| City | Chongqing |
| Country | China |
| Type | Railway Station |
It is important for passengers to know that the station is a massive five-level hub. Waiting halls and check-in gates are located on the upper floors, accessed by elevated roads for taxis and buses. Train arrivals, exits to the city, and transfers to the metro are organized on the lower and underground levels. Navigation is duplicated in English, which helps in finding your way around this vast space.
The most convenient way to reach Chongqing West is by public transport, as it is located in the Shapingba District, away from the historical center. The fastest method is to use the metro. Chongqing West Station is integrated into the station building and served by the Loop Line and Line 5. A trip from the downtown areas by metro will take approximately 40–50 minutes.
Numerous city buses and airport express coaches also run to the station. Bus stops are located on the lower level of the transport hub.
If you choose a taxi, take into account Chongqing's renowned hilly terrain and potential traffic congestion. A car ride from the center (Jiefangbei district) will take between 40 to 60 minutes, costing around 40–60 RMB. Taxis usually drop passengers off at the elevated ramp directly at the entrance to the departure hall.
Chongqing West station offers passengers a wide range of modern services. The vast waiting hall features thousands of seats, free Wi-Fi is available (requires authorization via a Chinese mobile number), and charging stations for mobile devices are accessible. For ticket purchases and exchanges, both automatic terminals and traditional counters with staff are operational, where international travelers are served using passports.
Among the amenities, it is worth noting the presence of dispensers providing complimentary hot boiling water — an essential attribute of travel in China suitable for making tea or noodles. The premises include clean restrooms, mother and baby rooms, as well as specialized waiting areas for VIP passengers and People of Determination. Luggage storage facilities allow you to leave your bags for a few hours for a reasonable fee.
It is difficult to stay hungry at Chongqing West station. An extensive food court is located in the departure zone and on the mezzanines. Here you can find both familiar international fast-food chains (KFC, McDonald's) and Chinese quick-service restaurants offering rice dishes or the famous spicy Chongqing noodles.
For a quick snack, numerous 24-hour convenience stores (such as FamilyMart or local brands) are suitable, selling sandwiches, beverages, and snacks. Coffee lovers will find Starbucks and Luckin Coffee here. The average bill for a substantial meal will be around 30–50 RMB, which is quite reasonable for a transport facility of this level.
The history of Chongqing West station reflects the rapid development of China's transport infrastructure. Its construction began in 2014, and the grand opening took place in January 2018. The project was designed to relieve the city's older stations and become a key link in the national high-speed railway network.
The station became an important part of the "Eight Verticals and Eight Horizontals" strategy of the PRC railway network. The architectural design of the building symbolizes the confluence of rivers and mountains, characteristic of the Chongqing landscape. Since its opening, the station has been modernized repeatedly, implementing digital passenger service technologies, and today it is one of the busiest hubs in the west of the country.
Plan to arrive at the station at least 1.5 hours before your train departs. A thorough luggage screening and document check are conducted at the entrance, which may create queues. International tourists must have their original passport with them to pass through the turnstiles or manual verification points.
Boarding the train (Check-in) begins 15–20 minutes prior and strictly closes 3–5 minutes before departure — latecomers are not admitted. Keep a close watch on your gate number on the electronic display boards.
Regarding luggage, remember the ban on carrying knives, scissors, and aerosols exceeding 120 ml. If you have an overnight transfer, be prepared that most shops close after 22:00, but you can usually find a place to rest in the waiting hall.
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