Hong Kong Launches High-Speed Overnight Sleeper Trains to Beijing and Shanghai

Hong Kong is set to enhance its connectivity with mainland China by introducing high-speed overnight sleeper trains to Beijing and Shanghai. The new service, starting on June 15, 2024, will replace the previously suspended ordinary-speed trains, significantly reducing travel times and offering added comfort for passengers.

The high-speed trains will depart from Hong Kong's West Kowloon station and arrive at Beijing's Beijingxi Station or Shanghai's Hongqiao station the following morning. Travel times will be cut dramatically, with the trip from Hong Kong to Beijing reduced from over 24 hours to approximately 12.5 hours, and the travel to Shanghai shortened from 19.5 hours to around 11 hours.

The new service will operate from Fridays to Mondays, with the Beijing-bound train departing at 6:24 pm and arriving at 6:53 am the next day. The Shanghai-bound train will leave at 7:49 pm and arrive at 6:24 am the next day. The trains will make stops at several intermediate stations, including Shijiazhuang and Hangzhou, providing additional travel options for passengers.

The 16-carriage trains will feature 13 sleeper cars, one dining car, and two second-class seating cars, with an additional premium sleeper car available on the Shanghai route. Ticket prices for the sleeper cars range from HK$878 for an upper bunk to HK$2,128 for a premium lower bunk. Second-class seating tickets start at HK$682.

Why this matters: The introduction of high-speed overnight sleeper trains between Hong Kong and mainland China has significant implications for the region's economic and cultural integration. This development is expected to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, further strengthening ties between Hong Kong and mainland China.

Tickets for the new service will be available for sale starting June 5 at noon, with bookings accessible through railway stations, automatic ticket machines, and the official railway websites. The introduction of these high-speed overnight sleeper trains is expected to boost integration between Hong Kong and mainland China, making cross-boundary travel more convenient and comfortable.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted the significance of this new service, stating, "The sleeper trains, which will depart at night and arrive in the morning, offer travelers a comfortable, faster option... This service is of great significance to promoting people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland residents and promoting Hong Kong's better integration into the overall development of the country."

The new high-speed sleeper trains are part of the broader efforts to enhance the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), which will also see an increase in the number of bullet trains operating between Hong Kong and the mainland. Starting June 15, six additional pairs of bullet trains will run, including routes to Guangzhoudong, Shenzhenbei, and Zhangjiajie, bringing the total number of Hong Kong-mainland high-speed trains to 127 pairs a day.

The introduction of the high-speed overnight sleeper trains marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong's transport infrastructure, providing a more efficient and comfortable travel option for passengers heading to Beijing and Shanghai. This development is expected to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and mainland China, facilitating smoother and faster cross-boundary travel.

Key Takeaways

• Hong Kong to launch high-speed overnight sleeper trains to Beijing and Shanghai on June 15, 2024.
• Travel times reduced: HK-Beijing from 24hrs to 12.5hrs, HK-Shanghai from 19.5hrs to 11hrs.
• Trains feature 13 sleeper cars, 1 dining car, and 2 second-class seating cars, with premium options.
• Ticket prices: HK$878-HK$2,128 for sleeper cars, HK$682 for second-class seating.
• Service aims to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between HK and mainland China.