Chongqing to Chengdu by high-speed train
The fast and frequent high-speed train between Chongqing and Chengdu β two of southwest China's biggest cities. Journey time, stations, tickets, and travel tips.
Route overview
- One of China's most frequent short-haul high-speed routes
- Ideal day trip or stopover between the two cities
- Easy onward connections to Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Shan
Example train options
Services change by date. These examples illustrate the typical patternβalways search your exact travel date for current availability.
Choosing a seat class
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Chongqing to Chengdu high-speed train?
G-series high-speed trains from Chongqing North to Chengdu East take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. D-series trains take around 1 hour 50 minutes. With trains departing every 15β30 minutes throughout the day, this is one of the most convenient city pairs in China for spontaneous travel.
How much does a Chongqing to Chengdu train ticket cost?
Second class tickets cost approximately USD 15β25. First class is around USD 25β35. Given the short journey time, second class is the standard choice for most travellers. The route is also very popular with domestic travellers, so book in advance during Golden Week and Spring Festival.
Which Chongqing station should I depart from for Chengdu?
Most G trains to Chengdu depart from Chongqing North station (ιεΊεη«), the main high-speed hub. Some services also depart from Chongqing West (ιεΊθ₯Ώη«) β check your ticket carefully. Chongqing North is on metro lines 3 and 10; Chongqing West is on metro line 5.
Can I do Chongqing and Chengdu as a day trip from each other?
Yes, easily. The train is so frequent and fast that many travellers base themselves in one city and do a same-day trip to the other. Leaving at 8am from Chongqing, you arrive in Chengdu by 9:30am and can visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Jinli Ancient Street, or Kuanzhai Alley before a late-afternoon return train.
What is Chengdu East station like for foreign travellers?
Chengdu East (ζι½δΈη«) is a large modern station well connected to Chengdu metro line 2 and line 7. The station has English signage and self-service ticket machines that accept foreign passports. Line 2 takes you directly to the city centre (Tianfu Square) in about 20 minutes.
Is it worth visiting both Chongqing and Chengdu on a China trip?
Yes β they are very different cities worth seeing together. Chengdu is known for giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine, teahouse culture, and a more relaxed pace. Chongqing is dramatic, hilly, and industrial with iconic river views, night markets, and the best hotpot in China. Most itineraries spend 2 nights in each and use the train as the link.
Are there trains from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains)?
Yes, but not direct high-speed. The most common route is Chengdu to Zhangjiajie West by conventional or partially high-speed train, taking around 8β10 hours. Alternatively, travel Chengdu β Chongqing (1.5h) β Zhangjiajie (4β5h from Chongqing) for a scenic southwest loop.