All You Need to Know About Beijing’s Main Train Stations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxbxilANqJQ&t=215sWhen you travel in Beijing, you will likely pass through one of the city’s four main train stations. These stations help millions of people get around the country every year. Take a look at how busy two of them get:

Beijing stands out as a top rail hub in China. Every day, high-speed trains connect you to cities like Shanghai. Here are some facts:

• Over 52 million people traveled by train between Beijing and Shanghai in 2024.

• Only about 8.6 million chose to fly that route.

• The rail network runs more than 100 trains daily, with top speeds of 217 miles per hour.

You need the right Beijing Train Station Guide to help you navigate this busy system. This guide will help you make smart choices for your next journey.

Key Takeaways

• Beijing has four main train stations. Each one goes to different places. Pick the right station for your trip. Think about where you want to go.

• High-speed trains are the quickest way to travel. They go between big cities fast. You can get to places like Shanghai and Guangzhou easily. The ride is quick and comfortable.

• Get to the station 45 to 60 minutes early. This gives you time for security checks. You will also have time to find your platform.

• Use the 12306 website or app to buy tickets. It is easy to use and has English support. This is the official way to get train tickets in China.

• Learn some basic Mandarin phrases and look at the station map. This will help you get around the busy train stations more easily.

Beijing Train Station Guide

Main Stations Overview

You will find four main train stations in Beijing. Each one has its own style and purpose. Here is a quick look at what makes each station special:

You can use this table as a quick reference when you plan your trip. Each station connects you to different parts of China. The Beijing train station guide helps you match your destination with the right station.

Roles and Connections

Beijing’s main train stations do more than just move people around the city. They connect you to almost every corner of China. You will see how each station fits into the bigger picture:

• Beijing acts as a rail transport hub for the whole country.

• The city has seven major railway stations, including the four main train stations and three other important ones: Daxing Airport Station, Chaoyang Station, and Changping/Badaling Great Wall Stations.

• You can catch a high-speed railway from Beijing South Station to Shanghai or Tianjin. These routes are some of the busiest in China.

• Beijing West Station links you to Guangzhou and Hong Kong with high speed railway station services.

• Beijing North Station is your gateway to the Great Wall and the Winter Olympics area. The intercity railway from here gets you to Badaling fast.

• Daxing Airport Station connects the airport to the city’s rail network. You can transfer between flights and trains with ease.

• Chaoyang Station serves as a new high speed railway station for routes to the northeast, including Harbin and Shenyang.

• Changping and Badaling Great Wall Stations help you reach tourist spots and nearby cities using intercity railway lines.

Tip: If you want to save time, choose a high-speed railway or intercity railway. These trains are fast, modern, and comfortable.

Beijing’s rail network stretches across China. You can travel to Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Tangshan in record time. The Beijing–Shanghai and Beijing–Guangzhou lines start here. These routes connect you to important economic zones. Intercity railway lines like Beijing-Tianjin and Beijing-Xiong’an make it easy to move within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

You will notice that Beijing’s train stations play a huge role in the country’s travel system. The city’s rail network links almost every region in China. With so many options, the Beijing train station guide helps you pick the best route for your journey.

If you want to explore China by train, you will find that Beijing’s main train stations and high speed railway station options make travel simple. The intercity railway network lets you visit nearby cities for work or fun. You can rely on the Beijing train station guide to make your trip smooth and easy.

Beijing Railway Station

Location

You will find Beijing Railway Station right in the heart of the city. The station sits in the Dongcheng District, close to many famous landmarks. If you stay near the city center or visit places like Tiananmen Square, you can reach the station quickly. The area around the station feels busy and lively, with shops, hotels, and restaurants nearby. You can spot the station’s classic architecture from a distance. It stands out with its grand entrance and traditional Chinese design.

Transport Links

Getting to Beijing Railway Station is simple. You have many options for public transport. The subway makes travel easy, especially if you want to avoid city traffic. Here are some ways you can reach the station:

• Line 1 (Beijing Subway): This line runs through the center of Beijing and connects you to key areas, including Beijing Railway Station.

• City buses stop right outside the station. You can catch a bus from many neighborhoods.

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well if you carry heavy bags or travel with family.

Tip: Try the subway during rush hour. It often moves faster than cars or buses.

Facilities

You will find many helpful services at Beijing Railway Station. The station tries to make your trip smooth and comfortable. Here is a quick look at what you can use:

You can relax in the waiting halls or grab a meal before your train leaves. If you need help with your bags, look for porters in red caps. Buying tickets is easy with machines and ticket counters on the first floor. The station also connects you to the metro, so you can switch between trains and subways without trouble.

Beijing South Station

Location

You will find beijing south railway station in the Fengtai District. This spot sits just south of the city center. If you want to visit famous places, you are in luck. Many top attractions are close by. Here are some you might want to check out:

• Tiananmen Square

• The Forbidden City

• Monument to the People’s Heroes

• National Museum of China

• Great Hall of the People

• Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

You can reach these sites quickly by subway or taxi. The area around beijing south railway station feels modern and busy. You will see lots of shops, hotels, and restaurants. The building itself looks huge and bright, with a curved glass roof that lets in sunlight.

Transport Links

Getting to beijing south railway station is easy. You have many choices for public transport. The station connects you to both subway lines and city buses. You can use:

• Subway Line 4 and Line 14, which stop right at the station

• City buses that run to many neighborhoods

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps for a quick ride

If you plan to travel far, you will love the high-speed railway options here. Trains leave for cities like Tianjin, Shanghai, and Xi'an. The high-speed railway network makes your trip fast and smooth. You can reach Shanghai in about five hours. Many people choose beijing south railway station for its quick connections. The high-speed railway lines here are some of the busiest in China.

Tip: Arrive early if you travel during holidays. The station gets crowded, and high-speed railway trains fill up fast.

Facilities

You will find everything you need at beijing south railway station. The station feels clean and organized. Here is a quick look at what you can use:

You can grab a snack, buy a ticket, or relax before your train. The high-speed railway platforms are easy to reach by escalator or elevator. If you need help, just ask at the information desk. The south railway station makes travel simple and stress-free.

Beijing West Station

Location

You can find Beijing West Railway Station on East Lianhuachi Road in the Fengtai District. This spot sits in the southwest part of Beijing. The station serves many people who live or work in Fengtai. If you stay in this area, you will reach the station quickly. Here is a quick look at where it is:

The area around the west railway station feels busy and full of life. You will see shops, hotels, and restaurants nearby. Many travelers use this station every day.

Transport Links

Getting to the west railway station is easy. You have many choices for public transport. The subway is a great option if you want to avoid traffic. You can use:

• Subway Line 7: This line connects the west railway station to Huanqiu Dujiaqu (Universal Resort).

• City buses: Many bus routes stop right outside the station.

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps: These work well if you have heavy bags or travel with family.

You can switch between trains, subways, and buses without much trouble. The west railway station makes travel simple for everyone.

Tip: Try to use the subway during rush hour. It often moves faster than cars or buses.

Facilities

You will find many helpful services at the west railway station. The station tries to make your trip smooth and comfortable. Here is a table to show what you can use:

You can buy tickets, store your bags, or relax in one of the many waiting rooms. If you get hungry, you will find plenty of food options. Staff at the information desks can help you with directions or questions about your train. The west railway station gives you everything you need for a smooth journey.

Beijing North Station

Location

You will find Beijing North Station in the Xizhimen area. This spot sits in the Xicheng District, which is northwest of the city center. The station’s address is 1 Binhe North Road, Xizhimen North Street. If you want to visit Tian’anmen Square, you only need to travel about 8 kilometers (5 miles). The station is also close to Beijing Capital International Airport, around 30 kilometers (19 miles) away. Take a look at this table for a quick overview:

You will notice the station’s modern design and easy access from main roads. The area around the station feels lively, with shops and places to eat nearby.

Transport Links

Getting to Beijing North Station is simple. You have many choices for public transport. The subway makes travel quick and easy. You can use Line 2, Line 4, or Line 13 to reach the station. City buses also stop here, so you can pick the route that fits your needs. Here’s a table to help you see your options:

If you want to visit the Great Wall or Winter Olympics sites, you can catch a high-speed train from north railway station. The subway and bus lines make it easy to switch between different parts of Beijing.

Tip: Try using the subway during busy hours. You will avoid traffic and save time.

Facilities

You will find many helpful services at Beijing North Station. The waiting areas feel clean and bright, with plenty of seats. You can buy tickets at self-service machines or ticket counters. If you need help, staff at the information desk will guide you. The station offers food stalls, convenience stores, and restrooms. You can also find luggage lockers if you want to store your bags for a few hours. Here’s a quick list of what you can use:

• Spacious waiting halls with clear signs

• Self-service ticket machines and ticket counters

• Food stalls and convenience stores

• Luggage lockers and porters

• Information desk for directions and train times

• Clean restrooms on every level

You will feel comfortable and safe while you wait for your train. The station’s design makes it easy to find your way, even if you visit for the first time.

Other Key Stations

Daxing Airport Station

You might use Daxing Airport Station if you want to move fast between flights and trains. The station uses smart technology to help travelers. You can check in with your face and track your bags with special systems. There are seven levels, so you will find shops, restaurants, and check-in counters for both local and international flights. The underground area is a busy hub. You can switch between trains and airport services quickly. Here are some main features:

Tip: For a quick trip from the airport to the city, Daxing Airport Station gives you comfort and speed.

Chaoyang Station

Chaoyang Station is in a busy part of Beijing. You can get there by subway, bus, taxi, or ride-sharing. Subway Line 10 and Line 6 stop close by, so you can reach the station from many places. Parking is there, but it gets crowded on weekends. The station connects you to northeast China, like Harbin and Shenyang. If you want to relax before your train, you can go to Chaoyang Park. The park has fun places like Pop Land amusement park, a big lake with boats, sports fields, gardens, and the Wang Fu Cha Lou tea house.

• Pop Land amusement park

• Big lake with boat rentals

• Sports fields and courts

• Gardens

• Wang Fu Cha Lou tea house

Note: Chaoyang Station is a good pick if you want to reach northeast China or relax before your trip.

Changping & Badaling Stations

You can use Changping and Badaling Stations if you want to visit the Great Wall or nearby cities. Badaling Great Wall Railway Station helps you get to the famous Badaling part in less than an hour. This part of the Great Wall is popular and well-kept, so many people choose this way. The station makes it easy to see the historic site without a long trip. Changping Station also connects you to local places and helps you travel around Beijing.

🚆 If you want to see the Great Wall fast, Badaling Station is the best place to start.

Choosing a Station

By Destination

You want to pick the right station based on where you are going. Each Beijing train station connects you to different cities and attractions. Take a look at this table to see which station matches your travel plans:

If you want to visit the Great Wall, you should use Beijing North Railway Station. For trips to Guangzhou or Hong Kong, Beijing West Railway Station is your best bet. Heading to Shanghai or Tianjin? Choose Beijing South Railway Station, which has some of the fastest high-speed railway options.

By Train Type

Think about the kind of train you want to take. High-speed railway trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between big cities. Most major tourist spots in China now connect by high-speed railway, so you can get to places like Shanghai, Tianjin, or Hangzhou quickly. If you want to save money or enjoy a unique experience, you might pick an overnight train. These trains offer soft sleepers, deluxe soft sleepers, and even new types of sleepers with different layouts.

• Overnight bullet trains between Beijing and Guangzhou run on weekends and Mondays.

• You can choose 2nd class seats or a new style of soft sleeper on overnight D trains.

• High-speed railway trains leave from Beijing South, West, and Chaoyang stations.

🚄 Tip: High-speed railway trains help you save time and make your trip more comfortable.

By Location

Your starting point in Beijing matters. Some stations sit closer to the city center, while others are farther out. Here’s a quick table to help you decide:

If you stay near Dongcheng, Beijing Railway Station is easy to reach. For travelers in Fengtai, both West and South stations are close by. You can use the subway to get to any main station, but picking the one nearest to you saves time. High-speed railway lines connect most stations, so you can always find a fast route.

Travel Tips

Navigation

Beijing’s train stations can feel huge and busy, but you can find your way with a few smart moves. Try to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before your train leaves. This gives you time for security checks and finding your platform. Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases, like “Where is the ticket office?” or “Which way to the platform?” These can help you read signs and ask for help. Before you go, look up the station map online. Many stations post maps near the entrance, so take a photo with your phone. If you get lost, ask a staff member—they usually wear uniforms and can point you in the right direction.

• Arrive early (45–60 minutes before departure)

• Learn simple Mandarin phrases

• Take a photo of the station map

• Ask staff for help if needed

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the beijing train schedule before you travel. This helps you plan your arrival and avoid missing your train.

Ticketing

You have several ways to buy train tickets in Beijing. Online booking is popular and saves time. You can use the 12306 website or app, which is the official platform. It works in English, but payment options may be limited for foreigners. Klook is another good choice, offering instant confirmation and more payment methods. If you prefer to buy tickets in person, visit the ticket counters at the station. Some travel agencies also help with bookings and can speak different languages, but they might charge a small fee.

• 12306 website/app (official, English available)

• Klook (easy for foreigners, many payment options)

• Buy at station ticket counters

• Use travel agencies for extra help

Note: Always bring your passport when picking up tickets. You need it for real-name verification.

Luggage

You can bring luggage on the train, but there are limits. Adults can carry up to 20 kg (44 lb), children 10 kg (22 lb), and diplomats 35 kg (77 lb). For high-speed trains, your bag’s length, width, and height together should not be more than 130 cm (51 in). For normal trains, the limit is 160 cm (63 in). If you have extra bags or want to explore the city without your luggage, use the left-luggage service at the station. Prices depend on the size and how long you store your bags.

Tip: Use left-luggage counters if you want to travel light while sightseeing.

Quick Checklist

Here’s a handy list to make your trip smoother:

• Download the “Railway 12306” app before you arrive

• Use the 12306.cn/en website for ticket purchases

• Sign up with your passport and email

• Pay with Visa, Mastercard, or Alipay

• Arrive at the station at least 25 minutes early

• Show your passport to pick up tickets

• Look for bilingual support on trains

• Remember: gates close 5 minutes before departure

• Food is available on board or through delivery apps

• Check refund policies if your plans change

🚉 Keep this checklist on your phone or print it out. It will help you stay organized and ready for your Beijing train adventure!

Each Beijing train station has its own strengths:

• Beijing South: Modern, easy to use, and great for trips to Shanghai or Nanjing.

• Beijing West: Best for southern cities like Guangzhou and Xi’an, with lots of amenities.

• Beijing Railway Station: Offers international routes and a classic feel, but you need extra time for documents.

• Beijing North: Perfect for Great Wall visits, with fast trains and a mix of old and new.

Use this guide to plan your trip. Always check your train details and arrive early—at least one hour before departure. Find your gate, watch the boards, and get ready for a smooth journey!

FAQ

How early should I arrive at a Beijing train station?

You should get to the station at least 45–60 minutes before your train leaves. This gives you time for security checks, finding your platform, and picking up tickets if needed. Arriving early helps you avoid stress.

Can I use my foreign credit card to buy train tickets?

You can use some foreign credit cards on the 12306 English website or apps like Klook. Not all ticket machines accept foreign cards. Bring cash or use Alipay/WeChat Pay as a backup.

Are signs and announcements in English?

Most big stations have English signs and announcements. You will see directions, ticket windows, and platform numbers in both Chinese and English. Staff at information desks often speak basic English.

What should I do if I miss my train?

Go to the ticket counter right away. Show your ticket and passport. Staff can help you change to the next available train, but you may need to pay a small fee. Don’t worry—missing a train happens to many travelers!