.
Last edited by rkkwan; Mar 3, 2005 at 7:20 am