Chengdu is one of the busiest high-speed rail hubs in western China. From here you can reach Chongqing in about one hour, Xi'an in about three hours, and Leshan or Emei Shan in roughly one hour. The trick for a first-time visitor is that Chengdu has three main railway stations, and they serve different destinations, so arriving at the wrong one wastes a great deal of time. Buy your ticket online in advance and check the station name carefully, because the signs say the station in Chinese and English.
Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站)
This is the principal high-speed rail station, a huge modern terminal east of the city center. Most trains to Chongqing, Xi'an, Beijing, Shanghai and Kunming depart from here. It is served by Metro Lines 2 and 7. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure because security checks are strict and the halls are large, and keep your passport handy, as you need it to pass through the gates. The station has waiting rooms, food and charging points, and clear bilingual departure boards.
Chengdu South and West Stations
- Chengdu South (成都南站): Smaller and connected to Metro Lines 1, 7 and 18. It serves some high-speed trains to Leshan and Emei Shan, and is the natural stop if you are coming from Tianfu Airport on Line 18.
- Chengdu West (成都西站): The gateway to the Qingchengshan and Dujiangyan scenic line. Trains here take about 30 minutes to Dujiangyan and make a relaxing day trip. It connects by Metro Line 4.
Booking and Riding
Use the official China Railway app or a reputable booking platform. Foreign passengers book with their passport number, then collect paper tickets or use the passport itself at the gate. Bring your physical passport, not just a photo. Trains board about 15 minutes before departure and leave exactly on time. Keep an eye on the station announcement boards, which show platform numbers in Chinese and English, and listen for bilingual announcements.
Classes, Luggage and Timekeeping
High-speed trains offer second class and first class; second class is perfectly comfortable and cheaper. Large luggage goes on the rack at the carriage ends. Trains board by seat number, and seats are reserved. Arrive early enough to pass security, which at Chengdu East can take 20 minutes at peak. Check your carriage number on the electronic board. The train leaves exactly on time, so do not linger on the platform.
Tickets for Foreigners and Refunds
Buy tickets on the official app with your passport number, then use the passport itself to enter the waiting area, since some gates scan the document directly. Keep the passport on you at all times. Refunds and changes are allowed before departure with a small fee, but must be done at a counter or in the app. Peak hours, Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings sell out fast, so book early. Food on board is limited and overpriced, so bring a snack for longer rides. Bring earplugs if the carriage is noisy, and confirm your carriage number on the electronic board.
Practical Information
- To Chongqing: about 1-1.5 hours from Chengdu East, frequent trains all day.
- To Dujiangyan and Qingchengshan: about 30 minutes from Chengdu West.
- To Leshan or Emei Shan: about 1 hour, from East or South.
- To Xi'an: about 3 hours from Chengdu East.
- Tips: Bring your passport. Arrive early. Double-check the station, East, South or West, when booking.
