Migrant workers in China will have earlier access to train tickets during the upcoming chunyun, an annual travel rush around Spring Festival, according to the national railway operator.

Employers of migrant workers can begin booking train tickets on Sunday, 40 days before the start of chunyun on Jan 16 - it ends on Feb 24 - China Railway Corporation said on Saturday.

Migrant workers can also form a group in using the advance booking service, it said, adding that such groups must have at least five members.