Buying train tickets from Ctrip

twinklingstars

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Hi,

I would like to know is it difficult to buy tickets off ctrip? Do I need to camp online to buy the tickets once they are released and do the tickets sell out fast? Thanks!
 

beanstalk6

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Hi,

I would like to know is it difficult to buy tickets off ctrip? Do I need to camp online to buy the tickets once they are released and do the tickets sell out fast? Thanks!

It depends on the time of travel, type of ticket and destination. Holiday periods are tough. Soft sleepers are frequently limited and sell fast. Hangzhou-Shanghai can be difficult. Ctrip is an indirect reseller of train tickets, and I am not sure if the slots show up on Ctrip the moment they are released by the train authority.
 

dilphinus

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Hi,

I would like to know is it difficult to buy tickets off ctrip? Do I need to camp online to buy the tickets once they are released and do the tickets sell out fast? Thanks!

Beijing to Pingyao v.v is extremely popular and tickets would be snap up the moment it's released. High speed train from Beijing to Xi'an, can buy a few days before but popular timings will be gone. Very likely to get seats for trains that arrive late at night.

Train travel is very busy in China. Don't underestimate the huge number of people travelling by train. I have been taking trains in China for years and I've never came across a 'not busy' train.

Not including high speed trains, I have taken, Beijing to Harbin return, Beijing to Datong, Datong to Hohhot, Hohhot to Erlian, Beijing to Taiyuan return (couldn't get the Beijing-Pingyao return even I tried weeks prior), Kunming to Dali, Lijiang to Kunming.

High speed trains usually can buy on the spot or a few days before (recommended). Have bought Tianjin to Beijing, Beijing to Xi'an, Shanghai to Beijing and Shanghai to Suzhou return.
 
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pacetone

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hi thanks for the advice!! if i buy tickets off ctrip, can i choose my seat?

Ctrip is not so advance, even booking for flights, still can't choose seat. I called up the customer service and they said airlines will allocate, they can't do it.
 

PeterFu

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If you understand chinese and have their alipay etc, try the local website
www . 12306 . cn
 

layang89

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Hi guys

I do not have Alipay, China credit cards etc. So is it still advisable to book hotels and train in ctrip ? Or is there any other better alternative ?
 

juuzbe

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hi, if I were to buy tickets from ctrip, all must be present for collection of ticket? or can send the buyer to collect on behalf will do? Anyone has advice for this? thanks.
 
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hi, if I were to buy tickets from ctrip, all must be present for collection of ticket? or can send the buyer to collect on behalf will do? Anyone has advice for this? thanks.
Is yourself the traveller,if yes , book from ctrip liao, when u reach.china go to.the train stn to collect.yr ticket will do, can collect for.both.to.and fro trip
 
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