Chongqing Train Stations: Where and How to Take a Train?

Chongqing is the largest railway hub in Western China. With four main stations spread across the four corners of this sprawling metropolis, choosing the right starting point is absolutely essential for your journey.

High-speed trains to Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai or the Wulong Karst: every station has its own specialities.

Trip.com presents a complete guide to help you find your way and travel with peace of mind from Chongqing!

Main Train Stations in Chongqing

⬇️ Click the itinerary link in the table to book your ticket now!

Chongqing North Railway Station – 重庆北站

Chongqing North Railway Station is undoubtedly the most important station in Chongqing and one of the busiest in all of China.

With over 150,000 travellers passing through every day during normal periods, it's the main departure point for high-speed trains heading to China's major cities.

What makes it special? It's divided into two distinct halls (the North Hall and the South Hall) that handle different categories of trains. The North Hall is reserved for G and D trains (high-speed), while the South Hall handles conventional Z, T, and K trains. It's a common point of confusion for unsuspecting travellers!

How do I get there?

How to book your tickets?

For this station or any others in Chongqing, you have three options:

• Book on Trip.com (Recommended ✅): The easiest way to book tickets online. Book in a few clicks and get an e-ticket linked to your passport. Available in English and other languages, and supports credit card or PayPal payment. Book in 3 minutes, get your ticket in 10 minutes. Just scan your passport to board the train.
• Via the 12306 app: This is China's official railway platform. It now has an English interface, so it's easier to use. However, you may need to wait 3–5 days for identity verification before you can buy tickets. Once set up, it works well.
• At the on-site ticket counters: Go to the ticket office at the station (usually on level B1 or F1 near the South Entrance, or on level F2 at the North Square; follow station signs). At larger stations, you can usually find a counter for international travellers with English-speaking staff. Bring your passport, choose your train, and pay at the counter. It's best to allow extra time, especially during busy periods.

Services available at the station

Just like most train stations, you'll find plenty of services and shops on-site to make your journey that little bit easier:

• 🍜 Dining: McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks, and local noodle restaurants are available in both halls.
• 🏪 Shops: pharmacy, newsagent, convenience store…
• 🧳 Luggage storage: available in both halls (~15–20 CNY/day)
• 🚿 Showers: available in the VIP lounge (paid access)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: cash machines available in both halls

VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

North Station features a VIP lounge (一等候车室) in both halls, accessible to first-class and business-class passengers upon presentation of their ticket, or for an additional fee of 50 CNY (~£5).

It offers comfortable armchairs, light refreshments, power sockets, and enhanced Wi-Fi!

Main routes from Chongqing North

Chongqing East Railway Station – 重庆东站

Opened in 2025, Chongqing East Railway Station is a colossal project that has made headlines around the world: it is now China's largest high-speed railway station and the largest station building in the world, covering an area of 1.22 million m² (the equivalent of 170 football pitches).

Designed to handle up to 60 million passengers a year in the long run, it features 15 platforms and 29 tracks, with direct links to four metro lines for connections in under 5 minutes.

Its strategic location in the Nan'an District makes it the perfect gateway to the natural wonders of south-east Chongqing and Hunan, including the Wulong Karst, Zhangjiajie, and the ancient town of Fenghuang.

If you're planning a trip to the Wulong Karst from Chongqing, this station is your essential starting point.

How do I get there?

How to catch your train?

Catching your train from Chongqing East Railway Station, or indeed either of the other two mentioned, couldn't be easier!

• Please arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure (earlier during busy periods);
• Go through identity verification and security checks at the entrance (passport required, luggage X-rayed);
• Head to the waiting area and check the departure screens for your train and boarding gate;
• Proceed through the ticket gates when boarding starts (usually 15–30 minutes before departure; passport required);
• • Foreign passport holders: use the Manual Channel and show your passport to staff.
  • Foreign Permanent Residence ID card holders: use self-service or manual channels.
• Follow the signs to your platform and find your carriage and seat.

For a more detailed step-by-step guide, please see below.

Services available at the station

Here too, you'll find plenty of services and shops available if you arrive at the station early or are just passing through:

• 🍜 Dining: A huge food court on level 3 (local Sichuan cuisine, noodles, takeaway hot pot)
• 🛍️ Shopping: a two-level shopping arcade, perfect for picking up Chongqing souvenirs
• 🧳 Luggage storage: Level -1 (~15–20 CNY/day)
• ✈️ City Airport Terminal: check-in and baggage drop for flights from CKG
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: You'll find several cash machines on levels 1 and 2
• 🚿 Paid showers: available on level 2 (~30 CNY/30 mins)

VIP lounge

Chongqing East Station features a premium VIP lounge, accessible to first-class and business-class passengers, as well as holders of a premium UnionPay bank card.

Main routes from Chongqing East

Chongqing West Railway Station – 重庆西站

Opened in 2018, Chongqing West Railway Station is a major rail hub in western China, covering 120,000 m² and handling up to 50,000 passengers daily.

It mainly operates long-distance services to southwest and northwest China, including Yunnan, Guizhou, Henan and Shaanxi. With modern design, bright three-storey halls and plenty of shops, it offers a comfortable waiting environment.

Though a bit farther from the city centre, it is easily accessible by Metro Line 5 and the Loop Line.

How do I get there?

Services available at the station

• 🍜 Dining: Starbucks, McDonald's, Sichuan and Yunnan cuisine restaurants, bakeries
• 🛍️ Shopping: Pharmacy, newsagent, and local snack shops
• 🧳 Luggage storage: levels 1 and 2 (~15–20 CNY/day)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: you'll find cash machines at all three main entrances
• 👶 Family area: a nursing room and children's play area on level 2

VIP lounge

The West Station features a VIP lounge (高铁贵宾室) that's open to first and business class passengers, as well as Gold and Platinum members of the China Railway loyalty programme.

Once there, you'll have access to hot and cold drinks, snacks, newspapers, power sockets, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Main Routes from Chongqing West

Six Tips for Travelling by Train from Chongqing

💡 Book your tickets as early as possible

Chongqing is a sprawling metropolis of 32 million people. During Chinese New Year, the National Day Golden Week, or long weekends, tickets for popular routes such as Chongqing–Chengdu or Chongqing–Shanghai can sell out within minutes. Tickets become available 15 days before departure, book on Trip.com as soon as your travel dates are confirmed!

💡 Identify your station and hall in advance

Chongqing North Railway Station is the only one with two separate plazas: North and South, which serve different trains and can easily cause confusion. Always check your ticket carefully and tell your taxi driver whether you need “Chongqing North Station North Plaza” or “South Plaza.”

💡 Allow plenty of time for security checks

All Chinese train stations require luggage X‑rays and identity checks at the entrance, plus ticket verification before boarding. Plan to arrive 45–60 minutes early, especially for North and East stations during busy periods.

💡 Keep your passport handy

Your passport is required for station entry and boarding. No physical ticket collection is needed, just keep your passport easily accessible.

💡 Know the difference between high-speed and conventional trains

In Chongqing, high-speed trains (G, D, C series) and conventional trains (Z, T, K series) depart from different stations. G-trains are two to three times faster but usually more expensive. Double-check the train code when booking to avoid going to the wrong station.

💡 Download offline maps before you go

Even with good mobile data, some underground areas of Chongqing's train stations may have weak signal. Download your route offline and get a China eSIM to stay connected smoothly throughout your trip.

More Travel Guides