City in Guangxi, China
Getting around Guilin
How to get around Guilin
The center is walkable. Take DiDi or buses for Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave; Li River cruises and buses to Yangshuo handle the countryside.
Ways to get around Guilin
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| City bus | 2–3 CNY | Use Amap; signs mostly Chinese |
| DiDi | About 12–22 CNY for 5 km | Pay via Alipay |
| Li River cruise (Guilin–Yangshuo) | About 200–500 CNY | 4–5 h; book through your hotel or official ticket offices |
| Bus Guilin–Yangshuo | About 20–30 CNY | About 1.5 h from Guilin bus stations |
Ride-hailing apps in Guilin
A 5 km ride costs about ¥12–22 ($1.8–3.3).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Works in the city; fewer cars at night |
- Use DiDi or metered taxis. Confirm the meter is on, especially from the railway station.
Arriving in Guilin
Guilin Liangjiang (KWL)
Airport shuttle bus about 20 CNY, 40 min; taxi or DiDi 70–100 CNY.
Guilin North / West high-speed rail
Direct trains from Guangzhou in about 2.5 h and Changsha; taxi or bus 15–30 CNY to the center.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Electric scooters are rented around Yangshuo, not Guilin city; you need a local licence, so most visitors avoid them.
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Guilin?
No. Use DiDi instead.
What's the best way to get around Guilin?
The center is walkable. Take DiDi or buses for Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave; Li River cruises and buses to Yangshuo handle the countryside.
How do I get from the airport to Guilin?
Airport shuttle bus about 20 CNY, 40 min; taxi or DiDi 70–100 CNY.
Is Guilin walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Guilin
Going to Guilin solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.