Overview
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 G303/304 train numbers between and on a daily basis, it is currently the fastest train service between Beijing and Hong Kong, with an approximate travelling time of 8 hours and 10 minutes.
History
The G303/304 service dates back to 26 December 2012 as number G79/80, when the Beijing–Zhengzhou 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. On 5 January 2017, the service was extended to . 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 , while Futian was removed from the service. On 30 January 2020 the service to West Kowloon was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. On 15 June 2024, the maximum speed of the Beijing–Guangzhou high speed rail (Wuguang section) was increased from 310km/h to 350km/h, reducing the journey time by 46 minutes from Hong Kong to Beijing. On 26 January 2026, the train number was renamed to G303/304.
Operations
The service operates on a daily basis under the following timetable:
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. 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
* 16-car CRH380BL (from 26 December 2012 to early 2016) * 16-car CRH380AL (from early 2016 to October 2017) * Double-headed 8-car CR400AF (from October 2017 to June 2018) CRH380AL-2913@BJX (20170225100111).jpg A CRH380AL on G79 service leaving Beijing West in Feb. 2017 CR400AF-2022@BJX (20171017100036).jpg A double-headed CR400AF on G79 service leaving Beijing West in Oct. 2017 CR400AF at Zhengzhou East .jpg A double-headed CR400AF on G80 service at Zhengzhou East in Oct. 2017 G80 outside screen.jpg Information screen of the new CR400BF