LostinChina

Anyone know if there is a royal class bus where the buses are nicer with nicer bathrooms inside?

Hanuman

In China?

LostinChina

Yes, someone told me about taking them back in 2002.

MichaelBKK

I ended up on a bus between Shenyang and Dailin last December. It was very nice - better than some airlines I've flown. The overhead bins were locked by the stewardess after leving Shenyang, and you had to ask her if you wanted them opened before arriving. Seats very comfortable, but I didn't get a chance to check out the bathroom.

LostinChina

MichaelBKK,
Was their a special name for this class of bus you took that was so nice? That way we could ask for that kind of bus.

Thanks!

rkkwan

You don't need to look for special luxury coaches. Basically all medium- to long-distance coaches in China are very modern. Chinese-built bodies over Japanese, Korean or European chassis/engine.

They are similar to coaches in Japan and Europe, and are nicer than most of those you see in the US.

Now, there are also many overnight longhaul routes with sleeper buses. That's a different story as cleanliness and hygiene is suspect on those.

LostinChina

Good to know, thanks!

LostinChina

Maybe the long haul buses were what he was warning me about. He said watch out for the different classes of buses, since some are really bad and some are very nice.

rkkwan

Are there any specific routes you're thinking about? In general, trains are more comfortable, and if the trip is long enough for overnight busing, I'd fly.

LostinChina

I was thinking of the best way to get from Hangzhou to Shanghai?

rkkwan

Hangzhou to Shanghai, you may be better off to just take the train. Soft seat (1st class) on the train is 50RMB, and from what I'm reading the bus will cost at least as much.

LostinChina

Thanks. Is it about 2 1/2 hour trip?

rkkwan

Just under 2 hours. Some trains on this route now use very modern high speed trainsets. Speed will probably go up on many routes later this Spring.

Shanghainese

The air con bus is 60 rmb, I found it to be cleaner and non-stop.