Beijing–Hong Kong high-speed train explained

Beijing–Hong Kong high-speed train

Type:G-series trains
Status:Operational
Locale:China
Predecessor:G79/80
First:
  • 26 December 2012 (Beijing West ↔ Guangzhou South)
  • 28 December 2013 (Beijing West ↔ Shenzhen North)
  • 5 January 2017 (Beijing West ↔ Futian)
  • 23 September 2018 (Beijing West ↔ Hong Kong West Kowloon)
Operator: CR Guangzhou
Stops:
    Journeytime:
    • 8h 12m (G79)
    • 8h 10m (G80)
    Frequency:Daily
    Trainnumber:
    • G79 (Beijing West → Hong Kong West Kowloon)
    • G80 (Hong Kong West Kowloon → Beijing West)
    Line Used:Beijing–Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong HSR
    Class:
    • Business class seat
    • First class seat
    • Second class seat
    Catering:
    • Dining car
    • Trolley refreshment service
    Stock:CR400AF-Z
    Speed:350 km/h
    Owners:China Railway

    The Beijing–Hong Kong high-speed train is a high-speed train service operated by China Railway Guangzhou Group (CR Guangzhou) on Beijing–Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong HSR in China. Operated with G79/80 train numbers between and on a daily basis, it is currently the fastest train service and the only high-speed train service between Beijing and Hong Kong, with an approximate travelling time of 8 hours and 10 minutes.[1] [2]

    History

    The G79/80 service dates back to 26 December 2012, when the BeijingZhengzhou section of the Beijing–Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong HSR was opened. At its opening, the service was between and under the numbers G79/82. Later on 28 December 2013, the southern terminus of the service was extended to and the number of the Shenzhen-bound service was changed from G82 to G80.[3]

    On 5 January 2017, the service was extended to .[4]

    With the inauguration of the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong XRL Hong Kong section on 23 September 2018, the southern terminus of the service was again extended to,[5] [6] while Futian was removed from the service.

    On 30 January 2020 the service to West Kowloon was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]

    On 28 March 2020, the service was restored between Beijing West and Shenzhen North, but service to West Kowloon station was still suspended.

    On 1 April 2023, services to West Kowloon station were restored.[2]

    Operations

    The service operates on a daily basis under the following timetable:[8] [9] [2]

    Effective from 15 June 2024
    G79StopsG80
    ArriveDepartArriveDepart
    10:0019:30
    11:0011:0218:2718:29
    12:1812:2117:0817:11
    13:5513:5915:3115:34
    15:1015:1314:1614:19
    17:1617:2112:1012:13
    17:5017:5411:3811:41
    18:1211:20

    Train formation

    The service was operated by 16-car CR400AF-A trainsets with the formation shown below. Car 3-14 are for second class seats with 3+2 seating. The dining car is located in Car 9 and wheelchair space is provided on Car 8. Car 2 and 15 are first class car with 2+2 seating. Car 1 is for business seats only and Car 16 is a hybrid of first class seats and business seats.[10]

    Car No.1 2 3-7 8 9 10-14 15 16
    Type SW
    Business
    ZY
    First class
    ZE
    Second class
    ZE
    Second class
    ZEC
    Second class/dining car
    ZE
    Second class
    ZY
    First class
    ZYS
    Business/first class
    Seating capacity17 60 90 75 48 90 60 28 + 5
    From 1 April 2023, all trains were replaced by the newer China Railway CR400BF-Z(Base in Guangzhou South Depot). However, from 15 June 2024, they were again replaced by the double-headed CR400AF-Z(Base in Shenzhen Depot) to enable quiet cars on this route.

    Previously used rolling stocks

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Long-haul train schedule. MTR. 2024-06-18.
    2. News: 裴剑飞 . 王贵彬 . 北京赴港高铁今起恢复运行,北京西站至香港西九龙只需8个半小时 . 2023-04-01 . 新京报 . 2023-04-01.
    3. Web site: 郑州铁路局12月28日实行新运行图 新增旅客列车11对. 2018-09-26. zh-cn.
    4. Web site: 福田高铁直达全国30市县. 2017-01-06. 2018-09-26. zh-cn.
    5. Web site: Hong Kong Launches First High Speed Rail Service. finance.yahoo.com. 2018-09-26.
    6. Web site: 北京开往香港首趟高铁满员启程. 2018-09-26. zh-cn.
    7. Web site: High Speed Rail train service has been suspended and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station closed since 30 January until further notice.
    8. Web site: G79时刻表. 2024-07-05. zh-cn.
    9. Web site: G80时刻表. 2024-07-05. zh-cn.
    10. Web site: CR400AF-A/B动车组. 2018-09-27. www.china-emu.cn. zh-cn.