Overnight Trains in China

Overnight trains, existing among both normal K, T, Z trains and high speed D, G trains, are good choices for long-distance passengers to save daytime and hotel expense, especially those departing in the evening and arriving in the next morning.

When taking an overnight train, sleepers are recommended to ensure a good rest, so one can work or go sightseeing energetically when getting off.
 

Passengers can save the cost of a night at hotel, and save the daytime to work or go sightseeing. If you are planning to have a long-distance trip in China, overnight trains can be a cost-effective and time-saving transportation method.

Overnight Normal Train (Left) & Overnight Bullet Train (Right)

 

However, sitting for a whole night on a seat can be really uncomfortable, and we recommend passengers to book a sleeper ticket, so they can lie down to have a good sleep and be energetic to deal with their business or travel around when getting off.

Currently, 4 types of sleepers based on the number of berths are offered on overnight trains in China: deluxe soft sleepers, soft sleepers/ first class sleepers, hard sleepers/ second class sleepers, and new type soft sleepers.
 

 

Soft sleepers are very common on overnight trains. They are in the private compartment with a lockable door. There are 4 berths in each compartment. On high speed trains, each berth has a power socket and a reading light; while in normal speed trains, there is one power socket shared by the passengers in the compartment, but you can find other charging points in the corridor. First class sleepers are often seen on Fuxinghao high speed trains, boasting similar facilities and arranged in same ways with soft sleepers.

Soft sleepers and first class sleepers are good choices for family trips with children or groups of friends.

First Class Sleeper Cabin

Aisle in the Soft Sleeper Carriage

Hard sleepers are the cheapest sleepers, usually half the price of a soft sleeper ticket. They are only available on normal speed trains. 6 berths are set in an open compartment. There are more passengers in hard sleeper carriage than other sleeper carriages, so the space for each passenger is smaller. And the environment is relatively noisy, because there is no door. There are 3 - 4 power sockets available along the aisle in each carriage.

Second class sleepers are available on bullet Fuxinghao trains, costing the least among all high speed sleepers. Similar with the hard sleeper, this kind of sleeper is equipped with 6 berths in each semi-open compartment. But it has some new advanced facilities inside, such as the reading lamp and USB ports at the end of each berth, and the air is also fresher as smoking is banned on high speed trains. Accordingly, the price of second class sleepers is often higher than that of hard sleepers for the same route.

If you have limited travel budget, second class sleepers or hard sleepers can be your option.

6 Berths in a Second Class Sleeper Cabin

Hard Sleeper Carriage

They can only be seen on high speed trains D901 and D902 running for Beijing - Shenzhen route. The ticket price of this type is higher than hard sleepers, but a little bit lower than traditional type soft sleepers. They are arranged parallel to the running direction; and each berth has a shade curtain for privacy. There is a small table and a charging socket on each berth. And there is a window for each passenger. Passengers can also read books or do some other work by the reading lamp on each berth when the lights of the carriage are out.
 

Deluxe soft sleepers are the most expensive and comfortable sleepers. The prices are normally twice the price of a soft sleeper. They are set on both normal trains and high speed trains, but not so frequently seen. It is in a compartment with a lockable door. Each compartment has 2 berths, a table, a sofa, and a small wardrobe. And there is one power socket in the compartment. Deluxe soft sleeper compartments on normal trains even have a private washroom with a Western-style toilet inside. While on high speed ones, the wash basins and Wetern-style toilets can only be found at the connection of two carriages.

This type of sleeper is recommended to businessmen, couples and 2 friends traveling together who have adequate travel budget and high demand of travel experience.

Deluxe Soft Sleeper Cabin on Normal Trains

Independent Washroom Inside

1. You can choose a berth when booking tickets and get wanted one only when there are remaining tickets for that type. The lower berth are often welcomed by passengers, especially suitable for those who are aged or have knee problems or backache, so book as early as possible if you need, particularly for popular routes.

2. For the same class sleeper, the lower berth often costs more, while the upper berth is cheaper. The middle berth lies in between if equipped.

3. Overall, sleeper coaches on high speed trains have a better environment and more advanced facilities than those on normal trains.

4. If you have a lot of luggage, get onboard earlier to settle down your luggage on the luggage rack or under the lower berth. If you found there is no enough room, ask help from the railway staff.

5. The lights on sleeper carriages are often turned off at around 22:00 or 22:30, so arrange your time reasonably.

6. Water places are located at the end of the carriage; you can fetch boiled water there with your own bottle. Water from other taps is undrinkable.

7. There are washrooms and sinks at the connection part of each carriage. You need to pack your washing supplies like towel and toothbrush.

8. Don't worry about missing your destination when sleeping, as train attendants will remind you in advance.

9. If you are a light sleeper, an eye mask and earplugs can help you sleep better.

10. Download some music and movies before the trip or bring a book with you to kill time. At the same time, take a portable charger in case that only a few or even no sockets are equipped on your trains.