Chongqing Train Stations Guide: High-Speed Rail Routes, Travel Times & Tips

Chongqing has several major railway stations, so checking the exact station name on your ticket is important before you travel. Chongqing North, Chongqing East, Chongqing West, and Shapingba Railway Station serve different parts of the city and different train routes.

For Filipino travelers, China's high-speed rail network makes it easy to travel from Chongqing to cities such as Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Changsha, Guiyang, and Kunming. This guide covers the main Chongqing train stations, popular high-speed rail routes, transportation options, and useful tips before boarding.

Chongqing Train Stations at a Glance

❤️ Pro Tip: Save the Chinese name of your station on your phone. Showing 重庆北站, 重庆东站, 重庆西站, or 沙坪坝站 to a taxi driver can help avoid going to the wrong station.

Chongqing Train Stations - High-Speed Rail Routes

Chongqing is connected to China's high-speed railway network, making it easy to reach nearby cities and long-distance destinations. Your departure station depends on the train number and route.

Popular High-Speed Rail Routes from Chongqing

Travel times depend on the train number and number of stops, so always check the latest schedule before booking.

• Chongqing to Chengdu: The fastest high-speed trains take about 1 hour 2 minutes. Many services arrive at Chengdu East Railway Station, although other Chengdu stations may also be used. This route is convenient for a day trip or a short stay in Chengdu.
• Chongqing to Xi'an: The fastest current services take about 5 hours 3 minutes. Many trains arrive at Xi'an North Railway Station. Different services can depart from Chongqing West, Chongqing North, or Shapingba, so check the station carefully.
• Chongqing to Wulong: The fastest high-speed trains between Chongqing East and Wulong South take around 35 minutes. Wulong South is useful for travelers visiting the Wulong area, including the Three Natural Bridges. Local transport is still needed from the station to the scenic attractions.
• Chongqing to Zhangjiajie: Direct high-speed trains from Chongqing East to Zhangjiajie West can take about 2 hours 2 minutes on the fastest services. Zhangjiajie West is the main high-speed railway station used by many visitors heading to the Zhangjiajie area.
• Chongqing to Changsha: The fastest high-speed trains from Chongqing East take around 3 hours 53 minutes. The opening of the Chongqing East-Qianjiang section completed the Chongqing-Changsha part of the Chongqing-Xiamen high-speed rail corridor.
• Chongqing to Guiyang: High-speed trains can reach Guiyang North in around 1 hour 58 minutes on the fastest services. Chongqing West is a common departure station for this route.
• Chongqing to Kunming: Direct high-speed trains from Chongqing West to Kunming South take around 5 hours, with the fastest current services taking about 4 hours 51 minutes.

🚄 Pro Tip: Do not choose a railway station based only on your destination. The same destination may have trains departing from different Chongqing stations. Always check the station name, train number, departure time, and arrival station on your booking.

Chongqing North Railway Station

Chongqing North Railway Station (重庆北站, Chóngqìng Běi Zhàn) is one of the city's main passenger railway hubs. It is located in Yubei District and handles both high-speed and conventional train services.

One important thing to know is that the station has North Square and South Square areas. Although they are connected, Chongqing North is a large station, so give yourself enough time to find the correct entrance and waiting area.

Getting to Chongqing North Railway Station

The station is connected to Chongqing's public transport network.

Travelers can use:

• Chongqing Metro
• Public buses
• Taxi
• Ride-hailing apps

If you take a taxi, show the driver 重庆北站 and check which entrance you need before starting your journey.

Before You Go

• Check whether your ticket shows Chongqing North
• Allow extra time to find your boarding gate
• Keep your passport ready
• Check the departure screens after entering the station

🚆 Pro Tip: Do not simply tell your driver "Chongqing Station." Chongqing has several major railway stations, so show the full Chinese station name.

Chongqing East Railway Station

Chongqing East Railway Station (重庆东站, Chóngqìng Dōng Zhàn) is Chongqing's newest major railway hub. It officially opened on June 27, 2025, together with the Chongqing East-Qianjiang section of the Chongqing-Xiamen High-Speed Railway.

The station is located in Nan'an District and has 29 arrival and departure tracks and 28 passenger platform faces. It handles high-speed, intercity, and regional rail services.

Getting to Chongqing East Railway Station

The Line 6 East Station section of Chongqing Rail Transit opened together with Chongqing East Railway Station in June 2025.

Travelers can also reach the station by:

• Public bus
• Taxi
• Ride-hailing services

Chongqing East is a large transport hub, so allow enough time to walk from the entrance to the security area, waiting hall, and boarding gate.

Before You Go

• Check that your ticket says 重庆东站
• Arrive early because the station is large
• Check your boarding gate on the departure screens
• Keep your passport with you

❤️ Pro Tip: Chongqing East is especially useful for newer high-speed rail routes toward southeastern Chongqing and Hunan.

Chongqing West Railway Station

Chongqing West Railway Station (重庆西站, Chóngqìng Xī Zhàn) is located in Shapingba District and is one of Chongqing's main long-distance railway hubs.

The station handles both high-speed and conventional services and is an important gateway for travelers heading toward southwest China.

Getting to Chongqing West Railway Station

Travelers can reach the station by:

• Chongqing Metro
• Public buses
• Taxi
• Ride-hailing apps

If you are coming from central Chongqing, leave enough travel time, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.

Before You Go

• Confirm that your ticket says 重庆西站
• Check your train number before entering the boarding area
• Give yourself extra time during holidays and weekends
• Keep your passport easily accessible

⏰ Pro Tip: Chongqing traffic can become busy during peak periods. Using the metro can sometimes give you a more predictable journey to the station.

Shapingba Railway Station

Shapingba Railway Station (沙坪坝站, Shāpíngbà Zhàn) is located in Shapingba District.

Compared with Chongqing North, East, and West, it is a smaller urban railway station. It is especially convenient for travelers staying around the Shapingba area and is commonly used for Chengdu-Chongqing services.

The surrounding area has:

• Shopping malls
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Metro connections
• Public buses
• Taxi and ride-hailing services

Because the station is smaller, walking between the entrance, waiting area, and platform can be easier than at Chongqing's larger railway hubs.

❤️ Pro Tip: If your train departs from Shapingba, there is usually no need to travel across Chongqing to North or West Station. Always follow the station shown on your ticket.

How to Book Chongqing Train Tickets

Filipino travelers can book China train tickets online before arriving at the railway station.

Common booking options include:

• Trip.com: Useful for international travelers and supports passport bookings.
• China Railway 12306: China's official railway booking platform.
• Railway station ticket counters: Tickets can also be purchased at major railway stations.

When booking, you will normally need:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Travel date
• Departure station
• Arrival station

Trip.com supports passports as a travel document for China train bookings.

🎫 Pro Tip: Enter your name and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport. A small mistake can cause problems when entering the station or boarding the train.

China High-Speed Train Types

You may notice different letters before the train number when booking.

• G trains: High-speed trains and usually the fastest option
• D trains: High-speed or express electric multiple-unit trains
• C trains: Usually intercity services
• Z trains: Direct express conventional trains
• T trains: Express conventional trains
• K trains: Conventional fast trains

For travelers who want the fastest journey, G-series trains are usually the first option to check.

How to Take a Train in Chongqing

The boarding process is similar at Chongqing's major railway stations.

1. Check Your Station

Before leaving your hotel, confirm which station appears on your booking:

• 重庆北站 - Chongqing North
• 重庆东站 - Chongqing East
• 重庆西站 - Chongqing West
• 沙坪坝站 - Shapingba

Do not assume that all trains leave from the same Chongqing station.

2. Arrive Early

Try to arrive around 45 to 60 minutes before departure, especially if it is your first time taking a train in China. The original Trip.com guide also recommends allowing extra time during holidays and busy travel periods.

Large stations such as Chongqing North, East, and West may require more walking than expected.

3. Bring Your Passport

Bring the original passport used for your booking.

Your passport acts as your main travel document for the train journey.

4. Pass the Security Check

Before entering the waiting hall, passengers and luggage go through a security check.

After entering, check the electronic screens for:

• Train number
• Destination
• Boarding gate
• Departure time
• Train status

5. Go to the Boarding Gate

Boarding normally begins before the scheduled departure time.

Foreign passport holders may need to use a staffed or manual channel if the automatic gate cannot read the passport.

6. Find Your Carriage and Seat

Your booking information will show:

• Train number
• Carriage number
• Seat number
• Seat class

Follow the signs on the platform and check the carriage number before boarding.

Tips for Filipino Travelers Using Chongqing Train Stations

• Save the station name in Chinese. It can help when using taxis or asking local staff for directions.
• Check your passport details. Make sure your booking matches your passport.
• Double-check the station. Chongqing North, East, West, and Shapingba are different stations.
• Arrive early. Large stations may require extra walking and security checks.
• Check your train number. Train numbers are useful when looking for your boarding gate.
• Keep your passport accessible. You may need it when entering and boarding.
• Check the latest schedule. Departure times and stations can change.
• Save your hotel address in Chinese. This can make returning by taxi easier.
• Prepare mobile payment. Mobile payments are widely used in China.
• Allow extra travel time. Chongqing is a large, mountainous city, so getting around may take longer than expected.

📱 Pro Tip: Before leaving your hotel, save screenshots of your train number, station name, departure time, hotel address, and destination. Keeping both the English and Chinese names can make communication much easier.

Chongqing Train Stations: Which One Is Best?

There is no single "best" Chongqing railway station because the correct station depends on your train.

For most travelers:

• Choose the train schedule and travel time that suit your trip.
• Check exactly which Chongqing station the train departs from.
• Compare how far the station is from your hotel.
• Check the arrival station in your destination city.
• Leave enough time to reach the station.

The most important rule is simple: follow the station written on your confirmed booking rather than choosing a station yourself.