🚄 Beijing Railway Stations Guide

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

Beijing Transportation Pin Map

Train Station & Airport

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?

Accommodations Near Main Railway Stations

Beijing Railway Station

• Beijing Pudi Hotel Located just a 5-minute walk from Beijing Railway Station, this hotel offers modern rooms, English-speaking staff, and immediate access to Metro Lines 2 and 5 for seamless city exploration  .
• Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel Beijing Directly adjacent to the station, this property provides a complimentary shuttle service to the railway terminal, free Wi-Fi, and a business center—ideal for arriving guests looking to transition quickly into Beijing’s heart  .

Beijing West Railway Station

• Beijing Guangdong Hotel A short 10-minute walk from West Railway Station’s south exit, the Guangdong Hotel features spacious rooms, free high-speed internet, and proximity to Lize Business District via Metro Line 14  .
• Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel Connected by an underground passage to the station, Sheraton Lize offers 24-hour shuttle service, a fitness center, and multiple dining options—all within the Lize Metro hub  .

Beijing South Railway Station

• Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven Just one metro stop or a 5-minute taxi ride from South Railway Station, this IHG property features free breakfast, a business lounge, and Metro Line 5 connections to central landmarks  .
• Hanting Express Beijing South Railway Station An 8-minute walk from the station, Hanting Express provides compact rooms, 24-hour front desk service, and access to several bus routes—perfect for budget-minded travelers keen on public transport  .

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.