【3% Off】China Train Ticket Price Guide: Seats, Ticket Type

Choosing the right China train ticket is easy with our guide. We explain China train ticket price, different types of train and show them in a clear table format. You'll also find a comparison of first and second class seats on China's high-speed trains. Our guide helps you see the differences so you can pick the best ticket for your trip~😘

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When considering the choice between First Class and Second Class tickets on China's high-speed trains, the primary factor to consider is price. A First Class ticket typically costs about 1.6 times that of a Second Class ticket. For instance, on the Beijing to Shanghai route, the price of a First Class seat is approximately 1.6533 times that of a Second Class seat.

From personal experience, if budget is not a concern and you really desire a bit more comfort, First Class might be worth considering as it offers slightly more comfortable seating arrangements. However, I often travel Second Class myself, as the seats are quite comfortable and suitable for journeys within five hours. The comfort level in Second Class is generally sufficient for most travelers, making the extra cost of First Class hard to justify unless the additional comfort is a priority for you.

All in all, the decision between First and Second Class should depend on your personal budget and comfort preferences. The difference in cost may not seem large to some, but for budget-conscious travelers, Second Class offers a very reasonable level of comfort without the higher expense.

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How to Choose China Train Tickets

China G-Class Train (Source from: Unsplash)

Different China Train Ticket Types

China's train tickets are divided into 7 classes based on comfort: hard seat, soft seat, second-class seat, first-class seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper, and deluxe soft sleeper. The deluxe soft sleeper is the most comfortable and private option, available only on some long-distance trains and difficult to book because of high demand. For trips shorter than five hours, first-class and second-class seats (High speed train) are usually recommended.

Business-class Seat (Source from TopChinaTravel)

Deluxe Soft Sleeper (Source from TopChinaTravel)

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How to Choose China Speed Train Ticket Seats

Second Class Seat Carriage Environment (Source from China Discovery)

• G trains, which travel at speeds between 250 km/h and 400 km/h, drastically cut travel times, such as reducing the Beijing to Shanghai journey from 6 hours to just 4 hours over a distance of 1318 km. Introduced in 2017, Fuxing trains can reach speeds of up to 400 km/h on this route.
• D trains, running at speeds between 200 km/h and 250 km/h, are typically slower and stop at more stations, making them a more affordable option for travelers covering various routes.

Here’s a table showing the seating options on China's high-speed train tickets👇

Both G and D trains, along with C trains, provide various seating arrangements to meet different comfort preferences and travel needs.

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China Train Ticket: 1st Class VS. 2nd Class

Source from Unsplash

First class and second class seats are the most popular choices on China's high-speed train tickets, each catering to different preferences.

If you prioritize comfort, often travel for business, or need more space, first class seats are ideal. They're also a good fallback when second class seats are sold out. On the other hand, for those looking to save money or traveling in groups, second class seats are recommended for their affordability and comfort, akin to airplane economy class.

From my own experience, I recommend second class tickets because they are much cheaper, and the difference in amenities is minor. The comfort level is sufficient for me to comfortably spend four to five hours on the train, making it a practical choice for journeys of this duration.

Seat Arrangement

First Class seats on G, C, and D trains are generally wider than those in Second Class, measuring about 48 cm compared to 45 cm. Additionally, First Class offers more space between rows, enhancing legroom and overall comfort. The seats in First Class also recline more, from 5 to 32 degrees, providing better relaxation options compared to the 5 to 24-degree recline in Second Class. If onboard comfort is a priority, the spacious and comfortable First Class seats are certainly the better choice.

First Class carriages have fewer seats, typically 28, with four seats per row (two on each side), offering a less crowded and quieter environment. This setting is ideal for business travelers or those who prefer a restful journey, with minimal noise and fewer disturbances. On the other hand, Second Class carriages accommodate over 70 seats arranged in a 3+2 format per row. This can feel more cramped, especially for larger passengers, and is often noisier due to the presence of families and children.

【Note】

Despite the narrower seats and space in Second Class, it is still more spacious than airplane economy seats, making it a viable option for those accustomed to air travel. This, coupled with its cheap price, makes Second Class a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers or those on shorter trips.

Source from China Discovery

Seat Table

• First Class Carriage Tables: The foldable tables are located within the armrest, usually on the passenger’s right side. These tables are larger and can be extended across to the width of the seat, offering greater convenience and space.
• Second Class Carriage Tables: The tables are attached to the back of the seat in front. These are smaller compared to those in the first class and may pose a limitation. For instance, if passengers rotate their seats to face each other, they cannot use these tables effectively.
• Seat Rotation: Both first and second class seats are rotatable, which allows passengers to choose to face the direction of travel or to face each other.

【Note】

In first class, passengers who choose to sit facing each other can still use the foldable tables. However, this is not the case in second class, where the design of the foldable tables restricts their use when seats are facing each other.

Source from China Discovery

Other Facilities

First class seats on high-speed trains offer superior comfort with both hard and soft footrests under each seat and soft pillows at the headrest for neck support. In contrast, second class seats do not provide these amenities.

Additionally, power sockets are more accessible in first class, available on both sides of every row, while in second class, sockets are limited to either side of the row.

How to Book China Train Ticket Online

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