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The 30-Second Decision Guide (For Those in a Hurry) & Understanding the Bullet Train Route (With Map)
Best Overall Choice: D1979 departing 12:08 (¥279, arrives 17:20)
Best for Speed: G3433 departing 11:00 (¥422, arrives 16:19)
Best for Budget: Any D-train (save ¥156 per ticket)
Best for Families: First class on G1833 at 13:16 (quieter, more space)
Avoid: The 17:10 departure (arrives too late) and weekend evening trains (packed)
The Xi'an to Chongqing high-speed train covers 957 kilometers through 3 distinct geographical regions.
You'll start in Xi'an's flat Wei River Plain, climb through the Qinling Mountains (China's natural north-south divide), and finally descend into Chongqing's hilly terrain along the Yangtze River.
Stops: Most trains make strategic stops at Hanzhong (famous for its pandas), Guangyuan (gateway to Sichuan), and sometimes Langzhong (ancient city), though express G-trains might skip some stations.
Xi’an to Chongqing High Speed Train Schedule 2025 (Complete Timetable)
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Contact Us to Book the Train Schedules
Chinese trains are remarkably punctual – when they say 7:40 AM departure, they mean it!
Morning trains are perfect if you want to maximize your first day in Chongqing. Afternoon departures suit travelers who prefer leisurely mornings or need to check out of hotels at standard times.
The 12:30 PM train is ideal for those who want to see Xi'an's morning attractions before departing. Note that the 17:10 departure arrives quite late – consider this only if you're staying near Chongqing's train station.
Xi’an to Chongqing Bullet Train Ticket Types and Prices: Making the Smart Choice
After years of riding these trains and gathering feedback from our travelers at Asia Odyssey Travel, I can tell you that each class has its place, and more expensive doesn't always mean better value.
Second Class: The Smart Traveler's Choice (¥279-464)
Second class is where 80% of travelers sit, and for good reason. The seats are comfortable with good legroom (similar to economy plus on airlines).
The 2+3 seating configuration means some seats are in pairs (perfect for couples) while others are in threes. For the 5-6 hour journey, second class is perfectly adequate.
On D-trains, second class costs just ¥279 – an incredible value for covering nearly 1,000 kilometers.
First Class: Worth the Upgrade? (¥447-744)
First class offers 2+2 seating with wider seats and more recline. The extra space is noticeable, especially if you're tall or traveling with lots of hand luggage.
The cabin tends to be quieter with fewer children, making it easier to work or rest. However, for a 5-hour journey, many travelers find the upgrade cost hard to justify.
When does first class make sense? If you're traveling during peak times when second class is full, if you need to work on your laptop comfortably, or if you're treating yourself to a special journey.
Business Class: Luxury on Rails (¥748-1,455)
Business class is a different world entirely. Think airline business class but with more space – fully reclining seats, personal service, complimentary snacks and drinks, and only 2+1 seating.
For the Xi'an to Chongqing route, it's honestly overkill unless you're a rail enthusiast wanting the experience or a business traveler who needs to arrive refreshed. The business class cabin is usually at the end of the train, which means less foot traffic and a quieter ride.
If you do splurge, the G2233 (16:23-22:05) business class at ¥838 offers the same luxury as G-trains but at a 40% discount.
Sleeper Class on D 967: Best for Relax (¥590-1080)
For the fastest journey from Xi'an to Chongqing, the D967 is the undisputed champion. While it only runs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, it's a game-changer, completing the trip in a remarkable 5 hours (05:18 - 10:21).
This is also the only service on this route offering sleeper cabins, providing a perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep after an early start. You have two excellent options:
- First Class Sleeper: A private four-person compartment with upper and lower bunk beds. It's a functional and comfortable space with standard amenities.
- Deluxe Sleeper (动卧 - Dòngwò): The premium choice. This is also a four-person cabin, but with significantly more comfort. Each spacious bed (around 70-80cm wide) features a personal TV, a coat hanger, a reading light, and charging sockets.
How to Book Xi'an to Chongqing High Speed Train Tickets (3 Available Options)
After watching countless travelers struggle with Chinese train booking systems, I've identified three methods that actually work.
Option 1: Online (The Foolproof Method)
Trip.com has become the go-to platform for foreign travelers booking Chinese trains, and for good reason.
The official railway website (www.12306.cn) and app are the cheapest option with no booking fees. However, they require patience. First, you'll need to register with your passport, which involves uploading documents and waiting for verification.
Option 2: Station Ticket Office (Best for Last-Minute Travel)
If you're already in Xi'an and want tickets for the same or next day, the station ticket office is reliable. Here's how to make it smooth: Write your request on paper in both English and Chinese: "Xi'an North → Chongqing North, (date), (number of passengers), Second Class."
The downside? Popular trains might be sold out, leaving you with less convenient departure times.
Option 3: Trough Travel Agency (Easiest Way)
This is by far the easiest option – just tell them when you want to travel, and they'll handle everything. You'll get paper tickets delivered to your hotel, usually within a few hours.
It's invaluableif you're nervous about the process, need tickets for multiple trains across China or plan a China tour. Just contact Asia Odyssey Travel, we’ll handle everything in Chinese, ensuring you get exactly what you need.
Xi'an Departure Points: Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站)
Yuanshuo Road, Weiyang District, Xi’an
No.44 Huancheng North Road, Xincheng District, XianXi'an North Station is where 100% of high-speed trains depart. Located 17 kilometers north of downtown (about 30-50 minutes depending on traffic), it's less convenient than the old station.
Getting there is straightforward. Metro Line 2 and Line 14 connect directly to the station (¥4-6, 35 minutes from city center). The Airport Express Line also stops here, convenient if you're coming straight from Xi'an Airport.
When boarding is announced (usually 15-20 minutes before departure), there's often a rush to the gates. Don't panic – your seat is reserved, so there's no need to push. However, do board promptly as Chinese trains leave exactly on time. Your ticket shows car number and seat number. Cars are clearly marked on the platform, and seat numbers follow airline-style logic: A and F are window seats, C and D are aisle seats in the three-seat section, while B is the middle seat.
The Boarding Process at Xi’an North Railway Station
At any major train station in China, you'll find a process similar to an airport's. There are a few steps before you get to your platform, but rest assured, it's more procedural than complicated.
- Main Hall Security Check: Your first stop is the main hall for a security screening. Expect luggage scanners and metal detectors, just like at an airport.
- Find Your Waiting Area: Once through security, you'll enter a massive departure hall. Your ticket will show a gate number, like "A12" or "B4". These are not your platforms. They are designated waiting areas that open for boarding approximately 15-20 minutes before departure.
- Boarding the Train: When the gate opens, expect an orderly but purposeful rush to the platform. Don't panic—your seat is reserved. But do move with intent, as trains depart exactly on time.
- Find Your Seat: Your ticket displays your carriage and seat number. Carriages are clearly marked on the platform. The seat numbering follows airline logic: A and F are window seats, C and D are aisle seats, and B is the middle seat in a three-person row.
Your Arrival in Chongqing: Which Chongqing Station is Best for You?
No.51 Kunlun Avenue, Yubei District, Chongqing
No. 19, Tian Chen Road, Yubei Road Street, Shapingba District, ChongqingOver 85% of high-speed trains from Xi'an arrive at Chongqing West Station (重庆西站 - Chóngqìng Xīzhàn). The rest primarily use Chongqing North or Shapingba.
Chongqing West Station (重庆西站): Located about 18 km from the city center, a taxi ride takes 30-40 minutes. Reaching the city center by metro takes about an hour (transfer from the Loop Line to Line 9). Its main advantage is its proximity to the Huayan Tourist Scenic Area.
Chongqing North Station (重庆北站): This massive station has two separate plazas, North and South, connected by the metro. The good news is its excellent connectivity. Metro Lines 3, 4, 10, and the Loop Line all stop here, making it easy to get anywhere in Chongqing.
Shapingba Station (沙坪坝站): Located in the university district, it's actually more convenient for certain destinations. If you're heading to the Ciqikou Ancient Town, it's just a 15-minute metro ride away. The station is served by Metro Lines 1, 9, and the Loop Line.
Local Tips for A Smooth Xi’an to Chongqing Bullet Train Ride
Having helped thousands of our travelers plan their high-speed rail journeys, we know what first-time visitors are curious about. Here are our tips for a smooth ride.
Seating & Comfort: The ride on a Chinese high-speed train is incredibly smooth. You can easily work on a laptop or read without any motion sickness. Every seat has a power outlet (Chinese standard), a fold-down tray table, and a mesh pocket for small items.
Seats recline slightly—enough to rest without bothering the person behind you. The higher the class (from Second to Business), the more you can recline, with Business Class offering a fully lie-flat option.
Climate Control: The temperature can be inconsistent. Trains tend to blast the AC in the summer and the heat in the winter, so dressing in layers is always a good idea. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
Food & Drink Options: A dining car offers hot meals (¥35-60), which are decent but overpriced—think airline food quality at restaurant prices. Snack carts regularly pass through selling snacks, instant noodles (¥10-15), drinks, and fruit.
Hot water is free and available from dispensers at the end of each carriage, so feel free to bring your own tea or instant coffee.
Bathroom Facilities: Restrooms on Chinese trains are generally clean and include both Western-style and squat toilets. They are locked during station stops and about 10 minutes before arrival. Always bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer, as supplies can run out on busy services. There are identical restrooms at both ends of the carriage, so check the other end if one has a queue.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity: There is no Wi-Fi on most Chinese trains, but cell signal is generally strong except in tunnels. A good book, downloaded Netflix shows, or offline games are perfect for tunnel sections.
What Awaits You in Chongqing
Chongqing is a vertical city built on mountains, where navigation apps get confused, where spice levels reach extremes that would make Sichuanese blush, and where the confluence of two major rivers creates mystical foggy mornings.
Chongqing's main city sights can be explored in 1-2 days. Hit the ground running on your arrival day.
Day 1: Arrival
After arriving by train, drop off your bags and head straight to an authentic Chongqing hotpot restaurant. Unless you are extremely confident in your spice tolerance, order the "Yuanyang Guo" (鸳鸯锅)—a split pot with half spicy broth and half mild.
That evening, witness the transformation of Hongyadong (洪崖洞) at dusk. This 11-story traditional complex, built into a cliffside, becomes a glittering fantasy world straight out of a movie. It's admittedly touristy, but for good reason—the sight is pure magic.
Day 2: Local Life & Surreal Sights
Beat the crowds with an early morning ride on the Yangtze Cableway. Grab some "Xiao Mian" (小面)—the city's undisputed breakfast of champions—from any street vendor.
Get lost in the alleys around Shibati (十八梯). This recently revitalized but still characterful old quarter shows what life was like before the skyscrapers.
For a truly surreal Chongqing experience, ride Metro Line 2. This line is famous for passing directly through a residential building. At Liziba Station (李子坝), the train pulls into the sixth floor of an apartment block. It’s bizarre, brilliant, and quintessentially Chongqing.
Day 3 (Optional): Ancient Art
If you have a third day, take a trip to the Dazu Rock Carvings, a 90-minute drive from the city center. These UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist sculptures, dating back to the 9th century, rival the more famous Longmen Grottoes.
Planning Your Xi'an to Chongqing Tour
The journey from Xi'an to Chongqing is a brilliant travel choice, pairing China's most famous ancient capital with its futuristic "Magic City." From here, you can seamlessly connect to other exciting destinations.
Consider embarking on a classic Yangtze River Cruise right from Chongqing's docks, or take a short train ride to Chengdu, the beloved home of giant pandas.
The Essential Southwest Triangle (7-9 Days)
Start with 2-3 days in Xi'an exploring the Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, and ancient city walls. Take the morning D-train to Chongqing (save money for more experiences), spend 2-3 days discovering the mountain city's vertical wonders and spicy cuisine.
Then continue by high-speed train to Chengdu (just 2 hours) for 2-3 days of pandas and Sichuanese culture. You can fly out from Chengdu or circle back to Xi'an by train (3 hours).
The River and Rails Journey (10-12 Days)
Combine your train journey with a Yangtze River cruise for the ultimate southwest China experience. Spend 2-3 days in Xi'an, take the train to Chongqing, then board a 3-4 day downstream cruise to Yichang (passing through the Three Gorges and touring the massive dam).
From Yichang, high-speed trains connect to Wuhan (2 hours) or Shanghai (5 hours), or you can fly home from Wuhan's well-connected airport.
The Deep Dive Cultural Journey (14-16 Days)
For those with more time, extend your journey into China's southwest minorities region. After Xi'an and Chongqing, continue to Guiyang (3 hours by train) to explore Guizhou Province's Miao and Dong villages.
Or head to Kunming (6 hours) as a gateway to Yunnan's diverse cultures. These extensions transform a city-hopping trip into a deep cultural immersion.
China High Speed Train Ride Made Easy with AOT
Let Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) handle your high-speed rail adventures in China! We'll book your tickets, guide you through stations, and provide 24/7 support. Skip the confusion and travel stress-free with us.
Tour Packeges: China High Speed Train Tour Packages
China High Speed Train Cities: Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Hong Kong
Useful Travel Tips: China High Speed Train Guide
Contact us today to start planning your adventure, and let us show you the dynamic beauty and enduring traditions of this extraordinary region.
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