Badaling Great Wall Railway Station: Maps, Tickets, Times & Tips

Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: March 5, 2026

The first time I took the high-speed train to the Badaling Great Wall, what struck me most was how simple the journey felt. In less than an hour, Beijing’s dense cityscape faded into mountains, and suddenly I was stepping out at Badaling Great Wall Railway Station (八达岭长城站) — the deepest underground high-speed rail station in the world, quietly tucked beneath the Great Wall’s rugged hills.

For many travelers, reaching the Great Wall sounds complicated at first. Buses, traffic, tour groups — it can feel overwhelming when you’re planning from afar. But in reality, the high-speed train is one of the fastest and most stress-free ways to get there.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how Badaling Great Wall Railway Station works — from reading the station map and buying tickets to understanding train schedules and finding the exit that leads straight toward the Wall. If you’re visiting Badaling for the first time, this is the easiest way to make the journey feel smooth and confident from Beijing to the Great Wall.

1. Badaling Great Wall Railway Station Overview

The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is your gateway to one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Located just 70 kilometers north of Beijing, it offers a quick and convenient route to the famous Badaling section of the Great Wall. The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station and Badaling Railway Station are two different stations, don’t be confused!

Construction of the station began in March 2016. It was completed and opened to the public on December 30, 2019, when the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway began operations.

The location map of both Badaling Great Wall Railway Station and Badaling Railway Station

Location Map: Badaling Great Wall Railway Station and Badaling Railway Station

As of 2019, the station covers 49,500 square meters. Of this, 9,000 square meters are above ground, while the remaining 40,500 square meters are underground. Designed to handle up to 1,500 passengers at a time, it features two platforms and four tracks. This layout ensures smooth and efficient operations, even during busy tourist seasons.

The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is one of China’s deepest underground high-speed railway stations. It is situated 102 meters beneath the scenic mountain area surrounding the Great Wall. The underground space spans 36,000 square meters, forming an expansive, multi-level structure.

The station’s unique design includes a complex network of tunnels and chambers. At both ends, the excavation span reaches 32.7 meters, making it the largest single-arch underground railway tunnel in China. This innovative design helps the station maintain high capacity and efficiency, while minimizing the environmental impact on the surrounding landscape.

2. Badaling Great Wall Railway Station Location

The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is a stone’ throw away from the Badaling Scenic Area, Badaling Town, Yanqing District, Beijing. It is near the Guntian Gou Tunnel and the Cable Car Station. After exiting the station, passengers will find the ticket office right next to them.

Badaling Great Wall Ticketing Office

To reach the Cable Car Station, simply exit the station, turn right, and walk for just a few minutes. From there, you can take the cable car to the area between Tower 7 and Tower 8 ( in the northern secton of the Wall). You can either walk down to Tower 12 or continue walking down to Tower 1.

Badaling Great Wall Cable Car Station

If you’re looking for a gentler way up the Wall, the South Line Funicular (南线地面缆车) might surprise you. The funicular looks like a small train running on tracks and moves slowly and steadily up the mountain. The car floor lines up perfectly with the platform—no gap, no lifting, and no transfers required.

Just follow the signs to the funicular station near the main entrance. It’s easy to reach, with elevators, smooth ramps, and wide passageways throughout. The station is modern and well designed, making it especially convenient for travelers with mobility needs.

If you prefer to hike, exit the station, turn left, and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the entrance at Tower 1. From there, you can hike both the north and south sections of the Great Wall.

Security Check and Entrance for Tower 1 at Badaling

The station is also well-connected. It is next to the Beijing-Tibet Expressway (Jingzang Highway) and National Highway G110. This makes it very accessible and convenient for tourists traveling to the Great Wall.

3. How to Get to Badaling Great Wall by Train

Now that you know a little about the station, let’s get into the practical details of how to reach the Badaling Great Wall Railway Station and visit the Great Wall.

The high-speed train going from Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station

Train Options: Beijing to Badaling

Several high-speed trains depart from Beijing’s main railway stations, mostly from Beijing Qinghe Railway Station （清河站）. The journey from Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station takes around 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers.

Inside the Qinghe for Badaling Great Wall Railway Station Train

How to Check the Latest Train Timetable

You can easily check the most up-to-date train schedule on China Railway’s official 12306 website/app (English available).

Simply enter the following details:

From: Qinghe(清河) — Qinghe North Railway Station
To: Badalingchangcheng (八达岭长城) – Badaling Great Wall
Date: Your planned travel date

Once you search, the system will display the latest train options, departure times, and travel duration. This is the most reliable way to confirm schedules before your trip.

4. How to Buy Train Tickets to Badaling Great Wall

Buying train tickets to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is simple. You can purchase tickets at the station, or online through the official China Railway website or various third-party platforms. If you are not familiar with the language, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance. Many online platforms also offer English-language options for foreign travelers.

Tickets can also be bought via the Badaling station ticket purchase counters or self-service machines at the station itself. Be sure to have your passport ready when purchasing tickets, as they are required for identification.

Ticket Prices

The cost of a ticket from Beijing to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station varies, but it is generally affordable, especially considering the speed and comfort of the high-speed train. The price can range from around 30 to 60 RMB depending on the class of service and time of day.

5. How to Navigate Badaling Great Wall Railway Station

The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is not only a transportation hub but also a significant feat of modern engineering. As mentioned earlier, it holds several national records, such as the deepest underground high-speed railway station in China and the largest single-arch span for an underground railway tunnel.

Arriving at Badaling Great Wall Railway Station – the world’s deepest high-speed railway station

Additionally, the station’s layout, which separates incoming and outgoing passengers, sets a new standard for high-speed railway stations. This design ensures a smooth flow of people, minimizing crowding and improving the overall visitor experience.

Take the first escalator inside the Badaling Changcheng Railway Station

Take the first escalator inside the Badaling Great Wall Railway Station

Navigating Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is straightforward. Upon arrival, you’ll enter the station hall, where you’ll be able to find escalators or inclined elevators to help you go up to the scenic area.

Walking to the second escalator

For those interested in walking, the station also provides clear pedestrian paths leading directly to the Great Wall, though it’s recommended to take the shuttle bus for Tower 1. But for taking cable car, you just walk from the railway station to the Cable car station.

Take the second escalator up

In addition to the very long escalators, the station is equipped with inclined cabin elevators (also called inclined lifts) and standard barrier-free elevators. These inclined elevators are specifically designed for passengers who have mobility difficulties, are carrying heavy luggage, or simply need easier access.

The inclined elevator itself is quite interesting — it runs along a sloped track, similar to a small funicular, with a vertical rise of about 42 meters and a total length of roughly 84 meters. Riding it feels a bit like taking a small cable car inside the station.

6. Badaling Great Wall Railway Station VS Badaling Railway Station

Important Reminder: Badaling Great Wall Station and Badaling Railway Station are not the same. They are two different stations with distinct locations.

Badaling Great Wall Station is a high-speed rail station, conveniently located just a short distance from the Badaling Great Wall. It offers quick access for tourists traveling by train, making it an ideal choice for visitors planning to explore the Great Wall.

Badaling Train Station for Suburban Trains S2

On the other hand, Badaling Railway Station is a smaller, suburban station. It is situated at the intersection of Provincial Road 216 and National Highway G6 in Badaling Town. This station is about 1.5 kilometers away from the Badaling Great Wall ticketing offices. While it provides train services to the area, it is not as close to the Great Wall as the Badaling Great Wall Station.

The high-speed trains (G or D Trains) to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station are mainly from Qinghe Railway Station in Beijing; while the suburban trains ( S2 Trains ) to Badaling Railway Station are mainly from Beijing North Railway Station ( Suburban Railway ).

So, when planning your visit, make sure you know which station you are heading to for easier access to the Great Wall.

7. How to Get to Qinghe Railway Station

Most of the highspeed trains gong to Badaling Great Wall depart from Qinghe Railwway Station. Transportation to and from Qinghe Station in Beijing is very convenient, with multiple options including subway, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing services. The best way is taking subway.

The location and subway map of Qinghe Railway Station (Credit: Baidu Map)

Subway
Qinghe Station serves as an interchange hub both for the Railway Station and Subway Line 13. Passengers can easily transfer between Subway Line 13 and the train station.

The high-speed train going from Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall

Walking from the underground Subway Line 13 up to the Railway Station

First you take the subway line 2 and get off at the station of Xizhimen Station, then interchange for Subway Line 13, get off at Qinghe Railway Station.

The waiting room at Qinghe Railway Station

After exiting the Qinghe Railway Station (清河站) of Subway Line 13, follow the guiding signs to the security screening area, and then proceed to the entrance to Qinghe Raiway Station. Line 13 operates from 5:35 AM to 10:42 PM. So take the Subway line 13, you can easily get into Qinghe Railway Station.

8. How to Buy the Entry Tickets for Badaling Great Wall

A walk along the Badaling section of the Great Wall isn’t just a hike—it’s a journey through centuries of Chinese history. Once a key military stronghold, today it stands as a proud symbol of China’s resilience and determination. Whether you’re a history lover or just up for a thrilling climb with epic views, Badaling never disappoints.

How to Get Your Tickets

On-site Tickets: Available directly at the entrance
Advance Booking: Recommended 1 to 10 days ahead
Official Channel: Book via the WeChat Mini Program

Prefer booking in English? International travel platforms like Viator, Trip.com, or GetYourGuide are great alternatives. They offer user-friendly interfaces and helpful extras like guided tour options—perfect for international visitors.

FAQs about Badaling Great Wall Railway Station

1. What is Badaling Great Wall Railway Station—and how is it different from Badaling Railway Station?

Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is a modern high‑speed rail station under the Great Wall, opened December 30, 2019 on the Beijing–Zhangjiakou line. It is distinct from the older Badaling Railway Station, which serves the slower S2 suburban trains (~1.5 hours ride).

2. How deep and large is the station?

This station is the deepest high‑speed railway station in the world, reaching around 102 meters underground. It spans 49,500 m²—9,000 m² above ground and 40,500 m² below.

3. How long does the high-speed train take from Qinghe to the station?

The train from Qinghe Railway Station takes just about 20 minutes and costs roughly 26 CNY for a second‑class seat (~$4 USD). These trains run frequently throughout the day.

4. How far is the station from the Great Wall entrances?

The station exit is just a 2–3 minute walk to the Badaling cable car and around 800 m (0.5 miles) to the main climbing entrance of the Great Wall.

5. What is the station layout and passenger capacity?

There are 2 platforms and 4 tracks and the station can serve up to 1,500 passengers at once. Facilities include waiting halls, elevators, ticket machines, restrooms, and nurse rooms on different underground levels.

6. When should I arrive before departure?

Ticket gates often close 12 minutes before departure. To avoid rush, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early for check‑in and security screening.

7. How do I get to Qinghe Station from central Beijing or the airport?

From downtown, use subway line 13 or bus lines to Qinghe. From airports, transfer via Dongzhimen (Airport Express) then subway line 13. From Beijing North, take subway lines 2/4/13. All routes allow easy connection to Qinghe for the high-speed train.

8. Can I book tickets in English, and how far ahead?

You can buy tickets on 12306.cn, which offers an English interface. Foreign travelers can book up to 15 days in advance, although availability varies—booking early is advised. On-site booking is still available.

9. What should I expect traveling via the station?

Expect long escalators or elevators connecting deep underground levels. Be prepared for the experience of descending like entering an “underground city” with broad halls and tunnels.

10. Which is the best route: Beijing North Station or Qinghe Station?

Qinghe Railway Station offers more frequent trains (about 14 departures daily) and a shorter ~20-minute ride. Beijing North Railway Station offers fewer services (~6 trains) with ~30–37-minute travel time. Choose based on your location and schedule.

By the time you step out of Badaling Great Wall Railway Station, the mountains are already around you. It’s a surprisingly smooth arrival. One moment you’re on a high-speed train in Beijing, and the next you’re walking toward one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall.

That’s really what makes this station so useful for travelers. Instead of navigating long highway traffic or crowded tour buses, you arrive quickly, comfortably, and just minutes from the Badaling entrance. For many first-time visitors, this simple train ride removes a lot of the uncertainty of reaching the Great Wall on your own.

Over the years, I’ve watched more independent travelers choose this route — and for good reason. The station is modern, clearly organized, and designed to guide visitors directly toward the scenic area. Once you understand the exits, ticket process, and train schedule, the journey becomes surprisingly straightforward.

So when you’re planning your visit to the Badaling Great Wall, consider taking the high-speed train. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn what could feel like a complicated day trip into a smooth and memorable journey from Beijing to the Wall.

About the Author

Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.