The Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong high-speed rail has surpassed one million cross-border trips, marking a milestone in regional connectivity and travel convenience.
Cross-border passenger traffic on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong high-speed rail line exceeded one million trips in the first half of January, underscoring the continued recovery of cross-border mobility between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.
Specifically, from Jan. 1st to 12th, a total of 1.017 million cross-border passenger trips were recorded on the line, according to official data. Services between Shenzhen and Hong Kong accounted for 63 per cent of the total, reflecting the corridor’s role as the busiest cross-boundary rail link.
Passenger flows remained relatively balanced in both directions. About 562,600 trips were made from the mainland to Hong Kong, while 454,500 trips travelled in the opposite direction, highlighting strong two-way demand for business, leisure, and family visits.
New Destinations to Boost Connectivity
Moreover, further service enhancements will take effect later this month. The high-speed rail network connecting Hong Kong with mainland cities continues to expand.
The number of mainland destinations directly accessible by high-speed rail from Hong Kong will increase from 94 to 110 after Jan. 26th, making travel between cities faster and more flexible. Rail authorities have also announced timetable adjustments on several routes to accommodate rising passenger demand during peak travel periods.
The expanded network is expected to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a regional transport hub. It will also offer passengers more direct options and shorter transfer times to major mainland cities.
Ridership Hits Record Highs Since 2018
Longer-term data point to sustained growth in high-speed rail usage since the service began operations in Hong Kong in 2018.
In 2025, annual ridership exceeded 30 million passengers, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 17 per cent. Cumulative passenger numbers have now surpassed 100 million, marking a major milestone for the cross-border rail service.
Travel patterns show that short-haul journeys dominate, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of total trips. The composition of passengers has also shifted in recent years, with Hong Kong residents making up about 45 per cent of total ridership, up from roughly 30 per cent in earlier periods.
Passenger volumes are steadily rising. Industry observers say this reflects improved service offerings and the growing integration of regional transport networks in the Greater Bay Area.
Written by Ronnie Yu, Chart Design by Wang Di. Additional reporting by CNS.
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