Getting to Xian by Train

Train tickets are suggested to be purchased at the origin city where the train departs, which correspondingly is a easier way to get a confirmed seat or a berth no. , otherwise, you will probably stand for the whole trip though you have a ticket.

The train tickets can be purchased at the train station or some certain banks such as ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China), as well as some ticket-windows around colleges. Usually the train station sells tickets 3 days in advance and other windows sells 5 days in advance.

If you do not speak Chinese, it will be difficult to purchase tickets by yourselves so buy tickets from the local China Travel Services or ask your hotel business center to make the arrangement is a better option though with an additional service fee charged. To guarantee the availability, it is best to make train reservations at least two days in advance. If during the Chinese Holidays, like Spring Festival (usually late January or early February), Labor Day (May 01 - 07) and National Day (October 01 - 07).

Usually train numbers start with Z, T, K and N are express trains equipped with air-conditioning system. Zs are so far the best trains in China, which are direct trains and usually have only soft sleepers. Ts are express trains usually equipped with sleepers and have only very few stops on the way. Ks, similar like Ts but have a few seats equipped and more stops. Ns have more seats. Train numbers without letters are not as good as those express trains; usually the seat carriages do not have air-conditioners. Almost all types of train cars have hard seats, hard sleepers and soft seats no matter whether the trains have air conditioners or not. Soft seats are not widely available.

Trains are always crowded throughout a year, so arrive at the station two hours before departure.