Xi'an - Chengdu Trains: Overnight Sleepers

At present, there are  over 5 pairs of normal speed trains running between Xi'an / Xi'an South Railway Station and Chengdu Railway Station, taking 10 – 17 hours. Among them, the overnight sleeper trains are first choices of most passengers. Xi'an to Chengdu distance by normal speed train is around 809 kilometers (503 miles). High speed trains have come into service since December 6th, 2017, with the shortest travel time of 3 - 4.5 hours.

Aside from rail ride, passengers can also travel by flight. Direct flights are provided between the two cities, taking 1.5 – 2 hours. Ticket fare for an economy class seat may be CNY300 or so in low season. However, along with the opening of bullet trains, the number of direct flights between the two cities has decreased. Passengers traveling by air may have limited choices.
  (Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
CNY 315 - 370 USD 46 - 54	CNY 208 - 245 USD 31 - 36	CNY 112 - 128 USD 16 - 19

 

If possible, passengers are advised to travel by overnight sleeper trains such as K879, K385, K869, K196, K292, 1486, K246, and K998. They depart in the afternoon/evening and arrive in the next morning, or depart in the evening and arrive around the next noon, which saves the daytime for sightseeing and save one-night hotel expense as well.
 

Xi'an Railway Station is your first chioce. Although the trains to Chengdu from this station take a longer time, the station is located in very downtown area and easy to be reached by subway, city bus, taxi and long-distance bus. It operates normal trains to many domestic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Lanzhou.

In contrast, the South Railway Station operates a train to Chengdu with shorter duration, but the station itself is located in the southern suburb, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) and 1 hour's drive from the city center. Only a few city buses go there and it is advised to take a taxi. Some normal trains to/from Ankang, Chongqing, Taiyuan, and Hohhot are operated in this station.
 

Seven pairs of bullet trains has started to run between Xi'an North Railway Station and Chengdu East Railway Station since December 6th, 2017. The journey time is greatly shortened to 3 – 4.5 hours. A second class seat costs CNY 263 per person. High Speed rides become a popular options among travelers who are interested in visiting the two cities.