{"id":10399,"date":"2017-02-28T10:36:53","date_gmt":"2017-02-28T09:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.china-roads.fr\/?page_id=10399"},"modified":"2025-06-18T08:19:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T07:19:28","slug":"trains-in-china-classes-ticket-purchase-and-reservation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.china-roads.com\/transport\/trains-in-china-classes-ticket-purchase-and-reservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Trains in China: classes, ticket purchase and reservation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The train is a very good way to travel in China<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Indeed, the extensive rail network, built over the past ten years, makes it easy to connect all cities. The stations are similar to those in Western Europe, and the signs are quite clear.<\/p>\n

Tickets can be purchased online and collected at the ticket office simply by showing your passport. There are options for all price ranges and comfort levels.<\/p>\n

One of the most convenient aspects of traveling by train is that you can travel overnight. A night on the train will save you a night in a hotel, money, and travel time, as the distances between the places you want to visit in China are considerable.<\/p>\n

Many trains are equipped for overnight travel. You can choose between hard, soft, or luxury berths.<\/p>\n

Soft berths are closed boxes with four bunks. They offer excellent value for money. Hard berths are in a car with six open boxes; there’s a bit more room for two, but they’re comfortable and fairly affordable (blankets and pillows provided).<\/p>\n

China’s high-speed trains, or TGVs, are modern, fast, and comfortable. The lines only connect major cities, so stops are infrequent and the journey is faster. They reach speeds of up to 300 km\/h.<\/p>\n

Train schedules are the same every day. Trains generally run on time.<\/p>\n

Bookings can be made up to 60 days prior to departure. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during national holidays.<\/p>\n

It is best to arrive at the station 1.5 hours in advance. You will need to go through security to enter the station and then head to the Ticket Office to collect your tickets by showing your passport. Then, your train will be displayed on the large display board that you cannot miss, just like in French stations. It will indicate which level\/floor your platform is on; there are generally two levels. Once on the right floor, all you have to do is find your platform and wait until it opens. Don’t hesitate to ask the station employees for advice, show them your ticket, they will help you.<\/p>\n

Very practical: Public places are always equipped with boiled and hot water (the only running drinking water in China). Trains are also equipped with a hot water fountain. For long journeys, the Chinese plan to bring their bowl of instant noodles (which they call practical noodles!), they then just fill the bowl with hot water, wait ten minutes, and they have a piping hot meal for the journey. You can find these bowls of noodles everywhere, especially around the station for 1 or 2 euros (taste the spice sachets before mixing them, some are quite strong).<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Want to discover China in a different way? <\/span>Discover our train tour through China<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span>
\nA unique journey, from Shanghai to Canton, passing through Luoyang and Yangshuo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Map of trains in China<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n \"\" \n <\/div>\n\t\t\n
\n
<\/div>
\n
\n \n
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n