Chengdu to Leshan Train: Station, Time & Price for the Giant Buddha (2026)

Quick answer: High-speed trains between Chengdu East Railway Station and Leshan Railway Station can take from about 41 minutes. The published 2026 timetable also includes longer services, so check your specific train in China Railway 12306 before you buy. Published second-class fares range from ¥27 to ¥63, and first-class fares from ¥43 to ¥86.

For the Giant Buddha, the key booking choice is simple: select a service that stops at Leshan Railway Station. Then allow time after arrival for your onward journey to the scenic area.

For step-by-step help with choosing a booking channel and boarding, see our guide to booking China's high-speed trains.

How long is the Chengdu to Leshan train ride?

The Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan intercity line departs from Chengdu East and calls at Leshan. Published 2026 schedules show the fastest Chengdu-to-Leshan journeys taking about 41 minutes.

Not every listed service is equally quick. The published timetable dated 7 July 2026 includes journey times from 41 minutes to 2 hours 54 minutes. Compare the duration as well as the departure time before booking, especially if you are planning a same-day visit to the Giant Buddha.

That timetable shows roughly 67 departures, running approximately from 06:15 to 22:38. Treat this as a timetable snapshot, not a guarantee: services, stops, availability, and times can change. Confirm the train you want in 12306 before purchase.

Chengdu East to Leshan ticket prices and seat classes

The fare varies by train. Use these ranges for a first budget, then check the selected service in China Railway 12306 before paying.

The official 12306 website is the reference point for the current timetable and fare of a chosen service. If you use another booking platform, compare its displayed train number, departure time, and station with 12306.

Leshan or Emeishan? Get the station right before you book

Leshan Railway Station and Emeishan Railway Station are on the same Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan intercity line. They are different stops.

If the Giant Buddha is your destination, choose a train that stops at Leshan Railway Station. Emeishan is the station to consider for a Mount Emei plan, not as a substitute for Leshan.

Before you pay, check these three details on the selected service:

• Departure station: Chengdu East Railway Station
• Stop or destination: Leshan Railway Station
• Journey time: the shortest services are about 41 minutes, but some listed services take much longer

From Leshan Railway Station to the Giant Buddha

Leshan Railway Station is the rail arrival point, not the Giant Buddha scenic area itself, so plan a local transfer after the train.

TravelChinaGuide lists buses 3, 12, 15, 601, and 302 among the services passengers can use from Leshan Railway Station to reach the Giant Buddha. Check the current local route, stop, and operating information after arrival or through an up-to-date local transit source, since those details can change.

If you are carrying luggage or have a timed return train, leave a generous buffer for the connection between the station and scenic area. Build your return plan around the actual departure time of your chosen Leshan-to-Chengdu service, rather than the fastest possible train duration.

Plan your Giant Buddha visit around the train

The official Leshan tourism site lists daytime mountain-tour admission at ¥80 per person. Its published summer hours are 07:30-18:30 from 1 April through 7 October.

Those hours make an early train useful if you want more time at the site, but always verify the current opening arrangements before setting a return train. A train schedule and the scenic area's admission hours are separate operational details, and both can change.

Mistakes that make this short route harder

• Booking Emeishan instead of Leshan. Check that Leshan Railway Station appears on the service you select.
• Choosing by departure time alone. The timetable includes services ranging from about 41 minutes to 2 hours 54 minutes.
• Using an old timetable as a final plan. The published July 2026 schedule is useful for planning, but confirm the current service in 12306.
• Forgetting the local transfer. The train does not arrive at the Giant Buddha itself; plan the final connection after Leshan Railway Station.
• Leaving no return buffer. Choose your return train after considering both the local transfer and the scenic area's current hours.

Is Chengdu to Leshan suitable for a day trip?

It can be, particularly when you select one of the faster services and leave enough time for the local connection after Leshan Railway Station. The rail journey itself can be about 41 minutes, but the full plan depends on the train you choose, current local transport, and the scenic area's operating arrangements.

If you are combining Leshan with Mount Emei, remember that they use different stops on the same intercity line. Review the timetable for each leg instead of assuming that a Leshan train plan automatically covers Emeishan.

FAQ

Which station should I book for the Leshan Giant Buddha? Book a service that stops at Leshan Railway Station. Do not use Emeishan as a substitute if the Giant Buddha is your destination.

What is the fastest Chengdu East to Leshan train time? Published 2026 schedules show journeys from about 41 minutes. Other services can take substantially longer, up to 2 hours 54 minutes in the published 7 July 2026 timetable.

How much is a Chengdu to Leshan train ticket? Published 2026 fares range from ¥27 to ¥63 in second class and ¥43 to ¥86 in first class. Confirm the exact fare for your chosen service in 12306.

How many Chengdu-to-Leshan trains are there? The published timetable dated 7 July 2026 shows roughly 67 daily departures, approximately 06:15-22:38. Confirm the current timetable before travel.

Does the train go directly to the Giant Buddha? No. The train calls at Leshan Railway Station, and you will need a local transfer to continue to the Giant Buddha scenic area.