China Travel Forum

[Claude]

Hello

I am trying to find an English speaking travel agent in Shanghai through which I can book train tickets to Xian before I arrive in China. Does anyone have an e-mail address for one in Shanghai? I have seen an internet site that can book train tickets from outside but they are based in the UK and their tickets cost double what you would pay in the station.

Thanks for any responses.

[Gordon]

It's not necessary to book the tickets,and,no one could do this booking without deposit.
You can buy the ticket by yourself in the Shanghai railway station.it's very easy.
or,you should find a booking office on the street--there may be many.
the train tickets from Shanghai to Xian may be expensive than the flight--if you take the first class train

[Lawrence]

There's no real way of booking tickets from shanghai to xi'an before you get to shanghai. Though this is an important rule of thumb to do when booking train tickets for travel in china. Make sure it is one of the first things you do when you get to Shanghai, as the prices can be 20-30% cheaper the earlier you book them at the train station. Prices go incrementally upwards to the time of departure. I've used the Beijing to Shanghai express last august, and I had to pay 200 reminbi more 24 hours later for the same trip, same seats same time. I'm also looking at traveling from Shanghai to Xian in late December. So, I hope this info helps you in your travels.