While the convenience of not having to collect paper tickets has alleviated concerns about ticket loss, passengers still need to pay attention to ensure a smooth journey. Ensuring you disembark at the correct station and exit from the right point of the train station remains crucial
When to Get Off
Certainly, paying close attention to both the train's announcements and displays as the stops approach is essential for a smooth journey. Additionally, if you have booked your tickets through China Highlights, your trip advisor will provide you with useful instructions after confirming your tickets. This personalized guidance can include specific details about your journey, such as stops and other relevant information. To further enhance your travel preparedness, it's advisable to download the train's schedule and carry it with you.
Bilingual announcements are available on most high-speed trains. LED displays located above the front door in each carriage on high-speed trains will keep you informed of the real-time speed(mph) and arrival stations in both Chinese and English.
1. If your destination is not the terminus of a train, you need to listen to the stop announcements carefully. It is strongly advised that you share your ticket information with a member of the train staff or neighbor and ask her/him to remind you to get off, as you may miss (not understand) the call.
If the member of staff or neighboring passenger can't speak English, just show them this Chinese message:
- 请在到达我的目的地前十分钟提醒我准备下车，谢谢！
- Please remind me to prepare to get off at my ticket's destination station 10 minutes before arrival.
2. During the peak season, it can be quite difficult to get a ticket to your expected destination. Your trip advisor can help advise you of other solutions if you still want to get into your expected train/station. In this case, you may have to choose a station that's further along the line from your destination, but you still get off at your expected station.
So if your destination is at a stop earlier than the station on your ticket, you are recommended to ask the staff or your neighbor to remind you to get off at your destination instead of the destination named onyour train ticket.
If the member of staff or neighboring passenger can't speak English, you need to show them this Chinese message:
- 我到**站要下车。请在到达这个站前十分钟提醒我准备下车。
- I need to get off at**station. Please remind me to prepare to get off at this station 10 minutes before arrival. (Ask your trip advisor for help with the destination station information.)
Grab All of Your Belongings Before Arrival
Pack your luggage in advance and make sure you collect everything together before getting off the train. This is because the carriage is usually in chaos and other passengers may occupy your seats as you leave. Moreover, it may be too late to report your losses since trains will not stay long in the same station, unless your arrival station is the final destination and the train is the last train of the day.
From Platform to Exit
Station announcements usually made least 10 minutes before each stop, to give passengers time to prepare to leave the train. Chinese passengers will tend to form lines in the aisles long before the stop to be the first to be off the train. This is unnecessary as there will be time for everyone to leave the train. If you don't want to stand for a long time in cramped conditions, don't join the lines.
However, don't wait until the train stops to start getting your personal possessions together, as trains only stop for 3 minutes in some stations.
Remember to have your ticket readily accessible, as it will be inspected again at the exit gates either by a member of staff or via a machine. Sometimes, if you are unable to present your ticket, a fine of up to 150% of your ticket price will be charged.
Follow the crowd and read the overhead instruction sign of "Exit (出站口)" so that you reach the correct exit. You may need to carry your luggage to negotiate the long staircases in order to reach the exit. Stations vary but, if you are very lucky, there will be an escalator. It is best to travel light on China's trains.
In some stations, there are some porters who may help to carry your luggage inthe station. They tend to charge you a set fee. Using a porter's services depends whether you need help with your luggage or not. The price is about 20 yuan per piece.
Platform of Shanghai Hongqiao Railway StationCity Transport From a Train Station
Generally speaking, train stations are transportation hubs of cities, and it is very convenient to travel to other destinations from a train station, especially in large cities. Usually, many public buses have stops at train stations.
By Subway or Bus
In large cities with subways, you always can find two or three subway stations around a train station. Subways usually work till around 23:00. For example, the last subway service from Beijing West Railway Station on Line 9 is at 23:29.
Most of the public busesusually operate from 6am to 10pm. Buses operating on main routes with high population densities often operate until 11pm. There are some overnight buses in some big cities.
For example, overnight buses in Shanghai all begin with the number 3. Line 301~341 will generally operate from11pm to 4:30am. Overnight buses in Beijing start with the character "夜", which means "night" in English. The night line 1~38 will generally operate between 11pm and 4:30am.
By Taxi
If you want to catch a taxi, remember to queue early as there will be a long queue for arrivals who want to transfer by taxi, especially atsome large stations.
If you get off a train at midnight, the subway and buses may be out of service. However, there are always official taxi lanes in the streets or squares in front of train stations. Some large train stations have underground taxi centers, such as Beijing West Railway Station.
As many taxi drivers in China can't speak English, you'd better take a note with the Chinese name and address of your hotel or destination on it.
You are recommended to take a taxi displaying a 'taxi' sign and a taximeter.
We, at China Highlights, would be glad to help you out.
By Private Transfer Service
If you want security and no hassle, the 24/7 private transfer service provided by China Highlights is your best choice.
Our Beijing local travel agency provides a safe, reliable, fast, and comfortable airport transfer (train station transfer) service, with a 24/7 customer service. We assist with hotel and airport staff communication, and are experienced in dealing with unforeseen circumstances, such as tracing lost luggageor visa problems.