Nighttime Thrill: Experience Exciting MTR Sleeper Services on Your Hong Kong to Beijing and Shanghai Journey 

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

MTR Corporation revealed on 4 June 2024 that it will launch new overnight sleeper train services on the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) starting 15 June. These services will connect Hong Kong West Kowloon Station with Beijing and Shanghai, operating from Friday to Monday. This development aims to enhance the comfort, safety, and reliability of travel for passengers moving between these cities and their intermediate stops. Ticket sales are set to begin at noon on 5 June across various platforms, including the 12306 website, its mobile app, as well as at station ticket counters and automated machines.

Furthermore, the existing through train services Z97/98 and Z99/100 that previously ran between Beijingxi, Shanghai, and Hong Kong Hung Hom Station will be upgraded to the high-speed D909/910 and D907/908 services. These changes will cut the travel time to approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes from Beijing and about 11 hours from Shanghai to Hong Kong. The new overnight sleeper configuration will facilitate easier and more efficient travel for those commuting between these major cities.

The enhancement of these services reflects MTR Corporation’s commitment to improving travel experiences and adapting to the robust business and tourism ties between Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai. With the implementation of the sleeper trains, there will be daily round-trip services that provide added flexibility and convenience for passengers, particularly benefiting those involved in frequent cross-boundary travel.

Dr. Jacob Kam, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation said, “Sleeper train services provide a new high speed travel option between Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. It further enhances the connectivity between Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as Shanghai, leveraging the advantages of deepening integration between Hong Kong and the Mainland. This not only facilitates business exchanges and creates countless opportunities but also promotes exchanges in tourism, culture, academia, and various aspects of society between the two places. I am grateful for the coordination with the mainland railway authorities and the support from the governments of both sides, which allows us to continuously enhance the services of HSR. We aim to provide passengers with a more convenient, flexible, fast, and comfortable crossboundary train service.”

Since its inception in September 2018, the High Speed Rail service has significantly broadened its network, increasing the number of direct connections and service frequency. This expansion has also included all destinations previously covered by the Intercity Through Train service and has consistently received positive feedback from passengers for its role in fostering closer integration between Hong Kong and mainland China. The network recently announced the addition of long-haul routes to Hunan Province, expanding the total number of direct-access destinations to 78.

The sleeper trains, which consist of 16 cars with a capacity for around 600 passengers, include 13 sleeper cars, one dining car, and two second-class seating cars. The train to Shanghai Hongqiao also features a premium sleeper car. The detailed train schedules and fares are provided in the annex. This initiative not only upgrades the existing rail service but also integrates it more seamlessly with the comprehensive High Speed Rail network, enhancing the overall travel experience across the region.

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