Where to Take a Train from Beijing?

Travelling by train in Beijing? Let’s untangle it! Beijing’s main stations each have their speciality: Beijing Railway Station (classic routes and some high-speed trains), Beijing West (long-distance journeys), and Beijing South (bullet train hub). All are metro-connected for easy navigation! Don't worry about tickets – book online via Trip.com (just have your passport handy for verification!). A quick peek at our Beijing Train Station Comparison Table later will help match your destination to the right hub. Now, where shall those rails take you?

Beijing South Railway Station

Located in Fengtai District, Beijing South is the city’s sleek answer to modern rail travel. Just a short hop from the city centre via subway lines 4 and 14, this glass-and-steel giant feels more like an airport terminal than a traditional station – all wide-open spaces and buzzing with energy. Its clever layout keeps crowds flowing smoothly, even during peak hours, while digital boards and English signage take the stress out of navigation.

This is where speed takes centre stage. Beijing South specialises in high-speed “bullet trains” (known as G- and C-class services) that zip across eastern China. The star route? The Beijing-Shanghai line, whisking travellers to the Bund’s glittering skyline in under 4.5 hours. Moreover, you can take the Beijing-Tianjin intercity train to Tianjin – perfect for a day trip sampling street-food dumplings or exploring European-style architecture in the Italian Concession area. Other popular destinations include Nanjing’s ancient city walls and Hangzhou’s dreamy West Lake, both reachable within 5 hours.

What truly sets Beijing South apart is its “future-ready” vibe. From automated ticket checks to shops selling steaming buns for the journey, it’s designed for hassle-free adventures. Grab a window seat heading south – watching the urban sprawl melt into misty rice fields never gets old.

Beijing West Railway Station

Beijing West Railway Station sits in the city’s southwest, just off the West Third Ring Road. It’s easily reached by metro lines 7 and 9, making it a handy spot for travellers. The station’s vast, modern design mixes Chinese architectural touches with practical features like plenty of seating and clear signage – though its size can feel a bit overwhelming during busy periods.

This hub specialises in long-distance routes across China. High-speed trains zip south to cities like Xi’an (about 4-5 hours) and Guangzhou (8-9 hours), while older overnight sleeper services still run to destinations such as Lhasa in Tibet. The station mainly handles journeys along the Beijing-Guangzhou and Beijing-Kowloon lines, connecting northern and southern China.

For day trips, hop on a train to Shijiazhuang (1.5 hours) to explore its ancient temples. Want to experience a longer trip? Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors make a brilliant 2-3 day adventure. Regular services also head to Luoyang, home of the stunning Longmen Grottoes. Tips: book tickets online in advance during holidays, as queues here can get rather lively.

Beijing North Railway Station

Beijing North Railway Station is located in Xicheng District, close to the Xizhimen transportation hub on the Second Ring Road. It’s easily reached by subway lines 2, 4, or 13, with the station exit close to Beijing Zoo – a handy spot for visitors combining travel with sightseeing.

This compact station blends old and new. Originally opened in 1905, its red-brick facade nods to history, while recent upgrades added modern glass features and digital displays. Inside, you’ll find it smaller than Beijing’s giant stations, but well-organised with ticket machines, basic snack shops, and clear signs – perfect for quick regional trips.

Most services here are suburban or mid-distance. The star route is the scenic S2 Line to Badaling Great Wall, a slow train winding through mountains that’s popular with day-trippers. Faster high-speed trains now zip to Zhangjiakou in about an hour, linking to winter ski resorts used in the 2022 Olympics. Regular trains also connect to suburban areas like Huairou and Tongzhou.

For travellers, the S2 Line offers easy access to Badaling’s iconic wall sections. Further north, Zhangjiakou’s Chongli district becomes a snowy playground in winter, while summer brings hiking around its grasslands. Closer to Beijing, Yanqing County’s Longqing Gorge provides boat trips through striking valleys.

Check timetables carefully if taking the S2 Line – services can fill up fast during peak tourist seasons. The station’s central location makes it easy to pair a morning departure with an evening return, leaving time to explore central Beijing’s attractions nearby.

Beijing Railway Station

Beijing Railway Station sits in the heart of the city’s Dongcheng District, close to the city centre and just a short walk from famous spots like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Its central location makes it easy for travellers to reach key areas by bus, taxi or subway. The station’s grand building, completed in the 1950s, mixes traditional Chinese design with Soviet-style elements, including a large clock tower that has become a local landmark. Though busy and often crowded, it remains an important transport hub for both locals and visitors.

The station mainly serves trains heading to cities across northern and eastern China. Popular routes include high-speed and overnight services to Shanghai, Harbin and Shenyang. Regular express trains connect Beijing with nearby provinces like Hebei and Tianjin, while slower, older trains still run to more distant regions. Some international routes, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway to Moscow, also start from here. The mix of modern and traditional services reflects China’s rapidly evolving rail network.

Travellers using Beijing Railway Station can easily visit several major attractions. Direct trains to Badaling offer quick access to the Great Wall, while shorter trips lead to the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven. The station itself is near historic hutongs, where narrow streets and traditional courtyard homes give a glimpse of old Beijing. For those staying longer, trains to coastal cities like Qingdao or cultural hubs like Xi’an open up further exploration.

Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station

Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station is situated in the northeast of the city, close to the East Fourth Ring Road in Chaoyang District. Opened in 2021, it serves as a key hub for high-speed rail travel, particularly for routes heading towards northeastern China. The station’s modern design, with its curved roof and glass walls, gives it a sleek look, blending functionality with a sense of openness. Its location is well-connected to local buses and taxis, though it currently lacks a direct subway link, which might require some planning for travellers using public transport.

This station specialises in high-speed services, mainly operating trains along the Beijing-Harbin corridor. Popular routes include journeys to cities like Shenyang, Changchun, and Harbin, with some services extending to coastal areas such as Dalian. The trains here are modern, offering comfortable seating and reliable travel times, making it a preferred choice for both business and leisure trips.

Travellers departing from Beijing Chaoyang can explore several notable destinations. A short high-speed ride north leads to Shenyang, home to the historic Shenyang Palace and bustling markets. Further north, Harbin’s famous ice festivals in winter attract visitors worldwide. For nature lovers, the station provides access to the Changbai Mountain area, known for its stunning landscapes and hot springs. Closer to Beijing, day trips to the Great Wall sections near Chengde or the coastal city of Qinhuangdao are also feasible.

Fengtai Railway Station

Beijing Fengtai Railway Station sits in the southwest of central Beijing, positioned within the Fengtai District near the city's Third Ring Road. The station primarily handles trains along the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway and traditional routes connecting northern and central China. Regular services include bullet trains to Shijiazhuang and Zhengzhou, alongside conventional trains reaching as far south as Wuhan and Guangzhou. These routes form vital links in China's north-south transport network.

Travellers departing from Fengtai can access several notable destinations within a few hours' journey. Shijiazhuang offers access to Hebei Province's Zhaozhou Bridge and Zhengding Ancient City. Further south, Zhengzhou serves as a gateway to Shaolin Temple, while Wuhan's Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake make popular stops. The station's connections also enable trips to Guangzhou's cultural landmarks and tropical landscapes in Guangdong Province.

Beijing East Railway Station

Beijing East Railway Station is located in Chaoyang District, about 5 kilometres southeast of Tiananmen Square. Positioned near the Fourth Ring Road and adjacent to Bawangfen Long-Distance Bus Station, it serves mainly as a regional transport hub. The station's compact layout and straightforward facilities reflect its focus on practical rail services rather than grand architectural statements, making it less crowded than Beijing's major terminals but equally busy during peak commuting hours.

This station primarily handles conventional trains rather than high-speed services, with regular routes connecting Beijing to nearby cities in Hebei Province and Tianjin. Key destinations include Yanjiao, Jizhou, and Tianjin, with some services extending further to Tangshan. These routes cater largely to daily commuters and regional travellers, offering affordable options for short-distance journeys.

Travellers using Beijing East Station can easily reach several interesting spots. Tianjin's riverside promenade is a popular day trip destination and can be reached in two hours. Closer destinations like Jizhou offer hiking opportunities in the Pan Mountains and sections of the Great Wall at Huangyaguan. The station also provides connections for exploring eastern Hebei's industrial cities or coastal areas near Bohai Bay, blending urban and natural experiences within easy reach of the capital.

Qinghe Railway Station

Qinghe Railway Station occupies a strategic position in Beijing's northwest, situated within Haidian District near the Fifth Ring Road. Located approximately 13 kilometres from the city centre, it neighbours key transport arteries and residential areas, including the Shangdi technology hub. The station's sleek, modern design reflects its recent construction, featuring wide concourses and digital navigation systems that streamline passenger movement.

The station offers convenient access to northern Beijing's major attractions. High-speed services reach Badaling Great Wall in under 30 minutes, making it a preferred choice for day-trippers. Further north, Zhangjiakou's Chongli District provides winter skiing facilities and summer grassland tours. Travellers continuing to Inner Mongolia can explore Hohhot's Dazhao Temple or the grassland cultures of Xilamuren, all within half a day's journey from the capital.

Beijing Train Station Comparison Table

*Distance is approximate straight-line distance from the city centre (Forbidden City).

🔥 Most Popular Train Poutes

We have picked the best train routes to help you enjoy the beauty of China's railways.✅

*Generalised estimates; Costs and times may vary slightly depending on specific trains and seasons.

*"High-speed" refers to bullet trains (G/D-series).

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Online on Trip.com

Booking a train ticket via Trip.com is simple:

1. Begin by logging in: Go to the Trip.com website, or use the search box below🔍. Enter your departure city, destination, and travel date. If your city isn’t shown, type it manually.
2. Pick your seat class: Select second class, first class, or business class, then click "Book".
3. Add passenger details: Fill in names, email, and phone number.
4. Choose seat type: Pick window, aisle, or middle seats (options like A, B, C, D, F).
5. Pay securely: Use credit/debit cards, PayPal, WeChat Pay, or Alipay to complete your booking.