Booking train via trip.com

Question

Trying to reserve high speed train tickets from Beijing to Shanghai. Traveling in November of this year on a Sunday, and would like to go Business class.

When I do this via trip.com it is saying we have only a 29% to 31% chance of getting these tickets. As backup I have selected several other times and even premium first class, and that’s when I am getting 31%.

Is this normal? I have to get to Shanghai this day due to work. Wondering if I need to fly instead.

Any insight or suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer

Booking high-speed train tickets from Beijing to Shanghai in November, especially for business class, can sometimes be challenging due to high demand, particularly on Sundays or during holiday periods.

Understanding the Availability Warnings:

The 29–31% chance shown on Trip.com reflects limited availability rather than guaranteed tickets. It is common for business class and premium seats on popular routes like Beijing–Shanghai to have low availability well in advance.
High-speed trains on this route are very popular for both business and leisure travel, so the lower the availability, the higher the chance that tickets will sell out quickly.
Business class and premium first class seats are fewer in number compared to second class or standard class, which explains the lower percentages.

Suggestions:

Try booking as early as possible. If your travel date is approaching and tickets remain unconfirmed, consider using the “waitlist” or “ticket alert” features if available on Trip.com.
Consider flexible options: If business class is essential, you might monitor multiple departure times or consider first-class seats instead. Sometimes slightly earlier or later trains have better availability.
As a backup, flying may be more reliable for time-sensitive travel. Flights between Beijing and Shanghai take roughly 2 hours, and business class is generally easier to secure than high-speed train business class at peak times.
If your schedule allows, you could also book two separate tickets for two different trains to increase your chances of getting a seat if your first choice is unavailable.

Practical Tip:

During peak demand periods, such as Sundays or holiday months, it is normal to see low ticket availability for high-demand classes. Early booking and flexibility with departure times or class options are the best strategies. If timing is critical and you cannot risk a train ticket issue, booking a flight in advance is a safe alternative.