Under 500 km, take the high-speed train; 500–1,500 km, weigh train vs. flight; over 1,500 km, fly. Trains beat flights on time and convenience up to about 1,000 km — past that, airports win on speed.
1 Your three options between cities
For almost any intercity trip you have three choices. Pick by distance and comfort:
| Mode | Best for | Speed / comfort | Booking | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed rail (HSR) | 100–1,500 km, city centre to centre | 250–350 km/h, punctual, roomy | 12306 (official) or Ctrip | Fast, on time, cheap |
| Coach / bus | Places with no rail — small towns, some scenic areas | Slower, less comfortable | At the station or Ctrip; bring your passport | Slower, scenic |
| Domestic flight | 1,500 km+ or islands | Fast in the air, 2 hours of airport time each end | Airline or booking app | Airport time eats the saving |
2 High-speed rail (HSR)
The default choice for most trips.
Speed
Trains run 250–350 km/h and are punctual.
Book
On 12306 (official) or Ctrip.
Pick a seat class
Second (2nd), first (1st), business.
Allow security time
City-centre stations save you the airport run; allow 30–45 min to clear security.
3 Coach
Use when the train doesn't go there (small towns, some scenic areas).
Check there's no train
The coach is the fallback for small towns and scenic areas the rail network skips.
Buy the ticket
At the station counter or on Ctrip.
Bring your passport
It is your ID for the booking and at the gate.
Board and ride
Slower than HSR, but often the only way into the countryside.
4 Domestic flight
Worth it mainly for long hauls or islands.
- Worth it mainly for long hauls (Beijing–Sanya, Shanghai–Lijiang) or islands like Hainan.
- Factor in 2 hours of airport time each end — a 3-hour flight can take as long as the train door-to-door.
5 Booking & at the station
Three things decide whether the day goes smoothly:
- Book HSR ahead in holiday weeks; off-peak you can often buy same-day.
- Bring your passport — it is your ticket ID and you scan it at the gate.
- Arrive with time to spare; stations are large and security is airport-style.
Holiday weeks are the one thing that can break your plan.
Check your travel dates against the national holiday calendar before you book — that is when tickets disappear and stations are at their most crowded.