Travelling around China is an amazing experience, filled with culture, history and breathtaking views. There are many ways to explore the country, however train travel is one of the easiest ways to get around while still taking in the country’s many wonders. Whether you’re travelling for business or just to get a better understanding of China’s diverse provinces, book train tickets ahead of time so you don’t miss out on a great journey.
The most popular way to book tickets is through the official China Rail website, which offers a wide selection of tickets for high-speed, express, and normal trains. Tickets are usually sold 30 days in advance, and the website can be a bit confusing as the interface is only in Chinese. Fortunately, there are other sites and services, like Trip.com, that can help make the booking process smoother for non-Chinese speakers.
Another great way to book train tickets is through the many train ticket agents that can be found across all of the big cities in China. While it may take a while to navigate the Chinese bureaucracy, ticket agents make it easy to book tickets – no understanding of Chinese is necessary. How much you’ll pay for a ticket with a ticket agent depends on the type of train, the departure and arrival cities, and the level of service you’re looking for.
For those who are short on time, the fastest and most convenient way to buy train tickets is using an app or website. Apps like Ctrip and Mafengwo offer a variety of different ways to book tickets, including online, by phone, or by app. Tickets can be purchased with major credit cards and in many cases, pre-booked tickets can be printed at a local travel agency or ticket machine. In addition to the convenience factor, these services are also often cheaper than booking through the station.
Whatever way you decide to book tickets, it’s important to be aware that the train system in China is generally very crowded. It’s a good idea to arrive at the station early so that you can find a good seat. To make sure that you don’t miss your train, look out for announcements in both English and Chinese, which should be clearly marked on the station’s displays.
In addition to booking tickets, it’s also important to know the rules and regulations of the rails. Before boarding the train, check with the station staff to make sure that you know what type of ticket you have purchased. Certain tickets may require you to board different carriages or may limit the number of stops you can make. Be sure to bring your passport or identification card with you at all times when travelling by train.
Rail Passes
One of the most cost effective ways to travel by train is to buy a rail pass. A rail pass is a ticket that allows you to travel unlimited times on certain routes within a certain period of time. Rail passes come in one-, two-, or seven-month duration packages and are available for both domestic and international travel.
The cost of a rail pass depends on the routes you plan to travel on and the duration of your trips. For short term trips within the same province, a one-month rail pass may be the best option. For longer trips that involve many different provinces, a seven-month pass may suit your needs better.
Rail passes can also be a great way to save money on weekend trips or holiday getaways. Depending on the route you choose, it may be cheaper to get a seven-month pass rather than individual tickets. There are also discounts available for young people and seniors, so be sure to ask the ticket staff about the best options for you.
Rail passes are available through the China Rail website, ticket agents, and local travel agencies. However, if you want to purchase a rail pass directly from the station, it must be done in person and you must bring your passport or identification card.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices depend on the type of train and the route you are taking. Prices for high-speed trains are generally much higher than for express and normal trains, but the comfort and convenience are often worth the price. Prices also vary by the time and date of travel, and they go up during peak times such as weekends or public holidays.
Although a ticket on a high-speed train will be the most expensive, it is also the most convenient and the fastest option. High-speed trains connect all the major cities in China, making them an ideal choice for business travellers. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, normal or express trains may be a better choice as they usually take longer and make more stops, but they are significantly cheaper.
When booking tickets, another option to consider is whether or not to use a sleeper car. Sleeper cars are more comfortable than regular carriages and can be a great way to get a good night’s rest while travelling. However, they can also be a little more expensive so be sure to factor this into your budget when buying tickets.
Refunds
Refunds on tickets depend on the type of ticket you purchase and the route you are taking. Refunds for high-speed trains can usually only be made if the ticket is cancelled more than 8 hours prior to departure, and for normal and express trains, it must be done 6 hours before departure. Refunds can be done either through the original ticket office or online through the website or app you used to purchase the ticket.
It’s also important to note that some tickets, such as certain promotional tickets or tickets purchased through third-party websites or agents, may not be refundable at all. In this case, you will need to contact the company or ticket agent directly to see if there is anything they can do.
In the event of a train delay or cancellation, you may be eligible for a full refund or partial refund of the ticket price. However, it’s important to check with the ticket office or website you purchased the ticket from before requesting a refund.
Other Tips
To keep your travels hassle-free, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind. Always plan ahead and book tickets ahead of time to ensure you get the best seat. It’s also a good idea to double-check the schedule and platform before your departure. Pay attention to the announcements in both Chinese and English to make sure you don’t miss your stop. Always bring your passport or identification card with you when you travel as it is required for ticket purchase and boarding.
Keep in mind that the train system in China is generally very crowded. Be prepared to share the space on the train with locals and to stand for long periods of time if necessary. It’s also important to remember that the train system in China is cashless, so it’s necessary to have a credit card or pre-paid card in order to purchase tickets. Finally, make sure to bring snacks and drinks to sustain you during your travels, as this may make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
Safety
Safety is important when travelling by train in China and it’s important to be aware of the security measures in place. Look out for alerts or announcements of security checks as they may require you to get off the train at certain stops. Security staff may also randomly check passengers’ passports and identification documents. Items such as weapons, drugs and other prohibited items are strictly prohibited on all train services, so make sure you don’t have these items in your bag before boarding the train.
Traveling by train can be a great way to explore China, but it’s important to be aware of the safety rules and regulations. Always keep your passport or identification card with you when travelling, plan ahead and book tickets in advance, and follow the announcements in both Chinese and English to ensure a smooth and convenient experience.
