Leaving behind the salty sea breeze and colonial charm of Xiamen for the monumental scale of Beijing is a journey across the heart of China's transformation. While Xiamen offers a relaxed, coastal atmosphere with its pedestrian islands and subtropical gardens, Beijing greets you with the staggering history of the Forbidden City and the frantic energy of a global political hub. Spanning over 2,000 kilometers, this route is a favorite for those wanting to see the contrast between the innovative South and the traditional North.
Because this is one of China's most important domestic corridors, the infrastructure is world class. You can choose between the efficiency of the aviation network or the marvel of the high speed rail system. Whether you want to zip through the clouds in a few hours or watch the changing Chinese landscape from a comfortable train seat, both options provide a reliable gateway to the capital. You can easily secure your tickets for this journey through GoAsia.cc to ensure a smooth transition between these two iconic cities.
Xiamen to Beijing by Train
The rail journey from Xiamen to Beijing is a showcase of Chinese engineering. Depending on the service you choose, you can experience everything from the ultra fast G-series high speed trains to the classic overnight sleeper services. The fastest high speed trains complete the journey in about 6 hours and 1 minute, while slower conventional services can take up to 10 hours and 39min. Prices vary significantly based on the level of comfort, ranging from $43 for a basic seat to $499 for a premium experience.
High Speed G-Trains
The high speed trains are the most popular choice for business travelers and tourists alike. These trains depart from Xiamen North and arrive at Beijing South. You have three main seating classes. Second Class is the standard choice, offering plenty of legroom and a power outlet for every row. First Class provides wider seats and a quieter environment. For those looking for ultimate luxury, Business Class features fully reclining seats, high quality meal service, and access to VIP lounges at the station. Prices for these modern marvels typically start around $115 for second class and go up to $499 for business class.
Sleeper and Conventional Trains
For budget conscious travelers or those who enjoy the nostalgia of the rails, there are also conventional and overnight sleeper options. The Hard Seat is the most economical at $43, though it is not recommended for such a long journey unless you are on a very tight budget. The Hard Sleeper and Soft Sleeper options provide a bed in a shared compartment, allowing you to save on a night of accommodation. There are also specialized sleeper trains like the 1st Class and 2nd Class Sleepers on newer D-series trains, which provide a more modern overnight experience with prices starting around $100.
Xiamen to Beijing by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to bridge the gap between the southeast coast and the capital. Flights depart from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) and arrive at either Beijing Capital (PEK) or the massive new Beijing Daxing (PKX). The flight time is remarkably short, ranging from 2 hours and 35 minutes to 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Airlines on this route offer high frequency, with departures available from early morning until late at night. Economy class prices generally range from $285 to $616. While more expensive than the cheapest train tickets, flying saves you nearly half a day of travel time. Major carriers like Xiamen Air, Air China, and China Southern operate this route, providing excellent service and meal options even on these relatively short domestic hops.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Speed Train (Business) | $499 | 6h 1min | Ultra High |
| High Speed Train (2nd Class) | $115 | 6h 30min | High |
| Conventional Train (Hard Seat) | $43 | 10h 39min | Low |
| Sleeper Train | $75 - $150 | 10h 40min | Medium |
| Flight (Economy) | $285 - $616 | 2h 35min | High |
Tips for Traveling from Xiamen to Beijing
When planning your trip, consider which station or airport is most convenient for your accommodation. In Xiamen, the high speed trains mostly depart from Xiamen North, which is quite far from the popular Zhongshan Road or Gulangyu areas, so allow at least an hour to get there. In Beijing, the high speed trains arrive at Beijing South, which is centrally located and well connected to the subway system.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during Chinese public holidays like Golden Week or the Lunar New Year, when tickets for both trains and flights sell out weeks ahead. If you choose the train, bring your own snacks as the onboard food options, while available, can be limited in variety. For flights, Beijing Daxing Airport is a tourist attraction in itself due to its stunning architecture, so arriving there can be a great start to your Beijing visit.
Timetable
| Flight Xiamen - Beijing $ 283.78–714.72 2h 35m – 3h 20m | |
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| Train Xiamen - Beijing $ 43.14–497.50 10h 39m – 1d 6h 1m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Xiamen to Beijing directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The cheapest way to travel is by taking a conventional train with a Hard Seat, which costs approximately $43. However, for a more comfortable budget experience, a Hard Sleeper or Second Class train seat is often preferred.
The fastest way is to fly, with flight times as short as 2 hours and 35 minutes. Even including airport transit and security, it remains quicker than the fastest high speed train.
Travel time depends on the mode: flights take between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, high speed trains take about 6 hours, and conventional sleeper trains can take over 10 hours.
You can fly into either Beijing Capital (PEK) or Beijing Daxing (PKX). Capital is closer to the city center and the embassy district, while Daxing is newer and serves many domestic routes with excellent high speed rail links to the city.
The high speed train is highly reliable and avoids the frequent air traffic delays common in China. However, if you are short on time, a flight is significantly faster and offers many more departure times throughout the day.
Yes, you will need your passport to book both train and flight tickets in China. You must also present your physical passport at the train station or airport for identity verification before boarding.