Photo: 夏枫水月 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Contents
Leaving behind the ancient terra cotta warriors of Xian for the neon-lit, vertical cityscape of Chongqing marks a dramatic shift in the Chinese travel experience. You move from the flat, dusty plains of Shaanxi province into the misty, mountainous heart of the southwest, where the Yangtze River carves its way through a city built on cliffs. This journey is a favorite for those wanting to pair imperial history with the spicy, high-energy atmosphere of China's most famous mountain city.
The route is exceptionally well-connected, making it easy to transition from a morning walk on Xian's ancient city walls to a spicy hotpot dinner overlooking the Jialing River by evening. Whether you prefer the efficiency of the high-speed rail network or the speed of a short domestic flight, the logistics are straightforward. You can easily browse schedules and book your tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc to ensure your seats are secured before you arrive at the station.
Xian to Chongqing by Train
The railway is the most popular way to make this trip. For a sample day in October 2026, 12306 showed more than 30 train listings. Most high speed trains depart from Xian North Railway Station and arrive at Chongqing West, Chongqing North or Shapingba. The fastest services take just over 5 hours, most G trains take between about 5.3 and 6.2 hours, and conventional K and Z trains take about 9 to 10.5 hours.[1]
Tickets
Foreign passengers buy real-name tickets with a valid passport and must show it to enter the station and board the train.[2] At the moment 12306 sells train tickets 15 days before departure, and for travel after 30 December the advance sale period is 30 days.[1]
Sleeper Options
On the conventional overnight trains, such as K507 which leaves Xian East at 23:06,[1] you will encounter the traditional Chinese sleeper classes. Hard Sleepers consist of six bunks in an open compartment, which is a great way to meet locals and save on a night of accommodation. Soft Sleepers offer four bunks in a private, lockable cabin. These trains are slower but provide a nostalgic look at Chinese rail travel.
Xian to Chongqing by Flight
If you are short on time, flying is a viable alternative. Flights depart from Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and land at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG). Both airports are located outside the city centers, so once the transfers and check-in are added, the advantage over the high speed train shrinks. Flying can be a relief during peak holiday seasons like Golden Week or Chinese New Year, when train tickets sell out quickly. At Chongqing Jiangbei, Metro Line 3 serves Terminal 2, and Line 10 runs between Terminal 3 and Terminal 2.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| High Speed Train | About 5 to 6.2 hours[1] | High |
| Conventional Train | About 9 to 10.5 hours[1] | Moderate |
| Flight | Shortest time in the air, plus airport transfers | High |
Tips for Traveling from Xian to Chongqing
- Book in Advance: For popular routes like Xian to Chongqing, Second Class seats on the fastest trains disappear quickly, so plan your booking early on GoAsia.cc.
- Station Logistics: Xian North (Xianbei) is a massive station. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security and find your platform. In Chongqing, check whether your train arrives at North, West or Shapingba station.
- Luggage: Trains have generous luggage allowances compared to budget airlines, but you must be able to lift your bags onto the overhead racks or into the designated areas at the end of each carriage.
- Food: While trains have a dining car and trolley service, most locals bring their own instant noodles, fruit, and seeds. Every carriage has a hot water dispenser for tea or noodles.
- Prepare for Hills: Chongqing is built on steep terrain, so be prepared for lots of stairs and a very impressive monorail system.
Timetable
| Flight Xian - Chongqing $ 111.08–246.33 1h 20m – 1h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Xian to Chongqing, including current prices and schedules.
Fares depend on the train, the date and how early you book, so compare the current fares on 12306 and flight prices before you decide.
Flying is the fastest in the air. However, when you include airport transfers and security, the high speed train of about 5 hours is often just as efficient.
High speed trains take about 5 to 6.2 hours and conventional trains about 9 to 10.5 hours. A flight is shorter in the air, but you need to add airport transfers.
Most high speed trains to Chongqing depart from Xian North (Xianbei) Railway Station. It is connected to the city center by metro.
Yes, the route passes through the Qinling Mountains, featuring numerous tunnels and bridges. You will see a mix of rural farmland, deep valleys, and rugged peaks as you move toward the Sichuan basin.
Yes, foreign passengers buy real-name train tickets with a passport and must show it to enter the station and board the train. You also need your passport at airport security and boarding.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Xian to Chongqing, 16 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): 12306 FAQ. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] China Southern Airlines: Chongqing airport: rail services. 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.