Beijing, the capital city of China, is a bustling metropolis known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and extensive transportation network. As one of the country’s primary travel hubs, its railway system plays a vital role in connecting the city to suburban areas, major destinations across China, and even international locations. But just how many railway stations are there in Beijing, and what makes each one unique?
For foreign tourists, understanding the layout and function of Beijing’s railway stations is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. This guide answers the question, “How Many Railway Stations in Beijing?” while providing comprehensive details on the 7 major railway stations in Beijing, how to navigate them, and the key routes they serve.
1. Beijing Railway Station 北京站
Beijing Railway Station has 14 platform faces, and 16 tracks. It serves as a key intersection for multiple passenger rail lines, including most trains departing for the northeast and East China regions start from this station.
Location and Accessibility
Beijing Railway Station (北京站)
Address: No. A13, Maojiawan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing
地址：北京市东城区毛家湾胡同甲13号
Phone: 010-51834122
Beijing Railway Station is centrally located in Dongcheng District, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city. You can reach this station via subway line 2, which encircles the city center. Additionally, numerous bus lines serve the station, providing convenient connections. It is the oldest of the seven railway station in Beijing.
Main Routes
Beijing Railway Station primarily serves trains heading toward the northeast of China and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region. It is the starting and terminal station for the Beijing-Harbin and Beijing-Shanghai railways.
Key destinations include Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin, Changchun, Jilin, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Shijiazhuang, Changsha, and Shanghai.
Additionally, it operates international passenger trains to Pyongyang (North Korea), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), and Moscow (Russia).
Nearby Attractions
Being in the heart of the city, Beijing Railway Station is close to several iconic landmarks. You can visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing Shopping Street with ease.
2. Beijing West Railway Station
北京西客站
Beijing West Railway Station is designed with an “entry-above, exit-below” layout. The above-ground levels are designated for passenger entry and waiting areas, while the underground levels handle passenger exits. The B2 level features four exit points: North Exit 1, North Exit 2, South Exit 1, and South Exit 2.
The station has 13 waiting rooms with a total area of approximately 21,000 square meters, accommodating up to 25,000 passengers at the same time.
Location and Accessibility
Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站)
Address: No. 118, Lianhuachi East Road, Fengtai District, Beijing
地址 : 北京市丰台区莲花池东路118号
Phone: 010-51824233
Situated in Fengtai District, Beijing West Railway Station （offically known as Beijingxi Railway Station） is one of the largest and busiest in the city. You can reach it via subway lines 7 and 9. Numerous bus routes also serve the station, making it highly accessible.
Main Departure Directions:
Beijing West Railway Station primarily serves trains heading to southern cities, as well as the southwest and northwest regions, offering various types of services, including high-speed trains, bullet trains, and regular trains.
- Southern Cities: Includes the Beijing-Guangzhou – Hong Kong line and trains heading to the southwest and northwest.
- Southwest Direction: Destinations include Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, and other cities.
- Northwest Direction: Destinations include Xi’an, Lanzhou, and other cities.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors departing from Beijing West can explore Lotus Pond Park, Yuyuantan Park, and the Military Museum. These attractions are perfect for a leisurely day before catching your train.
3. Beijing South Railway Station
北京南站
Beijing South Railway Station has five main levels: the elevated waiting hall, platform and track level, transfer hall, and platforms for Subway Lines 4 and 14. There are two above-ground levels and three underground levels, with platforms located on the ground floor.
The elevated waiting hall is on the second floor. In the center is an independent waiting area. Ticketing offices are in all four corners, while entry halls are on the east and west sides. Waiting areas are arranged from north to south and can hold up to 10,500 passengers.
The station features 84 ticket counters and 39 self-service ticket machines. Entry and ticket checks are managed entirely by an automated
Location and Accessibility
Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站)
Address: No. 12, Chezhan Road, Yongwai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing
地址：北京市丰台区永外大街车站路12号
Phone: 010-51867688
Located in Fengtai District, Beijing South Railway Station (officially known as Beijingnan Railway Station) is a major hub for high-speed rail services. It is accessible via subway lines 4 and 14, ensuring smooth connections from different parts of the city.
Platform and Rail Lines
As of September 2017, Beijing South Railway Station features a total of 24 platforms:
- Platforms 1–5: Standard-speed rail area, serving the Beijing-Shanghai Railway
- Platforms 6–17: High-speed rail area, serving the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and Hong Kong.
- Platforms 18–24: Intercity rail area, serving the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway.
So Beijing South is the starting point for many high-speed trains to southern cities like Shanghai ( Nanjing and Hangzhou) and Tianjin ( and Jinan) and Hong Kong
Nearby Attractions
Close to Beijing South Railway Station, you will find numerous food establishments and cultural sites such as Yongdingmen, the Temple of Heaven, and Niujie. These spots are perfect for a quick visit before or after your train journey.
4. Beijing North Railway Station
北京北站
The main station building of Beijing North Railway Station is located at the southern end of the platforms, designed in a longitudinal terminus style. It has six above-ground levels and two underground levels.
- The ground floor and B1 level are for passenger use, featuring waiting halls and ticket offices.
- The station connects to the Xizhimen Transportation Hub, providing underground transfers to Subway Lines 2, 4, and 13.
- The second to fifth floors above ground are used for offices, while the B2 level is designated for equipment.
Location and Accessibility
Beijing North Railway Station (北京北站)
Address: No. 1, Beibinhe Road, Xizhimen North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
地址：北京市西城区西直门北大街北滨河路1号
Phone: 010-51866852
Beijing North Railway Station (officially known as Beijingbei Railway Station) is located in Xicheng District. The station is accessible via subway line 2 and the newly extended line 13. This makes it convenient for travelers coming from different parts of the city.
Main Destinations from Beijing North Railway Station
Beijing North Railway Station features 6 platforms and 11 tracks, with the platforms oriented in a north-south direction. The main station building is located at the southern end of the platforms. The railway lines passing through Beijing North include the Beijing-Baotou Railway and the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway and Beijing Suburban Railway.
- Beijing-Baotou Line and Beijing-Tongliao Line: Beijing North Railway Station is the terminal station for the Beijing-Baotou and Beijing-Tongliao railways, primarily serving trains to destinations such as Datong, Hohhot, Taiyuan, Zhangjiakou, and Yanqing.
- Inner Mongolia Direction: The station also operates trains to locations within Inner Mongolia, including Baotou and Hohhot.
- Beijing Suburban Railway: S2 and S5 trains to Badaling, Huairou ( going to Mutianyu ), Gubeikou ( going to Gubeikou Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall and Simatai Great Wall).
Nearby Attractions
Besides the Great Wall, you can explore the Beijing Zoo and the Beijing Planetarium, both located near Beijing North Railway Station.
5. Beijing Qinghe Railway Station
清河站
Qinghe Railway Station consists of two underground levels, two above-ground levels, and a partial third floor.
- B2 Level: Platform and equipment level for the Beijing Subway Changping Line South Extension and the Beijing Subway Line 19 Branch.
- B1 Level: Urban corridor, transfer space between high-speed rail and metro, and an underground parking garage.
- Ground Floor: High-speed rail entry hall, platform level, and platform for the Subway Line 13.
- Second Floor: Elevated waiting hall.
- Partial Third Floor: Commercial service areas.
Location and Accessibility
Qinghe Railway Station (清河站)
Address: Between Xiaoying West Road and Xierqi Street, Qinghe Subdistrict, Haidian District, Beijing
地址：北京市海淀区清河街道小营西路与西二旗大街之间
Phone: 010-51866667
Beijing Qinghe Railway Station is located in Haidian District, and it is accessible via subway line 13. This station serves as a hub for northern routes and is well connected by local bus services.
Main Routes
Passengers can take bullet trains and high-speed bullet trains from Qinghe Railway Station via the Beijing-Baotou Passenger Railway to destinations such as Badaling Great Wall, Zhangjiakou, Yanqing, Chongli Taizicheng, Hohhot, Datong, and Baotou.
Additionally, they can board the Beijing Suburban Railway (Huairou-Miyun Line) to reach Huairou, Miyun, and Gubeikou.
Nearby Attractions
Near Beijing Qinghe Railway Station, you can visit Baiwangshan Forest Park, the Summer Palace, and the Old Summer Palace. These sites offer a glimpse into Beijing’s natural beauty and historical heritage.
6. Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station
朝阳站
Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station has a three-level structure, with two above-ground floors and one underground floor, plus partial mezzanine levels. It features a mixed “entry-above, exit-below” and “entry-below, exit-below” design.
Location and Accessibility
Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station (朝阳站)
Address: Yaoyuan North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
地址：北京市朝阳区姚家园北路
Phone: 010-51825923
Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station is located in Chaoyang District. The main subway routes to Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station include Lines 10, 14, and 6. Transfer details are as follows:
Subway Line 6: Exit at Qingnianlu Station (Exit B), then take bus Special 194 or Route 911 to reach Chaoyang Station. This route is more reliable with less traffic congestion.
Subway Line 10: Exit at Liangmaqiao Station (Exit D), then transfer to a shuttle bus or public bus to reach Chaoyang Station. Note that the shuttle bus does not have fixed stops, schedules are uncertain, and traffic congestion is possible, so plan your time accordingly.
Subway Line 14: Exit at Dongfeng Beiqiao Station (Exit C2), then transfer to a shuttle bus or public bus to reach Chaoyang Station. Like Line 10, the shuttle bus has no fixed stops, and travel times may vary due to traffic.
Main Routes
Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station serves as an intersection for the Beijing-Harbin High-Speed Railway, the Beijing Northeast Ring Line, and the Dongxing Railway. It is also one of the seven major railway hubs within the Beijing railway network.
Chaoyang Station mainly serves routes to northeastern destinations, including Chengde, Shenyang and Harbin.
Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station serves not only as the starting station for the Beijing section of the Beijing-Harbin High-Speed Railway but also as part of the Suburban Railway Northeast Ring Line.
Nearby Attractions
Near Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station, you can explore Chaoyang Joy City, a popular shopping and entertainment complex. The area offers various dining and shopping options, perfect for a relaxing day out.
7. Beijing Fengtai Railway Station
丰台站
Beijing Fengtai Railway Station is one of the seven major railway hubs in Beijing. It helps reduce overcrowding at Beijing West Railway Station and promotes urban development in surrounding areas. The station integrates closely with Beijing Railway Station, Beijing North, Beijing West, Beijing South, and the Sub-Central Station (tentative name). Together, they optimize Beijing’s transportation network and improve the city’s comprehensive transit system.
Location and Accessibility
Beijing Fengtai Railway Station (丰台站)
Address: No. 4, Zhengyang Street, Fengtai District, Beijing
地址：北京市丰台区正阳大街4号
Phone: 010-51856102, 010-51851222
Beijing Fengtai Railway Station, located in Fengtai District. Beijing Fengtai Railway Station connects with Subway Line 10 and Line 16. Passengers can head to the metro transfer hall after exiting the station to reach Fengtai Metro Station.
Both lines have transfer halls at Fengtai Railway Station. The Line 16 hall is located beneath the railway yard, running parallel to the train tracks. Line 10 cuts diagonally through the southeast corner of the station building. The metro transfer hall is on the southeast corner of the station’s underground level, allowing for easy same-level transfers.
Main Routes and Platforms
Beijing Fengtai Railway Station has 17 platforms and 32 tracks. The elevated high-speed rail area includes 6 platforms and 12 tracks. This consists of 3 platforms and 6 tracks for the Beijing-Guangzhou line, and 3 platforms and 6 tracks for the Beijing-Hong Kong line, arranged by rail route.
The ground-level standard-speed rail area has 11 platforms and 20 tracks, organized by travel direction.
Railways passing through Beijing Fengtai include the Beijing-Shanghai Railway, Beijing-Guangzhou Railway, Fengsha Railway, Beijing-Yuanping Railway, Fengguang Link Line, Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, and Beijing-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway.
Nearby Attractions
Fengtai Station is close to World Park and the Garden Expo Park. These attractions provide a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exhibits, making them ideal for a leisurely visit.
A Guide to the Beijing Suburban Railway and Its Key Stations
While Beijing is home to seven major railway stations that serve as key hubs for national and international travel, the city also boasts several important suburban railway stations that connect visitors to stunning attractions in the surrounding areas.
The Beijing Suburban Railway (BSR) is a convenient and scenic way to explore these destinations, offering access to the Great Wall and other natural and cultural landmarks outside the city. For those looking to avoid city traffic and enjoy a more relaxed journey, the BSR is an excellent option. Among the suburban stations, Badaling Great Wall Station, Huairou Railway Station, and Gubeikou Railway Station stand out as essential stops for Great Wall enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Badaling Great Wall Railway Station
Located near the most famous and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall Railway Station offers seamless access to Badaling. The station itself is an architectural marvel, blending modern design with the mountainous landscape. Trains from Beijing North Railway or Qinghe Railway Station can get you here in less than an hour. A short distance to the wall’s entrance.
Huairou Railway Station
This station is the gateway to the Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its scenic beauty and fewer crowds. From the station, connecting buses make it easy to reach Mutianyu. Huairou Railway Station also provides access to attractions like the Yanqi Lake area, making it a great base for exploring Beijing’s northeastern countryside.
Gubeikou Railway Station
Gubeikou is ideal for adventurers seeking more remote and less-visited sections of the Great Wall. Gubeikou Railway Station connects to Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai, all offering stunning views and rugged hiking opportunities. Shuttle services are available to each destination.
The BSR makes visiting these iconic sites comfortable and efficient, ensuring you can focus on the beauty and history of Beijing’s surroundings.
Navigating the seven railway stations in Beijing and Beijing Suburban Railway is straightforward once you understand the layout and connections. Whether you are heading to the Great Wall, exploring the city’s parks, or traveling to other parts of China, these stations offer convenient and efficient services. With this guide, you are well-equipped to make the most of your travels in and around Beijing. Enjoy your journey!
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Planning your Beijing tour? Our “Beijing Travel Guide“ section offers essential advice to help you navigate the city like a pro. From transportation tips and local customs to insider recommendations for hidden gems, these travel tips will ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience in China’s vibrant capital. Let us guide you through the best practices for exploring Beijing with confidence!
