Guangzhou to Changsha: Best Ways to Travel

Guangzhou is about 700km (435mi) away south from Changsha. The best way to travel between Guangzhou and Changsha is by high speed train, taking 2.5-3 hours and CNY300 for a second class seat. Though the flying only takes 1.5 hours, it is not as worth it considering the limited flights, the higher ticket price and the time consumed to/from the airports in the suburbs. In addition, the normal speed train takes about 8 hours and the long-distance bus needs 10 hours; budget travelers can choose those departing in the evening, because the overnight travel can save them the accommodation fare for one night.

About 45 high speed trains set off from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Changsha South Railway Station each day. From 6:30 to 21:00, nearly three trains depart every hour. So, tourists needn’t worry about missing the train.
Ticket Fare:
Business Class Seat: CNY995; First Class Seat: CNY504; Second Class Seat: CNY314

 Each day, 3 to 4 planes send tourists from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX). Although it takes only 1.5 hours in the sky, the door-to-door time is at least 4 hours counting in to the time needed to/from the two airports.
Ticket Fare:
Business Class: CNY3,500; Economy Class: CNY600

There are about 30 available normal speed trains every day, and tourists can choose to get on at either Guangzhou Railway Station or Guangzhou East Railway Station. All the trains arrive at Changsha Railway Station. From 8:30 to 24:00, the departure frequency is about 2 trains per hour. If you want to spend one night on the train and arrive in Changsha in the next morning, it’s recommended to book those setting off after 22:00.
Ticket Fare:
Soft Sleeper: CNY308 to CNY357; Hard Sleeper: CNY182 to CNY221; Hard Seat: CNY98

Those who prefer an overnight travel can choose the long-distance bus departing in the evening.

Departure Station	Departure Time
Provincial Bus Station	13:30, 21:10
Tianhe Bus Station	10:30, 15:10, 20:50, 21:10
Guangzhou South Bus Station	11:30
Guang Yuan Bus Station	16:20
Jiao Kou Bus Station	12:00, 12:50, 15:30
Huang Pu Bus Station	12:30, 15:00
Luo Chong Wei Bus Station	12:30, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00, 18:00
Dong Pu Bus Station	13:00
Hai Zhu Bus Station	13:40, 14:00
Xia Mao Bus Station	14:30, 15:15, 16:20, 17:00

Every day, nearly 50 high speed trains are ready for you to choose. The departure station is Changsha South Railway Station, and the arrival station is either Guangzhou South Railway Station or Guangzhou North Railway Station. From 7:00 to 21:00, three or four trains set off every single hour.
Ticket Fare:
Business Class Seat: CNY934 to CNY995; First Class Seat: CNY474 to CNY504; Second Class Seat: CNY294 to CNY314

On average, there are four Changsha to Guangzhou flights every day. All depart from Changsha Huanghua International Airport and arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Ticket Fare:
Business Class: CNY3,500; Economy Class: CNY500 to CNY600

About 30 normal speed trains travel from Changsha to Guangzhou every day. The departure station is Changsha Railway Station, and the two destination stations are Guangzhou Railway Station and East Railway Station. Though normal speed trains are available 24 hours a day, fewer are arranged in the afternoon. Besides, overnight travelers can book the trains which set off from 21:00 to 22:00.
Ticket Fare:
Soft Sleeper: CNY275 to CNY357; Hard Sleeper: CNY182 to CNY251; Hard Seat: CNY98