China high speed rail

[Garlic & Butter]

you can book from 12306 instead, to save the booking fee.
If you use trip.com, there are fees for booking and again for cancellation.

What you see in trip is also what you see in 12306

For the waitlist, suggest you keep checking (the waitlist is not auto, there may be available seats but the system doesn't always clear it automatically)

OR

buy a new ticket that is longer distance ie. earlier boarding stop or later alighting. cost more but usually more tickets are put out for longer distance travellers. You are allowed to board later or alight early.

but just note the deadline/ cancellation change fees timeline (think <8 days will incur 5% and will slowly increase)

 

[travelherethere]

you can book from 12306 instead, to save the booking fee.
If you use trip.com, there are fees for booking and again for cancellation.

What you see in trip is also what you see in 12306

For the waitlist, suggest you keep checking (the waitlist is not auto, there may be available seats but the system doesn't always clear it automatically)

OR

buy a new ticket that is longer distance ie. earlier boarding stop or later alighting. cost more but usually more tickets are put out for longer distance travellers. You are allowed to board later or alight early.

but just note the deadline/ cancellation change fees timeline (think <8 days will incur 5% and will slowly increase)

Thanks so much for your expert advice! I'm still on the waitlists. Didn't realize the china train tickets so difficult to book one omg.

Ok, let me also try if see there is a longer distance booking for the huanglongjiuzhai station. Thanks again!

 

[lionheart80]

I booked 2 train trips in 12306 app but received 1 email confirmation only so will there be any issues?

app shows both bookings already paid for with seats allocated

 

[travelherethere]

I booked 2 train trips in 12306 app but received 1 email confirmation only so will there be any issues?

app shows both bookings already paid for with seats allocated

Hey, I booked using trip so not sure about the app. Just make sure you can easily load the 12306 app to show the conductor your ticket and seat info when on the train in China.

I took about 6 hsr trips and got checked twice. Worst come to worst your phone data not working (when in tunnel), the conductor can check on their end but have to show passport, your passport is matched against your name in their database for the specific seat.

The only issue I had on the hsr was interestingly enough, big groups of foreign tourists suka suka sitting on any seat number because they want to sit together, especially in first class.

Today again, kenna one big family group like 12 people (Singaporeans or Malaysians from the English accent) all sit together. I just took the empty seat nearby since the train was half empty at first stop. But it started to get packed with locals midway through. Instead of making a fuss, I just stood near the door exit area since only 30 mins left to destination. But if your ride is longer and the train is full, dunno will get ugly anot.

Also, second class confirm no space for any luggage bigger than 24 inch. First class got some luggage space for 26 inch and bigger but must get on board early to put your luggage there. The overhead compartments for first class are small and a bit difficult high to lift heavy luggage up.

 

[natas]

Today again, kenna one big family group like 12 people (Singaporeans or Malaysians from the English accent) all sit together. I just took the empty seat nearby since the train was half empty at first stop. But it started to get packed with locals midway through. Instead of making a fuss, I just stood near the door exit area since only 30 mins left to destination. But if your ride is longer and the train is full, dunno will get ugly anot.

Also, second class confirm no space for any luggage bigger than 24 inch. First class got some luggage space for 26 inch and bigger but must get on board early to put your luggage there. The overhead compartments for first class are small and a bit difficult high to lift heavy luggage up.

Happened to me once, a lady took my seat. Politely told her, she gave me a disgusting look. Dun bother to reason with her, looked for the train staff and let the staff settled with the lady.

Front or rear of the carriage, u can store your big luggage.

 

[beanstalk6]

Happened to me once, a lady took my seat. Politely told her, she gave me a disgusting look. Dun bother to reason with her, looked for the train staff and let the staff settled with the lady.

Many such cases are reported in their press and even Youtube.
Always get the train staff to deal with the errant traveller.

 

[natas]

Many such cases are reported in their press and even Youtube.
Always get the train staff to deal with the errant traveller.

No point arguing esp those 中国大妈

 

[beanstalk6]

I booked 2 train trips in 12306 app but received 1 email confirmation only so will there be any issues?

app shows both bookings already paid for with seats allocated

So long as the app shows your bookings, you are fine. Emails from China to the outside world have a tendency to be misdelivered.

 

[s7460597]

When going through the gate need to queue at counter to check passport or can just scan and go like the locals?

Easier to join the manual queue at your gate. The staff will scan your passport and clear errors if any. Don't worry very quick process.

If you go to the auto gate if there's problem you'll still end up queuing again at the manual queue. I tried a few times and failed.

 

[Panerex]

Trip.com is easier to use. No need local number. Fully English but there's a small fee for booking tickets. Also all hotels in Trip are eligible for foreigners unlike Western platforms.

From Xi An to Beijing on HSR normal class, how much typically will the service fees be for each ticket using Trip?

 

[hawkwind]

From Xi An to Beijing on HSR normal class, how much typically will the service fees be for each ticket using Trip?

Trip.com will state the service fee before you confirm the booking.

 

[beanstalk6]

Make a mock booking, and you will be able to see the service fee they charge.

 

[elvintay07]

For foreigners, do we still need to go to the counter to collect tickets? Last time need to.

 

[beanstalk6]

For foreigners, do we still need to go to the counter to collect tickets? Last time need to.

If you use trip.com or 123406.cn, it is all electronic, so there is no need.
I usually collect the ticket anyway, in case passport scanning fails. Counter queues are not as busy as they were a decade ago.

 

[froztheart]

For foreigners, do we still need to go to the counter to collect tickets? Last time need to.

e-ticket for online purchases, otherwise same old fashion way.

 

[s7460597]

e-ticket for online purchases, otherwise same old fashion way.

To add id and passports are used to enter and leave stations, platforms. Id and passports are linked to tickets. Rarely need to show tickets to anyone.

 

[matrix05]

Generally tourists take business or first class hsr? For 5hr ride, wld you recommend b or 1st class?

 

[MrRacer]

Generally tourists take business or first class hsr? For 5hr ride, wld you recommend b or 1st class?

If you asked me first class usually is more than enought like Taiwan HSR. Is two seat by two seat and most of the time not pack on frequent train lines.

Unless you want to feel luxury or exclusive then business class is not a bad choice, they have small lounge resting area and there's people to escort you to go onboard.

 

[elvintay07]

Which website to book?

 

[jywy2005]

Generally tourists take business or first class hsr? For 5hr ride, wld you recommend b or 1st class?

First class tickets are good enough. Business class have recliner seats.. Can lie down almost all the way to sleep. The cabin has max 8 passengers. But still sharing toilets with first class passsengers.

At some major cities, there is a business class lounge for you to rest. Also express boarding at the station