How to Buy Train Tickets in China: The Ultimate Guide on China Train Travel

Written by Natalia | Updated July 06,2026

Over the past decade, more and more people have chosen to travel by rail and especially by bullet train during their China tour. For international travelers, it is more convenient to book a ticket via Trip.com because it provides an English interface and accepts international credit cards. Besides, China Railway 12306 also has an English interface. Tickets are released 15 days before departure. To ensure a smooth trip, it is recommended to book as early as possible, especially during public holidays.

In this guide, we’ll take you through how to buy train tickets in China, a step-by-step guide, the basics of China’s train system, plus practical tips for China train travel.

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• Required Documents for Buying Train Tickets
• Best Ways to Buy Tickets Online
• A Step-by-Step Online Booking Guide​
• Other Ways to Book Train Tickets
• China’s Train System
• Practical Tips
• FAQs
• Travel with China Xian Tour

Required Documents for Buying Train Tickets in China as a Foreigner

If you’d like to book China train tickets, you will need the documents below:

• Passport: A valid passport is the most important document needed for booking a train ticket.
• Chinese Visa (if applicable): Unless you’re traveling under a visa-free policy in China, you will need to make sure your Chinese visa is valid for your time of travel.

Best Ways to Buy China Train Tickets Online

The Official Website for China Railway (12306.cn)

12306.cn is the official website for China train tickets. It is the most reliable platform for booking high-speed rail and regular trains in China. You will purchase tickets at the official price without any additional fees. You can make your bookings 15 days ahead of your time of travel when the tickets are released. Here’s everything you need to know about how to buy train tickets in China on 12306.

Pros and Cons for Foreigners

Pros	Cons
Both the webpage and app versions of 12306 support the English language.	There will be no personal assistant or customer service to answer your inquiries.
No additional fee besides the official ticket price.	If you should change or cancel your travel plan, you will have to navigate through the process on your own.
Payment options include international bank cards.	The site or app may not be accessible in some foreign regions.

Step-by-Step Guide on Using the 12306 App

1. Download the 12306 app.
2. Create an account with your personal information; verify with a Chinese phone number or your email.
3. Go to your account page and select “Passenger” and then “Add a passenger” to input your personal information; repeat the same process for every passenger you’re purchasing tickets for.
4. Go to the home page of the app; input your station of departure, destination, and date of travel; press “Search.”
5. Select your preferred train based on the time of departure, arrival, travel time, train type, and price
6. Select “Book” next to your preferred seat class
7. Select “Add/edit passengers” and choose from your list of passengers who are to book the ticket
8. Select “Pay” and complete your payment within the designated time
9. Once your transaction is successful, a confirmation email will be sent to your mailbox; you can review or change your order in your account

Important Information for Using the 12306 App as a Foreigner

• Please note that the booking system of 12306 undergoes nightly maintenance(roughly 01:00–05:00 CST). Avoid booking in that window.
• You can make your booking on 12306 15 days in advance till 30 minutes before the train departure time.
• If you’re traveling with a child under 6 years old who does not require a separate seat, the child may travel without a ticket (limited to 1 child). However, you still have to enter the child’s information and add as a passenger when you make your booking.
• Make sure you double-check your departure and arrival stations as many cities and destinations have multiple train stations.
• Tickets are sold only in the Chinese currency (Renminbi) on 12306.
• Please note that the system will assign seats randomly.
• If the order is canceled more than 3 times during the transaction process, the same purchase cannot be made again on the same day.

Using Third-Party Booking Platforms

Aside from booking on the official website, you can also buy bullet train tickets in China on third-party platforms. Usually, these platforms offer services and customer support in English and other languages, so your booking will be made a lot easier. Making changes to your order will be easier too. You will also have more payment options like PayPal or international bank cards.

Some of the most popular platforms are Trip.com and Klook. These platforms often have other travel-related services like hotel and attraction ticket booking. Please note that you will be charged an additional service fee on top of your ticket price.

Book Tickets from a Reliable Travel Agency

Lastly, you can also book the high-speed rail in China with a reliable travel agency like us. We can help you decide on the best options from dates, train stations, to train types, and seat classes. We offer a variety of payment options and one-on-one assistance during the booking process. You can also come on a carefree China train tour with us. You just have to sit back and enjoy your journey.

A Step-by-Step Online Booking Guide​

1. Decide on Your Date and Time of Travel

Once you have a rough itinerary for your China tour, decide on your time of travel. You might want to consider the distance and how long it will take to get to your destination. If it’s far and you’d like to be time-efficient, you might want to consider a sleeper train and spend a night on the road. You may buy train tickets in China 15 days in advance.

2. Choose Your Booking Platform

Choose a booking platform that you prefer. You might want to consider your budget and whether you need assistance during the process.

12306 vs. Trip.com: Trip.com will be more user-friendly and easier to navigate for foreigners with an additional fee.

3. Select Your Train Type and Seat Class

Choose your train type and seat class based on your budget and travel plan. Bullet trains will be a lot faster and more comfortable. They are usually the top choice for international travelers.

4. Make Your Payment

You will be able to pay with your bank card in most cases. If your card is not accepted by the platform, you may need to consider booking your tickets elsewhere.

Other Ways to Book Train Tickets in China

Buy Tickets at a Train Station

Apart from buying bullet train tickets online, there’s always the old-fashioned but straightforward way of doing it in person. However, you will have less flexibility as your options will be limited when booking on site. Major challenges include:

• The lines might be long, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Most staff members at train stations do not speak English.
• Tickets might be sold out.
• International bank cards won’t be accepted. You have to use accepted payment methods in China.
• You might have to wait longer than you planned to.

Book by Telephone – Not Recommended

Booking by telephone is the least recommended way for buying train tickets in China as a foreigner. The service is only in Chinese, and after your reservation, you will have to pay for and collect your tickets at a train station within 24 hours.

After booking your train ticket, follow our guide to learn how to board and get off the high-speed train in China.

Understanding China’s Train System

There are two big categories of trains in China, high-speed trains and regular trains. Here is a brief comparison of their differences.

	High-speed Trains	Regular Trains
Train Serial Numbers	Start with G, D, or C	Start with K, T, or Z
Features	Faster, cleaner, more comfortable, and equipped with modern facilities, but generally more expensive.	Cheaper, older carriages,  limited amenities and services.
Seat Classes	Common high-speed trains: Second class, first class, and business class High-speed sleeper trains:  new sleeper Electric Multiple Unit, soft sleeper, and deluxe soft sleeper.	hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper, and deluxe soft sleeper.
Amenities	Dining car, drinks and snacks, power outlets, luggage racks, and toilets. Some are also equipped with WiFi.	Dining car, drinks and snacks, luggage racks and toilets. WiFi and power outlets are not available.

Learn more about how to choose train types and seat classes in China.

Practical Tips for China Train Travel

Book China Train Tickets in Advance

Tickets are released 15 days before travel time. Usually, booking a few days ahead of your departure date is enough. There are plenty of train services and seats, and they usually won’t be sold out until the day of travel. That said, if you’re travelling during the peak tourist season, like during China’s public holidays, it’s a different story. You should book your tickets as early as possible during the peak season.

Important Information on the Ticket – How to Read the Train Ticket

After booking the ticket, check your order, as there is some important information concerning boarding the train. Refer to the picture below for more detailed information.

• Train Number: It is shown above the arrow between the departure and arrival stations. After you go through security, find which boarding gate your train will be at according to your train number.
• Departure Time: The departure time of your train is below your starting station. You need to arrive at the boarding gate at least 10 – 20 minutes earlier because the gate will be closed 5 – 10 minutes before departure.
• Carriage and Seat Number: Your assigned carriage and seat numbers are shown below the departure time. After passing through the boarding gate, find your carriage on the platform, then locate your assigned seat. The numbers are shown by the windows.

 

China Train Ticket Price

Train ticket prices vary depending on the distance, train type, and seat class. There usually isn’t any discount on the prices except for child tickets. If a child under the age of 6 does not require a separate seat, they may travel for free with an adult. Each adult can only bring one child under this policy. Children aged 6-14 can enjoy discounted prices.

Here are some popular train travel routes in China and their regular prices.

Route	High-Speed Train Travel Time & Price	Regular Train Travel Time & Price
Beijing – Xi’an	4.5 hrs / CNY 577.5	12 hrs / CNY 150
Beijing – Shanghai	4.5 hrs / CNY 669	13 hrs / CNY 177
Xi’an – Shanghai	7 hrs / CNY 700	20 hrs / CNY 180
Shanghai – Suzhou	25 mins / CNY 39	1 hr / CNY 14.5
Xi’an – Chengdu	4 hrs / CNY 263	15 hrs / CNY 135.5
Xi’an – Dunhuang	11 hrs / CNY 523.5	22 hrs / CNY 201
Guangzhou – Shenzhen	30 mins / CNY 74.5	2 hrs / CNY 40.5
Hong Kong – Shenzhen	15 mins / CNY 68	N/A
Chengdu – Lhasa	N/A	34 hrs / CNY 302.5

Baggage Allowance and Other Important Regulations

The usual regulations apply for carrying baggage on trains in China. You are not allowed to carry any weapons, knives, live animals, explosives, inflammables, or dangerous items. Restricted items you should be aware of include self-pressurized containers, which means most spray cans. Alcoholic beverages must have intact packaging.

Other important regulations on trains in China include:

• Smoking is forbidden on high-speed trains.
• You must sit according to your assigned seat number.
• Place your luggage in designated areas.

Top 8 FAQs about Train Ticket Booking in China

Do I need a printed ticket for China trains?

No. Now, e-tickets have largely replaced paper tickets. Whether you book through Trip.com or China Railway 12306, you can board the train by showing your passport to the staff at the boarding gate.

Can I purchase train tickets at the station on the day of travel?

Yes, you can purchase it on site, but it is not recommended. Tickets may sell out on the day of travel. Besides, booking online ahead of time allows you to plan around your travel time and have more options with train types, time, and seat classes.

What do I do if train tickets are sold out?

You can also register on the waitlist for a train, which is free and has a success rate of 70% or higher. Another option is to check connecting routes. The best way to avoid this situation is to book your tickets early especially during peak travel seasons.

How do I board the train in China?

After arrival at the train station, find the boarding gate for your train number. Once the ticket checking starts, proceed through the gate with your passport. Then head to the platform and find your carriage number to board the train.

What do I do if I need to change or cancel my ticket?

1. Booked on the official site: log in to your account, review your order and choose to change or cancel your ticket.
2. Booked on a third-party platform like Trip.com: Change your ticket in your order or consult a customer assistant if you need any help.
3. Booked with a travel agency like us: Contact your customer service representative to request the change.

Note: Each ticket can be changed only once (train number, date, time, or seat class – all count as one change) and a service fee will be charged. After one change, if plans shift again, you need to cancel and rebook.

Refund fee for ticket changes:

• ≥ 8 days: Free
• 48 hours – 8 days: 5%
• 24– 48 hours: 10%
• < 24 hours:20%

How early should I arrive at the train station?

Generally, you need to arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your departure, and even earlier (about 45 – 60 minutes) if it’s a busy station like those of Shanghai and Beijing. Once you arrive at the station, go through security and get to your boarding gate. The gate will be closed 5 – 10 minutes before departure time.

Can I buy a ticket on the train?

No, you will not be able to board a train without a ticket. However, if you made a mistake during your purchase, you may be able to change your ticket on the train depending on the situation.

Will there be meals provided during the train rides?

There will be a dining car and snacks available on both regular and high-speed trains. However, they are not covered in your ticket price. You will need to pay for them separately.

Enjoy a Worry-free Journey in China with China Xian Tour

After knowing how to book a train ticket in China, you may start to plan your own China tour. Besides the train ticket booking, the itinerary planning, transfers, attraction tickets reservation and hotel booking can all be challenges for you. As a travel agency with 20 years of experience in inbound tourism, China Xian Tour is pleased to offer you help. Our travel expert can handle all the logistics for you and will provide 24-hour support during the trip. So, do not hesitate to contact us.