Last checked: 2026-07-09

Chengdu to Chongqing Train: What First-Time Visitors Actually Need to Know

You've spent a few days in Chengdu, eaten your weight in mapo tofu, and seen the pandas. Now you're heading east to Chongqing-the city of mountains, hot pot, and neon-lit skylines. The train is the obvious choice. It's fast, frequent, and drops you right in the city center. But which station? Which ticket? And how do you actually buy one without a Chinese ID?

Here's the short version: the high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on the service. Trains run from around 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, roughly every 15 to 30 minutes. The most common routes are from Chengdu East (Chengdu Dong) to Chongqing North (Chongqing Bei) or Chongqing West (Chongqing Xi). A standard second-class seat costs around 150-160 RMB (about $21-$23 USD). You can book online via Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) or at the station, but online is easier for foreigners.

Quick Answer

For most travelers: book a second-class seat on a G-train (high-speed) from Chengdu East to Chongqing North. That's the most frequent and convenient combination. If you're staying in central Chongqing (Jiefangbei or the Riverside area), Chongqing North is closer than Chongqing West.

• Best for speed: G-train, second class, Chengdu East to Chongqing North.
• Best for budget: Same train, same class. Prices are fixed, so there's no discount for slower trains.
• Best for convenience: Book on Trip.com using your passport number. Pick up the paper ticket at the station or use the e-ticket (most stations now accept passport scans at the gate).

What To Know Before You Decide

Which station in Chengdu?

Chengdu has two main train stations: Chengdu East (Chengdu Dong) and Chengdu (the main station, also called Chengdu Railway Station or Chengdu Zhan). Almost all high-speed trains to Chongqing depart from Chengdu East. It's a modern station with good English signage, about 20 minutes by metro from the city center (Line 2 or Line 7). The old Chengdu station has some trains, but they're slower and less frequent. Don't accidentally go there.

Which station in Chongqing?

Chongqing has three main stations: Chongqing North (Chongqing Bei), Chongqing West (Chongqing Xi), and Chongqing (the old station, currently under renovation or limited service). Chongqing North is the most useful for tourists-it's on Metro Line 3 and Line 10, close to the city center. Chongqing West is newer but farther from the main tourist areas. If your hotel is in the Jiefangbei or Riverside area, aim for Chongqing North.

What about D-trains vs. G-trains?

G-trains (高速铁路, gaosu tielu) are the fastest, topping out at 300 km/h. D-trains (动车, dongche) are slightly slower but still high-speed. On the Chengdu-Chongqing route, the time difference is only about 10-15 minutes, and the price is similar. Either is fine. Check the duration when booking-some D-trains take 1 hour 40 minutes instead of 1 hour 15 minutes.

Can you buy tickets at the station?

Yes, but it's slower. You'll need your passport, and the ticket machine may not accept foreign cards. The counter works, but expect a queue. If you arrive at Chengdu East without a ticket, you can usually buy one for a train departing within the next hour-except during Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, National Day, May Day), when trains sell out days in advance.

What about the app?

Trip.com (the international version of Ctrip) is the most reliable way for foreigners to book train tickets. You can pay with a foreign credit card (Visa, Mastercard) and use your passport number. The app will give you a booking confirmation, but you still need to collect a paper ticket at the station-or use the e-ticket if the station supports it. As of 2026, most major stations accept passport scans at the gate, but bring your passport anyway. Note: This policy can change. Verify before you travel.

Step-by-Step Plan

Download Trip.com (or use the website). Create an account with your email.

Search for trains from Chengdu East to Chongqing North. Select your date. G-trains are labeled "G" followed by a number.

Choose second class (二等座, er deng zuo). It's comfortable, with reclining seats and a tray table. First class is slightly wider but not worth the extra cost for a 1.5-hour ride.

Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on your passport. Mismatched names can cause problems at the gate.

Pay with a foreign card. Trip.com adds a small service fee (usually 5-10 RMB).

Arrive at Chengdu East at least 30 minutes early. You'll need to go through security (bags scanned, ticket checked). Follow the signs to your platform.

Board the train. Find your carriage and seat number. Luggage racks are above the seats or at the ends of the car.

Enjoy the ride. The scenery is mostly tunnels and farmland, but it's smooth and quiet. Buy snacks from the trolley (cash or WeChat Pay) or bring your own.

Arrive at Chongqing North. Follow the signs to the metro or taxi stand. The metro is easy-buy a single-journey token at the machine (cash only) or use Alipay if you have it set up.

Common Mistakes

• Going to the wrong station. Double-check your ticket: Chengdu East, not Chengdu station. Chongqing North, not Chongqing West.
• Forgetting your passport. You need the physical passport to board. A photo won't work.
• Booking too late during holidays. Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, Golden Week, Labor Day) sell out weeks in advance. Book as soon as your dates are firm.
• Assuming you can pay with cash on the train. The snack trolley accepts cash, but the ticket machines at the station often don't. Bring small bills.
• Not checking the platform number. The platform is announced about 10 minutes before departure. Watch the board or listen for the announcement (Chinese only). If you're unsure, ask station staff-they're used to foreigners.

Recommended Booking / Planning Options

• Trip.com (affiliate link: [book trains on Trip.com](#)): The easiest way for foreigners to book. They handle the passport verification and send you a QR code. The service fee is small, and it saves you a trip to the station.
• Hotel near Chongqing North: If you arrive late, consider a hotel near Chongqing North station. The Holiday Inn Express Chongqing North is a reliable choice, about a 5-minute walk from the station. It's not fancy, but it's clean and convenient.
• Food on the train: The trolley sells boxed lunches (about 40-60 RMB), instant noodles, and drinks. The food is edible but not great. Better to grab a snack at Chengdu East station before boarding-there's a 7-Eleven and a few bakeries.
• Tour combo: If you're planning to explore Chongqing's highlights (Hongya Cave, the Yangtze River cable car, hot pot), consider a half-day tour that picks you up from Chongqing North. Some operators on Trip.com offer this.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a Chinese phone number to book the train?

A: No, Trip.com works with your email and passport number. You don't need a Chinese SIM to book, but having one (or an eSIM) helps if you need to change plans last minute.

Q: Can I change or cancel my ticket?

A: Yes, but there's a fee. On Trip.com, you can cancel up to 15 minutes before departure for a partial refund. The closer to departure, the smaller the refund. Check the app for exact terms.

Q: Is the train better than flying?

A: For this route, yes. The train takes about 1.5 hours city center to city center, including security and waiting. Flying takes about 1 hour in the air, but you need to add 1 hour to get to the airport (Chengdu Shuangliu or Tianfu), 1 hour for check-in and security, and another hour to get from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport to the city. The train wins on convenience and cost.

Q: What's the luggage limit?

A: No strict weight limit, but you need to fit your bag in the overhead rack or at the end of the car. A standard carry-on suitcase (22 inches or smaller) is fine. Larger suitcases can go in the luggage area at the end of the carriage.

Q: Do the trains have WiFi?

A: Some newer trains have free WiFi, but it's slow and unreliable. Download your movies and podcasts before boarding. Mobile data (via eSIM or local SIM) works fine in the tunnels.

Q: Can I buy a ticket at the station with a foreign credit card?

A: Not reliably. The ticket machines usually accept Chinese bank cards and Alipay/WeChat Pay only. The counter may accept foreign cards, but it's hit or miss. Bring cash (RMB) as a backup.

Some pages may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.