Best Way to Travel between Beijing and Harbin

The distance between Beijing and Harbin is about 1,300 kilometers (800 miles). Nowadays, there are four ways to travel between these two cities: Flight, High Speed Train, Normal Speed Train and Long-distance Bus. The flight just needs 2 hours on board and there are many schedules to choose from. Taking high speed train is a relatively cost-effective choice, spending 8.5 hours and costing CNY 306.5 - 313.5 for Second Class Seat. If you want to save one night’s hotel cost, you can take normal speed train from Beijing to Harbin, which needs 10-11 hours with the fare of no more than CNY 300 for Hard Sleeper. In addition, there are some direct long-distance buses between Beijing and Harbin. However, the travel time is 16-17 hours long, costing about CNY 300 per person.
   

  

Over 10 Beijing to Harbin direct flights are flying from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) from 08:35 to 20:10. The total flight time is about 2 hours, and the ticket prices range from CNY 1,500 - 2,000. If passengers can book flight tickets in advance, they would enjoy 20% - 80% discounts. 
 

It is suggested to take the high speed train from Beijing Railway Station to Harbin Railway Station or West Railway Station if travelers have enough travel time. The duration is about 8.5 hours with the ticket fare of CNY 306.5 - 313.5 for 2nd Class Seat. Although it takes longer time than fight, passengers can appreciate the scenery along the way. 

Departure Time to Harbin Railway Station: 06:34 
Departure Time to Harbin West Railway Station: 10:28 

 Ticket Prices: CNY 306.5 - 313.5 for Second Class Seat; CNY 490.5 - 501.5 for 1st Class Seat
 

For budget travelers, taking normal speed train from Beijing to Harbin is a recommended choice because they can save one night’s accommodation expense. It takes about 11 hours on the way, costing CNY 490.5 to 501.5 for 1st Class Seat. 

Departure Time to Harbin Railway Station: 21:21, 21:55
Departure Time to Harbin West Railway Station: 05:58, 14:08

 Ticket Prices: CNY 152.5 - 168.5 for Hard Seat; CNY 261.5 - 288.5 for Hard Sleeper; CNY 409.5 for Soft Sleeper; CNY 755.5 - 828.5 for Luxury Soft Sleeper
 From Zhaogongkou Coach Station: 16:00
From Bawangfen Coach Station: 18:00

  

The flight from Harbin to Beijing usually has 2 hours flying time. And there are 10-20 flights per day from Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), operating from 08:15 to 21:00. Please purchase flight tickets in advance in order to enjoy some discounts. 
 

Currently, both Harbin Railway Station and West Railway Station operate high speed trains to Beijing Railway Station directly. With the duration of 8 hours, it is a good choice for passengers without tight schedules.

Departure Time from Harbin Railway Station: 14:33
Departure time from Harbin West Railway Station: 09:51

 Ticket Prices: CNY 306.5 - 313.5 for Second Class Seat; CNY 490.5 - 501.5 for 1st Class Seat
 Departure Time from Harbin Railway Station: 21:20, 21:39
Departure Time from Harbin West Railway Station: 10:51, 17:00

 Ticket Prices: CNY 152.5 - 173.5 for Hard Seat; CNY 261.5 - 296.5 for Hard Sleeper; CNY 409.5 for Soft Sleeper; CNY 755.5 for Luxury Soft Sleeper
 

From Harbin Jiaohua Coach Station, there is one long-distance bus that can take passengers to Beijing. The ticket fare is CNY 216 per person.