Chongqing Railway Station: North, East, West and Shapingba Explained

Can you still catch a train at Chongqing Railway Station today? Well, not at the original one. The old Chongqing Railway Station (locally called Caiyuanba Station) closed for reconstruction in 2022. So now every train in the city leaves from one of four other stations: Chongqing North, Chongqing East, Chongqing West or Shapingba.

That's why the station printed on your ticket matters more than you think! The four stations are far apart from each other and picking the wrong one can cost you an hour of cross-city travel. 

Keep reading this guide to learn which Chongqing railway station you need, how to get there by metro, the main routes from each one and how to book your tickets.

Which Chongqing Railway Station Do You Need?

It depends on where you are going. As a rule of thumb, Chongqing East handles trains to Wulong and southeast Chongqing, Chongqing North covers most long-distance and northbound routes, and Chongqing West serves southwestern destinations like Guiyang and Kunming. Shapingba is the most central option for quick trips to Chengdu.

Tip: Show your taxi driver the Chinese name, not the English one. Chongqing North and Chongqing West are about 15 km apart, and mixing them up is one of the easiest ways to miss your train.

Is the Old Chongqing Railway Station (Caiyuanba) Still Open?

No. Chongqing Station stopped handling passengers in 2022 after 70 years of service. However, some older travel blogs and even a few taxi drivers still call it "Chongqing Railway Station" or simply "Chongqing Station." So, if your ticket does not say North, East, West or Shapingba, double-check it before you head out.

The station is being rebuilt as a much larger high-speed rail hub. Chongqing Daily reports that the new station is planned to be fully completed and in use in 2028. Once it opens, it will be linked to Chongqing East by a new rail tunnel under the Yangtze River.

Chongqing North Railway Station: Which Square Do You Need?

Chongqing North (重庆北站) is the busiest station in the city and the one most travelers end up using. It sits in Yubei District, close to Jiangbei International Airport, and handles most trains to Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Beijing.

North Square vs. South Square

This is the part that trips people up. Chongqing North has two sides, the North Square (北广场) and the South Square (南广场), and each one has its own metro stop. Generally, high-speed G and D trains depart from the North Square side, while slower conventional trains (Z, T and K) use the South Square side.

However, you will not get stuck if you pick the wrong side. Since a 2021 upgrade, the two squares have been linked by an underground passage, and passengers can now reach the waiting hall whether they enter from the North Square or the South Square. It is still a long walk with luggage, so getting off at the right metro stop saves you time.

Tip: Your Trip.com booking or the 12306 app shows your train number. If it starts with G or D, head to the North Square.

How to Get to Chongqing North Railway Station

The metro is the easiest option. The North Square stop is served by Lines 4 and 10, and the South Square stop by Lines 3, 10 and the Loop Line.

From the North Square, Line 10 with a transfer to Line 2 at Zengjiayan gets you to Linjiangmen near Jiefangbei in about 28 minutes for ¥4-5.

Tip: If you are flying into Jiangbei Airport, Chongqing North is the most convenient station. Line 10 runs from the airport straight to both squares, and Line 3 reaches the South Square without a transfer.

Main Routes From Chongqing North

Chengdu is by far the most popular route. The fastest trains on the Chengdu-Chongqing high-speed line take 62 minutes, and there are around 143 departures a day, with second-class seats priced from ¥85 to ¥191. Fares now change with demand so peak-hour and holiday trains land at the higher end of that range.

Where Is Chongqing East Railway Station?

Chongqing East Railway Station (重庆东站) is in Nan'an District, on the south bank of the Yangtze River. It opened to passengers in 2025 and it is now the main gateway to Wulong and southeast Chongqing.

It is also technically the largest train station in the world. The station covers 1.22 million square meters, more than five times the size of New York's Grand Central Terminal, with 15 platforms and 29 tracks. So, plan a few extra minutes for walking. Getting from the entrance to your platform can take longer than you expect.

If you see "east chongqing railway station" on a booking site or blog, it is the same place. The official English name is Chongqing East.

How to Get to Chongqing East Railway Station

Right now, only one metro line reaches the station. As of 2026, the only metro serving Chongqing East is the Line 6 East Station branch, which opened together with the station on June 27, 2025.

Here is how to get there from downtown Jiefangbei:

• Step 1: Take Line 6 from Xiaoshizi Station toward Chayuan.
• Step 2: Get off at Liujiaping and make the same-platform transfer to the Line 6 East Station branch.
• Step 3: Ride the branch to Chongqingdong Railway Station. This last leg takes about 14 minutes.

Lines 24 and 27 will also connect to Chongqing East in the future. However, both lines are still under construction with no fixed opening date.

Important Note: Some online guides say Line 24 already serves the station but that's not the case, so plan your trip around Line 6.

Main Routes From Chongqing East

Chongqing East is the starting point of the new Chongqing-Xiamen high-speed line, which runs southeast through Nanchuan, Wulong, Pengshui and Qianjiang. Since that section opened on June 27, 2025, the trip from central Chongqing to Qianjiang has dropped to as little as 66 minutes.

Direct G trains from Chongqing East to Wulong South take 38 to 46 minutes with second-class fares between ¥62 and ¥80. Keep in mind that a few Wulong trains also leave from Chongqing North, but they take about 2 hours. So, if you are going to Wulong, Chongqing East is the one to pick.

Facilities at Chongqing East

You will find the usual basics: food courts, convenience stores, ATMs, luggage storage and free Wi-Fi. However, since the station is so new, its commercial facilities are still relatively limited. That's why I recommend grabbing a proper meal before you arrive if you have a long trip ahead.

When Should You Use Chongqing West Railway Station?

Chongqing West (重庆西站) sits in Shapingba District and is the main gateway for trains heading to southwestern China. It officially opened on January 25, 2018, and has 15 platforms and 31 arrival and departure tracks. Locals call it the "Eye of Chongqing" because its sweeping glass roof looks like an eye.

It is a bit farther from downtown than Chongqing North. You can reach it on Metro Line 5 or the Loop Line in about 30 to 40 minutes from Jiefangbei.

Keep in mind that some Chengdu trains use West instead of North. The two stations are about 15 km apart and both serve the Chengdu line, so always match the station printed on your ticket.

Is Shapingba Railway Station the Best Option for Chengdu?

It can be, especially if you are staying in Shapingba or near the university area. Shapingba Railway Station (沙坪坝站) mainly serves high-speed C and G trains on the Chengdu-Chongqing route, and it connects to Metro Lines 1, 9 and the Loop Line. However, Chongqing North still has far more daily departures to Chengdu, so it is the better pick if you want flexibility.

Important Note: The station sits directly beneath the Longhu Jinsha Tianjie shopping mall near Three Gorges Square. First-time visitors often walk right past it because it does not look like a station from the street. So, follow the metro signs for the railway station instead of searching at street level.

How Do You Book Train Tickets From Chongqing?

You have three options, and they all sell tickets at the same official fare.

If you go with the 12306 app, you no longer need to visit a station to activate your account. Since November 2023, foreign passport holders can verify their identity online by entering their name, nationality and passport number, or by uploading a photo of their passport for manual review. Manual review can take longer, so set this up before your trip.

Whichever option you pick, enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport. Your ticket is linked to your passport number, and you will show your passport at the station.

Tip: Tickets open 15 days before departure, and the best daytime slots sell first. Routes like Chongqing to Chengdu sell out quickly around Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week, so book as soon as your dates are set.

What Should You Know Before Taking a Train From Chongqing?

Train travel in China is very organized, but the security process takes longer than most Americans expect. Here is how boarding works:

• Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early. Give yourself extra time at Chongqing East because of its size, and always during holidays.
• Pass the entrance check. Show your passport and put your bags through the X-ray scanner.
• Find your waiting area. Check the departure boards for your train number and gate.
• Board at the gate. Boarding usually opens about 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Foreign passport holders generally go through the manual lane (人工通道), where staff check your passport by hand.
• Your car and seat numbers are on your booking confirmation.
• Gates close a few minutes before departure, and staff will not let you through late. If you are running behind, tell a staff member right away.

Tip: Download offline maps before you go. Mobile signal can drop on the lower levels of the bigger stations, which makes a reliable eSIM worth having.

Where to Stay Near Chongqing Railway Stations?

Jiefangbei and Hongyadong: This is the best area for sightseeing and your first time in Chongqing. You will be within walking distance of the riverfront, the famous night views and plenty of hot pot restaurants, and the metro connects you to every station.

Yubei District: This is the better pick if you have an early train from Chongqing North or a flight out of Jiangbei Airport. Hotels here are generally cheaper, though you will need the metro or a taxi to reach downtown.