Shanxi Province has numerous train lines, which are used to transport both freight and passengers between the province and the rest of China. Popular destinations that can be reached directly from Taiyuan include Beijing (3.5 hrs), Shanghai (13.5 hrs), Tianjin (7 hrs), Guangzhou (34.5 hrs), Xi'an (8 hrs), Chengdu (21 hrs) and Baotou (9.5 hrs).

Taiyuan Railway Station sits on Jianshe Beilu, in the eastern side of the city. There are a limited number of windows at the station where English is spoken, and like many Chinese train stations, buying tickets here can be very hectic for non-Chinese speakers. Visitors may find that buying tickets through their hotel, or one of the city' numerous travel agencies is preferable to queuing.

There are three different ways to book a train ticket in Taiyuan: over the phone, online and at the ticket window. Tickets can be purchased over the telephone (9510 5105) 4-12 days (tickets during Spring Festival travel rush are available 20 days in advance since January 2013, but this is subject to change). According to new rules introduced on Jan 1, 2013, all train tickets must be collected within 24 hours of purchase. Tickets are non transferable and are void if not used on the correct day.

To book tickets online, use the site www.12306.cn. Tickets can be reserved daily from 7:00-23:00 from 12-20 days in advance (subject to change; pre-sale booking periods often change during the Spring Festival and other important National Holidays). You can buy rail tickets at the sales window up to 10-20 days in advance (also subject to change).

Using the real-name system, if a passenger loses their train ticket they can report the loss to get a new ticket. The replacement fee for lost tickets is 2 RMB and passengers will receive a ticket replacement. Passengers who have lost their tickets can report this at the train station ticket window if they have their original valid ID that was originally used to purchase the tickets and the date and station names of the original ticket. Passengers can get replacement tickets up to 20 minutes before departure time. 

Taiyuan Railway Station (Taiyuan Huo Che Zhan)
Add: 2 Jianshe Beilu, Taiyuan
Automated Inquiry Tel: 0351 223 3611
Inquiry Tel: 0351 12306
Tickets Booking Tel: 0351 9510 5105
Bus Route:  1, 6, 9, 10, 19, 21, 23, 102, 105, 308, 328, 601, 602, 606, 611, 618, 619, 802, 806, 812, 814, 816, 820, 825, 830, 836, 843, 848, 860, 861, 869, 870

Taiyuan Railway Station Ticket Office
Add: 136 Jiefang Lu, Taiyuan
Tel: 0351 202 1808

Yingzelu Ticket Office
Open: 08:30-20:00
Add: 138 Yingze Dajie, Taiyuan
Tel: 0351 412 6657, 416 4444

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