Chengdu East Railway Station Guide 2026: Transport, Routes & Tips

High-speed rail has revolutionised travel across China, and for Singaporean travellers exploring southwest China, Chengdu East Railway Station stands as the unrivalled gateway to Sichuan’s capital.

Chengdu East Railway Station: Core Information

Chengdu East Railway Station is the largest and busiest railway terminal in Chengdu. It is the railway terminal in southwest China’s high-speed rail network.

The station was opened in 2011. It has a design inspired by Lingnan architecture and covers, over 45,000 metres. It mixes function and local culture.

The station has a cool design. It has a roof that looks like the mountains in Sichuan. The inside of the station is bright and airy. The natural lighting and ventilation in the station are really good.

Chengdu East Railway Station Layout & Navigation

Getting around Chengdu East Railway Station is really easy. They have signs in English and Chinese everywhere, so you can always see where you are going. Chengdu East Railway Station is set up in a way that makes sense to help when you are trying to find your way.

3F: Commercial & Dining Level

The top floor is your go-to for refreshments and last-minute purchases. It houses:

• International chains (McDonald’s, KFC) and local Sichuan snack stalls
• Souvenir shops selling panda-themed gifts and Sichuan spices
• Small convenience stores, bookshops, and mobile charging stations

2F: Main Waiting Hall

The busiest level for departures, this spacious hall features:

• 26 numbered waiting zones (A1–A26, B1–B26) aligned with platforms
• Comfortable seating, real-time train display boards, and free drinking water stations
• VIP lounges for first/business class passengers and dedicated zones for military personnel
• Baby care rooms, accessible facilities, and medical assistance points

1F: Ground Transport & Entrance Level

This level connects to the station’s east and west squares, with:

• Main security checkpoints, ticket counters, and self-service machines
• Luggage storage services, lost-and-found, and police offices
• Direct access to taxis, local buses, and long-distance coaches

B1: Arrival Hall

For incoming passengers, this level has:

• Exit gates and clear signs for metro/bus connections
• Currency exchange booths and ATMs (supporting international cards)

B2: Metro Station

The underground hub linking to Chengdu’s metro network, with direct access to Metro Lines 2 and 7.

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive via metro? Take escalators/lifts from B2 directly to 2F waiting hall. For east square gates (1–13), use Exit H; for west square gates (14–26), use Exit B.

How to Book Train Tickets?

Booking tickets for Chengdu East Railway Station is simple, with online and offline options, both accepting Singaporean passports for real-name verification (mandatory for all Chinese rail travel).

Online Booking (Recommended)

The most convenient method, with platforms supporting English and international payments.

1. Choose a Platform:
2. • Trip.com: Multilingual, 24/7 support, accepts credit cards/PayPal, new users get 3% OFF first booking
   • 12306 App/Website: Official China Railway platform (English available, limited payment options)
2. Booking Steps:
3. • Create an account and log in
   • Enter departure: Chengdu East, destination, travel date
   • Select train and seat class (2nd, 1st, Business)
   • Enter passenger details exactly as in passport
   • Pay via international credit card/PayPal and save e-ticket confirmation

Offline Booking

You can buy tickets at the station if you want to.

• Manned counters are on the first floor and the second floor. The staff there can speak a bit of English and they take cash or cards.
• There are also machines where you can buy tickets by yourself. These machines are around the first and second floor. They have a touchscreen. You can choose to use English. You just need to scan your passport to get your tickets.

The important thing to know is that if you are from Singapore, you only need your passport to book a ticket, then just go through security checks and get on the train. You do not need any Chinese ID. You can use the ticket on your phone. Just show your passport when you get to the gate.

Top High-Speed Routes from Chengdu East Railway Station

Chengdu East has trains to more than 50 big cities in China. These trains are good for people who want to travel for fun or work. Here are the popular train routes for people from Singapore. We have included the prices in Singapore dollars and some travel tips.

Short-Distance Routes (Perfect for Day Trips)

Long-Distance Routes (Cross-Country Adventures)

How to Get to & from Chengdu East Railway Station?

The station is 10km east of Chengdu’s city centre (Tianfu Square), with multiple affordable, reliable transport options.

By Metro (Most Popular & Budget-Friendly)

Metro is the fastest way to/from downtown, with two lines serving the station:

• Line 2: Connects to Tianfu Square (city centre) in 15 minutes, Chunxi Road shopping district
• Line 7: Circular line linking to Chengdu Railway Station, Shuangliu Airport
• Fare: About S$1.50–2.50
• Frequency: Every 3–5 minutes (6:00 AM–11:00 PM)

By Taxi

24/7 service, perfect for heavy luggage or late-night trips.

• From Tianfu Square: 25–30 minutes | Fare: About S$5–7
• From Shuangliu Airport: 30–40 minutes | Fare: About S$12–15
• Note: Ask driver for east/west square drop-off (match your gate number).

By Bus

Economical option for budget travellers, with routes at east/west squares:

• East Square: Routes 2, 4, 38, 40 | Fare: About S$0.80
• West Square: Airport Special Line 3 | Fare: About S$2
• Duration: 45–60 minutes

By Private Car

Designated parking at east/west squares:

• Short-term parking: Free for first 10 minutes (P1/P3/P5)
• Long-term parking: Daily cap about S$11 (P2/P4/P6)

Chengdu East Railway Station Facilities & Amenities

Chengdu East Railway Station has lots of things to make waiting around more comfortable.

• They have lots of food to eat: you can get Sichuan noodles, bubble tea and international fast food.
• If you have a lot of luggage and you get to Chengdu East Railway Station early, you can store your luggage in lockers for about S$3 to S$5 per day.
• You can also exchange your money at the currency exchange booths on B1 they can change SGD to CNY. They have very good rates.
• There are also ATMs where you can get money out using your Visa or Mastercard.
• Chengdu East Railway Station is easy to get around for people with disabilities. They have toilets that're easy to get into with ramps. You can ask for a wheelchair if you need one.
• If you have a baby, there are rooms where you can take care of baby.

Essential Tips for Singaporean Travellers

• Arrive Early: Get to the station 45 minutes before your train leaves. During holidays try to get there 1 hour early. This will give you time to go through security checks and find your platform.
• Keep Your Passport Handy: Make sure you always have your passport with you. You will need it to show to staff during ticket checks and to verify your identity.
• Language Prep: The signs are written in two languages so you should not have any language problems.
• Mobile Payments: Many shops and cafes, at the station accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. It's easy to set up these payment methods even if you're a foreigner.
• Missed Train: If you miss your train, go to the ticket counters. You may be able to rebook a train that leaves on the day, but it will depend on whether there are any seats available. Some fares are non-refundable.