Changsha-Hong Kong High-speed Railway Resumes Services

2023-04-03

The direct high-speed railway between the Changsha South Railway Station and the Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station resumed operation on April 1, 2023. From the day on, only three hours and 11 minutes are needed at fastest to travel from Changsha to Hong Kong SAR.

Data shows that 111 passengers took the first train from Changsha to Hong Kong on that day.

An African merchant took the train to Hong Kong after meeting with fireworks suppliers in Liuyang, Changsha. " I will be staying in Hong Kong for one day before flying back to Africa," he said, adding that, "I will introduce Liuyang fireworks to South Africa".

China implemented a new railway operating plan starting from that day. Railways from Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, Chongqing, and Kunming to West Kowloon in Hong Kong resumed operation.
According to the plan, six trains will be optional for passengers to travel between Changsha and Hong Kong, among which two trains start off from the Changsha South Railway Station and arrive at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station as the destination. A one-way ticket is priced at 529 RMB.

Currently, three trains start off from or pass through the Changsha South Railway Station towards Hong Kong's West Kowloon, respectively departing Changsha at 7:38, 15:20, and 18:08. The fastest one, departing at 15:20, can arrive at Hong Kong in three hours and 11 minutes.

On that day, 48 train attendants served on G6113, the first train starting off from Changsha to West Kowloon. Announcements on the train were broadcasted in Chinese, Cantonese, and English, and one or two attendants in each team can assist passengers in English. Popular dishes in Guangdong and Hong Kong, including steamed vermicelli roll and pasta, are featured on the menu of the trains.

After arrival at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station, passengers should follow the "arrival" signs to reach the exit. Their exit-entry permits for travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) will be required for arrival clearance. Passengers are advised to obtain such permits from their local exit-entry administration prior to travel.

Passengers can search for WeChat mini-program "海关旅客指尖服务(customs service)", and fill in the exit/entry health declaration to get a "black QR code" which means the declaration is to be verified. Passengers are advised ot take a screenshot in advance to avoid potential troubles caused by internet delays during the arrival clearance process.

Exit and entry procedures will be handled simultaneously after arriving at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station. With all customs clearance procedures completed, passengers are free to exit the station. Besides, passengers should keep their ID cards and EEPs easily accessible as they may be required at any time.

Each passenger can get a 100-yuan discount coupon with his/her EEP at the "Hong Kong Tourism Board" counter on the arrival hall. The coupon can be used at designated stores for meal vouchers, classic shopping vouchers, or two Hong Kong MTR Day Passes.