Train Trips in China with Children

It can be challenging to take a train in China with children. Preparation needs to be made in advance to ensure you have a smooth trip. It is not recommended to take babies under 3 months of age on a long-distance train ride, especially during peak travel periods.

Child Ticket Rules

According to China Rail’s policy, children under 12 years of age cannot travel on a train alone and should be accompanied by an adult.

The picture below may help you understand China train child ticket policy:

A child’s ticket can be booked online. The fares for children’s tickets are as below:

1. Children up to 1.2 m (3.9 feet) in height can travel for free, but without their own seat or berth. A child ticket is needed if a seat or berth is required.

2. One adult can bring only one child (under 1.2 m) for free. If there is only one adult and more than one child, the other children need to buy children’s tickets.

3. Children 12 years of age and under, up to 1.5 m (4.9 feet) in height are eligible for children’s tickets. The children’s ticket price is half that of an adult ticket, except for sleeper tickets, which are 75% of the adult ticket price.

4. Children more than 12 years old or more than 1.5 m (4.9 feet) tall need to buy adult tickets at the full fare.

Read more about how to buy train tickets in China.

Tips For China Train Travel With Kids

Train travel with kids

Traveling by train is safe, comfortable and affordable for most people. If you prepare well in advance, a train trip with kids can also be fun and relaxed. The tips below may be helpful.

Avoid Chinese holidays

It is recommended to avoid train-travel during Chinese holidays. The overcrowded train stations and noisy carriages make it difficult to take good care of babies.

Choose an appropriate train-type and seat-class

Day-time high-speed trains and overnight bullet trains are best. High-speed trains are nearly always more punctual, comfortable and stable than normal-speed trains. Diaper-changing tables are available on high-speed trains.

If you need to travel on a long-distance train, an overnight high-speed train may be best.

Avoid hard seat and hard sleeper if you are going to travel with children. Soft sleeper is quieter and provides more privacy.

Bring your own food

Food on board is expensive and not very tasty, with limited choice. It is advisable to bring your own food and beverage for children. Boiling water is provided at the end of each carriage, so bring one or two bottles for your babies.

Take baby items on board

Foldable portable strollers can be brought on board. Remember to bring a baby-blanket in case the air-conditioning on the train is too strong.