🌟 Introduction: Practical Value Overview
Welcome to Chongqing, the "Mountain City"! High-speed rail (HSR) and bullet trains (Dongche) are convenient ways to travel here for tourism or business. However, understanding Chongqing's complex railway station layout and city transport connections can be challenging for first-time international visitors. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Chongqing's main HSR stations, how to get from the stations to the city center and attractions, ticketing, payment, and other practical information to help you travel smoothly by train.
Here, you'll find the best strategies for different types of travelers, along with helpful tips for navigating peak hours, late-night arrivals, and other special situations, ensuring your Chongqing journey starts effortlessly from the moment you arrive.
Overview of Chongqing's Main High-Speed Rail Stations
Chongqing currently has several railway stations offering high-speed or conventional train services. The most important hubs are Chongqing West Station, Chongqing North Station, Chongqing East Station (under construction), and Chongqing Station (Caiyuanba Station). These stations are located in different parts of the city, serve distinct routes, and cater to various passenger needs. Below is a detailed introduction to each station's location, features, target users, and transport guidance.
Chongqing West Railway Station (重庆西站)
Location & Overview
Situated in the Shangqiao area, Shapingba District. Approx. 12km from Jiefangbei. Opened in 2018, it's currently Chongqing's Largest Station. Serves key lines like Chengdu-Chongqing, Chongqing-Guiyang, Lanzhou-Chongqing, Chongqing-Kunming. Surrounding area is newly developed.
Function & Target Users
- Main hub for HSR to Chengdu/Southwest.
- Business Travelers: Frequent Chengdu-Chongqing HSR (Fastest ~1h 14m). Allow extra time due to distance from downtown.
- Tourists/Families: Research transport links well in advance. Station is spacious and modern, good for luggage.
Station Services
- Bilingual (Chinese/English) signs & displays.
- Luggage Storage: Available (~¥10-¥20/item/day).
- Basic amenities: Drinking water, charging points, restrooms, nursing rooms.
- Food & Shops: KFC, Real Kungfu, convenience stores.
- Help: Service desks, volunteers (basic English possible).
- "Red Cap" Porter Service: Paid luggage help (~¥10/item).
Transport Connections
- Metro: Direct access to CRT Loop Line (Level -B2).
- To Jiefangbei (Option 1): Loop Line → Xie Jia Wan Stn → Transfer Line 2 → Linjiangmen Stn (~40-50 min).
- To Jiefangbei (Option 2): Loop Line → Shapingba Stn → Transfer Line 1 → Jiaochangkou Stn (~1 hour).
- English Signs & Announcements
- Bus: Multiple city routes (e.g., 441) available. Budget option, but involves transfers and mainly Chinese information.
- HSR Express Bus (G01): Direct to Jiefangbei (Minquan Rd).
- ~30 min
- ~¥15
- Limited Hours (approx. 9am-7pm)
- Board at B1 Level
- Mobile Payment Likely Needed
- Taxi / Ride-Hailing: Designated ranks usually underground.
- To Jiefangbei: ~¥40-¥50 (Day) / ~20-30 min
- Use Official Taxis/Apps (Didi)
- Private Car / Pickup: Drop-off platforms & social vehicle parking (e.g., P3) available. Follow signs.
Helpful Tip:
Allow at least 30-40 minutes inside the station for security/walking. For late arrivals (after ~11 PM), metro is closed; plan for taxis or nearby accommodation (limited options right at station).
Chongqing North Railway Station (重庆北站)
Location & Overview
In Longtousi, Yubei District. Approx. 10km from Jiefangbei. Near Jiangbei Airport. One of Chongqing's busiest hubs. Known for its Two Separate Squares (North & South) which can be confusing.
Function & Target Users
- North Square: Mainly HSR/Bullet Trains (G, D, C types) + some conventional. Modern building.
- South Square: Almost exclusively Conventional Trains (K, T, Z types). Older building.
- Handles trains nationwide (Beijing, Shanghai, Lhasa, etc.) and frequent HSR to Chengdu, Wanzhou, etc.
- Business Travelers: Popular for Chengdu HSR & airport proximity.
- Transit Passengers: Ideal for Rail-Air connections.
- Tourists: Check carefully which square your train uses! Allow 15 min walk between squares.
Station Services
- Bilingual signs & announcements. Information desks in both squares.
- Ticket Purchase: Use manual counters with passport (machines often don't support).
- Luggage Storage: Available in both squares (~¥10-¥15/item/day).
- Extensive retail/food options, especially in North Square.
- Accessibility features available (lifts, ramps, free wheelchair rental via 12306).
- Tourist Service Center (South Square, 1F).
Transport Connections
- Metro: Excellent connectivity.
- Line 3 (Monorail): Access from South Square. To Guanyinqiao, Lianglukou (Transfer Line 1 for Jiefangbei).
- Line 10 & Loop Line: Access from North Square.
- Line 10: Direct to Jiangbei Airport (CKG) ~20 min. Also to Hongqi Hegou.
- Loop Line: Circles main urban areas (Shapingba, West Station, Nan'an).
- To Hongyadong: Line 3 (South Sq) → Niujiaotuo → Transfer Line 2 → Linjiangmen.
- To Ciqikou: Bus 202 (direct, ~40 min from South Bus Hub) is often easier than multiple metro transfers.
- Metro operates ~6:30am - 11:00pm.
- Bus: Major bus terminals at both North & South Squares.
- Numerous city routes, airport express, long-distance coaches (South Sq).
- HSR Express Bus (G04): North Square to Jiefangbei (~30-40 min, Limited Hours 9am-7pm, mobile payment).
- Chinese stop names/announcements common.
- Taxi / Ride-Hailing: Ranks at both squares.
- To Jiefangbei: ~¥25
- To Airport (CKG): ~¥40-¥45 / ~30 min
- Peak hour traffic significant
- Private Car / Parking: Drop-off zones & paid garages available. Strict parking enforcement. Convenient for airport drive (~30 mins via expressway).
Important Notes:
Extremely busy station, especially during holidays (arrive 1 hour+ early). Double-check North/South Square for your train!
Allow time for walking between squares or to metro lines. Ask volunteers (red vests) for help.
Chongqing East Railway Station (重庆东站) Projected Opening 2025
Location & Overview
Planned for Chayuan New Area, Nan'an District (SE Chongqing). Approx. 15km from Jiefangbei. Set to be a Mega Integrated Hub and largest HSR station in West China.
Function & Target Users (Planned)
- Future national HSR hub serving lines like Chongqing-Changsha, Yangtze River HSR, Chongqing-Wanzhou (7 lines total).
- Focus on Long-distance Cross-Province HSR (e.g., to Shanghai, Wuhan, Changsha).
- Aims for travel times: 1h to Chengdu, 3h to Mid/Lower Yangtze, 6h to major national clusters.
- Will be relevant for travelers heading East/South on long routes.
Scale & Design (Planned)
Vast scale (1.22M sqm), 15 platforms, 29 tracks. Designed for Seamless Transfers between rail types and metro. Expect modern facilities, smart services (potential facial recognition, AR navigation), and clear wayfinding.
Transport Connections (Planned)
- Metro: Served by multiple lines including Line 6 East Extension (expected to open with station), Lines 8, 24, 27. Line 6 will provide direct link to city center (~30 min from Xiaoshizi).
- Bus/Coach: Large bus/coach terminals planned, including airport/tourist shuttles.
- Car/Parking: Ample parking and drop-off zones planned.
- Airport Link: Potential future express link to Jiangbei Airport (~30km away).
Station Services (Expected)
State-of-the-art international standards: multilingual signs, free Wi-Fi, comprehensive passenger amenities (nursing, first-aid, tourist info), potential foreign language counters, full accessibility.
Traveler Advisory:
Station not yet open. Monitor official announcements for launch date, schedules, and transport details. Allow extra time during initial operations.
Chongqing Station (重庆站) / Caiyuanba Station (菜园坝站)
Location & Overview
Chongqing's oldest main station, located in Yuzhong District near the Yangtze River. Very Central: ~2km from Jiefangbei. Often called Caiyuanba Station. Holds historical significance.
Function & Target Users
- Now mainly handles Conventional (Slow) Trains and a few older bullet trains.
- Serves regional destinations (Guiyang, Sichuan towns, Huaihua) and some tourist routes (e.g., Zhangjiajie).
- Lower passenger volume than North/West.
- Suitable for: Travelers using conventional trains, budget travelers, those staying very centrally, railway enthusiasts.
Station Facilities
Older, smaller, renovated station. Basic but functional.
- Manual ticket counters (cash/card often accepted).
- Basic waiting areas + paid VIP/Tea Lounges (~¥10/person) for quieter waiting.
- "Red Cap" Porter Service: Available (~¥10/item).
- Limited food/shops (snack kiosks). Basic restrooms.
- Less English signage/service, but small size makes navigation manageable.
Transport Connections
- Metro: Nearest stations are Lianglukou (Line 1) or Minshenglu (Loop/Line 4). Requires ~10-15 min uphill walk from station exit. From Lianglukou, 1 stop to Jiefangbei.
- Bus: Excellent bus connectivity from Caiyuanba Bus Station complex outside.
- Routes 112, 120 to Jiefangbei/Guanyinqiao.
- Route T480 (tourist) to Hongyadong.
- Route T136 to Jiefangbei (~5 min).
- Taxi: Very easy and cheap due to central location.
- To Jiefangbei: ~¥10
- To Hongyadong: ~¥15
- To Chaotianmen Port: Convenient, ~3km / 10 min taxi ride for Yangtze cruises.
Best For:
Maximum convenience to downtown Jiefangbei/Chaotianmen. Ideal if taking conventional trains or staying nearby. Less suitable for speed/comfort seekers.
Comparison of Urban Transport Methods & Recommendations
Once you arrive in Chongqing, you have several options to get from the station to your hotel or attractions. Here’s a comparison:
Pros: Cheap (¥2-¥7), avoids traffic, reliable, extensive network, bilingual signs/announcements.
Cons: Peak hour crowds, requires walking/stairs (luggage challenge), long transfers at some stations.
Recommendation: Top choice for budget/solo travelers, efficient. Use map apps.
Pros: Very cheap (mostly ¥2), wide coverage, city views (unique hilly routes).
Cons: Mostly Chinese info, slower, affected by traffic.
Recommendation: Good for leisurely trips if using map apps & have local payment/change. Avoid peak hours.
Pros: Door-to-door, convenient for groups/luggage, relatively cheap (starts ¥10).
Cons: Hard to find in peak hours, traffic delays, drivers speak Chinese (prepare address).
Recommendation: Practical for groups/luggage/late night. Use official yellow taxis. Show address.
Pros: App booking (English input possible), cashless payment (link int'l cards), trackable.
Cons: Needs app/internet/payment setup, finding pickup spots can be tricky, driver communication barrier.
Recommendation: Very convenient if set up. Good for airport/station pickups.
Pros: Flexibility for out-of-city trips.
Cons: Complex/difficult city driving, parking issues, needs Chinese license.
Recommendation: Generally not advised for city driving. Consider hiring car+driver instead.
🚄 Quick Look at Inter-City High-Speed Rail Routes
Chongqing is a major rail hub in Southwest China. Here are some popular HSR routes:
Extremely frequent service via Chengdu-Chongqing HSR. Fastest G-trains: ~1h 14m. Departs mainly from Chongqing West/North to Chengdu East/South. 2nd Class: ~¥150. Book ahead for peak times.
Multiple daily trains via developing Xi'an-Chongqing HSR sections. Departs from Chongqing North/West to Xi'an North. 2nd Class: ~¥260-¥300. Scenic mountain route. Comfortable alternative to flying.
Frequent service via Chongqing-Guiyang Railway. Departs mainly from Chongqing West to Guiyang North/East. 2nd Class: ~¥110-¥140. Gateway to Guizhou attractions.
Direct Chongqing-Kunming HSR under construction (aiming for <4h). Current options:
- Connecting via Guiyang: Total time ~5 hrs.
- Direct D-series trains: ~4.5-5 hrs. 2nd Class: ~¥360.
Note: Information is approximate and subject to change. Always check the official 12306.cn website or app for the latest schedules and fares. Booking in advance (up to 15 days) is recommended, especially for popular routes/times.
💳 Ticketing & Payment Guide
1. Buying Tickets (Use Passport)
- Official 12306 Website/App: Best for schedules/booking. Register with passport. Pay via linked Alipay/WeChat Pay.
- Third-Party Sites (e.g., Trip.com): English interface, accept foreign cards, charge service fees.
- Station Windows: Use original passport. Pay with cash (RMB) or sometimes cards (UnionPay > Visa/MC). Prepare destination info in Chinese.
- Ticket Machines: Generally Do Not Work for foreign passport purchase.
2. Collecting Tickets / E-Tickets
- Direct Entry: Scan passport at gates in major stations (e.g., North/West) - Not always reliable.
- Paper Tickets: Recommended backup. Collect free from any station window (show passport/booking ref). Keep safe!
3. Payment Methods
- Mobile Payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay): Highly recommended. Link international cards (Visa/MC). Use QR codes for tickets, taxis, shops etc.
- International Cards: Limited acceptance at windows. Use ATMs for cash withdrawal.
- Cash (RMB): Always useful. Carry small notes for buses, small purchases.
4. Changes (改签 gǎiqiān) & Refunds (退票 tuìpiào)
Possible via original purchase channel (e.g., 12306 app) before departure (or shortly after for changes). Fees apply for refunds. Agent bookings require contacting the agent.
5. English Support
Good signage at major stations/trains. Staff English varies. Use written info, translation apps, or ask volunteers. 12306 hotline mainly Chinese.
🗣️ Useful Chinese Phrases (with Pinyin & English)
| Phrase (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 去重庆西站 | qù Chóngqìng Xīzhàn | Go to Chongqing West Station |
| 重庆北站 / 东站 / 站 | Chóngqìng Běizhàn / Dōngzhàn / Zhàn | Chongqing North / East / Station (Caiyuanba) |
| 我要去解放碑 | wǒ yào qù Jiěfàngbēi | I want to go to Jiefangbei |
| 几点发车？ | jǐ diǎn fāchē? | What time does it depart? |
| 在哪乘地铁？ | zài nǎ chéng dìtiě? | Where can I take the metro? |
| 在哪下车？ | zài nǎ xiàchē? | Where should I get off? |
| 存包处在哪里？ | cúnbāo chù zài nǎlǐ? | Where is the luggage storage? |
| 检票口 | jiǎnpiào kǒu | Ticket check gate |
| 几点到达？ | jǐ diǎn dàodá? | What time does it arrive? |
| 改签 | gǎiqiān | Change (the ticket) |
| 退票 | tuìpiào | Refund the ticket |
| 厕所在哪里？ | cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ? | Where is the restroom? |
| 谢谢 | xièxie | Thank you |
| 不好意思 | bùhǎo yìsi | Excuse me / Sorry |
Tip: Write these down or save them on your phone to show when needed.
Travel Tips: Emergency & Safety
1. Emergency Contacts & Help
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Transport Hotline: 96096 (English)
- Tourism Hotline: 12301
- Railway Hotline: 12306 (Chinese)
Look for Police Posts or Service Centers in stations.
2. Seasonal Advice
- Summer (Jul-Aug): Very Hot. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, prefer Metro.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Damp & Cold. Dress warmly. HSR usually reliable in fog.
- Rainy Season (Spring/Summer): Carry umbrella. Be cautious on wet slopes.
- Chunyun (Jan/Feb): Extremely Crowded. Book tickets WAY in advance, arrive very early.
3. Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping generally not expected. "Red Cap" service has a set fee. Use "谢谢 (xièxie)" (Thanks) and "不好意思 (bùhǎo yìsi)" (Excuse me).
4. Safety Reminders
- Avoid unofficial taxi touts & ticket scalpers. Use official channels.
- Guard valuables against pickpockets in crowds.
- Have backup plans (emergency contacts, cash, hotel info).
Chongqing is generally safe, but standard precautions apply.
