Train Travel in Asia: What I Book and What I Skip
I use trains whenever a route is scenic, central-to-central, or likely to save me an airport transfer performed at 5:10 a.m. Asia’s rail networks range from gloriously efficient to “the timetable is more of a mood,” so I book the parts that genuinely benefit from advance planning and leave the flexible bits alone.
I Book High-Speed Routes Early
For Japan’s Shinkansen, I reserve seats when travelling Friday afternoon, Sunday evening, or during Golden Week. A Tokyo–Kyoto Nozomi ride takes about 2 hours 15 minutes; standing with a suitcase for that long is not a character-building exercise.
In Taiwan, I pre-book Taiwan High Speed Rail between Taipei and Kaohsiung, especially if I want an early train. For China’s Beijing–Shanghai high-speed service, booking several days ahead is sensible, with passport details ready. Popular departures can disappear faster than a station dumpling.
I Book Overnight Trains Selectively
I book sleeper berths on Vietnam Railways’ Reunification Express, particularly Hanoi–Da Nang or Hanoi–Lào Cai. A four-berth soft sleeper is usually the sweet spot: not luxury, but far better than attempting to sleep upright beside someone’s mystery snack collection.
For Thailand’s Bangkok–Chiang Mai night train, I choose a second-class air-conditioned sleeper and reserve lower berths if available. They cost a little more but have more headroom and a window.
My booking checklist is short:
- A reserved seat for any ride longer than three hours
- A sleeper berth rather than a reclining overnight seat
- A daytime departure for mountain routes, such as Kandy–Ella in Sri Lanka
- At least 25 minutes between trains at unfamiliar stations
I Skip Advance Booking for Short Hops
I rarely pre-book local services such as Japan’s ordinary JR commuter lines, Malaysia’s KTM Komuter around Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok’s BTS and MRT. Buying close to departure keeps the day flexible and avoids turning a late breakfast into a logistical crisis.
I also skip booking ordinary-class scenic trains when multiple departures run daily. On Sri Lanka’s Kandy–Ella route, second or third class can be fun for the views, but I avoid treating an open doorway photo as a travel requirement. The tea fields look excellent from inside the carriage too.
I Check the Station, Not Just the Ticket
Before departure, I confirm the station name, boarding point, and luggage rules. Seoul has several major stations; Tokyo has more exits than seems emotionally necessary. I arrive 30 minutes early for reserved long-distance trains and 45 minutes early where ticket collection or passport checks are involved.
FAQ
### Should I buy rail passes?
Only after doing the maths. A Japan Rail Pass can be worthwhile for several long Shinkansen journeys in a short period, but individual tickets are often cheaper for a Tokyo–Kyoto–Tokyo itinerary.