High speed rail Chongqing ro Guangzhou

Question

we are trying to decide if taking the high speed rail from Chongjing to Guangzhou, that takes a minimum of 6 hrs is better than flying... taking into consideration the downtime to check in at airport and then on arrival at Guangzhou, to get into town.

Answer

When deciding between taking the high-speed rail (HSR) from Chongqing to Guangzhou or flying, several factors need to be considered, including total travel time, convenience, comfort, and cost.

High-Speed Rail (HSR):

The high-speed train from Chongqing to Guangzhou takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on the service chosen. While the journey is longer than the flight time itself, there are several advantages:

No lengthy check-in or security delays as with airports. Typically, you need to arrive 30–60 minutes before departure.
Central city departure and arrival. Chongqing North or West stations are well-connected to the city, and Guangzhou South Station is accessible by metro, reducing extra travel time to the city center.
More spacious seating and ability to move around, eat, or work during the journey compared to economy class on a flight.
Fewer weather-related delays, and a smoother boarding process without baggage restrictions.

Flying:

Flights from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) take roughly 2 hours. However, the total time commitment increases when you include:

Arrival at the airport 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights.
Potential delays due to security, check-in, or boarding.
Travel from Guangzhou airport to downtown Guangzhou, which can take 1 hour or more by metro, taxi, or shuttle.
Time spent collecting baggage.

Comparison:

Total travel time for train: ~6–7 hours door-to-door.
Total travel time for flight: ~4–5 hours door-to-door (2-hour flight + 1–2 hours airport procedures + 1 hour to city).
HSR is generally more comfortable, reliable, and less stressful with luggage for families or multiple travelers.
Flights may be slightly faster in pure travel time but require dealing with airport logistics.

Recommendation:

If convenience, city-center access, and comfort matter more than shaving off an hour or two, the high-speed rail is likely the better choice. If minimizing total travel time is the priority and you are comfortable with airports and luggage, a flight could be considered. Many travelers prefer HSR in China for journeys under 8 hours due to its reliability and comfort.

High speed rail Chongqing ro Guangzhou

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