Long Distance Train Travel in China

If you’re like me and need to plan your trip ahead for visa purposes, or simply for piece of mind purposes, trying to decide on transportation can be tricky. Distances in China can be HUGE but sometimes planes are too expensive or not available to your destination, so what then? Fortunately, long distance train travel in China is very easy with a huge train network covering much of the country.

Sometimes there are bullet trains available to get you there in a reasonable amount of time, and sometimes it’s going to take you 24+ hours on a train to get there. No doubt that brings up many questions and doubts – 24 hours on a train? Ouch! But allow me to help settle your fears as I spent four nights on trains during my time in China.

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How to Book Trains in Advance (in English)

I had to pre-book tickets for my visa and did so online using www.TravelChinaGuide.com. They were quick to respond and always available for questions. You can find the schedules and prices online and reserve them. Within 24 hours you will have a confirmation and be asked for payment.

When looking at the train schedules, be careful as many cities have multiple railway stations and some journeys will take you into one further out of the city.

What Type of Seat to Select on the Train

The type of seat depends a lot on how much you are willing to spend to be comfortable.

Hard Seats

Hard seat is a regular cushioned train seat. It’s good for a day journey but going to be a bit difficult to get a good night’s sleep. They usually have five across, three on one side and two on the other.

Hard Sleeper

The hard sleeper is a cabin of six bunk beds, three high on each side, with no door or sometimes even wall to the cabin. All bunks come with sheets, pillows, and blankets and a mattress that is comfortable enough for a temporary stay. The bottom bunk is most treasured with the top being the most least favorable as there is no room to sit up and it’s about 7 feet off the ground so you need to be able to climb up.

Soft Sleeper

The soft sleeper is the most expensive and offers a closed off cabin with only four beds. It also includes sheets, pillows and blankets.

The Type of Seat I Chose for Long Distance Train Travel in China

I went with hard sleeper cars on all overnight trains. Two had closed off walls like in the pictures, and two had the bunk areas completely open to the corridor.

The lights are turned off from about 10pm to 7am to help make sleeping on the overnight trains possible. As to if you will be able to sleep, it really depends on how easily you sleep. There may be snorers or small children in your vicinity, so bring earplugs if you need complete silence.

Long Distance Train Travel in China — Hard Sleeper Cooridor

Hard Sleeper Bunk Area on Long Distance Trains in China — Hard Sleeper Bunk Area

Chinese Train Stations and Onboard the Trains

Taking the overnight trains in China was actually delightful and remarkably easy considering I speak about 2 words of Chinese (hello and thank you). Fortunately, it’s not really needed as long as you are attentive.

Picking Up Your Ticket at the Train Stations

One of the things I found most helpful about www.TravelChinaGuide.com is that they provide a sheet in both English and Mandarin with the information needed to pick up your tickets at the train station. Simply take the paper or a copy on your phone to a ticket window with your passport and your tickets will be waiting for you. I never had any trouble using this method.

Who Takes the Long Distance Trains

There are almost no tourists on the trains. You may very well be the only foreigner and get stared at constantly. That being said, I never felt unsafe.

Processes to Understand Onboard the Train

On overnight trains, once you step on the train you exchange your ticket for a card for your bunk so they can ensure you get off at the right destination (or at least that’s the idea…). Be sure to keep the card to exchange back for your ticket at your departure point. Sometimes you need your ticket to exit the station.

General Long Distance Train Travel Information

As you get ready for your long distance trains in China, here are some additional insights that will help you prepare appropriately.

Electric Outlets on the Train

There are usually no electric outlets available on trains, but occasionally bottom bunks feature outlets.

The Long Distance Train Bathrooms

There are squat toilets available in each car. They empty onto the tracks to avoid a stench, however due to this, they often lock prior to coming into stations. I would suggest taking your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer as well.

Meals and Hot Water for Overnight Trains

There is a banquet car and a snack trolley that passes back and forth. You can (and should) bring your own snacks for the journey. The instant noodle bowls are popular with the Chinese as you can simply put the available hot water in and have a meal. There’s a hot water tap available in each car. It’s also handy for making tea.

Internet Onboard

There is no wifi on the long distance trains in China.

Linens for Your Overnight Bunk

In the Soft and Hard Sleeper Seats you will receive clean sheets and pillows so that you can sleep overnight. I personally always covered the pillow with my sarong just to be safe, but overall, the bunks were comfortable and clean enough.

Additional Resources for Traveling Through China

If you’re investigating long distance train travel in China, it’s likely you’re headed to multiple parts of China. Here are some additional resources for planning your trip around China.

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How to Book Trains in Advance (in English)