Beijing to Datong Train (Best Way)
The most convenient and cost-effective way to travel from Beijing to Datong is by taking the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway. The high-speed train departs from Beijing, passes through Hebei Province, and terminates in Datong, Shanxi Province. The following part provides a comprehensive rail travel guide, including railway map, departure and arrival stations, train schedules, and ticket pricing information.
Beijing to Datong Distance
Datong is located 338 kilometers (210 miles) northwest of Beijing. Travelers can get from Beijing to Datong by Bejing to Zhangjiakou High Speed Railway.
Beijing to Datong High Speed Train Railway Station
Departure Stations in Beijing: Beijingbei Railway Station and Qinghe Railway Station
- Beijingbei Railway Station (北京北站) serves trains departing from Beijing to the northwest of China. It is located at 1 Beibinhe Road, Xizhimen North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China. You can take Metro Lines 2, 13, or 4 to Xizhimen Station and then walk for about 5 minutes to reach the railway station. There are over 10 high-speed trains departing for Datong daily, with the earliest departure time at 7:19 AM and the latest at 8:16 PM.
- Qinghe Railway Station (清河站) is another major railway station in Beijing for trains heading to northwestern China. It's located at the intersection of Shangdi East Road and Xiaoying West Road in Haidian District, Beijing. You can take Metro Line 13 or the Changping Line to Qinghe Station. Over 10 high-speed trains depart from Qinghe Station for Datong daily, with the journey taking around 2 hours. The earliest departure time is 7:34 AM, and the latest is 8:31 PM.
Arrival Station in Datong: Datongnan Railway Station
- When traveling from Beijing to Datong, all trains will arrive at Datongnan Railway Station. Datongnan Railway Station (大同南站) is located in Baidengshan Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province.
High Speed Train Timetable from Beijing to Datong
Beijing(北京) - Datong(大同) results
- Train No.
- Departure / Train Staiton
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Contact Us to Book the Train Schedules
Ticket Price & Facilities of Train Ride from Beijing to Chengdu
Beijing to Datong Ticket Prices:
High Speed Train | Second Class Seat | First Class Seat | Business Class Seat |
---|---|---|---|
G - Trains | 144 - 170 RMB | 231 - 273 RMB | 434 - 513 RMB |
Second Class Seats:
Second class seats are the most common type of seat on high-speed trains and are suitable for passengers seeking a lower fare and who have no specific needs for charging devices, reading, or dining during the journey. Second class seats are arranged in a 3+2 layout, meaning there are 5 seats per row, making them a good choice for families. Although the space between seats is relatively small, it's generally comfortable for the 2-hour journey from Beijing to Datong.
First Class Seats:
First class seats are ideal for passengers who require more spacious seating and access to power outlets. These seats offer more legroom compared to second class seats and are arranged in a 2+2 layout. Families with elderly or young children, or individuals who need to charge devices, read, but don't want to purchase a more expensive business class seat, may find first class seats suitable.
Business Class Seat:
Business class seats are the least common and most expensive seat option on high-speed trains. They are suitable for business travelers who need to work on the go, or passengers who prioritize privacy and a high-quality travel experience. Similar to business class on an airplane, business class seats on high-speed trains offer a 2+1 layout with three spacious seats per row and fully reclining seats. Passengers can enjoy additional amenities such as footrests, reading lights, power outlets, small tables, and complimentary meals, beverages, and snacks.
Tips for Beijing to Datong High Speed Train
- Booking High Speed Train Ticket and Checking the Arrival Time: There are many tourists traveling from Beijing to Datong, so it's advisable to book your high-speed train ticket 15 days in advance and enter the station at least 30mins before departure.
- Luggage Restrictions: High-speed trains allow each passenger to carry up to 20 kilograms of luggage free of charge. The overweight part needs to pay additional fees.
- Luggage Storage at Datong South Station: There is a luggage storage facility near the entrance of Datong South Station, operating from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Beijing to Datong Flight
Besides high-speed trains, there are also flights from Beijing to Datong, but please note that there are no direct flights. All flights require a transfer. Passengers can depart from either Beijing Daxing International Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport, with the final destination being Datong Yungang International Airport. There are approximately 10 connecting flights daily, with the shortest travel time being around 4 hours. The ticket price is generally over 1000 RMB.
Once you land, you can grab a Didi, which is like Uber in China, to get to the Yungang Grottoes. It should take about an hour and cost around 60 to 100 yuan.
Get to Datong Top Attractions from Beijing
Bejing to Datong Yungang Caves
Yungang Caves (Yungang Grottoes) in Datong have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After arriving at Datongnan Railway Station, you can take bus No. 68 to the final stop and transfer to bus No. 3 to go directly to Yungang Grottoes. The entire journey from Beijing to Yungang Caves takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. Datong South Railway Station is approximately 15 kilometers away from Yungang Grottoes, a major tourist attraction in Datong.
Beijing to Datong Hanging Temple
Hanging Temple (Hanging Monastery or Xuankong Si) is a world-renowned temple built into a cliff face and is the only existing temple in China that combines Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. After arriving at Datongnan Railway Station from Beijing, take bus number 68 for approximately 50 minutes (fare: 2 yuan) to reach Datong Ancient City. From there, you can board a direct shuttle bus to Hanging Temple. The shuttle bus fare is 25 yuan per person, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Beijing to Datong Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda was certified by Guinness World Records in 2016 as the tallest wooden pagoda in the world. It is the tallest, largest, and oldest existing wooden pagoda in the world. After arriving in Datong from Beijing, take a high-speed train from Datongnan Railway Station to Yingxian. The ticket costs 22 yuan and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From Yingxian Railway Station, take a bus to the wooden pagoda. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs 5 yuan per person.
How to Plan A Beijing to Datong Day Trip/Tour
Tourists usually spend 2-3 days exploring Datong after taking a high-speed train from Beijing. During these two days, they can visit Datong's major attractions, such as the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is renowned alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang. Here, you can admire the 45 Buddhist caves carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Other must-see attractions include the Nine Dragon Wall, featuring a vibrant Ming Dynasty glazed tile wall with lifelike depictions of nine dragons, and the Huayan Temple, a Liao Dynasty architectural masterpiece with wooden structures, colorful sculptures, and murals. Outside the city, you can visit the world-famous Hanging Temple and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.
Of course, Shanxi Province has more to offer than just Datong. As the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, Shanxi boasts numerous other captivating destinations. For a more in-depth exploration, consider allocating 6 days to a Datong, Mount Wutai, and Pingyao Ancient City. After visiting Datong, head to Mount Wutai, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a holy site for Buddhists. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you can immerse yourself in the Buddhist atmosphere. Afterward, journey to Pingyao Ancient City, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. Explore the ancient city wall, the Rishengchang Exchange, the Ming and Qing Dynasty streets, and the City God Temple. In the vicinity of Pingyao, you can also visit Zhangbi Ancient Fortress and the Wang Family Compound, often referred to as "China's Folk Palace."
Highly Recommended 6 Days Shanxi Datong Mount Wutai Pingyao Tour:
Day 1: Datong Yungang Grottoes – Nine Dragon Wall – Huayan Temple
Day 2: Hanging Temple – Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Day 3: Mount Wutai
Day 4: Mount Wutai - Taiyuan
Day 5: Taiyuan - Pingyao Ancient City
Day 6: Zhangbi Ancient Castle - Wang's Family Compound
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