
If you’re planning to travel by train in Beijing station, my blog offers straightforward advice and practical tips. Get to know the various train stations in Beijing, including details on how to book cheap train tickets and find major routes. Find everything you need for easy train travel in Beijing. 😆
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Beijing Train Stations Overview

Source from iStock
Beijing has 5 main train stations that serve both high-speed and regular train routes. The largest, Beijing South Railway Station, operates 383 high-speed G and C trains daily, making it the primary station for high-speed travel in the city. Beijing West Railway Station follows, with 191 high-speed G and D trains.
The traditional Beijing Railway Station manages a smaller set of 48 D trains but is vital for international journeys to cities like Moscow and Hanoi, and for direct trains to Hong Kong. Changping North Railway Station and Beijing East Railway Station cater mainly to slower regional and freight services, respectively.
Collectively, these stations make Beijing a key node in China's railway network, linking the capital to almost every part of the country and beyond. High-speed trains can reach Shanghai in under six hours and Guangzhou in ten, while Tianjin is just a short ride away, taking between 30 to 50 minutes.
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Click to Book Cheap China Train Ticket 👍
Booking train tickets in Beijing can be done either online or offline. However, for convenience and to avoid potential difficulties such as long lines and language barriers, online booking is highly recommended. Trip.com, one of the leading online travel platforms in China, is an excellent choice for this purpose, offering an excellent booking experience along with deals on train tickets, flights, and hotels.
Why Choose Trip.com?
Trip.com is favored for its user-friendly interface and 3% Off Train booking Coupon, making it an appealing option for both local and international travelers. The platform supports multiple languages, including English, French, and Japanese, which is particularly beneficial for international visitors who might face language challenges elsewhere. The 24/7 customer service is known for its professionalism and readiness to assist with any booking concerns or travel inquiries.
Feature | Description |
Multi-language Support | Offers services in various languages, catering to international travelers. |
Customer Service | Available 24/7 to help with any issues or questions. |
Payment Options | Accepts international credit cards, PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. |
Deals and Rewards | Provides frequent promotions and rewards to enhance travel savings. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking on Trip.com
Booking a train ticket through Trip.com is a straightforward process:
- Start by Logging In: Visit the Trip.com website and input your departure city, destination, and travel date. If your city isn’t listed, manually type in the city name.
- Select Seat Class: Choose from second class, first class, or business class and then click "Book" to continue.
- Enter Passenger Details: Provide necessary information such as names, email, and contact phone number.
- Choose Seat Preference: Opt for your preferred seat type (window, aisle, or middle) with options like A, B, C, D, F.
- Payment: Select a payment method from choices such as credit/debit card, PayPal, WeChat Pay, or Alipay, and finalize your purchase.
✅Things to Do in Beijing
Major High Speed Train Route in Beijing
Beijing South Train Station, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing Railway Station are some of the busiest stations in Beijing, offering fast connections to major cities across China. Beijing South Train Station is particularly well-known for its high-speed Fuxing trains which reach speeds of 350 km/h. From here, travelers can quickly get to Shanghai in just over four hours. Other destinations include popular cities like Hangzhou, Tianjin, and more, all accessible via the extensive high-speed rail network. Check the major route below 👇👇👇👇
Departure Station | Destination | Train Types | Duration | Frequency (per day) | Check Details |
Beijing South Railway Station | Shanghai | G/D Trains | 4 hrs 18 mins ~ 12 hrs 7 mins | 41 | |
Tianjin | C/G Trains | 31 mins ~ 54 mins | 150+ | ||
Nanjing | G/D Trains | 3 hrs 13 mins ~ 5 hrs 2 mins | 61 | ||
Hangzhou | G Trains | 4 hrs 18 mins ~ 6 hrs 42 mins | 15 | ||
Beijing West Railway Station | Xi'an | G Trains | 4 hrs 20 mins ~ 6 hrs 2 mins | 17 | |
Chengdu | G Trains | 7 hrs 48 mins ~ 10 hrs 4 mins | 3 | ||
Chongqing | G Trains | 11 hrs 34 mins ~ 12 hrs 11 mins | 2 | ||
Guangzhou | G/D Trains | 8 hrs 1 min ~ 10 hrs 5 mins | 5 |
💖If you're curious about how to buy China train tickets, check the following articles to learn more:
Beijing Station Train Types

Source from Trainspread
In Beijing, China, the train categories are split into high-speed and regular trains. Each train class can be identified by the letter prefixing the train number. High-speed trains, classified as G, D, and C, are prominent especially in major stations like Beijing South Railway Station, where they provide swift connectivity across significant distances. On the other hand, Z, T, K trains, as well as those marked with a four-digit number, are considered regular or non-bullet trains, which travel at slower speeds.
G trains
G trains, or Gaotie, are high-speed trains that represent the pinnacle of speed and comfort within China's rail network, capable of reaching speeds up to 350 km/h. These trains typically connect major cities across long distances, such as the routes from Beijing to Shanghai and Beijing to Guangzhou.
Feature | Description |
Type | High-Speed Bullet Train (Gaotie) |
Speed | Up to 350 km/h |
Facilities | Air-conditioned, equipped with Western and Chinese-style toilets |
Service | The quickest, most comfortable rail travel option |
Major Routes | Beijing to Shanghai, Beijing to Guangzhou, Beijing to Xi'an |
D Trains
D trains or Hexie Hao, are fast trains that serve both intercity and long-distance routes, with speeds reaching up to 250 km/h. These trains are well-suited for slightly shorter routes or busy corridors, offering a balance between speed and coverage.
Feature | Description |
Type | High-Speed Bullet Train (Dong Che) |
Speed | Up to 250 km/h |
Facilities | Air-conditioned, mostly equipped with Western-style toilets |
Service | Serves major cities across shorter and medium distances |
Major Routes | Beijing to Tianjin, Beijing to Nanjing, Beijing to Jinan |
Z trains
Z trains are direct express services that offer a faster alternative to conventional trains but are slower than high-speed services, reaching speeds up to 160 km/h. These trains typically run from origin to destination with minimal stops.
Feature | Description |
Type | Direct Express Train (Zhi Da Te Kuai) |
Speed | Up to 160 km/h |
Facilities | Air-conditioned, equipped with Western-style toilets |
Service | Fewer stops, ideal for longer distances |
Major Routes | Beijing to Harbin, Beijing to Chengdu |
T&K trains
Other train types such as T trains (Express) and K trains (Fast) provide services for medium to long distances with more frequent stops, accommodating various passenger needs.
Feature | Description |
T Trains | Express Train |
K Trains | Fast Train |
Facilities | Air-conditioned, various sleeper and seat options |
Service | Stops at major cities and province capitals |
Major Routes | T Trains: Beijing to Shanghai, Beijing to Guangzhou; K Trains: Beijing to Qingdao, Beijing to Harbin |
Beijing Train Station Facilities

Beijing South Railway Station stands out as one of the busiest and most architecturally significant train stations in China. Inspired by the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the station features a blend of traditional and modern design elements. The station's structure is organized across five levels, each dedicated to specific functions that facilitate passenger movement and provide essential services.
Beijing South Railway Station Layout
Floor | Facilities and Services |
2F | Waiting hall, ticket offices, LED screens for train information |
1F | Platforms for boarding, rail tracks |
-1F | Transfer hall, ticket offices, express channel to platforms, China Railway Express office |
-2F | Platform for subway line 4 |
-3F | Platform for subway line 14 |
Facilities and Services
Beijing South Railway Station is equipped with a range of facilities designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of its passengers. From essential services like ticketing to amenities for relaxation and refreshment, the station is prepared to meet the needs of travelers.
Facility Type | Description |
Ticket Offices | Located on 2F and -1F with services for ticket collection, changes, and refunds. |
LED Screens | Display real-time train schedules, boarding information on 2F, and arrival details on -1F. |
Information Desks | Available on 2F, offering directions, assistance, and tools like maps and wheelchairs. |
Washrooms | Accessible on 2F near the waiting hall and around the transfer hall on -1F. |
Hot Drinking Water | Positioned near washrooms on 2F; water is pre-boiled. |
Cell Phone Charging Stations | Available on both sides of the east and west entrances on 2F. |
Additional Amenities | Supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and newsstands in the waiting and transfer halls. |
How to Get to Beijing Train Station?

Source from Travelchinaguide
Beijing Railway Station Transportation
Beijing Railway Station is ideally located in the city center, just a short distance from major landmarks like Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City. It serves as a central hub for travelers, situated about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from Beijing South Railway Station and 27 kilometers (17 miles) from Capital International Airport. For the fastest route to the station, taking the subway is highly recommended.
By Subway
The subway is the most recommended mode of transport to reach Beijing Railway Station. Line 2 offers a direct route to the station and is an effective way to travel from various parts of the city, including direct connections from both Beijing Daxing and Beijing Capital Airports.
Subway Line | Operating Hours | First Train | Last Train | Ticket Price |
Line 2 | 05:15 AM to 10:36 PM | 05:15 AM | 10:36 PM | RMB 3 to RMB 8 |
By Taxis
Taxis provide a quick and convenient way to reach Beijing Railway Station, though they are generally more expensive than other forms of transport. The taxi drop-off and pick-up areas are conveniently located at the station square.
Table: Taxi Fare Details in Beijing
Time of Day | Initial Fare (0-3 km) | Fare per km (3-10 km) | Fare per km (over 15 km) |
Day (5:00 AM - 11:00 PM) | RMB 13 | RMB 2.5 | RMB 3.6 |
Night (11:00 PM - 5:00 AM) | RMB 18 | RMB 3.1 | RMB 4.7 |
For ease of communication, you can show the following Chinese sentence to the taxi driver:
to Train Station | Chinese Phrase | Pinyin | English Translation |
Beijing Railway Station | 请带我去北京火车站, 谢谢! | qǐng dài wǒ qù Běijīng huǒchē zhàn, xièxiè! | Please drive me to Beijing Railway Station, thank you! |
Beijing South Station | 请带我去北京南站, 谢谢! | qǐng dài wǒ qù Běijīng nán zhàn, xièxiè! | Please drive me to Beijing South Station, thank you! |
Beijing West Station | 请带我去北京西站, 谢谢! | qǐng dài wǒ qù Běijīng xī zhàn, xièxiè! | Please drive me to Beijing West Station, thank you! |
By Bus
There are several bus routes serving Beijing Railway Station from various directions, making it accessible by public transport.
Table: Bus Routes to Beijing Railway Station
Direction | Bus Routes |
To Beijing Railway Station West | 103, 104, Night Line 10, 19, 21, 24, 28, 5, Zhuan 2 |
To Beijing Railway Station Front Street | 9, 24, 63, 126, 140, 142, 668 |
To Beijing Railway Station East | 126, 639, 122, 403, Capital Airport Shuttle Bus, West Railway Station Line, 20, 39, Night Line 17, 21 |
Beijing South Station Transportation

Source from TravelChinaGuide
Beijing South Railway Station is another major hub for travelers in Beijing. Previously, the nearest subway station to Beijing South Railway Station was Xuan Wu Men (宣武门) on Line 2. After exiting the subway at exit D2, you would walk south along Xuan Wu Men Wai Da Jie for about 400 meters until you reached the Jiao Chang Kou (校场口) bus stop. From there, you could take the number 102 bus to its final stop, a trip that lasted about 10 minutes and cost 0.40 yuan. A short walk of 30 meters from the bus terminus would bring you to another bus stop where you could catch a transfer bus for 1 yuan. This bus would take you directly to the South Gate of the new Beijing South Station, arriving at the South Hall.
Subways
The station is served by Subway Lines 4 and 14, offering an efficient link to central Beijing and both airports. Trains run from 05:15 AM to 11:15 PM for Line 4, and from 05:30 AM to 10:40 PM for Line 14. Ticket prices range from RMB 3 to RMB 7.
Line | Location | First Train | Last Train | Ticket Price |
4 | B2 level | 05:15 | 23:15 | RMB 3 - RMB 7 |
14 | B3 level | 05:30 | 22:40 | RMB 3 - RMB 7 |
Taxis
Taxis are available at the east and west exit gates of the Transfer Hall on B1 level. Daytime rates start at RMB 13 for the first 3 km, increasing to RMB 2.5 per km up to 10 km, and RMB 3.6 per km thereafter. Night rates are slightly higher.
From | Duration (minute) | Cost (CNY) |
Tiananmen Square | 25 | 45 |
Capital Airport | 55 | 130-150 |
Buses
Approximately 15 bus routes serve the station, connecting it with the city center and various districts. Buses run from 06:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
Location | Routes |
North Square | 3, 9, 21, 62, 67, 40, 50, 65, 89, 96, 129, 142, 143, 320, 339, 374, 394, 616, 387, 414, 663, 694, Night Line 14, 23, 5, & 8 |
South Square | 890, 982, 53, 122, 616, 122, 309, 349, 410, 836, 919, Night Line 15 & 22 |
Train stations in Beijing

Source from Wikipedia
Beijing South Railway Station
Beijing South Railway Station is the preeminent hub for high-speed rail in Beijing, located strategically in the Fengtai District. This station is the largest in terms of size and handles the highest volume of high-speed trains in the city, primarily operating G and C type trains. The modern facility was rebuilt and expanded over two years and now features 13 platforms and 24 tracks. It serves as a critical link in the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity and the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railways, offering swift connectivity to major eastern destinations.
- Location: No.12, Yongwai Avenue, Fengtai District, South Beijing
Destination | Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
Beijing Capital International Airport | 40 km | 1 hour by car |
Nanyuan Airport | 13 km | 35 minutes by car |
Downtown (Temple of Heaven) | 7 km | 20 minutes by car |
Hotels near Beijing South Railway Station

Source from Wikipedia
Beijing West Railway Station
Beijing West Railway Station not only accommodates a large volume of passenger traffic with both high-speed and regular train services but also serves as a vital gateway for long-distance and international travel. It is the second-most important high-speed train station in Beijing, acting as the starting point for the Beijing-Guangzhou and Beijing-Kowloon (Hong Kong) high-speed railways. For those traveling to Tibet, trains departing to Lhasa originate here. Daily, the station manages 273 trains, including 192 high-speed (G) trains that connect Beijing with major cities like Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, as well as several D trains to Shenzhen.
- Location: East Lianhuachi Road, Fengtai District, Western Beijing
Destination | Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
Beijing Capital International Airport | 40 km | 1 hour by car |
Nanyuan Airport | 20 km | 40 minutes by car |
Downtown (Palace Museum) | 12 km | 25 minutes by car |
Hotels near Beijing West Railway Station

Source from Wikipedia
Beijing Railway Station
Beijing Railway Station holds historical significance and continues to be a key player in the network, focusing on international routes and slower regional trains. Located in the heart of the city, it offers services to cities in Russia, Mongolia, and North Korea. With its central location and deep historical roots, this station remains crucial for travelers heading to northeastern China and beyond.
- Location: Maojiawan Hutong Jia, Dongcheng District, Southeast Beijing
Destination | Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
Beijing Capital International Airport | 35 km | 1 hour by car |
Nanyuan Airport | 22 km | 45 minutes by car |
Downtown (Tiananmen Square) | 4.5 km | 15 minutes by car |
Hotels near Beijing Railway Station

Source from Wikipedia
Changping North Railway Station
Changping North Railway Station focuses on slower, regional train services, playing a lesser role in high-speed rail traffic but crucial for local commutes.
- Location: North Ring Road, Changping District, North Suburb of Beijing
Destination | Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
Downtown (Tiananmen Square) | 30 km | 45 minutes by car |
Beijing East Railway Station
Primarily a freight station, Beijing East also handles a few passenger services. It is located in the bustling Chaoyang District, connecting regional routes to the capital.
- Location: No. 27, Baiziwan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Destination | Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
Downtown (Tiananmen Square) | 15 km | 30 minutes by car |
12306 vs. Trip.com
When booking train tickets in China, travelers can choose between 12306, the official site of China Railway Corporation, and Trip.com, a reliable international travel agency. While 12306 allows users to book directly, it often experiences technical issues and offers support only in Chinese during limited hours. Conversely, Trip.com provides a user-friendly interface, multilingual 24/7 customer support, and accepts various payment methods, making it cheaper and more accessible for international travelers.
Feature | 12306 | Trip.com |
Booking Source | Official China Railway website | Best International travel agency |
Additional Fees | No extra fees | Possible extra fees |
Service Hours | 5 AM to 1 AM (11:30 PM on Thursdays) | 24/7 |
Website Reliability | Occasional errors and crashes | Stable and user-friendly |
Customer Service | Chinese only, limited hours | Multilingual, available 24/7 |
Payment Options | Limited to local methods | International credit cards, AliPay, WeChat Pay |
Additional Services | None | Hotels, flights, tours |
FAQs about Beijing Train Station
What is the main train station in Beijing?
The main train station in Beijing is Beijing South Railway Station. It is the largest in terms of size and handles the highest number of high-speed trains. Serving as a central hub, it connects Beijing to major cities across China with a focus on high-speed rail services.Where to take a high speed train in Beijing?
To take a high-speed train in Beijing, you can head to either Beijing South Railway Station or Beijing West Railway Station. These stations serve as the primary departure points for high-speed rail travel, with Beijing South focusing on routes toward the south and east of China, and Beijing West handling routes going west and southwest.How do I get to Beijing South train station?
To get to Beijing South train station, you can use the Beijing Subway which is one of the most convenient methods. The station is accessible via Line 4 and Line 14 of the subway system. Buses and taxis also provide easy access to the station, which is located in the Fengtai District, south of central Beijing.