Hong Kong travelers now have a convenient option to extend their trips to Beijing or Shanghai with the launch of new high-speed sleeper train services.
Commencing operations on June 15, these overnight routes depart from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station in the evening, reaching Beijing at 6:53 a.m. and Shanghai at 6:45 a.m. The travel times are approximately 12.5 hours to Beijing and 11 hours to Shanghai. Return journeys depart Beijing and Shanghai in the evening and arrive back in Hong Kong the following morning, operating four days a week from Friday to Monday.
John Lee, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, highlighted the improved comfort and reduced travel times offered by these new services compared to previous overnight options. Earlier intercity railway services, such as the Beijing-Kowloon and Shanghai-Kowloon routes launched in 1997, took significantly longer at around 24 and 19 hours respectively.
Despite being slightly slower than daytime bullet trains currently operating, which take about 8.5 hours to Beijing and 7.5 hours to Shanghai, the new high-speed sleeper trains cater specifically to travelers who prefer arriving well-rested, particularly business commuters and tourists looking to maximize their time.
Inside the trains, passengers can choose from various accommodations including second class seating, sleeper cabins for four, and deluxe sleeper cabins equipped with additional amenities. Prices range from HKD 937 to HKD 1,506 ($120-$193) for the Hong Kong-Beijing route and HKD 682 to HKD 2,128 ($88-$273) for the Hong Kong-Shanghai route.
The trains feature a joint immigration checkpoint at West Kowloon Station, streamlining border crossings for passengers. It’s important to note that travelers must possess valid China visas or travel documents despite Hong Kong’s unique administrative status within China.
The introduction of these high-speed sleeper trains marks another milestone for Hong Kong’s transport connectivity, enhancing travel options and convenience for passengers heading to mainland China’s key cities.