Differences between First Class and Second Class Seats on China Bullet Train

Price is the major difference apparently. The ticket price of a First Class Seat is about 1.6 times of that of a Second Class Seat on most high speed trains in China. As the First Class Seats are really expensive especially for long distance trip, which even needs over 1,000 RMB, if you are travelling with families or based on strict budget, the Second Class Seats would be a nice choice.

Seat Sizes & Spacing

First Class Seats are mainly larger than the economy class ones. Usually, the First Class Seats on G trains, C trains, and D trains are designed into about 48cm wide, however, the Second Class Seats are only about 45cm. Furthermore, the spacing between each row in the first class carriage is much larger than in the second class carriage, which creates much better and more satisfying legroom for you. Besides, although all Second Class Seats can be adjusted backward within 5-24 degrees, that is much less than the 5-32 degrees for the First Class Seats. Therefore, if you care more about the comfort onboard, the wider and cozier First Class Seats are absolutely better for booking and enjoying.

Compare Ticket Prices of Bullet Train Seats

In the First Class Seat carriage, there are much fewer passenger seats, which are about 28 in one carriage. As every row arranges 4 seats with each two seats on one side, passengers would feel less crowded and relaxed. Also, most passengers in First Class Seats are on business travel or just want to have a good rest, so there would be much fewer noises or sounds of people walking back and forth to disturb your sleeping. However, there usually arrange over 70 seats in the Second Class Seat carriage. Every row has 5 seats, in the display of 3+2, so if you are plump, you may feel restrained. Besides, usually, Second Class Seats are the common choice for family travelers in China, therefore, you may hear some children playing, running or crying sometimes along the way.

Second Class Seat Carriage Environment

The tray tables for First Class Seat passengers are not only just larger than that for Second Class Seat passengers. On the First Class Seats, tray tables are hidden in the armrest part, usually on the left side, and you can take them out to unfold into a large on to spread across to your seat width. But, for tray table on the Second Class Seats, the tray tables are attached on the back of your front seat, which is about the half size of the first class one. One problem is that, if passengers on the two rows want to turn their seats to sit face to face, they will fail to use the tray table at the backside.

Tray Table of First & Second Class Seats

Nearly all Second Class Seats have no footrest or pillow for passengers on the high speed train. In order to benefit your comfortable experience and rest onboard, footrest of both hard and soft sides are arranged below your individual front seat to relax your feet, and also, a soft pillow is attached at the head part on your seat to protect your neck.

First Class Seat Footrest