Actually, the train leaves 7:53AM. Anybody know how I can do this with enough time to make the train? The metro starts too late, train boarding stops 5 minutes before departure and the station is big, with security controls etc. Is there a bus? I can't find anything reliable.
This website says there's a 5:30am bus. I'd definitely go confirm this before trusting how up to date that info is.
www.topchinatravel.com/[...]
get up very early and take a yellow bike
You also want to get your ticket a day or two ahead.
In April I waited in line 45 minutes to get my ticket while everyone ahead of me could have used their Chinese id to get a ticket from a machine in a few seconds.
Didi Che (English version) - you can reserve a vehicle of most any size in advance.
Thanks Alex MG, will see what time it leaves the main KM station, as the website is confused: says "from KM Station", then below it says "destination KM station".
AlPage: what ticket are you referring to?
@alienew
train ticket.
They're easy to book, but a pain to collect.
Yeah, I noticed the confusing text also, but I figure there is a good chance if a 5:30am bus exists, it's heading to the south station rather than departing from it. Anyways, hope that's the case, but best to go to the station and ask. My guess is the bus probably departs from the bus depot one city block to the NE of the station, though I've only ever seen the airport bus there, but I'd start my search there anyways.
Also, there is an actual train in the main station to the south station. I've never taken it, but you could inquire about times for that interstation train if the early bus doesn't exist.