Chongqing East Railway Station Guide: Useful Visitor Tips
Chongqing East Railway Station(重庆东站) is colossal. It’s so big that it has its own ecosystem. As the newest “mega-hub” in the city, it’s designed to look like a blooming “Mountain City Tree,” but for a first-time traveler, it can feel more like a beautiful 3D maze. This guide outlines critical details regarding the station’s internal structure, metro integration, and practical tips.
⚠️ Notice: Chongqing East is 20km from downtown. You must pass through tunnels. Allow 90 minutes for travel.
🏗️ Chongqing East Railway Station: Location & Operational Status
Despite its state-of-the-art architectural design, the station is currently situated in a developing area with limited immediate connectivity.
- The Location: Located in the developing southeastern sector of the city, the station serves as a new gateway for the region. It is NOT near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave, requiring planned travel time to reach.
- Current Status: The station is modern, spacious, offering a comfortable environment for travelers. As the station is in its early operational stages, some non-essential shops and dining options may still be finalizing their setup.
Transportation Connections to Chongqing East
Due to some rail lines not yet being operational, your options are limited. Please plan accordingly.
🚇 By Metro: Metro Line 6
This is currently the only subway line connecting the station to the city center.
- To Jiefangbei: Take Metro Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station(小什字) (approx. 40 minutes), then a short walk to the bustling pedestrian street.
- To Chongqing North Railway Station: Use Line 6 East branch to Liujiaping(刘家坪), then transfer to the Loop Line at Wulidian(五里店) to reach North Station South Square(重庆北站南广场).
- To Chongqing West Railway Station: Take Line 6 East branch to Liujiaping(刘家坪), continue on Line 6, then transfer to Line 5 at Dalongshan(大龙山) to West Station(重庆西站).
🚌 By Bus/Ride-Hailing
Dedicated zones for taxis and ride-hailing services like DiDi are available, with real-time digital displays for convenience.
To avoid significant traffic congestion, we highly recommend utilizing the metro system during peak commuting hours (07:00–09:00 & 17:00–19:00).
⚠️ Please take licensed taxis and ride-hailing services to avoid falling into tourist traps.
Decoding the 3D Layout of Chongqing East Railway Station
This section outlines the station’s vertical structure, clarifying the specific functions of each operational level.
| Level | Details |
| 5F | The Departure Hall & Service Center (Tickets) |
| 3F | Railway Exit & Transfers(Bus/Long Distance Bus) |
| 1F | This is the portal to the Metro. Follow the “CRT” (Chongqing Rail Transit) signs. |
❓ Why Choose Chongqing East Railway Station?
- Seamless Connectivity
It has shortened travel times to many popular destinations like Chengdu, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, etc.
- Tourist-Friendly Design
The station offers modern amenities, multilingual help, free Wi-Fi, varied dining, and direct metro access, making it easy for international travelers.
- Unique Architectural Design
Designed with Chongqing’s bamboo culture and a glass dome, the station includes a panoramic observation deck perfect for photos.
Bullet Train Journeys to Popular Cities
Chongqing East Railway Station significantly reduces travel duration. However, as the network is undergoing phased expansion, only limited routes are currently operational.
| Destinations | Time | Cost |
| Chengdu(成都) | 1 hour and 40 minutes | Second-class seat start at CNY 180 First-class seat start at CNY 288 |
| Zhangjiajie(张家界) | Approximately 2 and a half hours | Second-class seat start at CNY 215 First-class seat start at CNY 345 |
| Changsha(长沙) | About 4 to 5 hours | Second-class seat start at CNY 366 First-class seat start at CNY 586 |
| Wulong south(武隆南) | In less than 1 hour | Second-class seat start at CNY 71 First-class seat start at CNY 114 |
💡 Note: If you are going to Chengdu, use Shapingba Railway Station. It’s more convenient.
Practical Tips for A Smooth Chongqing Travel Experience
- The “60-Minute” Rule: Because the station is so vast, we recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before your departure. The walk from the security check to the furthest gate can take 15 minutes alone.
- Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in China; tourist modes are available for international users. Metro accepts QR codes, transport cards, and single-journey tokens.
- Language: Signage throughout the station is bilingual (Chinese and English). While English proficiency among staff may vary, information counters are usually very helpful. Translation apps can be invaluable.
We hope this guide facilitates a smooth arrival. As you transition to sightseeing—whether immersing yourself in the urban skyline or heading to the Wulong Karst—selecting the most suitable mode of transport will enhance your experience, especially for longer journeys.
❓People Also Ask
Is there an expedited security lane for late arrivals?
Generally, no. Priority lanes are reserved for Business Class or those requiring special assistance. Given the station’s vast scale, the walk from drop-off to boarding can be long. Arrive at least one hour early to navigate security and find your gate comfortably.
Can I stay overnight at or near the station?
Not recommended. The surrounding area is still under development with very few hotels. We strongly advise booking a hotel in the city center (like Jiefangbei) and taking a taxi or Metro in the morning.
Can I use my passport at the gates?
Yes. The gates are new and usually support passports. If you encounter any error, simply move to the “Manual Lane” (人工通道) where staff will assist you.