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Train Travel in China vs India (From Someone Who’s Done Both)
Shenzhen Train Travel: China vs India Railway Comparison
After travelling extensively across China and visiting India twice, we wanted to compare what it’s really like travelling by train in both countries.
From high-speed rail and station security to sleeper trains, food, comfort, cleanliness, ticket booking, and the overall travel experience, we’re...
After travelling extensively across China and visiting India twice, we wanted to compare what it’s really like travelling by train in both countries. From high-speed rail and station security to sleeper trains, food, comfort, cleanliness, ticket booking, and the overall travel experience, we’re sharing our honest thoughts based on our own journeys, not just what you’ve heard online. Both China and India have some of the largest railway networks in the world, but travelling by train in each country feels completely different. In this video, we take you on a train journey through China while comparing it to our experiences travelling across India. May 2026 | Vlog 617 | Shenzhen, China 21/34 China Provinces
In this video, Reanne and Ben take you on a high-speed train journey through China while comparing it to their experiences in India. From sleeper trains to station security, food, and cleanliness, they share honest insights from their own travels. Discover how the two massive railway networks differ in comfort, efficiency, and atmosphere. A must-watch for anyone curious about train travel in Asia!
After travelling extensively across China and visiting India twice, we wanted to compare what it’s really like travelling by train in both countries. From high-speed rail and station security to sleeper trains, food, comfort, cleanliness, ticket booking, and the overall travel experience, we’re sharing our honest thoughts based on our own journeys, not just what you’ve heard online. Both China and India have some of the largest railway networks in the world, but travelling by train in each country feels completely different. In this video, we take you on a train journey through China while comparing it to our experiences travelling across India. May 2026 | Vlog 617 | Shenzhen, China 21/34 China Provinces
Reanne and Ben, seasoned travelers who've explored both China and India extensively, take us on a 10-hour high-speed train journey from Tianjin to Shenzhen, all while comparing it to their experiences on Indian railways. The video kicks off at a bustling Tianjin West station during the Labor Day holiday, the busiest travel day of the year. They navigate the chaos, noting how efficient the security check is despite the crowds, and share their surprise at how they managed to snag last-minute tickets for the 2,300 km journey — a feat that would be nearly impossible in India, where tickets sell out months in advance. <br> Once on the train, they marvel at the comfort: spacious seats, ample legroom, USB ports, and a sleek QR code system that lets passengers order food, check journey details, or even upgrade seats. They contrast this with India's best train, the Vande Bharat Express, which tops out at 180 km/h but often crawls at 80 km/h due to old tracks. Meanwhile, China's G trains zoom at 300-350 km/h, making the same distance from Delhi to Chennai (32 hours) a breeze at just 7 hours. <br> Snacks from Lawson's, a Chinese convenience store chain, are a highlight — Ben even claims it's better than 7-Eleven in Thailand. They stock up on sandwiches, sushi, and quirky snacks like green broad beans, spending 133 yuan (about £15) for a feast. Later, they order a duck and pork combo via the train's QR code, delivered at a stop in Changsha. The food is fresh, affordable, and vastly different from the dodgy biryani they've eaten on Indian trains. <br> The journey also offers a window into China's diverse landscapes, from sprawling cities to lush countryside. They reflect on how China's railway infrastructure, rebuilt from scratch, contrasts with India's British-era tracks. The video ends with the couple arriving in Shenzhen, exhausted but amazed, only to face a chaotic taxi queue. They ultimately walk away from the station to order a cheaper ride, a smart tip for anyone navigating China's busy hubs. <br> Throughout, the couple shares personal insights: the challenges of booking tickets during holidays, the luxury of 5G internet on the train, and the emotional contrast between the two countries' travel experiences. Ben admits the 10-hour journey is too long for him — he'd fly next time — but still praises the comfort and convenience. It's a raw, honest comparison that goes beyond surface-level differences, capturing the real essence of train travel in China versus India.
After traveling extensively in both countries, Reanne and Ben take us on a 10-hour high-speed train from Tianjin to Shenzhen, comparing it directly to India's railways. From the chaos of booking tickets during Labor Day to the luxury of ordering food via QR codes, they reveal why China's train system is a game-changer. With 5G internet, comfortable seats, and incredible speed, it's a stark contrast to India's crowded, slower trains. A must-watch for anyone curious about real travel in China!
Reanne and Ben compare China's high-speed rail to India's trains, highlighting speed, comfort, food, and booking ease during a 10-hour journey from Tianjin to S
China vs India Train Travel: High-Speed Rail Comparison
2:53 Train tickets in China are released only 12 days in advance, while India releases them 190 days ahead. For last-minute trips, China is easier, but during holidays like Labor Day, book early or consider breaking your journey into shorter segments.
11:52 China's high-speed G trains can reach 300-350 km/h, compared to India's fastest train at 180 km/h. Due to older tracks, Indian trains often travel at just 80 km/h, making Chinese trains far more efficient for long distances.
16:09 Use the QR code on your seat to order food from stations ahead. You can choose from restaurants like McDonald's, KFC, or local options, and it will be delivered to your carriage by train staff.
29:02 If you arrive at a busy station like Shenzhen during a holiday, walk away from the station to order a taxi via app. It's cheaper and less chaotic than joining the long queues at the official taxi rank.
2:53 Train tickets in China are released only 12 days in advance, while India releases them 190 days ahead. For last-minute trips, China is easier, but during holidays like Labor Day, book early or consider breaking your journey into shorter segments.
11:52 China's high-speed G trains can reach 300-350 km/h, compared to India's fastest train at 180 km/h. Due to older tracks, Indian trains often travel at just 80 km/h, making Chinese trains far more efficient for long distances.
16:09 Use the QR code on your seat to order food from stations ahead. You can choose from restaurants like McDonald's, KFC, or local options, and it will be delivered to your carriage by train staff.
29:02 If you arrive at a busy station like Shenzhen during a holiday, walk away from the station to order a taxi via app. It's cheaper and less chaotic than joining the long queues at the official taxi rank.
0:01 Start of the journey
3:00 16-hour train journey planned
8:59 QR code service on the train
16:09 Ordering food via QR code
20:06 Arriving in Wuhan
23:30 Food arrives on the train
25:05 Arrival in Shenzhen
25:51 Chaos at Shenzhen station
29:02 Struggling to get a taxi
0:01 Start of the journey
3:00 16-hour train journey planned
8:59 QR code service on the train
16:09 Ordering food via QR code
20:06 Arriving in Wuhan
23:30 Food arrives on the train
25:05 Arrival in Shenzhen
25:51 Chaos at Shenzhen station
29:02 Struggling to get a taxi
How did you manage to get train tickets at the last minute during such a busy holiday?
We booked our tickets last night and got seats next to each other, which was insane. It was the busiest travel day of the year, but tickets are released only 12 days in advance in China, unlike India where they sell out 190 days ahead.
What was the food like on the Chinese train, and how did you order it?
The food was pretty decent. We ordered duck and pork combo via the QR code on the seat, and it was delivered to our carriage at the next station. It came with rice, veggies, and sauce, and was much better than the food we had on Indian trains.
What's the main difference between train travel in China and India?
The biggest difference is the infrastructure. China rebuilt its railway tracks for high-speed trains, so we traveled at 300-350 km/h. In India, even the fastest train only reaches 180 km/h, and due to old tracks, it often travels at just 80 km/h.
