Beijing, as China’s capital and a key transportation hub, boasts several major railway stations, each serving different high-speed and conventional rail routes. Whether you’re traveling to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Inner Mongolia, or even taking a day trip to the Great Wall, knowing which station to use is essential.
Beijing Transportation Pin Map (AMap version)
Click on the link text below, after navigate to open AMap, click on the “round Map icon” on the right corner to see the map view
1. Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站)
📍 Location: Fengtai District, West 3rd Ring Road
🚇 Subway: Line 7, Line 9
Key Features:
- One of Asia’s largest railway stations, handling high-speed and conventional trains.
- Major routes:
- High-speed rail (HSR): Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Chengdu, Wuhan.
- Conventional trains: Lanzhou, Urumqi, Kunming, Lhasa (Tibet).
- Tip: Crowded during holidays—arrive early for security checks.
2. Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站)
📍 Location: Fengtai District, Yongwai Avenue
🚇 Subway: Line 4, Line 14
Key Features:
- Beijing’s primary high-speed rail hub, designed like an airport terminal.
- Major routes:
- Jinghu HSR (Beijing-Shanghai): 4.5 hours to Shanghai.
- Jingjin Intercity (Beijing-Tianjin): 30-minute express trains.
- Some trains to Hebei (Xiong’an).
- Modern facilities: Plenty of dining options, easy subway transfers.
3. Beijing Railway Station (北京站)
📍 Location: Dongcheng District, near Jianguomen
🚇 Subway: Line 2
Key Features:
- One of Beijing’s oldest stations (opened in 1959).
- Major routes:
- Conventional trains to Northeast China: Harbin, Shenyang, Changchun.
- Jinghu Line (Beijing-Shanghai slow trains).
- International trains: Moscow (Trans-Siberian Railway, via Erlian).
- Classic Soviet-era architecture, but lacks high-speed rail services.
4. Beijing North Railway Station (北京北站)
📍 Location: Xicheng District, near Xizhimen
🚇 Subway: Line 2, Line 4, Line 13
Key Features:
- Small but important for trips to Zhangjiakou & the Great Wall.
- Major routes:
- Jingzhang HSR (Beijing-Zhangjiakou): 1 hour to Zhangjiakou (Winter Olympics site).
- Suburban Line S2: Scenic route to Badaling Great Wall (1.5 hours).
- Historic station building, but most trains now depart from the modern section.
5. Beijing Qinghe Railway Station (北京清河站)
📍 Location: Haidian District, near Shangdi
🚇 Subway: Line 13, Changping Line
Key Features:
- New hub for Jingzhang HSR (alternative to Beijing North).
- Major routes:
- High-speed trains to Zhangjiakou, Hohhot, Datong.
- Suburban Line Huairou-Miyun (S5): Scenic trips to Mutianyu Great Wall & Gubei Water Town.
- Less crowded than Beijing North, better for suburban travel.
6. Beijing Fengtai Railway Station (北京丰台站)
📍 Location: Fengtai District, South 4th Ring Road
🚇 Subway: Line 10, Line 16
Key Features:
- Asia’s largest railway station (reopened in 2022).
- Major routes:
- Jingguang HSR (Beijing-Guangzhou).
- Conventional trains to Central & South China.
- Designed to reduce congestion at Beijing West.
7. Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station (北京朝阳站)
📍 Location: Chaoyang District, near East 4th Ring Road
🚇 Subway: None yet (use bus/taxi to Line 14 Dongfengbeiqiao)
Key Features:
- Dedicated to Jingha HSR (Beijing-Harbin).
- Major routes:
- Shenyang, Changchun, Harbin (Northeast China).
- Modern station, but poor subway access—plan extra time.
Which Station Should You Use?
| Destination | Best Station | Train Type |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai, Nanjing | Beijing South | HSR (Jinghu Line) |
| Guangzhou, Shenzhen | Beijing West / Fengtai | HSR (Jingguang) |
| Harbin, Shenyang | Beijing Chaoyang | HSR (Jingha) |
| Zhangjiakou, Great Wall | Beijing North / Qinghe | HSR (Jingzhang) |
| Tibet, Xinjiang | Beijing West | Conventional trains |
Tips for Travelers
✔ Check your ticket carefully—stations like “Beijing West” and “Beijing South” are easily confused.
✔ Arrive 30-60 mins early for security (especially at Beijing West/South).
✔ Use subway transfers—most stations are well-connected except Chaoyang.
✔ International trains (e.g., to Moscow) depart from Beijing Station.
