Getting To and From Mainland Airports

We are traveling fron Hong Kong to Guangzhou on Friday, April 4 (which is a holiday) in order to catch a plane at the Guangzhou airport. Then, at the end of our trip, we are returning to Shatin for one night via Shenzhen. I have researched methods of transport for both trips, and would appreciate checking in with the local experts on their latest advice.

Specifically, is it necessary to purchase the rail tickets in advance? I know I can get train tickets going to Guangzhou online, but I have no idea how I could purchase the Shenzhen-Shatin ticket in advance since we will be coming from Guilin to the Shenzhen airport. My main concern is that we are returning during the Trade Fair (April 22)so I expect the trains to be busier than usual.

Also, is the rail line connecting Guangzhou East and the airport up and running or is it neessary to take a taxi to the airport from the train station?

Thanks very much for your help on this.

Linda

Getting To and From Mainland Airports

Rail line? Or metro? In any case I looked at Guangzhou%26#39;s metro site and it doesn%26#39;t seem that the metro runs to the airport yet. Apart from the taxi, there%26#39;re also airport shuttles for that route, which would be much cheaper.

Getting To and From Mainland Airports

You%26#39;re taking the through train, I assume(Some change trains in Shenzhen)? Then AFAIK you must buy them in advance, you know very well how to buy them. You%26#39;ll be taking the same train as from Shatin to Mongkok in the return, so quite obviously it%26#39;s impossible to pre-purchase them, right?

Also never heard of any rail to Baiyun airport.

For your return trip, you can take taxi from Shenzhen airport to Lok Ma Chau border checkpoint. Clear the immigration formalities for both China and HK in the checkpoint complex. Then, take the commuter train (MTR) to Shatin in the same complex.