China Train/Rail Travel Tips
1. Choose the right train
When you are planning a train tour in China, you should first choose the proper train according to your tour itinerary. There are daytime train and overnight train, G train, D train and C train. Choosing the right train will save you many time.
2. Buy train tickets
Usually, train tickets go on sale 20 days in advance of the departure. You can select your train from our online China train tickets booking page or buy the ticket on the official website www.12306.cn (China's Rail Service Center), if you can read the Chinese, around 20 days before your departure date. Or show your passport and cash to buy your ticket at the Ticket Counters ( not at the Ticket Machines).
3. Get the right station
In some big cities, there are more than 1 train station and it will be a little far from one station from another. So, make sure the right station to your tickets or it will be difficult for you to catch up your train.
You need to get to the station at least one hour before your train departure time for you need to go through security check and tickets check.
4. Carry-on Baggage
The baggage passengers can carry on for free:
1) Children (including free tickets): 10 kg ( 22 pounds )
2) Diplomat: 35 kg ( 77 pounds )
3) Regular passengers: 20 kg ( 44 pounds )
4) The total length of each baggage cannot exceed 160 cm
5. In the waiting hall
Once you get to your train station, you will be asked to line up to have your personal stuff go through the X-ray machine. Then, you get to the waiting hall, you need to see the electronic train schedule board and find your waiting room according to your train number. When the train allows passengers to get on, you need to line up for the tickets checking and follow the throng to the platform.
6. At the platform
After the tickets check, just follow the throng to the platform. There you will see your train and you need to find out your car number. Then go to the door and get in.
7. Get off the train
Usually, the broadcast on the train will remind you the destination the train is arriving. But it is better that you remember your arrival time and get prepared to get off the train. Then take your baggage and follow the people out of the platform to the exit. Once outside the station, be patient and careful to find the right taxi or shuttle bus for your destination.
8. Train Tickets for Passenger Transport during Spring Festival
Kind Note: Chinese Spring Festival holiday (Jan.27 - Feb.2, 2017 ) is coming. It is very difficult to buy train tickets from Jan.13 to Feb.21, 2017 for Passenger Transport during the Spring Festival. Please confirm at least 2 weeks in advance if train tickets available for China train tour packages with your travel consultant.
>> Read more about China High-Speed Train FAQs.
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