What is the Best way by train from Shatin to Shenzhen North station to catch fast train to Changsha?

From Shatin New Town Mall, you can find direct cross border buses to reach SZ North Train Station directly. The timetable is 07:20, 07:50, 08:50, 09:50, 11:50, 13:50, 14:50 and 15:50.

If you want to use the mtr, you can go to Shatin Station to take the East Rail Line to reach Lo Wu Station. Pass the border, you can reach Luohu, SZ. Walk to reach Luohu Station to take Luobao Line to reach Exhibition Center station there you can change to Longhua Line to reach SZ North Railway Station.

For booking train tickets, I only heard that TravelChinaGuide.com provides train tickets booking service and they accept paypal for paying. Then you may get your train tickets at SZ North Railway Station.
If you use the subway, it is suggested to start your journey at three hours in advance. If you take the bus, you need to start at least about two hours before.

Thank you Rose for the great reply. How long is the direct bus journey from Shatin to Shenzhen North station? Not sure if this is right, can also train from Shatin East Rail line to Lok Ma Chau station (not sure whether this is the same train as going to LoHu station), then Futian Immigration, and SZ MTR Longhua line to SZ Sth station. What is the bullet train from SZ to Changsha like?
Not sure what is the easiest way. Or better to train to LoHu, catch the Luobao line ,I think, to the SZ airport for flight to Changsha?

I am afraid that I did not take that direct bus, but just saw the information on the offcial website.
The method you describe is correct and this way is much faster.
The bullet train is comfortable, so please do not worry. It has similar environment with that on airplane.

Thanks Lily. What is the website for the direct bus to SZ North station from Shatin New Town Mall?
Sorry, do you mean it is quicker to go via Lok Ma Chau station compared to LoWu station? Which is the easier station to find our way around? We have never been to LoWu or Lok Ma Chau

Hi, Helen.
The website is a Chinese version one and I ask my friend to help me to get the information, but I know the bus is operated by Trans-Island Limousine Service Limited Company.
Yes, it is quicker to go via Lok Ma Chau Station. Both of the ways are easy to find. The direction boards are very clear, so please do not worry, Helen.

We are interested in catching the bullet train from Shenzhen Nth station to Changsha station. I noticed the first class tickets are quite a bit more expensive than the 2nd class. What is the difference between first and 2nd class please?

I just know the second-class carriage has five chairs in a row - two on one side of the aisle and three on the other, but four chairs in a row in first class carriage. And the first seat carriage seems to have larger space for your legs and luggage. For more infor, you may refer to this link:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/high-speed/seats.htm