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 is served by several major train stations, each acting as a critical hub in the national and regional transportation network. Among these, Beijing Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station, and Beijing West Railway Station are the most prominent. Each station offers extensive connections to various parts of China, and understanding how to get to these stations can ease your journey.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 |
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