Harbin Travel Forum

Hi. I am planning to go to har bin early january 2008. I would like some help on the transportation estimation. I would like to know how much does it cost to travel to Harbin from Beijing by using train / plane? and where can i get those ticket.

Thank you

By Z train hard sleeper between Beijing and Harbin would cost about 263-281 RMB each way, depending on your choice of bunk. Buy the tickets yourself at the train station or ask your hotel/hostel to help for a small service charge.
I would expect the price of plane tickets to be about 800-1000 RMB each way, depending on how the situation is then. Ask your hotel/hostel to help for plane tickets.

Yes you can get the Z train hard sleeper for about that price but you have to consider what you want from your train journey. I try to make a trip to a particular place at least once during the day as you get to see an enormous amount of the country. The scenery changes so much between Beijing and Harbin. There is something quite spiritual and peaceful about what China pass you by. There are cheaper tickets for hard sleepers on the day train. If you have any difficulty booking then I suggest going to Hademen Hotel or any other major hotel and they can book a ticket for you for a booking fee of 30RMB. Often the hotels buy up the tickets so even if you go to the train station you can't get one but you can get one from the hotel.

The train station can be a real nightmare. Be strong and don't let people push in front of you. If you make a bit of a fuss the person usually melts away.

You should arrive for your train at least an hour before hand. Trains board about 20 minutes prior to departure if it is a starting station and the process can be pretty full on. Many chinese people carry miles of baggage so take up all available luggagespace.

The hard sleeper carriages don't have much luggage room. The bathrooms are maintained quite well but remember to take your own toilet paper. The dining car isn't always open so take snacks with you. You can buy noodles, fruit, drink and beer (all room temperature) from a trolley lady. Hot water is available in each carriage.

There are usually people that can speak english on the train so take the opportunity to have a chat. Most people love to practice their english and if you speak to them the whole carriage wants to be their friend and know all about the foreigner.

If you have any questions, just email; Samanthamason10@hotmail.com
goodluck and enjoy the mindblowing experience that is China.
Sam