Photo: 夏枫水月 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Contents
The journey between Chengdu and Chongqing is a transition between two of Southwest China's most formidable urban giants. While Chengdu is often associated with a slower pace of life, teahouses, and the gentle presence of giant pandas, Chongqing is its vertical, neon-lit cousin, a sprawling megacity built into the mountains where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet.
The two cities are linked by a dense high-speed rail network, so the journey feels more like a cross-town commute than a trip between provinces. Whether you are heading to Chongqing to sample its notoriously spicy hotpot or to board a Yangtze River cruise, the train is the most practical way to travel on this route.
Chengdu to Chongqing by Train
For 17 October 2026 the 12306 booking page listed 156 services from Chengdu to Chongqing.[1] The morning departures in the listing leave from Chengdu East and arrive at Chongqing North, Chongqing West, Chongqing East, Chongqing Shapingba or Jiangbei Airport station.[1] You can book tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Travel Times
Among the morning departures, the quickest trains need little more than an hour, for example G8605 to Chongqing Shapingba (08:17 to 09:27, 1 hour 10 minutes) and G3711 to Chongqing West (07:10 to 08:26, 1 hour 16 minutes). Other morning trains take between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on the stops and the arrival station.[1] The arrival stations are in different parts of Chongqing, so check the station name before you choose a train.
Seat Classes
G trains in the listing sell business class, first class and second class seats. D trains sell first and second class, and standing tickets without a seat are also offered on many trains.[1] The fare for your date and seat class is shown on 12306 or when you book.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Arrival stations |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (G and D) | 1h 10min to 2h 50min (morning departures)[1] | Chongqing North, West, East, Shapingba or Jiangbei Airport |
Tips for Traveling from Chengdu to Chongqing
- Arrive Early: Chinese train stations are large and function more like airports, with security and ticket checks, so allow extra time before departure.
- Keep Your Passport Handy: Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show the same document to enter the station and board the train.[2]
- Know Your Station: Chongqing has several stations that trains from Chengdu use. Double-check which one your train arrives at, as they are located in different parts of the city.
- Avoid Holidays: Tickets sell out quickly around the Lunar New Year and Golden Week, so book as early as you can for these periods.
Timetable
| Train Chengdu - Jiaxiang $ 29.58–122.56 1h 40m – 3h 24m | |
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| Train Chengdu - Chongqing $ 70.53–109.41 1h 15m – 2h 48m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chengdu to Chongqing, including current prices and schedules.
Fares depend on the train, seat class and date. Second class on a G or D train is the standard economy choice, and the fare for your date is shown on 12306 or when you book.
Among the morning departures listed for 17 October 2026, the quickest, such as G8605 to Chongqing Shapingba, take 1 hour 10 minutes.
The morning departures listed for 17 October 2026 take between 1 hour 10 minutes and 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on the train and the arrival station.
The morning departures in the listing leave from Chengdu East. Other Chengdu stations may also have departures to Chongqing, so check the station printed on your ticket.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends and public holidays, when popular departures can sell out.
G trains sell business, first and second class seats, and D trains sell first and second class. Business class is the premium option, and second class is the standard choice.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] China Railway (12306): Ticket search Chengdu to Chongqing, 17 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): 12306 FAQ. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.