Hong Kong to Guangzhou and Back

Replies: 12 - Last Post: 10-Apr-2007 08:04 Last Post By: drumbrake

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AlpineGroove

08-Apr-2007 11:38
Posts: 233

Hong Kong to Guangzhou and Back

I need to fly from San Francisco to Guangzhou. The flight connections are not convenient, so I am considering flying to Hong Kong International Airport and then taking the train to Guangzhou.

1. I am planning to get a visa to mainland China before leaving the United States. Is it true that I do not need a visa for Hong Kong? I will need to enter it twice: once upon arrival from San Francisco and once prior to returning to San Francisco.
2. What is the best way (bus, train, ferry) for getting from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. How long does it take, and how much does it cost?
3. Most importantly, if I take a train from H.K. to Guangzhou, at what point do I encounter Chinese immigration crossing? Will I have to change trains?
4. Same questions for the way back from Guangzhou to H.K. International Airport.

Thanks!

rorybo

08-Apr-2007 14:48
Posts: 118

Hi AP,

1. No, if you're American, you don't need a visa for Hong Kong, for up to 30 days at each entry.
2. It depends. The simpelest option is to take the train from Hung Hom Station, this takes around 2hrs. I also understand there are trains direct from the airport, but I'm not familiar with them.
3. You won't have to change trains, if you travel from Hung Hom. You will encounter Chinese immigration when you exit the train in Guangzhou.
4. All the same the other way around.

You might want to take a look at these
Hong Kong Airport Guide
Hong Kong - China Travel Planner

Enjoy your trip,
Rory

Hong Kong Travel Guide

Harry_Mudd

08-Apr-2007 18:49
Posts: 4,088

as above, but if it is easier you can get your visa in Hong Kong. same day or next day service.

"A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road" - Henry Ward Beecher

astroboy

08-Apr-2007 19:01
Posts: 4,927

Quote
for up to 30 days at each entry.

90 days.

he'll defend us, he'll defend us,
the amazing astroboy!

Bernadette

09-Apr-2007 05:35
Posts: 102

Difficult to decide for you what the best option is (Money? Time? Ease of travelling? Where do you need to be in Guangzhou?).

We took an express bus at Hong Kong airport, 3 different companies are offering this service, their ticket offices are next to each other. In october 2006 they charged between 200 and 250HK$ payable by credit card. The bus stopped at the Hong Kong exit area, and a second time at the China entering area, where there was also possibility to change money. A different bus picked us up and brought us to the Garden Hotel in Guangzhou. (Many different destinations possible, this was our choice). Everything went very smoothly and took 3 hours. We got off at the carpark of the Garden Hotel, the Guangzhou airportbus also stopped there, with which we got to Guangzhou airport (17Y - 45 minutes).

Going back to Hong Kong Airport is possible in exactely the opposite way, and without visum for entry in Hong Kong.

Have a nice trip!
Bernadette

AlpineGroove

09-Apr-2007 12:47
Posts: 233

thanks for all the answers.

emilymyer

10-Apr-2007 05:45
Posts: 11

I am studying in HK and have gone to the airport a few times and just went to Guangzhou last week, so here's my advice:

If you arrive in the morning, you can take the A41 bus for $20HK from the airport and get off at ShaTin (approx 1 hr). From ShaTin get on the KCR (subway) and go to Lo Wu (it is the last stop) for around $20HK. Here you will be entering China and will go through immigration. On the other side of the boarder (you are now in Shenzhen) go to the trainstation and get a ticket to Guangzhou (they leave every 10-20 min and cost around 70RMB)

You can either get your visa in the US or HK...however if you get it in HK you will probably have to wait 1 day minimum for processing. Did you want to stay in HK? Just so you know, accomodation is pretty darn expensive (at least for a college student!) Expect to pay around $100US!

AlpineGroove

10-Apr-2007 06:06
Posts: 233

thanks, emily; i am looking for a more direct route. one train or one bus that either goes all the way or meets up with another bus at the border.

drumbrake

10-Apr-2007 06:23
Posts: 5,171

The direct buses from HK airport are probably the best way for you then.

You could catch a direct bus to Kowloon station, then catch the direct train to Guanghzou - but travel time would probably be longer.

You could also catch an airport bus to Sheung Shui, catch the train across the border to Lo Wu, then another train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou.

Remember that there are also direct flights from HK to Guangzhou.

AlpineGroove

10-Apr-2007 06:54
Posts: 233

The direct bus from the HK airportsounds good.
How long does it take?
How much does it cost?

Flying would be fine. But it would entail a 4 hour wait between flights.
I will be arriving on Cathay at 6:25am.
How can I book a flight HKG-->CAN at about 8-9am?

drumbrake

10-Apr-2007 07:14
Posts: 5,171

Info about bus services fromHKIA to Guangzhou here :
costs around HK$250 and takes 3-4 hours.

Looks like first flight is not till 10 am, so bus will be faster.

AlpineGroove

10-Apr-2007 07:55
Posts: 233

do these buses get sold out? can i buy tickets in advance?

drumbrake

10-Apr-2007 08:04
Posts: 5,171

People buy tickets for them when they arrive - generally for the next bus that is leaving with seats on it. I doubt if you will have to wait more than half an hour. Online booking is unlikely, and probably not advisable as your flight may not be on time.

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