China Travel Forum

Hello all,

I am currently planning a trip to China for the month of May. I have almost all of my transportation between cities arranged with flights, but I would like train tickets from Hangzhou to Shanghai, then tickets from Shanghai to Beijing a few days later.

Thing is I'm arriving in Hangzhou and these tickets will have to be purchased on somewhat short notice, but I've heard the tickets get sold out quite quickly. Is there any way for me to work this out, preferably without travel agents? The only quotes I've been given so far are more expensive than the flights!

Much obliged, Olivier

Train tickets, in most of the cities, are difficult to obtain. But Shanghai<->Hangzhou, Beijing<->Shanghai, is quite easy to get, because there are many trains run between Shanghai/hangzhou and beijing/shanghai everyday, therefore, no neccessary to worry about. and you can buy shanghai->beijing ticket at hangzhou train station. in 2007, I work in Shanghai, and frequently run between beijing/shanghai, generally (except weekends) I buy the above ticket at departure day, directly buy at the train station. If you still worrying, you can buy the ticket one day in advance your departure day.

If you're planning to travel on a Sunday, Friday or even Saturday, please don't dream about getting train tickets on-the-spot. Especially if you're hoping to take the D trains.
Also, I'm picky about which trains (ie only D trains) and train stations (ie only Hangzhou main to Shanghai South) I use for Hangzhou -- Shanghai, so if you want the best ones, the choice is limited. Bus is always ok for a last resort, but it costs more than the most expensive train seats, slower and not as comfortable!
I might be able to help you out with the Shanghai -- Beijing train tickets. Drop me a VTMail.

I took the bus two weeks ago and it wasn't too bad... but like she said its something you should avoid if you can but by no means worth worrying over.

Thank you all for the advice