How to Take a Train in China

China boasts one of the world’s most extensive rail networks, and with the rapid development of high-speed trains, traveling by train has become one of the most convenient and affordable ways to explore the country in comfort.

For many travelers, the idea of taking a train in China can seem daunting due to the sheer size of the population, the complexities of booking tickets, and the crowds at major train stations.

However, after reading the tips below, you’ll find that traveling by train in China is likely easier than you think.

1. Plan Your Journey

First, decide your departure and destination cities, and make sure you know the names of the stations involved. Then, visit the website or app of your train service provider to check the available schedules. Look up the departure and arrival times for trains operating along your intended route.

Next, consider when you want to travel. Think about your preferred departure and arrival times, as well as any time constraints or preferences you might have. Different trains offer varying levels of speed, comfort, and services, so take these factors into account when choosing the type of train that best suits your needs.

2. Choose between High-Speed and Normal Overnight Trains

Most major tourist destinations in China are now connected by high-speed rail, making it the most convenient way to travel around the country. However, many travelers still opt for normal overnight trains due to their lower costs and unique experience. Additionally, overnight trains can help save on hotel expenses.

To help you decide which type of seat to choose, here’s an overview of the seating options on both high-speed and overnight trains.

Seat Classes on High-Speed Trains

• Business class: This is the most luxurious and expensive class on high-speed trains. Seats are arranged as 1+2 across the car width, providing a high level of privacy and enriched travel experience.
• First class: The seats are arranged as 2+2 in a row. The seats have more legroom and elbow room than in second class.
• Second class: The seats are arranged as 3+2 in a row. Most passengers opt for second-class seats as they are more affordable, and the travel experience is still quite comfortable.
• Hard sleeper:This type of seat features six berths (3 on each side) in an open cabin with no door. The aisle runs beside the cabin, and other passengers walking by can see into the entire cabin, offering no privacy.
• Soft sleeper: Available on overnight high-speed trains, the soft sleeper class consists of private compartments with four berths. This is the ideal choice for a family of four,

Seat Classes on Normal Trains

All normal trains in China have designated smoking areas. As long as you are onboard, it’s inevitable that you may encounter the smell of smoke. If you are not comfortable with this, it’s best to avoid choosing this type of train.

• Superior soft sleeper: This option features private, lockable cabins with two bunks, as well as private toilets and bathrooms. Once inside the cabin, passengers don’t need to leave until they disembark. This type of sleeper is particularly popular among couples due to its privacy and comfort.
• Soft sleeper: This is the most popular class on overnight trains. Each private cabin contains four bunks (two upper and two lower), with lockable doors for added comfort and privacy. It offers a good balance of comfort and affordability, making it a top choice for many travelers.
• Hard sleeper: The ticket price for a hard sleeper is lower than that of a soft sleeper. It features an open-plan compartment with six bunks (upper, middle, and lower). While more affordable, it offers less privacy and comfort compared to a soft sleeper.
• Hard seat: This is the most economical class, but it is not recommended for journeys longer than 4 hours. The coaches are often very crowded and noisy, especially during holidays, with passengers frequently standing in the aisles and connecting areas.

Generally, the conditions in hard and soft sleeper coaches on normal trains are not too different from those on high-speed trains. High-speed trains tend to offer more modern facilities and a quieter, more comfortable environment. For more, see Train Types and Seat Classes in China.

3. Purchase Your Train Ticket(s)

There are several ways to purchase Chinese train tickets, but buying online in advance through a travel agency like Train Spread is highly recommended.

China Railway’s online reservation system opens 15 days before the departure date, but it's best to book as early as possible, especially for travel during busy periods like the May Day holiday, National Day holiday, summer vacation, and the Spring Festival.

Booking in advance increases your chances of securing tickets. Once tickets become available, the travel agency can complete the purchase as soon as they are released. Learn more about how foreigners buy train tickets in China.

4. Go to the Right Train Station

In large cities like Beijing, there are typically several train stations, each located far from the others. For example, Beijing has four major train stations (Beijing South, Beijing West, Beijing Chaoyang, and Beijing Fengtai), each serving different routes and regions.

To avoid confusion, it’s crucial to double-check the departure station listed on your ticket to ensure you're at the right location.

For a smooth and stress-free journey, we recommend arriving at the station at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This will give you plenty of time for ticket validation, security checks, and finding your platform without rushing.

5. Security Checks

Security checks at train stations are essential for ensuring the safety of passengers and the public. Before entering the station building, all passengers must go through these security procedures.

During the check, your identification document (the same one used for booking your ticket) will be inspected to confirm your identity and match the ticket to the traveler. Additionally, all bags and belongings will be scanned through an X-ray machine to detect any prohibited or dangerous items.

These security measures help maintain a safe travel environment. The entire process typically takes about 3 minutes, but you may need to wait in line for up to 15 minutes, depending on the station’s crowd size. By following these procedures, we contribute to a safer and more comfortable journey for everyone.

6. Find the Right Boarding Gate/Waiting Lounge

At major train stations like Beijing South, Guangzhou South, and Shanghai Hongqiao, there are large waiting halls with multiple boarding gates. Passengers for different trains often gather in the same waiting area.

To find your specific boarding gate, you can check the information board inside the station. If you have a paper ticket, the gate number will also be listed. Occasionally, gates may change, so be sure to keep an eye on the information board and listen for announcements over the station’s public address system.

At smaller train stations, there are usually several waiting lounges, each assigned to several trains. In this case, make sure to identify the correct waiting lounge for your train. Information about the lounges and corresponding boarding gates can be found on the station’s information board in the departure concourse.

7. Check In

Your ID document, which was used for booking your ticket, will be checked again at the boarding gate. This step is essential for maintaining security and ensuring the integrity of the boarding process.

The check-in process usually starts 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time and ends 5 minutes prior to departure. It’s recommended to arrive at the boarding gate within this window to ensure a smooth check-in experience. Arriving on time allows for the completion of any necessary procedures, helping you board the train without last-minute issues.

8. Boarding

Once the check-in process is complete, follow the passenger flow towards the platform designated for your train. Platform number for your train will be clearly displayed on an LED board within the station, making it easy to find your way. Make sure you go to the correct platform to avoid boarding a wrong train.

Upon reaching the platform, locate your specific coach by looking for its number, which will be prominently displayed either on the side of the coach or near the entrance door. This makes it easy for passengers to find their assigned coach and ensures smooth boarding.

By paying attention to these details and following the displayed information, you can navigate the train station efficiently, find the correct platform, and locate your designated coach without any confusion or delays.

9. Locate Your Seat/Bunk and Store Luggage

Once you have located your assigned coach it is important to find your specific seat or bunk based on the seat or bunk number indicated on your ticket.

For high-speed trains, there are luggage racks above the seats or in the luggage closets located at the connections between train coachs. You can place your baggage either on the luggage rack above your seat or in the designated luggage closet.

On sleeper trains, there is usually a luggage rack at the top of the coach or underneath the lower bunk. You can securely store your bags on the luggage rack provided, ensuring they are out of the way and leaving ample space for you to move comfortably within the coach.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you find your designated seat or bunk and store your baggage appropriately, making your journey on the train more comfortable and convenient.

10. Food and Drinks on the Train

Business Class and Soft Sleeper passengers enjoy complimentary food and drinks on most trains, although the selection is limited. However, no free food or drinks are provided for passengers in other seat classes, including First and Second Class on high-speed trains, and Hard Seat and Sleeper passengers on normal trains, and standing tickets for both types of trains.

Many passengers bring their own food and drinks onboard. Instant noodles are especially popular, though they are not recommended due to their strong smell, which some passengers may find unpleasant.

Most trains also feature a dining car, where you can purchase meals such as beef, pork, or chicken with rice, along with drinks like cola, orange juice, coffee, and tea. Prices in the dining car tend to be about 30% higher than what you'd pay elsewhere.

11. Get Off

To ensure smooth disembarking, it’s advisable to pack your belongings and be ready to leave the train at least 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.

On high-speed trains, bilingual announcements will inform you about upcoming station stops, helping you prepare for your arrival.

However, on non-bullet trains, announcements may be absent, or the train may be so crowded that it takes 10 to 20 minutes to reach the door. In such cases, it’s important to stay alert and track the train's progress. Refer to the timetable or ask fellow passengers for guidance on when the train is nearing your destination. Being aware of your journey will help you disembark at the right station without hassle.

12. Check Out

After disembarking from the train, follow the signs within the station to find your way out. In major train stations across China, you'll typically find clear signage directing you to various facilities without having to leave the station building.

These signs will guide you to the subway station, taxi stands, or bus stops, all conveniently located within the station premises. This ensures easy access to different modes of transportation, allowing you to continue your journey without the need to step outside.

13. Transfer to Another Train

The usual process for transferring to another train involves disembarking from your current train, heading to the waiting hall to find the boarding gate for your next train, and then boarding the new train.

Most international passengers will need around 20 minutes to complete the first two steps of transferring to another train: disembarking from the previous train and finding the boarding gate for the next train. The third step, which is boarding the new train, is the same as when you first board a train. It's important to remember that you do not need to exit the station during this process.

In most train stations in China, you’ll find English signboards to help guide you through the transfer process smoothly. If your transfer time is tight, don’t hesitate to ask station staff for assistance. However, keep in mind that many staff members may not speak English, so it’s helpful to prepare your train information in Chinese beforehand to avoid confusion.

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