First Class Seat vs. Second Class Seat on China High Speed Train

China high speed train seat classes are divided into second class seats, first class seats, VIP seats, business class seats, soft sleepers, deluxe soft sleepers and new type sleepers. Among these China high speed train ticket types, first class seats and second class seats are most popular. Then, what’s the difference between them?

China high speed train first class seat provides wider space, quieter atmosphere, better facilities but costs more. Business people or non-budget travelers who want to have a relatively comfortable time onboard tend to use them. Also, if you are a big guy, a first class seat with large space will be much better than the second.

As for budget travelers or people who want to travel with their friends or family members, a China high speed train second class seat should be their top choice.

Below is the detailed information on China high speed train first class vs. second class:

1. Wider Seat and More Moving Space in First Class Seat

In the first class carriage, seats are in the format of 2 + 2 in every row. However, second class seats are arranged as 2 seats + 3 seats in a row. Hence, passengers in second class seats may feel less comfort and have less moving space. Wider than second class seats, first class seats are equipped with footrest and back cushion, enabling passengers feel more comfortable during the train trip.

China high speed train first class vs. second class

	First Class Seat	Second Class Seat
Seat Length	45cm	45cm
Seat Width	47cm	42cm
Height of Seat Back	75cm	75cm
Aisle Distance	60cm	45cm

2. Ticket of second class seat is cheaper than that of first class seat.

The ticket price of a second class seat is cheaper than that of a first class seat. Generally speaking, second class seats in bullet trains cost about 20% to 40% less than first class seats.

3. Foldable tables are more easy to use in first class carriage.

The foldable table is set besides the handrail of a first class seat and in the back of a second class seat. When passengers in first class seats rotate their seats and sit face to face to each other, they are also capable of using the table. Although the second class seats are also rotatable, passengers may not use the table if they want to sit face to face with the people behind them.

4. Wider Washing Room in First Class Cabin

The facilities in the washing room of a first class carriage is similar to that of a second class seat carriage. The only difference lies in the size: the washing room is bigger, compared with the washing room in second class carriage. Some of the washing rooms in first class have a foldable diaper change table, which is not available in second class carriage.

5. First class carriage is quieter than second class carriage.

With fewer passengers, a first class carriage is often quieter than a second class carriage. Therefore, one can rest well in the first class seat.

Other China High Speed Train Seat Classes

	Arrangement	Available on	Facilities
Business Class Seat	1 + 2 seats in a row	Most high speed trains have business class seats.	Reading lamp, A TV, back cushion, blanket, free snacks, drinks…
VIP Seat	1 + 2 seats in a row	Only a few bullet trains have this kind of seat classes.	Lamp, A mini LED TV set, back cushion, blanket, free snacks, drinks…
Soft Sleeper	2 upper berths + 2 lower berths in each cabin	Available only on overnight high speed trains	TV, air conditioner, reading light…
Deluxe Soft Sleeper	1 upper berth + 1 lower berth in each cabin	Available only on a few overnight high speed trains	TV, air conditioner, a sofa, a closet, an independent toilet…
New Type Sleeper	Bunk berths along the aisle lengthwise	Set only in Beijing - Shanghai Train D311 and D312	A socket, a headlamp, a desk, a cost rack, a curtain…