Hefei (Railway Station)

Hefei Railway Station is a key transport hub in Anhui Province, connecting Eastern China with the country's central regions. The station building, which has undergone extensive renovation, combines modern functionality with elements of traditional Chinese architecture. Every day, thousands of passengers pass through its terminals, departing on both high-speed trains and classic long-distance services.

It is important for passengers to know that the station features clear zoning. The main entrance is located on the side of Zhanqian Square. The entry procedure includes a mandatory security check and ticket (or passport) inspection, so you should look for the "Entrance" and "Ticket Office" signs if you need to purchase or print a ticket before boarding.

• Official Website: www.12306.cn (unified portal of China Railways)
• Information Hotline: 12306 (unified hotline, service in English may be limited)
• Address: Zhanqian Road, Yaohai District, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
• Opening Hours: 24 hours (ticket offices and waiting halls operate according to the train schedule)
• Luggage Storage: Available within the station building (Left Luggage), usually open from 06:00 to 23:00
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with ramps, lifts, and dedicated restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility; an escort service is available (must be booked in advance).

Getting to Hefei Railway Station is quite simple, as it is fully integrated into the city's transport network.

Metro: The most reliable method is to use the Hefei Metro. The Hefei Railway Station stop is a transfer hub for Line 1 and Line 3. The metro exits lead directly to the station square.

Bus: Many city routes (for example, No. 1, 10, 11, 22) stop at the terminal in front of the station. This is a budget-friendly option, but travel time depends on traffic.

Taxi: A trip from the city centre will take about 20–30 minutes (costing approximately 20–30 RMB). Tell the driver "Hefei Zhan".

The station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait before your journey. The building houses spacious waiting halls equipped with air conditioning and information screens. Ticket offices are available for purchasing and exchanging tickets, including special windows for serving foreign nationals and processing ticket refunds.

Amenities include:

• Hot water dispensers (free of charge, located in waiting halls) — ideal for making tea or instant noodles.
• Restrooms (typically squat-style, but Western-style cubicles are also available).
• Vending machines selling drinks and snacks.
• Charging stations for mobile devices (may incur a fee).

If you are feeling hungry, there are plenty of dining options at the station and in its vicinity.

Inside the station: The waiting halls often feature small shops and kiosks where you can buy water, crisps, vacuum-packed food, and the famous instant noodles. Prices here may be slightly higher than in the city.

Near the station: On the station square and in adjacent shopping centres, you will find international fast-food chains such as KFC or McDonald’s (average bill 30–40 RMB), which are open from early morning until late at night. There are also many local eateries around offering beef noodles or dumplings for 15–20 RMB.

The history of rail transport in this area dates back to the 1930s, however, the modern appearance of Hefei Railway Station was acquired relatively recently. The old building, which served the city for decades, could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic during the era of economic boom.

A large-scale reconstruction, completed in the early 2010s, transformed the station into a modern hub. The renovation coincided with the development of high-speed railways in China, allowing the station to accommodate CRH series trains and strengthening Hefei's status as an important logistics centre in Eastern China.

Arrival: It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 60 minutes before departure. In China, entering a station involves luggage screening and personal security checks, which can create queues.

Tickets and Documents: International tourists must carry their original passport. If you have an electronic ticket, passing through the turnstile often requires using the "Manual Lane," where a staff member will verify your passport against the database.

Navigation: Train numbers (e.g., G123 or K456) are displayed on large information boards. Keep an eye on your train's status: boarding usually closes 5 minutes before departure.