Chongqing North Railway Station

 

North Square & South Square

Chongqing North Railway Station has two main entrance areas: the South Square and the North Square. Simply put, these are the southern and northern entrances of the high-speed railway station. You can enter the station from either square, pass through the main waiting hall, and reach all platforms and trains inside.

• The South Square is connected to Chongqing North Station South Square Metro Station, which serves Metro Line 3, Line 10, and the Loop Line.
• The North Square is connected to Chongqing North Station North Square Metro Station, serving Metro Line 4, Line 10, and the Loop Line.

Both Metro Line 10 and the Loop Line reach both the South Square and the North Square, and transfers within the station are very convenient. Outside both squares, you will find city bus hubs, long-distance coach stations, and taxi or ride-hailing pick-up areas, making it easy to transfer to other forms of transportation.

So, which square should you choose if you are arriving by taxi? The key is to check the boarding gate number shown on your ticket or booking information.

• Gates B1–B13 are usually closer to the South Square entrance
• Gates B14–B26 are generally closer to the North Square entrance

You can choose the square accordingly to reduce walking time. Of course, there is no need to worry if you enter from the "wrong" square. Once inside the waiting hall, the two areas are fully connected, and you can walk to any boarding gate. The only difference is the walking distance.


 

Station Layout Explained: Which Floor Does What?

Chongqing North Railway Station uses a multi-level, vertical layout, which means different functions are placed on different floors. Once you understand which floor is for waiting, boarding, exiting, or transferring, moving around the station becomes much easier.

Level 3 (L3): Main Waiting Hall & Station Facilities--Where you enter the station and wait for your train

This is the core area of the station. All passengers enter the station and wait for their trains on this level. Both the South Square entrance and the North Square entrance lead directly here.

What it looks like:

• A large, open waiting hall in the center, running from south to north
• 26 boarding gates (B1–B26) located on both sides of the hall
• Facilities inside the hall include service counters, shops, restaurants, restrooms, and seating areas
• If you are inside the station and not sure where you are, chances are you are on L3.

Level 2 (L2): Train Platforms--Where trains arrive and depart

This is the level where trains stop and passengers get on or off.

What it looks like:

• 14 platforms (Platforms 1–14)
• 29 railway tracks
• Passengers go down from the waiting hall (L3) through the boarding gates and take escalators or elevators to reach the platforms
• Once your ticket is checked, you will be guided down to this level to board your train.

Level 1 (L1): Arrival Hall & Transport Transfer Area--Where you leave the station and change to other transport

This level works as the transport hub of the entire station. All arriving passengers are directed here and then choose how to continue their journey.

South Square side:

• “South Exit”
• Connected to the long-distance coach station, city bus hub, and surface taxi waiting area

North Square side:

• “North Exit”
• Connected to city bus stops, taxi waiting areas, ride-hailing pick-up points, and parking facilities

Important tip: Clear signs on this level guide passengers to the metro, buses, taxis, and exits, so following the signage is the easiest way to get around.

Basement Level 1 (B1): Metro Transfer Hall--How to change from train to metro

This is the key level for metro transfers and the main underground connection between the South Square, North Square, and metro stations.

What it looks like: A large underground transfer hall connecting both exit areas and metro station halls

Metro stations on this level:

• Chongqing North Station South Square
• Metro Lines: Line 3, Line 10, Loop Line

• Chongqing North Station North Square
• Metro Lines: Line 4, Line 10, Loop Line

Basement Level 2 and Below (B2 and Lower): Metro Platforms & Parking

• Platform levels for different metro lines
• Public parking areas for private vehicles

Related Information
► More transportation information: Chongqing Transportation
► More Travel information:  Chongqing Travel Guide