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

Written by Natalia | Updated August 21,2025

Within the last decade, more and more people choose to travel by rail and especially by bullet train in China. The rail system is connecting more and more areas and making the journey much faster. Plus, it is a lot more convenient than flying. Taking a train to travel between cities in China has become a great option for foreign visitors as well.

Using the rail system when traveling to China will save you a lot of time and trouble. And with the help of this article, booking China train tickets might be easier than you think. We’ll take you through the basics about China’s train system, how to buy train tickets in China, a step-by-step guide, plus practical tips for China train travel.

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• Understanding China’s Train System
• Required Documents for Buying Train Tickets in China as a Foreigner
• Best Ways to Buy China Train Tickets Online
• A Step-by-Step Online Booking Guide​
• Other Ways to Book Train Tickets in China
• Practical Tips for China Train Travel
• Top 10 FAQs about Train Tickets Booking in China

Understanding China’s Train System

Types of Trains

There are two big categories of trains in China, high-speed trains and regular trains. You can tell them apart by the train serial numbers. The high-speed trains have numbers that start with G, D, or C, and the regular trains start with K, T, or Z. The high-speed trains, or bullet trains, being more expensive, are a lot faster, have more facilities, and will provide a better travel experience.

Seat Classes and Amenities

High-speed trains usually have three seat classes: second class, first class, and business class. Varying in prices, they are different in size and offer different amenities. For long-distance travel, there are also sleeper trains with three classes, new sleeper EMU, soft sleeper, and deluxe soft sleeper. On bullet trains, you can expect basic amenities including the dining car, drinks and snacks, power outlets, luggage racks, Wi-Fi, and toilets.

Regular trains tend to be a lot older with limited amenities and services. The seat class options are hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper, and deluxe soft sleeper. The standards will be a lot lower compared to high-speed trains. There is usually no Wi-Fi and few power outlets.

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

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

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 maintenance every Monday and Wednesday from 1 am to 5 am and every Tuesday between 11:30 pm and 5 am China Time.
• 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.
• Before you board your train, you will need to obtain a physical copy of your ticket from the ticketing service counter at the train station.

Using Third-Party Booking Platforms

Aside from booking with 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 care-free China train tour with us. You just have to sit back and enjoy your journey.

Recommended Best China Train Tours:

• 6 Days Private Beijing – Xian – Shanghai Tour by Bullet Train
• 8 Days Silk Road Bullet Train Tour
• 10 Days Chengdu – Xi’an – Xining – Lhasa Private Tour

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.

5. Collect Your Tickets

After you order your train tickets online, don’t forget to collect them on the day of your travel. You will need to go to the booking counter at the train station with your passport.

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 fashion but straightforward way of doing it in person. However, you will have less flexibility as your options will be limited 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 for longer than you plan to.

Book by Telephone

Booking by telephone is the least recommended way for buying train tickets in China as a foreigner. 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. The telephone number is the area code + 95105105, for example, the number for Beijing is 010-95105105 and 021-95105105 for Shanghai.

After booking your train ticket, follow our guide to learn how to board and get off the high-speed train 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 travel during the peak tourist season, like during China 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

Once you collect your tickets at the train station, there are some important information on it concerning boarding the train.

• Train Number: Your train number will be printed above the arrow between your departure and arrival stations. It is very important. 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 will be printed below your starting station. It’s important to note that it is the time that your train will leave, so you need to arrive at the boarding gate at least 10 minutes before the time printed. The boarding gate will be closed 5 minutes before the departure time.
• Carriage and Seat Number: Your carriage and seat number will be printed below your arrival station. After you go through the boarding gate, find your carriage number on the platform and wait in line to board the train. Once you board the train, find your seat according to your seat number. 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.

Recommended Popular China Tours by Train:

• 6 Days Shenzhen- Guilin Impression Tour by High-speed Train
• 8 Days Classic Shanghai and Lhasa Tour by Train
• 9 Days China Tour: Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Huangshan
• 13 Days Essence China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

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 10 FAQs about Train Tickets Booking in China

Which sites accept foreign payment methods?

The official site 12306 and most other platforms accept foreign payment methods. You will have more options with third-party platforms.

How do I buy train tickets from Hong Kong to Mainland of China?

You can book train tickets from Hong Kong to Mainland of China on the official 12306 site or other platforms. There are many rails connecting Hong Kong with major cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing.

Do I need a printed ticket for China trains？

There are e-tickets available if you book through the official site. You can also board the train by showing your passport at the boarding gate. However, a physical ticket will have all the information you need for boarding the train. It might make the process easier for you.

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

Yes, you can purchase your ticket on site. However, the best way to book China train tickets for tourists is booking them online ahead of time. You will be able 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?

There are usually multiple trains around the same time if you’re traveling on a popular route. If not and if you must travel on a certain train, there are usually standing tickets available. You can also register on the waitlist for a train and wait to see if there will be seats available. The best way to avoid this situation is by booking your tickets early especially during peak travel seasons.

How do I collect train tickets and board the train in China?

You can collect your ticket at the booking counter of the train station. You just need to provide your passport. After you collect your ticket, find the boarding gate for your train number. Once the gate is open, enter with your ticket. Then find your carriage number on the platform and wait in line to board the train. On the train, find your assigned seat that is printed on your ticket.

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

If you booked on your own on the official site, you can go into your account page to review your order. You can either choose to change or cancel your ticket. You are limited to making one change to your ticket whether to change the time or seating. If you choose to cancel your ticket, depending on how close it is to the time of travel, you will be charged a service fee.

If you booked on a third party-platform like Trip.com, you have the option to change your ticket in your order as well. You can also consult a customer assistant if you need any help. If you made your booking with a travel agency like us, simply contact a customer service representative to express what you need.

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.

How early should I arrive at the train station?

You need to arrive at the train station at least 15 minutes before your departure, maybe even longer if it’s a busy station like those of Shanghai and Beijing. Once you arrive at the station, you will need to collect your ticket, go through security, and get to your boarding gate. The gate will be closed 5 minutes before departure time.

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.