[Save 3%] How to Buy Cheap Train Tickets in China?

Looking for cheap China train tickets? This guide will show you how to grab deals online (such as 3% off for new users), choose the cheapest seats/train types, and tips on buying split train tickets to help you save more!

[Save 3%] How to Buy Cheap Train Tickets in China Online?

If you want to buy cheap train tickets online in China, you can try online platform offers such as new user train coupons, China travel promo codes (limited time), etc. Check out the offers below to see if there is one you like and claim it now! — There are also Hotels, Attractions & Tours Coupons at the end of the article.

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Start your trip to China and enjoy great deals! Save up to £15 on flights (150 codes available), get 5% off hotel stays (up to £10 for 3 nights or more), 6% off attractions & tours (up to £4), and buy discounted train tickets in China. Plus, enjoy 12% off airport transfer service.

📅Promotion period: 18.04.2025 to 10.07.2025

China Train Ticket Prices

China train ticket prices are mainly calculated based on the type of train, seat class, and mileage, and follow the principle of decreasing the price as the distance increases (i.e. the longer the distance, the lower the unit price).

What's the Cheapest Train Seat in China?

For budget travellers, China Railway offers two main affordable options: On regular trains (Z/T/K train), hard seats (硬座) are the absolute cheapest option, with basic bench-style seats. High-speed trains (G/D/C train) offer the most economical option - second class (二等座), which offers comfortable assigned seats at about half the price of first class. While hard seats are significantly cheaper (usually 2-5 times cheaper than high-speed trains), second class offers a more comfortable experience on fast trains at a slightly higher ticket price.

China train seat prices (from cheap to expensive) are as follows:

Z/T/K and other ordinary trains: Hard Seat > Hard Sleeper > Soft Sleeper > Premier Soft Sleeper

G/D high-speed train: Second Class > First Class > Premium 1st Class > 2nd Class sleeper > 1st Class sleeper > Business Class

What's the Cheapest Train Type in China?

China's train ticket prices usually follow this rule: high-speed trains (G/D/C) are more expensive than ordinary trains (Z/T/K). Specifically, based on the price of second-class seats/hard seats:

From cheap to expensive → Z/T/K ordinary trains > D trains ≥ C trains > G trains

High-speed Train/Ordinary train Price Comparison

*This China train ticket price is based on Trip.com 2025 prices

Is it Cheaper to Buy Split Train Tickets in China?

Split ticketing can sometimes save money on Chinese trains, but it is usually not cost-effective for long-distance high-speed rail (G/D train) routes. The actual savings depend on specific routes and ticket combinations.

✅ When does split-ticketing save money on Chinese trains?

1. Short-distance routes may save more
   Hong Kong→Guangzhou : direct ￡22.05, buy in sections "Hong Kong→Shenzhen ￡7.70 + Shenzhen→Guangzhou ￡7.64" to save ￡6.71.
   The prices are based on a second class on the bullet train.
   Applicable scenarios: short-distance high-frequency routes such as the Greater Bay Area.
2. Different seat combinations
   Shanghai→Beijing: full-distance hard sleeper ￡33.38 vs "Shanghai→Nanjing hard seat ￡4.77 + Nanjing→Beijing hard sleeper ￡25.08" to save ￡3.53.
   Shanghai→Chengdu: full-distance hard sleeper ￡50.92 vs "Shanghai→Wuhan hard seat ￡13.18 + Wuhan→Chengdu hard sleeper ￡28.67" to save ￡9.07.
3. Utilization of discount intervals
   Student tickets/points can be used in sections to maximize discounts.
4. Fixed-fare old routes
   For example, the Hefei→Bengbu line, each additional section saves about ¥0.5 (requires multiple transfers).

❌ When is split-ticketing NOT worth it for Chinese trains?

1. Long-distance high-speed rail direct
   Beijing→Shanghai direct ￡56.71 (G117), segmented "Beijing→Nanjing ￡49.43 + Nanjing→Shanghai ￡14.98" is ￡7.70 more expensive.
   The prices are based on a second class on the bullet train.
2. High time cost
   The transfer time is at least 30 minutes, and you may miss your train during peak season.

*This China train ticket price is based on Trip.com 2025 prices

Risks and Troubles of Splitting Tickets

• Tight transfer time: If the interval between two trains is short, you may miss the second train.
• Seats are not guaranteed: You may need to change seats when buying tickets in segments, which reduces long-distance comfort.
• Refunds and changes are complicated: Each ticket needs to be processed separately, and the handling fee may be higher.

China Train Tickets FAQs

How to get cheap train tickets in China?
Book in advance (book train tickets 15 days in advance).
Choose hard seats (硬座) on an ordinary train or second class seats (二等座) on a high-speed train.
Avoid holidays (Spring Festival/National Day).

Can foreigners buy train tickets online in China?
Yes, via: 12306.cn (official app) & Trip.com (English service, accepts foreign cards)

Is it cheaper to buy tickets online or at the station?
Same price, but online saves time (stations often queue), and sometimes online ticket purchasing platforms offer some discounts.

What’s the cheapest way to travel in China?
Ordinary trains (Z/T/K) hard seats (2-5x cheaper than high-speed trains).

When does China train tickets go on sale?
Chinese train tickets are generally sold 15 days before departure.

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