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China high-speed rail

China by high-speed train, made simple

Most cities are linked by high-speed rail, leaving from downtown stations with no airport transfers. Passport-named seats and station transfers can all be handled by us.

Beijing–Shanghai · Beijing–Xi’an · Shanghai–Hangzhou · Guangzhou–Shenzhen · Changsha–Zhangjiajie

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Why rail beats short flights

China high-speed rail: tickets, seats and routing

China high-speed rail is how most multi-city trips actually move — Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu and Hangzhou are all linked, and you leave from the city center instead of heading to the airport hours early.

This page puts ticket help and transport planning together. Browse popular routes, compare seat classes, try the route fare request, or ask us to book trains.

Building a longer trip? Start with all tours or a custom private trip. First time? Read the travel guide and our rail travel guide.

All toursCustom privateDestinationsTravel guideRail travel guide
World’s largest network

Why rail works so well for travelers

45,000+km of high-speed line
World’s largest
350km/h top operating speed
Fuxing bullet trains
Downtownmost stations are in the city
No airport transfers
Passportis your ticket ID
Real-name tickets

China’s high-speed network links Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou and hundreds of cities, and punctual G and D trains make multi-city trips realistic. Length and speed are rounded public figures.

Top routes

Popular city-to-city routes

Times are rough figures for the fastest common trains. Fares vary by train, date and seat, so we quote once we check your dates.

BeijingShanghai

~4.5 hrsQuote by date

BeijingXi’an

~4.5 hrsQuote by date

ShanghaiHangzhou

~1 hrQuote by date

GuangzhouShenzhen

~30 minQuote by date

BeijingTianjin

~30 minQuote by date

ChengduChongqing

~1–1.5 hrsQuote by date

ChangshaZhangjiajie

Rail optionQuote by date

ShanghaiSuzhou

~30 minQuote by date

Comfort levels

Seat classes explained

Every car has air-conditioning and luggage racks: second class for value, first class for space, business class for comfort.

Second Class

二等座

The most popular choice — clean, comfortable and right for most trips.

  • 2+3 seats per row
  • Reclining seats with tray tables
  • Power sockets on most trains
  • Luggage racks at each end

First Class

一等座

Wider seats and fewer per row, for travelers who want more room.

  • 2+2 seats per row
  • Wider seats, more legroom
  • Individual power outlets
  • Quieter cars
Premium

Business Class

商务座

The most comfortable seat on the train, for long trips or a proper rest.

  • Lie-flat on most train types
  • Fewest seats per row
  • Meals on some services
  • Business waiting areas at some stations
Simple process

How to book China high-speed train tickets

Skip the 12306 learning curve: we book in your passport name and build station transfers into your trip.

  1. 1

    Share your plans

    Dates, departure city and destination — we shortlist suitable trains.

  2. 2

    We compare trains

    Train numbers, seat classes and departure times, matched to route and budget.

  3. 3

    Confirm and pay

    Once you approve the plan, pay the deposit through an international payment channel.

  4. 4

    Get your confirmation

    Email with train number, seat, station and passport-check tips.

  5. 5

    Help at the station

    Enter with your passport; a driver drop-off or guide can come along.

Route fare request

Check fares by route

Choose departure and arrival cities and a specialist checks second, first and business class fares for your date, then replies by email or WhatsApp.

Good to know

Station and packing tips

Arrive 45–60 minutes early

Big stations have security and ID checks; queues are longer in peak season.

Keep your passport handy

Tickets are issued to your passport and checked at entry and at the gate.

Water and snacks

Hot water is available on board and some trains have a dining car; bring snacks for long rides.

Download before you board

Wi-Fi and signal can be patchy, so download films and documents first.

Pack light

There are racks at the car ends and overhead; you lift your own bags on and off.

Save your ticket details

Screenshot the train, seat and station details so they work in tunnels too.

Questions

China high-speed rail FAQ

Still comparing rail and flights? Read our rail travel guide, browse all tours, or ask us to book trains.

Can foreign visitors ride China’s high-speed trains?

Yes. Tickets are issued in your passport name and your passport is checked at entry and at the gate. When you travel with us, we book with your passport details.

How fast do G-series trains run?

Fuxing trains on the main lines run at up to 350 km/h. Exact trains and journey times come from 12306.

Is second class fine for most travelers?

Yes — seats are clean and comfortable with air-conditioning and luggage racks. Choose first class for more space.

Should I fly or take the train between cities?

For short and medium distances the train is usually faster door to door, leaving downtown and running on time; for long cross-region legs a flight can make sense. We advise by route.

Do I need a paper ticket?

Usually not — high-speed rail uses e-tickets and you enter with your passport. We send you the train and seat details to keep.

How early should I arrive at the station?

Allow 45–60 minutes. Big stations have security and ID checks, and queues are longer in peak season.

Need high-speed trains inside your trip?

Trains, seats, station transfers and guides — arranged together, no 12306 research needed.

Ask us to book trains