Ting Chen
Quick Jump
I’ve taken this trip dozens of times – sometimes with clients, sometimes solo. And honestly? The first time I did it, I made a few mistakes that cost me time and patience. Let me save you the headache.
Leshan, home to the massive 71-meter stone Buddha, is just 150 km south of Chengdu. Most travelers want to do it as a day trip. It’s totally doable. But the route you choose matters a lot – especially if you hate wasting hours in traffic or scrambling for tickets.
Here’s the bottom line: the high-speed train is your best bet. It’s cheap (around 54 RMB / ~$7.5), fast (46 minutes to 1 hour), and runs frequently. But if you're with a group or have lots of luggage, a private car might be worth the extra cost. Let's break it all down.
High-Speed Train: The No-Brainer Choice
This is what I always recommend to my clients. Trains depart from Chengdu East Railway Station (成都东站) or Chengdu South Railway Station (成都南站). The destination is Leshan Railway Station (乐山站). Most trains from Chengdu East go directly, while some from South may be slightly slower.
How to Book Tickets
You can book through the official 12306.cn website or app (Chinese only, but I’ve seen many foreigners manage with translation). Alternatively, use Trip.com (the English version) – they add a small fee but it’s totally worth it for the interface. Note: you'll need your passport number.
Train Schedule & Prices
| Departure Station | Travel Time | Price (2nd class) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu East | 46–60 min | 54 RMB | Every 15–30 min |
| Chengdu South | 50–70 min | 51 RMB | Every 30–60 min |
Trains start around 6:30 AM and run until about 9:30 PM. If you're doing a day trip, I suggest taking the 7:30 or 8:00 AM train from Chengdu East. You’ll be in Leshan by 8:30, and at the Buddha site before the tour bus crowds flood in around 10:30.
Which Station Should You Leave From?
Chengdu East is larger and has more direct trains. If you're staying near Chunxi Road or the city center, getting to East Station by Metro (Line 2 or 7) takes about 30 minutes. Chengdu South is closer to the city center (Metro Line 1 or 7) but fewer trains. I’d pick East unless the timing is inconvenient.
One thing that catches many foreigners: at Chengdu East, you need to collect your paper ticket from the machines (use the “Take Ticket” button) even though it's an e-ticket. The QR code on your phone sometimes doesn’t scan. Annoying, but just do it.
Bus from Chengdu to Leshan
I’ve taken the bus a few times when train tickets were sold out. It’s cheaper but slower. Buses leave from Xinnanmen Bus Station (新南门车站) or Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子车站). The ride takes about 2–2.5 hours, costing around 45–55 RMB.
If you're on a tight budget and have plenty of time, the bus is okay. But for most travelers, the train is better – even if you have to wait an hour for the next departure.
Taxi or Private Car: Is It Worth It?
A private car from Chengdu to Leshan will cost you around 300–500 RMB (depending on the car type and platform). You can book via Didi (Chinese Uber) or hire through your hotel. Some travelers also use English services like Klook or China Taxi Guide.
When is a car a good idea?
- You’re traveling with 3+ people (cost per person drops).
- You have a lot of luggage or are heading straight to the airport later.
- You want flexibility to stop at a local restaurant or rest area.
But here’s the catch: the drive takes about 1.5 hours on a good day, but peak hours can turn it into 2.5+ hours. And you still need to pay for parking near the Buddha site (20–30 RMB).
Once You're in Leshan: Getting to the Buddha
From Leshan Railway Station, you have three options:
- Bus line K1: Direct bus from the station to Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area. Takes about 30 minutes, 2 RMB. Exit the station, follow signs to the bus stop outside the main square.
- Taxi: 20–25 minutes, around 25–35 RMB. Tell the driver “乐山大佛” (Lèshān Dàfó).
- Did (ride-hailing): Slightly cheaper than a taxi, about 20–30 RMB. The pickup point is clearly marked at the station.
My advice: Take a taxi or Didi if you're in a group of 2 or more. The bus is fine but can be crowded. If you arrive after 9 AM, you'll likely be standing all the way.
Leshan Giant Buddha – Entry & Timing
The scenic area opens at 7:30 AM (summer) or 8:00 AM (winter). Last entry is at 5:30 PM. Ticket price: 80 RMB (peak season) / 50 RMB (off-peak). You can buy tickets at the gate or via WeChat mini-program (scan at the entrance). Credit cards work at the ticket booth, but the WeChat route is faster.
Also note: the site involves a LOT of stairs. Wear comfortable shoes. There’s a lovely park-like area at the top with smaller temples – worth a 15-minute stroll.
FAQs: How to Get to Leshan from Chengdu
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Prices and schedules are as of the latest update; always confirm on official platforms.
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