The high-speed train to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu runs from Chengdu East station to Huanglong Jiuzhai station, the high-speed train that gets closest to Jiuzhaigou. The ride takes you through tunnels in the mountains, and when the light breaks out, you will be amazed by the rolling mountain slopes.
However, in peak season like the golden leaf season, taking your time to book isn't a good idea, because tickets sell out very fast, even right when sales open. So read on to learn how to book effectively.
This post is part of myJiuzhaigou independent travel guide– if you're just starting to plan, read that one first for the big picture.
Basic information about the high-speed train to Jiuzhaigou
- Departure station: mainlyChengdu East (成都东).
- Arrival station: Huanglong Jiuzhai (黄龙九寨)– in Songpan County,notat the Jiuzhaigou gate.
- Duration: about 1h40 – 2h depending on the train, usually with 2 stops.
- Second-class fare: about 139 yuan (about 550,000₫) one way. First class is about 223 yuan (about 885,000₫) one way.
- Trains per day: 9 trains, with extra trains added in peak season.
The most important note:after the station there's still ~1h30 – 2h by roadbefore you reach Jiuzhaigou. I wrote about this part separately in the articlefrom Huanglong Jiuzhai station to Jiuzhaigou. When choosing a train, remember to add this time.
Book via 12306 or Trip.com?
I've used both, and here's my honest take:
For foreigners traveling independently like me, I'd chooseTrip.combecause it's convenient and handling complaints is easier too. And don't worry: if a problem happens, like a delay, whichever app you booked on you can go to the offline counter at the station to swap to another train for free.
If you've never used 12306, register an account and verify your passportat least 1 week ahead, because verification for foreigners sometimes takes a few days.
How to book a high-speed train ticket to Jiuzhaigou on Trip.com
Just go to thehigh-speed train ticket booking page to Jiuzhaigou on Trip.com, enter the departure station, arrival station, the departure and return dates, then pick a train to book.
Trip.com opens train bookings 60 days ahead. If you go in peak season, book as early as possible. Tickets can be cancelled for free, so why not book right away to secure your spot.
Seat tip:going from Chengdu, choose seat A to see the mountains, villages and streams. Much of the track is in tunnels, so don't expect scenery the whole way.
Tips for snagging peak-season tickets
In golden leaf season (mid-October) and National Day week, morning trains sell out within minutes of sales opening. What I learned:
- Tickets go on sale 60 days ahead(counting the travel day). Set an alarm for the sales opening time of the departure station.
- Book the return tooas soon as sales open – weekend return trains sell out just like the outbound ones.
- Be flexible about the departure station: try Chengdu East, Chengdu, and Chengdu West. But prefer Chengdu East most, because it has many trains and is close to the center.
- Standing (无座)is also an option when you're in a hurry – it's under 2 hours so it's bearable. They'll give you a small stool to sit on in the luggage area.
- Option B: a coach from Xinnanmen bus station or a shared car, but it takes the whole day, about 6 to 8 hours.
If you choose the coach, you can booka direct Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou shuttle on Trip.com: pickup at Xinnanmen bus station, Chunxi Road metro station or Simaqiao, from about 96 yuan (about 380,000₫)/person/way, taking about 6–7 hours.
On my trip, I took the 11:46 train and arrived at Huanglong Jiuzhai Station at 13:43. Then Itook a ride from Huanglong Jiuzhai Station to Jiuzhaigouat 14:10 and reached Jiuzhaigou at 16:10. This schedule suits anyone who wants to arrive in Jiuzhaigou and rest for 1 night, and start sightseeing the next day.
I think that timing is reasonable. When I reached Jiuzhaigou it was still cool, but 30 minutes later the temperature dropped sharply, so arriving too late in the evening isn't a good choice. You also get to see lots of beautiful scenery on the way.
At Chengdu East Station: small but useful notes
- The station is huge,arrive 45–60 minutes early. Luggage is scanned and passports are checked at the entrance.
- Foreigners usually have to use thegate with staffinstead of the automatic gate, because the passport needs to be scanned. Use the lanes on the far right or far left if people line up in several rows.
- Buy breakfast in the station. Food is sold on the train but with few choices.
What about arriving at Huanglong Jiuzhai Station?
The station is small, new and fairly empty outside train arrival times. Once you leave the gate you see the tourist bus area and drivers calling out to passengers. The station is at about ~3,000 m, and some people feel slightly dizzy, so just walk slowly.
How to continue from there, which ride is cheap and which is fast, I wrote in the articlefrom Huanglong Jiuzhai station to Jiuzhaigou.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy train tickets at the station?Yes, but in peak season there are almost no tickets left. Don't risk it.
Is there a station closer to Jiuzhaigou?Right now Huanglong Jiuzhai is the closest station. There's also Songpan Station, but it's farther than Huanglong Jiuzhai.
The train ticket is the first part, then there are entry tickets, hotels, the itinerary… See everything in theJiuzhaigou independent travel guide 2026.