China Train Travel Tips – 10 Things You Should Know

Here are some China train travel tips to assure you a smooth China train trip, including what time you should book your train tickets, what kind of trains you should choose, and what you should bring onboard.

1. Choose high speed trains over traditional trains.

Compared with normal speed trains, high speed trains, equipped with modern facilities, are fast, punctual, safe and convenient. For instance, a ride by high speed train from Beijing to Shanghai takes about 4.5 hours while the normal speed train takes as long as 15 hours.

Generally speaking, the second class seat on high speed trains are most popular, which are like the economy class on the airplane. If the tickets of high speed trains are sold out, one can also buy the tickets of the normal speed overnight trains. In that case, passengers can save the time during day time and money for staying at a hotel.

2. Try not to take trains during holidays in China.

During China holidays like Chinese New Year travel rush usually from late January to early March and National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, you may have difficulties buying a ticket; lots of passengers will line up in ticket windows, waiting halls, even the washing rooms. As a result, it takes longer time to get onboard and you should arrive at the railway stations at least half an hour earlier than usual.

3. Buy the ticket as early as possible.

For anyone who plan to take China trains, you should bear this China train travel tip in mind. During peak seasons or Chinese holidays or for hot train travel routes, the tickets may be sold out once they are released. So, when your trip is planned, it is suggested to book your train tickets as soon as possible. China train tickets sold online or phone are available 30 days prior to the departure day and one can buy the tickets at the railway station or tickets outlets 28 days earlier.

Read more about How to Buy China Train Tickets

4. Seek help from a ticket agency if you don’t speak Chinese.

The official website of China Railway Corporation only has Chinese version; the official hotline only speaks Chinese; only a few staff speak English at the ticket windows of big railway stations… So for passengers who don’t speak Chinese, it is difficult to buy a China train ticket smoothly.

We AgateTravel offers hassle-free China train ticket booking service. Please feel free to contact us!

5. Arrive at the railway station at least 1 hour in advance.

When you get to the railway station, you need to go through security and ticket check, find your waiting room and boarding gate. Also, you need to collect your paper ticket if you don’t have it in hand. Considering all these, you’ better give yourself one hour, especially when you are not familiar with the station.

6. Prepare some food for your train travel.

The dinning carriage provides passengers foods, drinks and snacks. One can also buy these things in the dining cart. However the price of these stuff are usually higher. So buy some food, fruits or snacks you want to eat onboard in advance.

7. Carry some bottled water or a cup.

Hot drinkable water is available in every carriage, but disposable cups are offered in high speed trains only. Thus, you need to bring your cup or carry some bottled water if you don’t want to drink the water on the train.

8. Pack some toilet paper in your bag.

This seems not to be an important China train travel tip, but a useful one. Although the toilet paper is available in high speed trains, it may be used out quickly. In normal speed trains, no toilet paper is provided. So a scroll of toilet paper is quite necessary.

9. Keep an eye on your luggage.

When the train stops at any one of the railway stations, lots of people get in or get off. You need to keep an eye on your luggage in case someone take yours in mistake.

10. Bring something to kill time.

For a long-distance travel, you may need to bring something like books to kill time. You can also download some TV series or movies beforehand, so that you can watch them during the trip. Also, take a portable charger with you if you are going to take normal speed trains.