A Beginner’s Guide on China Train Travel - 6 Things to Know

For long-distance travel, people in China usually choose to take trains for it is more economical than flights and time-saving than coaches. However, as a beginner to take China trains, you may be confused sometimes and don’t know what to do. In order to assure you a smooth and pleasant China train travel experience, we list this China train guide for beginners.

1. Choose a suitable train

In general, China trains are divided into two types: high speed trains and the traditional old style trains. Getting a glimpse of these trains can ensure that you have a more enjoyable China train travel.

High Speed Trains

China high speed trains are numbered as G, D or C, running at the top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). With white or grey as their dominant color, these high speed trains, usually available during the day, are equipped with business seats, VIP seats, first class seats and second class seats. Some G trains run overnight, providing new soft sleepers for passengers. Most travelers take high speed trains as their first choice.

Traditional Style Trains

Titled as L, K, Y, T, Z or numbers only, traditional trains usually have hard seats, hard sleepers, soft sleepers and deluxe soft sleepers. The top speed of these trains is 160 km/h (99 mph), quite slower than high speed trains, so less people choose them. But if you want to spend less on travelling and have enough time at the same time, traditional-styled trains may be your favorite, especially those running overnight.

Read more about Seat Classes & Ticket Types

2. Buy China train tickets with ease

There are 4 ways to buy China train tickets:

1. Book tickets from travel agencies easily;
2. At railway stations or train outlets, usually need a Chinese speaker to help you;
3. The official website of China Railway Corporation - 12306.com, you need to read Chinese and pay by a Chinese bank card, Wetchat Pay or AliPay;
4. Via official hotline 95105105, only Chinese operator is on the other side.

As a beginner on China train travel, it is suggested to buy the ticket through online travel agencies such as agatetravel.com, which will save you a lot of time and troubles.

Read more about How to Buy China Train Tickets

Tips of Buying China Train Tickets as a Beginner

1. When your trip is scheduled, you are suggested to book the tickets as early as possible.
2. Learn some useful Chinese phrases if you plan to buy the tickets at railway station or train outlets.
3. You will get an e-ticket, if you book the tickets online, so remember to change your e-ticket into a paper ticket at railway stations before boarding.

4. When you get your ticket, read the information on it to see whether it is the one you want.

3. Get prepared before heading to the railway station

1. Take your passport and your paper ticket if you have it.
2. Prepare your baggage carefully. Pack some foods, drinks and a water cup in your suitcase. If possible, you can take some toilet paper.
3. Plan the route from you hotel to the railway station.
4. Ticket-checking stops five minutes prior to departure, so get to the railway station at 30 minutes in advance if you have the ticket. If you need to collect the paper ticket, make it an hour in advance.

4. 8 Steps to Take China trains

If you want to enjoy your China train travel, it is necessary to know the steps of taking a China train.

1. Reach the departure station at least 30 minutes’ earlier.
2. At the entrance, go through ticket check and security check.
3. Find the right waiting room and boarding gate, and wait for boarding check.
4. Get boarding check and go to the right platform.
5. Find to the right cabin and get onboard.
6. Locate your seat and settle your luggage.
7. Sit down to enjoy your China train travel.

8. After arriving, follow the signs to get out.

5. How to refund or change my train tickets if I cannot make the trip

If your schedule is changed, you can just change the ticket to another day or refund it. The service fee is charged. It is advised to refund or change the ticket as early as possible, for the early you are, the less fee you pay.

6. How to reclaim my lost China train ticket

If your train ticket is lost, don’t worry, you can just go to the railway station and reclaim your train ticket from the work staff there. You may need to pay the service fee of CNY 2.