Smart China Trip

Booking Trains in China

High-speed rail is the easiest way between Chinese cities. Every ticket is in your name — you book online with your passport and board by showing it.

  • Verified 3 Oct 2026
  • 6 min read
  • Foreign passports · Mainland rail
01

Where to book

All three sell the same named tickets — the difference is the interface, fees and after-sales.

China Railway 12306

Official

Website and app, with an English version

Pros
Official fares, plus waitlisting, changes and refunds
Check
Your passport must be verified before you can buy
Open 12306

Booking platforms

Via an agent

English interface, foreign cards accepted

Pros
Familiar interface, multilingual support
Check
May add a service fee; tickets are still named — enter passport details exactly

Station ticket office

In person

Bring your passport

Best for
Failed online checks, last-minute tickets or changes
Check
Popular trains can sell out close to departure
02

Booking on 12306

The passport check is a one-off; after that, booking takes minutes.

  1. 1

    Create an account

    Register on the 12306 website or app; the English version is set up for foreign passport holders.

  2. 2

    Verify your passport

    Enter your name, nationality and passport number to verify online, or upload a passport photo for review. You can’t buy until it’s approved.

    Your account shows as verified

  3. 3

    Search and book

    Choose a train and class with passenger details matching the passport. The usual sales window is 15 days including today; check the release time for the departure station and train. Timetable changes can temporarily delay sales.

  4. 4

    Pay and confirm

    After paying, check the order says “ticket issued”, and note the train, coach and seat.

    The order shows as issued

Names must match your passport

Spelling, name order and passport number must match exactly, or you may not get through the gates. Names with characters the system can’t read need checking at a station ticket office.

03

Ticket status and waitlists

  • Issued — You have a ticket and can travel.
  • Waitlisted — Not a ticket yet — it’s filled in order as seats free up. You can’t board until it is.
  • Unpaid — Pay within the time limit or the order is cancelled.
04

At the station

Big stations have long security lines and huge halls — leave plenty of time.

  • Your passportThe one you booked with
  • Arrive earlyGates close minutes before departure
  • Train & seatScreenshot it; watch the boards
  • Go through security, then find the gate for your train number.
  • Use your passport at the automatic gates, or the staffed lane, both in and out.
  • Coach numbers are marked on the platform and by the doors — wait at yours.
05

Common questions

Do I need a paper ticket?

No. Tickets are electronic — you board with the original passport you booked with.

How long does passport verification take?

Online checks are usually quick; photo review takes longer. Do it a few days before you need tickets.

What if the train is sold out?

Join the waitlist on 12306, and consider other trains, classes or splitting the journey. A waitlist isn’t a ticket until it’s fulfilled.

Can I change or refund a ticket?

Yes, on 12306 or at the station. Refund fees depend on how close to departure you are — see 12306’s rules.

06

Read next

Getting AroundTrain Sold Out? What to DoWaitlisting, other trains and classes, split tickets and backup transport.ReadGetting AroundFrom the Airport to the CityMajor airports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu: metro, express lines and taxis.ReadGetting AroundTaxis, Ride-Hailing & MetroHailing cars via Alipay or DiDi, riding metros by QR code, and addresses in Chinese for drivers.ReadTrip plannerPut your trip on the mapPick cities, plan the days, see travel times at a glance.Plan your journey

Sources

  1. Current ticket-sale windowChina Railway 12306
  2. Official waitlist rulesChina Railway 12306
  3. Identity verification for online rail ticketingChina Railway 12306
  4. Railway services improved for foreign travellersBeijing Foreign Affairs Office · 2023-11-29
  5. Guide to working and living in China for foreign business peopleMOFCOM and seven other departments · 2025
  6. Buying tickets on 12306MTR High Speed Rail

Sources support the relevant rules, last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. Routes, budgets and practical suggestions are editorial guidance, not official guarantees. Recheck rules and service availability before travelling.