How to Get from Guilin to Yangshuo by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

The direct bus from Guilin South Bus Station is the simplest option — buses leave every 10–25 minutes from 07:00 to 18:00, cost ¥25, and arrive at Yangshuo Bus Station in about 1.5 hours, roughly 1 km from West Street. If you want the scenic experience, the Li River cruise (¥215–360, 4–5 hours) is the classic choice but requires getting to a pier 28 km outside the city. High-speed trains (¥21–34, 24–40 min) are fast but end at Yangshuo Station near Xingping, still 22 km from Yangshuo town — adding a ¥20 shuttle transfer.

Yangshuo (阳朔), 65 km southeast of Guilin, is the karst landscape made famous by the Li River — cycling through rice paddies, bamboo rafting, and the bustling West Street. It is the most popular day trip or overnight extension from Guilin.

Compare Your Options

Option 1: Direct Bus (Recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Get to Guilin South Bus Station (桂林汽车客运南站). It is located west of Kaifeng Road, south of West Chadian Road, about 2–4 km from the city center. Take a taxi or city bus to reach it.

2. Buy your ticket at the counter. Buses to Yangshuo depart every 10–25 minutes from approximately 07:00 to 18:00. The fare is ¥25 per person, and the journey takes about 90 minutes via the highway.

   [!TIP] No advance booking is needed outside major holidays. Buy your ticket at the station shortly before departure. During Chinese New Year and Golden Week (Oct 1–7), arrive early as buses fill up.

3. Arrive at Yangshuo Bus Station (阳朔汽车总站). The station is about 1 km from West Street (西街) — an easy 10–15 minute walk, or a short taxi ride (¥5–10). Some Qintan Station buses also stop directly at "Yangshuo Xijiekou" (West Street entrance).

Other Guilin bus stations serving Yangshuo

[!IMPORTANT] Guilin has multiple bus stations, and not all are equally central. If you are staying in central Guilin, the South Bus Station is the most convenient. Qintan Station is about 10 km from the center. Buses from Guilin North Railway Station are useful only if you are arriving by train and going straight to Yangshuo.

Option 2: High-Speed Train + Shuttle

Step-by-step

1. Board a high-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo Station (阳朔站). Trains depart from Guilin North (桂林北), Guilin West (桂林西), or Guilin Station (桂林站). The ride takes 24–40 minutes and costs ¥21–34 for a second-class seat. There are roughly 10–20 departures daily from around 07:50 to 20:40.

   Departure Station	Daily trains	Duration	2nd Class Fare
   Guilin West (桂林西)	~14	24–37 min	¥29–34
   Guilin North (桂林北)	~9	24–32 min	¥21–34
   Guilin Station (桂林站)	~4	35–51 min	¥28

2. Arrive at Yangshuo Railway Station. This station is located in Xingping Town, about 22 km (14 miles) from Yangshuo's West Street — not in Yangshuo town itself. This is the single most common surprise for first-time visitors.

3. Take the shuttle bus to Yangshuo town. From the station forecourt, an official shuttle bus runs to Fengming Tourist Transportation Center (凤鸣游客集散中心) for ¥20, taking about 50–60 minutes. From there, take city bus 801 (¥2) for another 20–25 minutes to reach West Street. The shuttle operates roughly 07:00–19:30.

   • Direct taxi to West Street: ~¥100, about 50 minutes.
   • Shuttle to Xingping Ancient Town: ¥5, about 15–20 minutes (if Xingping is your actual destination).

[!WARNING] The shuttle bus stops running around 18:30–19:30. If your train arrives after that, a taxi is your only option. Check the shuttle schedule before booking a late train.

Option 3: Li River Cruise

The Li River cruise is the classic, most scenic way to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo — but it is not "public transport" in the budget sense.

• Both piers are about 28 km from Guilin city center — a 40–60 minute taxi ride (¥50–80).
• The cruise is one-way only (downstream). There is no return cruise; you will need a bus or train back to Guilin.
• Book in advance through the official "i游漓江" WeChat mini-program, Trip.com, or a local travel agency. Passport required for real-name booking.
• During dry season (January–March), the route may be shortened to Yangdi–Xingping (2.5–3 hours).

How to Get Back

Buses from Yangshuo Bus Station back to Guilin run frequently throughout the day, with the last departure around 20:00–21:00. The fare is the same ¥25–30. If you took the Li River cruise downstream, catch a bus back from Yangshuo Bus Station — there is no upstream cruise.

If you took the train, return trains from Yangshuo Station to Guilin run until approximately 21:30. Remember to factor in the ¥20 shuttle from Yangshuo town to the station.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally. Check return bus times at the Yangshuo Bus Station when you arrive, or confirm train times on 12306.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming Yangshuo Railway Station is in Yangshuo town. It is in Xingping, 22 km away. Budget an extra 50–60 minutes and ¥20 for the shuttle. If your destination is West Street, the direct bus is often faster door-to-door.

2. Going to the wrong Guilin bus station. Guilin has at least three bus stations serving Yangshuo — South Bus Station (central, ¥25), Qintan Station (farther out, ¥30), and North Station buses (¥35). Check your hotel location and pick the closest one.

3. Booking the Li River cruise without arranging pier transfer. Mopanshan and Zhujiang piers are 28 km from the city. A taxi costs ¥50–80 and takes 40–60 minutes. Factor this into your morning schedule.

4. Expecting a return cruise. The Li River cruise goes one way only — downstream to Yangshuo. Plan your return by bus or train separately.

5. Missing the last shuttle from Yangshuo Station. The shuttle to town stops around 18:30–19:30. If you arrive on a late train, expect to pay ¥100 for a taxi.

Before You Go

• Best time to visit: April–October for cycling and river activities; September–November offers the clearest views and comfortable weather. Avoid the first week of October (National Day holiday) when crowds are extreme.
• What to bring: Sunscreen, comfortable shoes for cycling, a light rain jacket (Guangxi weather can change quickly), and cash for small purchases.
• Tickets & Reservations: If you plan to take the Li River cruise, book at least a few days in advance during peak season. For the Li River scenic area, see our ticket guide for pricing and booking tips.

Related Guides

• Guilin Travel Guide — full city guide with attractions, food, and practical tips
• How to Get from Guilin to Xingping by Public Transport — the 20-yuan bill view
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China
• DiDi Ride-Hailing Guide for Foreigners — using ride-hailing apps in China

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Need help booking a Li River cruise, arranging a private transfer, or planning a multi-day Guilin–Yangshuo itinerary? Our local team can help. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.

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Bus schedules and fares are based on Ctrip/Trip.com bus listings and TravelChinaGuide (updated August 2025). Train schedules are based on China Railway 12306 data and gaotie.com.cn (2026). Li River cruise prices are based on the official Li River ticketing channel and cross-checked with Trip.com (August 2026). Schedules and fares may change — verify at the station or on 12306 before travel.

Last verified: August 2026