How to Get from Beijing to Chongqing

Leaving behind the grand imperial architecture and wide boulevards of Beijing for the vertical, neon-lit labyrinth of Chongqing feels like stepping into a different dimension. While the capital is defined by its historical weight and orderly grid, Chongqing is a sprawling megacity built into the mountains, where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet and trains famously disappear into apartment buildings. The distance between these two giants is significant, which makes the choice of transport a vital part of your itinerary.

As you transition from the North China Plain to the humid, spicy heart of the Southwest, you will notice the landscape transform. Chongqing is often called the 'Mountain City' or the 'Foggy Capital,' and it serves as the gateway to the Three Gorges. Most travelers want to keep the journey short to maximize their time exploring the steep alleys and hot pot joints of Chongqing. You can easily secure your seat for this journey by booking through GoAsia.cc, ensuring a smooth transition between these two iconic Chinese destinations.

Beijing to Chongqing by Train

High speed trains connect Beijing and Chongqing every day. For a sample day in October 2026, 12306 listed 14 services, most of them from Beijing West station to Chongqing North or Chongqing West. The fastest G trains took about 7 hours, while the other daytime G trains took roughly 9.5 to 11 hours.^[1]

Overnight and Conventional Trains

Sleeper trains such as D3, D95 and D49 leave Beijing West from late morning to the evening and take about 18 hours, and D967 from Beijing Fengtai takes about 13 hours 40 minutes. The conventional T9 and K507 take about a day.^[1]

Stations and Tickets

Most trains leave from Beijing West, a few from Beijing Fengtai. In Chongqing, check whether your ticket names Chongqing North or Chongqing West. Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show it to enter the station and board the train.^[2]

Beijing to Chongqing by Flight

Flying is the fastest way to bridge the gap between the historic north and the mountainous southwest, although you need to add the time for airport transfers, check-in and security. Flights depart from either Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and land at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG).

Airports and Transfers

Beijing Capital offers airport express lines and airport buses to the city.^[3] At Chongqing Jiangbei, Metro Line 3 serves Terminal 2, and Line 10 runs between Terminal 3 and Terminal 2.^[4]

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Beijing to Chongqing

• Book in Advance: This is a busy business and tourism route. Book flights and trains well before your departure date, especially around public holidays.
• Check Your Station or Airport: Beijing has two major airports on opposite sides of the city, and trains use different stations. Double-check which one your ticket names to avoid an expensive taxi mistake.
• Prepare for Humidity: Beijing is often dry, while Chongqing is famously humid and misty. Pack layers that breathe well.
• Download Offline Maps: Chongqing is a 3D city where GPS often gets confused by the multiple levels of roads and walkways. Having a general sense of your destination's landmarks can be more helpful than a blue dot on a screen.
• Arrival Logistics: If you arrive late at night, taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, but make sure you have your destination address written in Chinese characters to show the driver.