Hi speed train from Nanjing to XiAn ChinaTicketOnline

Question

My husband and I will be in Nanjing for 4 days in September. We will then travel to Xi’An by high speed train. I was looking to book tickets just now and saw some available through ChinaTicketOnline. On another site I saw that tickets are only available 30 days in advance in China . If I purchased throughChinaTicketInline it would have been in excess of 80 days. Now I’m wondering if the website is bogus. Has anyone used this company or can assure me that it’s possible to buy tickets for September . Thanks for any assistance

Answer

In China, high-speed train tickets are generally released for sale 30 days in advance, sometimes up to 60 days for certain routes during peak seasons. Websites that allow booking far beyond this period, such as 80 days ahead, should be treated cautiously, as they may be offering a “reservation” service rather than actual confirmed tickets.

Key points regarding ChinaTicketOnline and similar services:

Advance booking limits: For most domestic high-speed trains, official bookings through China Railway’s official channels or authorized apps/websites are only possible about 30 days in advance. This is strictly enforced for standard tickets.
Third-party services: Websites like ChinaTicketOnline often offer early bookings by holding a spot and then attempting to purchase tickets once official sales open. While they may appear to let you buy tickets months ahead, these bookings are not always guaranteed until the official sales date.
Potential risks: Using such third-party websites can involve extra fees and risk of cancellation if tickets sell out when official booking opens. Always check reviews and payment protection policies.

Recommendations for booking Nanjing to Xi’an high-speed trains:

Wait until tickets officially go on sale through the China Railway official website (12306.cn) or app, which supports English and is reliable.
If you prefer to book early, use a well-reviewed and authorized third-party agent that clearly explains that your booking is conditional until the tickets are officially released.
Have backup travel dates in case your preferred train sells out quickly, especially in September, which may coincide with post-summer travel demand.

In summary, ChinaTicketOnline may offer early reservations, but these are not guaranteed bookings. For certainty, plan to purchase tickets as soon as the official 30-day sale window opens or through a reputable agent with clear terms.

Hi speed train from Nanjing to XiAn ChinaTicketOnline

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