Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Probably easier to catch the direct cross boundary coaches from HKIA that go to Guangzhou.

While the train (once you get on it) is faster, getting to the railway line from the airport will take time. You could either catch the A21 to Hung Hom station and then catch the direct train. This is the easier route. Or catch the A43 to Sheung Shui station, catch the local train one stop across the border to Lo Wu, then catch the train from Shenzhen station to Guangzhou. That is a more difficult route.

Either way, I wouldn't book in advance.

Hong Kong & Macau FAQs | Off the Beaten Track in Hong Kong | Hong Kong & Macau Places to Eat Trip Reports Guangxi, Guizhou & Hunan | Fujian & Eastern Guangdong | Huangshan / Huizhou villages | Taiwan | HK to Saigon | Sicily | Sichuan & Chongqing | Kaiping | Yunnan 07 | Yunnan 09 | Gulangyu island | China Rail Assistance | HK Map | A day in Hong Kong
cycle couriers of the world unite

2

If the Canton Fair is on then, you WILL need to book whichever means of travel you use. I recommend the train for comfort & convenience once on board.

"If you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman." Margaret Thatcher

3

What time are u arriving? If it's at a decent hour, before 6pm you should be able to get the hydrofoil to Shenzhen. I arrived at 7.30pm (this was 5 weeks ago), go out the A hall (so turn left when you go thru baggage/ customs/ immigration), follow the signs (all in English) and look for the Mainland bus service. Will be able a 15 min walk into another building going underground (I think??). I caught the bus at 9pm (bus, and I think the hydrofoil, cost 250 HK$- can easily change at the airport before heading down to the bus service), stopped at the HK border exit, then 5 minutes down the road stopped at the Chinese border. I think I arrived in Guangzhou (stops at the China hotel) about 12.30am-ish and caught a taxi to my hostel.

I have no idea about this 'train service' you mention. Bus doesn't need to be booked at all, just show up, they'll be all excited to see you (eye rolling here) and give you a sticker to wear so you don't get lost in all the crowds, especially at the Chinese border!!! Oh, you'll need to take all your luggage going through 'China', and when you get to the other side, IGNORE all the people asking you if you would like help to put it back on the bus! I got caught out and then they asked for money- I just stuck my nose up at them!

4

Quote

---

While the train (once you get on it) is faster, getting to the railway line from the airport will take time. You could either catch the A21 to Hung Hom station and then catch the direct train. This is the easier route. Or catch the A43 to Sheung Shui station, catch the local train one stop across the border to Lo Wu, then catch the train from Shenzhen station to Guangzhou. That is a more difficult route.

---

What you call the "easy" route involves going a long way in the wrong direction (away from the border) to get to Hung Hom station.

The other route is more direct, and is actually easier than you make it sound (although your description is absolutely accurate). The airport bus goes straight to the station for local trains, which run every few minutes. After a short ride you reach the border and walk across, and the main railway station is in the building. Dead easy.

5

Easier in the sense of language and that immigration is all done at Hung Hom station, while going through Lo Wu involves changes in trains, and the walk from Lo Wu to Shenzhen railway station where you then have to buy a train ticket using Putongua.

Hong Kong & Macau FAQs | Off the Beaten Track in Hong Kong | Hong Kong & Macau Places to Eat Trip Reports Guangxi, Guizhou & Hunan | Fujian & Eastern Guangdong | Huangshan / Huizhou villages | Taiwan | HK to Saigon | Sicily | Sichuan & Chongqing | Kaiping | Yunnan 07 | Yunnan 09 | Gulangyu island | China Rail Assistance | HK Map | A day in Hong Kong
cycle couriers of the world unite

6

#5, no need to speak Putonghua for buying Shenzhen-GZ ticket. There are ticket-selling automats displaying information in English. Just change enough RMB (75 per ticket) before.
The route including a walk across the border is also the cheapest one, if it matters to you

7

Are you coming for the Canton Fair?
Canton Fair
This is a huge thing for Guangzhou. All hotels are booked to the max and prices triple. If you are NOT going to GZ for the Canton Fair, then do NOT go to GZ at this time. It's insane. Don't use taxis there...the Metro system is much much better. You will be stuck in a taxi for ages, not moving, like all the rest of the business folks.
HK to GZ
Be extra careful of your bags when in GZ. Do NOT leave anything unattended EVER. I have been offered many laptops, cell phones, PDAs, cameras for sale at this time. Very skilled pickpockets too. Use a money belt under your clothes for tix, money and passport.

If you need contacts/translators to help you, send me a pm.

cheers from Ruth

8

hi All

Thanks so much for the feedback. Really appreciate your on the ground knowledge :)) at this stage we are thinking of using 'Songbird's recommendation which was also endorsed by voyager as well.

Once again thanks and happy travels :)))

simone owen