The Beijing-Pingyao train line is a very popular train route in China as Pingyao is an interesting short stop between Beijing and Xi’An, two popular destinations. It is served by both high-speed trains as well as some overnight trains. All trains depart or arrive at the Beijing West railway station while in Pingyao, high-speed trains connect at the Pingyao Old Town railway station and overnight trains are at the Pingyao railway station. Note that, despite its name, the Pingyao Old Town railway station is not near the Pingyao old town. Train tickets in and out of Pingyao are in limited number. This route absolutely requires advance booking.
Beijing-Pingyao high-speed trains
There are 3 bullet (G and D) trains in each direction along this line. The G train is more expensive than the D trains but do not offer any real advantage. The first train departs in early morning while the last high-speed train departs in the afternoon. Some trains are faster than others with a travel time of about 4 hours. Tickets for those faster trains sell out more quickly. Read more about high-speed trains here.
These Beijing-Pingyao high-speed trains offer 3 classes of travel for the following fares:
Business class – (G train only) ¥698
First class – ¥254.5 (G train ¥322.5)
Second class – ¥183 (G train ¥225.5)
Watch this video about high-speed trains
Beijing to Pingyao to Beijing high-speed trains timetable
| Train # | Dep. | Arr. | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2001 | 7:46 | 12:08 | 4 h 22 min |
| G605 | 10:28 | 14:32 | 4 h 04 min |
| G2005 | 15:29 | 19:42 | 4 h 13 min |
| Train # | Dep. | Arr. | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2002 | 8:42 | 12:55 | 4 h 13 min |
| G616 | 13:40 | 17:28 | 3 h 48 min |
| D2006 | 16:16 | 20:39 | 4 h 23 min |
Beijing-Pingyao overnight normal trains
On this route, it is also possible to take the cheaper but slower overnight trains. While there are three overnight trains, most people take the later one as the other two run mostly during the day, which is not convenient. Train K609/610 is a good alternative if you are on a budget.
Soft sleepers – ¥274 (upper) – ¥285 (lower)
Hard sleepers – ¥178 (upper) – ¥184 (middle) – ¥190 (lower)
Hard seats – ¥102
Watch this video about normal overnight trains:
Beijing to Pingyao to Beijing overnight trains timetable
| Train # | Dep. | Arr. | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| K961 | 2:49 | 15:24 | 12 h 35 min |
| K603 | 17:12 | 4:52 | 11 h 40 min |
| K609 | 23:53 | 9:29 | 9 h 36 min |
| Train # | Dep. | Arr. | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| K962 | 15:19 | 4:37 | 13 h 18 min |
| K604 | 17:43 | 5:33 | 11 h 50 min |
| K610 | 20:02 | 5:13 | 9 h 11 min |
Learn more about:
– Tips on placing your order
– When to order
– How to pick-up train tickets
– Frequently asked questions
– Cancelling or exchanging your tickets
China train travel Tips
– How to buy train tickets
– How to pick up your train tickets
– Peak travel times to avoid
– How to read a train ticket
– Luggage on China trains
– Child discounts