15

hi 889, again thanks very much for laying out options on how i can book train tickets with the schedule i have. we'll probably just take the online booking which costs about USD 128 (one way) already checked flights available and i think train's the best option.

hello modernleifeng, thanks, i'll be arriving in shanghai at midnight and will need to leave for beijing the following night. that's why i'm asking about the chances of booking train tickets same day i'm leaving. we will be there on august that's why i'm trying to plan on the best/cheapest way to get to beijing

hey john555, thanks i'm crossing out the bus option :)

16

8am as I said and the price should like 50$s.

17

hey john, what's the probability of getting four $50 dollar ticket if i go there at 8am (even willing to queue up as early as 7am if i have to)? thanks!

18

There are very motivated people who earn their daily bread knowing all the ins and outs of when and how and where to grab those last minute railway tickets. So sleep in. You're very unlikely to outsmart them.

19

Not 4 tickets I doubt or certainly not in the same compartment. Maybe as18 suggests, pay extra to the above people mentioned help, but there is always a risk of fake tickets.

20

heard about fake tickets, thanks!

will book online most probably.

21

there are always scalpers or even locals willing to sell a ticket and wait for the next train.

Did this once during Golden week in Shanghai. The scalper only wanted ¥10 extra per ticket (6) he must have thought that ¥60 was a fortune.

The other thing is, buy any ticket, even standing room only, and then upgrade on the train as better seats become available. There is a conductor on every train.