Trains in China

There are those of us who love trains. China is rapidly improving their train systems and had added some high speed trains similar to the "Bullet" trains of Japan. Available only on some lines, these new trains save about 40% of the time the regular trains take. Shanghai to Nanjing is one of them since there are no air flights between those cities. The new high speed trains now leave every 20 minutes between 07:00 and 19:00 each way and take 5 hours time. Night trains have sleepers with four beds to a compartment but take 12 hours at regular speeds. If there are only two of you it is possible to pay for all four beds for privacy. Otherwise you will be sharing with either sex. The modern trains have both western and Asian style facilities. Older trains in the more remote areas usually only have the Asian style facilities. Food on trains is usually not the best so it is recommended to take food with you. Hot water is supplied free for tea or your own instant coffee. You can only book a train 3 days before it leaves and only from where you are to where you are going. You can not buy train tickets in advance for other trips between other cities except in those cities. If you arrive at Shanghai Pudong Airport you should try the 280 mph Mag Lev train that takes you almost all the way to Shanghai proper in just 7 minutes. It is a short taxi ride then to the central area.  The new "fast"  trains are now in service between many major cities also.  For more information on Travel in China let us hear from you. As a China Travel Agency and Tour Operator, Tours to China is our business for the past 25 years.