Intercity green collaborative innovation (IGCI) plays a vital role in addressing the lack of endogenous momentum in green innovation and promoting coordinated low-carbon transitions across regions. Drawing on green patent co-application data from 270 Chinese cities spanning 2007 to 2022, this study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the breadth (i.e., number of collaborators) and depth (i.e., average collaboration intensity) of intercity green collaborative innovation through the lens of network centrality. The results reveal that AI significantly enhances both the breadth and depth of intercity green collaboration. Furthermore, AI contributes indirectly to IGCI by strengthening high-tech human capital and fostering the development of green finance. The effect of AI is significantly shaped by regional differences in geographic proximity, cultural foundation, and institutional environment. Specifically, the positive impact of AI is more pronounced in cities that are geographically closer to urban cores shaped by Confucian cultural traditions, exhibit a higher degree of regional integration, possess better transportation accessibility, and benefit from stringent environmental regulations and robust intellectual property protection. Additionally, the heterogeneity analysis indicates that AI exerts a stronger positive effect in eastern China, non-resource-based cities, and core urban areas. These findings provide valuable policy implications for leveraging AI to promote cross-regional green innovation and advance sustainable development.