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Chengdu has four main train stations: Chengdu East Railway Station, Chengdu South Railway Station, Chengdu West Railway Station, and Chengdu Railway Station. For most travelers, Chengdu East Railway Station is the main station to use. It is the city’s main high-speed train hub and connects Chengdu with popular destinations such as Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, and Jiuzhaigou Valley. It also has frequent trains to major cities including Xi’an, Kunming, Chongqing, and Beijing.
The other Chengdu train stations serve different routes. This guide explains the four main stations and helps you choose the right one for your trip.
Chengdu East Railway Station (Chengdudong - 成都东站): The Main High-Speed Train Hub
Chengdu East Railway Station is the main high-speed train station in Chengdu. Located in Chenghua District, it is the station most commonly used when traveling from Chengdu to popular destinations in Sichuan and other parts of China.
The station is modern and convenient for travelers, with English signs, luggage services, restaurants, and easy connections by metro, taxi, and Didi.
Chengdu East Railway Station is the main high-speed train station in Chengdu.Popular Destinations from Chengdu East Railway Station
The station connects Chengdu with many famous places, including Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Chongqing, Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, and Kunming.
- Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong：High-speed trains connect Chengdu East Railway Station with Huanglongjiuzhai Station, which is the main gateway for travelers visiting Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong Scenic Area.
- Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei: Frequent high-speed trains run from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan and Emeishan. The journey takes about 1 hour, making them popular day trips from Chengdu.
- Chongqing: High-speed trains connect Chengdu and Chongqing, with the fastest services taking around 1- 1.5 hours.
- Other Major Cities in China: You can also take high-speed trains from Chengdu East Railway Station to destinations such as Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Guangzhou, and Kunming.
Leshan Giant Buddha is easy to visit from Chengdu, with frequent high-speed trains from Chengdu East Railway Station to Leshan.How to Get to Chengdu East Railway Station?
Chengdu East Railway Station is easy to reach by metro, taxi, or airport transfer.
- By Metro: Metro Line 2 connects Chengdu East Railway Station with central areas such as Chunxi Road and Tianfu Square. Metro Line 7 also provides convenient connections within Chengdu.
- From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU): Take Metro Line 18 to Chengdu South Station, then transfer to Line 7 to Chengdu East (approx. 60 - 70 mins total).
- From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport(CTU) : Take Metro Line 10, transfer at Taipingyuan Station to Line 7 directly to Chengdu East.
Chengdu East Railway Station is easy to reach by Metro Line 2 and Line 7 from different parts of the city.Chengdu South Railway Station (Chengdunan - 成都南站): A Smaller Station for Regional Trains
Located in southern Chengdu near Tianfu Avenue in the High-tech Zone, Chengdu South Railway Station is a smaller railway station compared with Chengdu East Railway Station. It mainly serves regional and intercity train routes in Sichuan.
The station offers some convenient train connections to destinations such as Leshan, Mount Emei, Ya’an, and Panzhihua. For travelers visiting Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei, some intercity trains depart from Chengdu South Railway Station. However, many high-speed trains for these destinations also depart from Chengdu East Railway Station, so always check your ticket carefully.
Chengdu South Railway Station is also a useful transfer point for travelers arriving at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Metro Line 18 connects Tianfu Airport with Chengdu South Railway Station, making it easier to continue your journey by train or metro.
How to Get to Chengdu South Railway Station?
- By Metro: Chengdu South Railway Station is connected by Metro Line 1, Line 7, and Line 18.
- By Taxi or Didi: Located in Wuhou District, it is only a 15-20 minute drive from southern downtown Chengdu.
A view of Chengdu South Railway Station and its surrounding transport network in southern Chengdu.Chengdu West Railway Station (Chengduxi - 成都西站): A Station for Western Sichuan and Tibet Routes
Located in Qingyang District in western Chengdu, Chengdu West Railway Station mainly serves specific intercity and regional train routes. Compared with Chengdu East Railway Station, it is a smaller station and is mainly used for travelers heading toward western Sichuan and Tibet.
Popular Destinations from Chengdu West Railway Station
Chengdu West Railway Station is useful for travelers planning trips to western Sichuan and nearby areas.
- Ya’an and Western Sichuan: The station provides intercity train services to Ya’an, which is an important gateway for travelers heading to destinations such as Kangding, Mount Siguniang, and other areas in western Sichuan.
- Select Trains to Jiuzhaigou: In addition to Chengdu East, several daily high-speed trains (C-series) to Huanglongjiuzhai Station depart from Chengdu West.
- Tibet Train from Chengdu to Lhasa: The Chengdu–Lhasa train (Z322) departs from Chengdu West Railway Station. The journey takes about 34.5 hours, offering a memorable way to travel from Sichuan to Tibet.
How to Get to Chengdu West Railway Station?
- By Metro: Chengdu West Railway Station is connected by Metro Line 4 and Line 9, making it easy to reach from different areas of Chengdu.
- By Taxi or Didi: It usually takes around 30–45 minutes from central Chengdu, depending on traffic.
The Chengdu-Lhasa train offers beautiful views of the Tibetan Plateau along the journey.Chengdu Railway Station (Chengduzhan/ North Station - 成都站/火车北站): The Historic Station Under Reconstruction
Located in Jinniu District in northern Chengdu, Chengdu Railway Station is one of the most historic railway stations in the city. Opened in 1952, it was once an important transportation hub connecting Chengdu with destinations across China. It is also the closest railway station to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
The station is also known locally as Chengdu North Station (火车北站). If you see “Chengdu North Station” or “Chengdu Beizhan” in older travel guides, they refer to the same railway station.
Chengdu Railway Station is currently undergoing reconstruction, and there are no passenger trains departing from this station during the construction period. Train services that previously started or ended at Chengdu Railway Station have been moved to other railway stations in Chengdu, including Chengdu East Railway Station, Chengdu South Railway Station, and Chengdu West Railway Station.
When planning a train journey from Chengdu, travelers can find the departure station on their ticket information. Older travel guides may still mention “Chengdu Railway Station” or “Chengdu North Station,” so it is helpful to confirm the latest station information before departure.
After the reconstruction, Chengdu Railway Station will become a modern integrated transportation hub connecting high-speed rail, metro, and other public transportation services.
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Which Chengdu Train Station Should You Use?
For visiting Sichuan attractions: Chengdu East Railway Station
If you are traveling to popular Sichuan attractions, Chengdu East Railway Station is usually the main station to consider. It offers convenient high-speed train connections to destinations such as Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, and Jiuzhaigou Valley, making it a convenient starting point for Sichuan trips.
For taking the Tibet train: Chengdu West Railway Station
Chengdu West Railway Station has the direct train to Lhasa. If you’re arriving in Chengdu, or combining tours of Sichuan and Tibet, it’s the west station that gives you access to the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
For Other Destinations in China
A wide range of train routes are available from Chengdu’s railway stations to other destinations in China. Chengdu East Station is still one of the most common, but refer to your ticket information to make sure you head to the right departure point.
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How to Get to Chengdu Train Stations
Whether you are arriving in Chengdu by air or staying in the city center, you can easily reach the main train stations by metro, taxi, or Didi.
From Chengdu Airport
Chengdu has two airports: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU).
From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport:
- To Chengdu South Railway Station
Metro Line 18 provides a direct connection between Tianfu International Airport and Chengdu South Railway Station. The journey takes about 45-50 minutes, making it the fastest and most convenient metro option.
- To Chengdu East Railway Station
You can take Metro Line 18 to Chengdu South Railway Station, then transfer to Metro Line 7 to Chengdu East Railway Station. The whole journey takes about 60-70 minutes.
A taxi or Didi is also available and takes around 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- To Chengdu West Railway Station
You can take the Tianfu Airport Shuttle Bus to Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys), then transfer to Metro Line 4 to Chengdu West Railway Station. However, a taxi or Didi is usually the more convenient option from Tianfu International Airport to Chengdu West Railway Station, especially if you have luggage. The journey usually takes around 1–1.5 hours.
From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport:
- To Chengdu East Railway Station
You can take the metro from Shuangliu Airport and transfer to lines connecting with Chengdu East Railway Station. A taxi or Didi is also a convenient option, especially with luggage.
- To Chengdu South Railway Station
Chengdu South Railway Station is easily accessible from Shuangliu Airport by metro or taxi.
- To Chengdu West Railway Station
You can take the metro from Shuangliu Airport and transfer to metro Line 10 or Line 9, or choose a direct taxi/Didi ride.
By Chengdu Metro
The Chengdu Metro is an affordable and convenient way to reach the city’s train stations. Most stations have clear English signs.
- Chengdu East Railway Station: Metro Line 2 and Line 7
- Chengdu South Railway Station: Metro Line 1, Line 7, and Line 18
- Chengdu West Railway Station: Metro Line 4 and Line 9
Travel Tip:
International visitors can use Alipay’s Transport function to access Chengdu Metro by linking an international bank card, making metro travel more convenient without buying tickets at the station.
By Taxi or Didi
Taxi and Didi are convenient options if you have large luggage, are traveling with family, or need to catch an early train. They are also a good choice when your hotel is not close to a metro station.
Didi is one of the most commonly used ride-hailing apps in China. International travelers can use Didi through the app or the Alipay mini-program, with English support and translation features available.
At Chengdu airports, official taxi waiting areas are available, making it easy to find a licensed taxi after arrival.
Taxi and Didi provide convenient door-to-door transfers to Chengdu's main railway stations.How to Buy Train Tickets in Chengdu?
Train tickets in Chengdu can be purchased online or at railway station ticket counters.
For online booking, travelers can use the official China Railway 12306 platform or international-friendly booking platforms such as Trip.com and Klook. The 12306 platform requires passport verification, while third-party platforms are often easier for international visitors to use.
After booking your ticket online, you can usually enter the station and board the train using your passport, without needing a paper ticket.
Tickets are also available at railway station ticket counters. However, English service may not always be available, and popular routes can sell out during busy travel periods.
If you need help booking train tickets in China, our travel team can also assist with train ticket arrangements as part of your travel planning.
Train tickets in Chengdu can be booked through the official China Railway 12306 app or website.Useful Tips for Taking Trains in Chengdu
Confirm the Chinese Name of Your Station
Chengdu has several railway stations with similar English names, so it is helpful to check the Chinese station name before your journey.
- Chengdu East Railway Station: 成都东站
- Chengdu South Railway Station: 成都南站
- Chengdu West Railway Station: 成都西站
- Chengdu Railway Station: 成都站
Showing the Chinese station name to your taxi or Didi driver can make it easier to reach the correct station.
Arrive 30 - 60 Minutes Before Departure
Large railway stations in Chengdu can involve some walking, especially during busy travel periods. Arriving at the station 30-60 minutes before departure gives you enough time for security checks, passport verification, finding the waiting hall, and reaching the platform.
Book Train Tickets in Advance
Popular high-speed train routes can become busy, especially on weekends and Chinese public holidays. Train tickets for most routes are usually available 15 days before departure.
Booking early gives you more choices for departure times and helps you arrange your itinerary more smoothly.
Keep Your Passport Ready
The passport used for booking your train ticket is required for ticket verification and boarding procedures. Keeping your passport easily accessible will make the station process smoother.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chengdu Train Stations
How Many Train Stations Are There in Chengdu?
Chengdu has four main passenger railway stations: Chengdu East, Chengdu South, Chengdu West, and Chengdu Railway Station. The stations serve different routes, so pay attention to the station name on the ticket to make sure you go to the correct departure point.
Which Chengdu station should I use for Leshan Giant Buddha?
Chengdu East Railway Station is the main departure station for high-speed trains from Chengdu to Leshan. The journey takes about 1 hour, making Leshan Giant Buddha a popular day trip from Chengdu.
Is Chengdu East Railway Station the same as Chengdu Railway Station?
No. Chengdu East Railway Station and Chengdu Railway Station are two different stations.
Chengdu East Railway Station is 成都东站, while Chengdu Railway Station (also known as Chengdu North Station by locals) is 成都站.
How early should I arrive at Chengdu train station?
Arriving 30–60 minutes before departure will give you enough time to pass through security and reach the train platform. If you are unfamiliar with the station, traveling during a busy holiday period, or carrying a lot of luggage, arriving earlier can make the experience less stressful.
Chengdu - Chengdu Panda Base - Leshan Giant Buddha - Lhasa
Plan Your Sichuan and Tibet Journey with the Right Train Station
China’s extensive high-speed rail network makes it easy to explore Sichuan by train and continue your journey to Tibet across the Tibetan Plateau. Choosing the right departure station in Chengdu is an important step for a smooth travel experience.
Chengdu East Railway Station is the main choice for many travelers, with high-speed train connections to popular destinations such as Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Valley, while Chengdu West Railway Station is the departure point for the Chengdu–Lhasa train. With convenient transportation links, Chengdu’s train stations provide a great starting point for discovering Sichuan’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and the unique beauty of Tibet.
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