Booking youth hostels in Beijing

Travel Service

Train Schedules

Trains and planes departing from Beijing to other popular destinations in China

We can book tickets for trains deaprting from Beijing and also other cities. The booking fee for a Beijing departure is 30rmb, if you wish to book a ticket for a train departing from another city, the booking fee is 40rmb.

We must however advise that tickets can be very difficult to obtain during major

Chinese holidays (January/February – Chinese New Year, 1st -3rd May – Labour Day, 1st -7th October – National Holiday). During these times you will have to pay an increased commission fee to obtain tickets. If we are unable to obtain train tickets for you, we can usually arrange flights. Please note that the prices listed for flights exclude any discount.

We can usually book trains tickets up to 10 days in advance, and can book flights at anytime. You may either can book when you arrive at our hostel, or pay us in advance, which will require higher commission fee. As we are unable to guarantee train tickets during peak holiday periods, we will refund 100% of your money and then try to assist you with booking another travel route.

‘Hard sleepers’ are usually a more popular choice than the more expensive ‘soft sleepers’. There are 6 beds inside each room, which do not have a door. Consequently these rooms are noisier than those with soft beds. However, the beds are still comfortable, with sheets and pillow provided. There are toilets and a washing area, plus hot water dispenser, at the end of each carriage.

‘Soft sleepers’ have 4 beds in each compartment, with a lockable door for greater privacy. There should also be a western-style toilet at the end of every carriage, as well as washing area and hot water dispenser. Power sockets are located under the table in the compartment, providing power for mobile phone chargers and lap-top computers etc.

Booking a hard seat is the cheapest option, but consequently also the least comfortable: there will be limited leg room / table space. However, occasionally there is also a soft seat option, which is slightly more comfortable, although lights are often not turned off at night.

The restaurant carriage is usually located around the centre of the train, closing around 10pm. There are also usually food/drink trolleys that visit every carriage, although many travellers prefer to take their own snacks etc onto the train to save money. On some trains it is possible to get off to buy snacks and drinks on the platform along the journey.