2026 China High-Speed Rail Ticket Booking Guide for Foreigners - Passport Booking Full Tutorial

China's high-speed rail is currently the world's largest, fastest, and most punctual transportation system.

• Top speed of 350 km/h, with journeys like Beijing to Shanghai (over 1,300 km) taking just 4.5–6 hours.
• High-speed rail connects almost all provincial capitals and major cities across the country. Stations are usually located in the city center — step out and you're right at metro or taxi stands, unlike airports that are often 40–50 km away.
• Extremely high on-time rate: most trains depart and arrive exactly on schedule, running reliably in rain, snow, or fog. Flights are frequently canceled or delayed; high-speed trains are rarely affected.
• Spacious carriages, comfortable seats, power outlets, quiet environment, and the freedom to walk around — perfect for families with kids or people who need to work, and generally considered more comfortable than flying.

For travel within China, especially distances up to around 1,200 km (745 miles), high-speed rail is almost always the fastest, most hassle-free, and most comfortable option.

Next, let's talk about — How foreign friends can buy high-speed rail tickets with a passport: the simplest, most reliable methods without pitfalls.

Ticket Purchase Methods

You can go to a Chinese high-speed rail station ticket window with your passport to buy tickets in person, but tickets are generally released online 15 days in advance, so in-person purchases may not always be available. It is recommended to book online ahead of time.

Currently, online booking can be done through the following two methods:

• Booking via the official 12306 app operated by China Railways
• Booking via officially authorized third-party apps (Trip, Klook) — we will use Trip as the example in the following demonstration

So, what are the similarities and differences between these two methods? Let's compare them next:

1. 12306

Pros

1. 0 service fees
2. Faster ticket grabbing and waitlisting (higher success rate for popular routes)

Cons

1. The app supports English, but the overall experience is not as smooth as Trip
2. After registration, identity verification is required, which typically takes 3–5 days
3. Although international bank cards are supported, payments may sometimes be rejected

2. Trip

Pros

1. 24/7 English customer support (via chat, phone, and other methods)
2. Trip is designed specifically for international users, supporting English and multiple other languages
3. Only need to fill in passport details when booking — no identity verification required
4. Supports international credit/debit cards and PayPal, offering a much smoother payment experience

Cons

1. Additional booking service fee (rate varies depending on the order)

In summary:

• 12306 is better suited for people staying long-term in China, those needing to grab hot tickets, or anyone who wants to save money.
• Third-party apps like Trip are more suitable for first-time visitors to China, people in a hurry, or those who prefer simplicity and don’t mind paying a small extra fee.

Start Booking Tickets

Both 12306 and Trip support booking via their websites (links provided at the end of the article). This demonstration uses the mobile apps as an example.

12306

1. Registration

1. Search for "12306" in your app store and download the app.

2. Open the app, go to [Me] → [Register] to access the registration page.

   If your app is in Chinese, you can switch the language to English in the settings page (top-right corner on the Me tab). Currently only English is supported.

3. You can choose [Scan to entry] to quickly upload your passport details, or enter them manually.

   When uploading your passport, make sure the image is clear for better machine recognition.

   There is a 【See entry guidelines】 button on this page — click it to see how to correctly fill in your full name and passport ID number (guidelines vary by passport type; find yours and follow the instructions).

4. Finally, set your app password and enter your email address, then click [Next]. If the information is correct, 12306 will send a verification email to your inbox.

   App tip: A notification will be sent to your email. If you don't see it in your inbox, check other folders such as "Promotions," "Subscriptions," or "Spam." If you still can't find it, try resending or use a different email provider.

5. Go to your email, find the message, and click the link to verify.

2. Complete Identity Verification

1. After email verification, log in with your email. You will see a prompt reminding you to complete identity verification — without it, you cannot purchase train tickets.
2. Submit two clear photos: your passport and a selfie holding your passport. Verification usually takes 3–5 working days, so plan ahead before booking.

3. Add Other Passengers (Optional)

If you need to buy tickets for others, add their information here.

1. In the app, go to [Me] → [Passengers] and add new passengers.
2. Enter the passenger's name, passport ID, etc. Verification takes 3–5 working days.
3. Once all passengers in the [Passengers] page show Verified, you can start booking.

4. Booking Tickets

High-speed train numbers start with G, D, or C:

Type	Speed
G-trains:	Top speed 350 km/h (217 mph)
D-trains:	Top speed 250 km/h (155 mph)
C-trains:	Top speed 200 km/h (124 mph)

Seat classes:

Type	Description
Second Class:	3+2 seating layout with foldable tray tables, power outlets, good comfort
First Class:	2+2 seating layout with more space
Business Class:	2+1 or 1+1 seating layout, includes free meals, priority boarding, and exclusive station lounges

1. On the home page, select departure (From) and arrival (To) stations.

2. Choose your travel date. You can tick [High-speed trains only] to filter for high-speed rail only.

3. Tap [Search] to view the train list. Select a train based on time and choose your preferred seat class.

   Note: A city may have multiple high-speed rail stations — make sure to pick the correct one.

4. After selecting seats, choose the passenger(s), confirm train and seat details, then proceed to payment.

   Supported payment methods include international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover).

   If you want to use WeChat Pay or Alipay, refer to:

   1. A Foreigner’s Guide to Registering and Using Alipay in China
   2. How Foreigners Can Sign Up for WeChat Pay (WeXin Pay) and Use It in China

5. You can view your orders on the home page under [Order], where you can check ticket gate, carriage, and seat information before departure.

Trip

1. Registration

1. Search for and download the Trip app from your app store.

2. Open the app and tap [Sign In] to register.

   Registration options include Email, Google, Apple, Facebook, and more.

2. Booking Tickets

1. On the home page, tap [Trains] to enter the ticket booking section.
2. Select your departure station and arrival station.
3. Choose your date. You can tick [High-speed trains only] to search for high-speed rail on that day.
4. After selecting a suitable seat class, add passenger details, confirm the train information, and proceed to payment.

   Supported payment methods include international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express) or PayPal.

5. You can view your orders on the home page under [My Trips], where you can check ticket gate, carriage, and seat details before departure.

Riding High-Speed Rail

Before departure:

• Make sure to bring your passport. Riding high-speed rail only requires passport verification — no need to collect a paper ticket.
• It is recommended to arrive at the high-speed rail station 30 minutes to 1 hour in advance (check the station name on your ticket). During peak tourist seasons, allow even more time.
• You can view your travel details (train number, seat number, gate number, etc.) in the order section of your booking app.

Since the process is quite long, here is a simple step list for quick reference:

1. Steps:

Manual channel (passport) → Security check → Gate → Platform → Carriage

2. Number sequence:

Station → Gate number → Platform number → Carriage number → Seat number

1. Upon arriving at the station, present your passport at the manual channel for identity verification, as automatic gates may not support passports.

   Automatic gates support Chinese permanent residence permits, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residence permits, or travel documents.

2. After entering the station, go through security check for luggage and personal items.

   Some items are not allowed on high-speed trains; you can check the prohibited items.

3. After security check, enter the waiting hall. Ask staff or watch the large screens/broadcasts for gate number(CheckIn), departure time, etc.

   Waiting halls provide seating areas, restrooms, water fountains, and convenience stores.

4. Arrive at your gate 15–30 minutes early to wait for boarding (boarding usually starts 3–5 minutes before departure).

   Gates usually have large screens above showing train number, departure time, and platform number.

5. When boarding begins, since automatic gates may not support passports, it is best to use the manual channel for verification.

6. After entering the platform area, trains are typically on both sides (two platforms). Confirm your platform number in advance and queue at the correct one.

7. Each carriage displays the train number and carriage number outside — find the correct carriage and board.

8. Inside the carriage, seat numbers are displayed above the windows — locate your seat using the number.

9. Overhead luggage racks are available above the seats for large bags.

10. Restrooms are located at both ends of the carriage. You can ask staff how to order meals (some trains have a dining car, or you can scan a QR code at your seat with WeChat/Alipay).

11. Pay attention to in-carriage announcements or LED screens for arrival information to avoid missing your stop.

Other Matters

Children

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, unless they are students commuting to school by train or have an approved care arrangement from the railway company.

• Ages 6–13: Child discount ticket

  Child discount tickets must match the accompanying adult's ticket in departure date, train number, and seat class, and the destination cannot exceed the adult's.

• Age 14 and above: Full-price ticket
• Under 6 years old: Free ticket

  One adult can bring only one child for free, and the child has no separate seat. If bringing more than one child or wanting a separate seat, purchase a child discount ticket. If traveling with a child, declare it after booking to link the child to the itinerary for boarding.

Prohibited Items

To ensure passenger safety, high-speed rail has strict restrictions on prohibited items. For more details, refer to the 12306 Official FAQ.

• Guns and ammunition (major components included)
• Explosives (bombs, dynamite, detonators, fireworks, gunpowder)
• Knives, batons, bows/arrows, and other sharp or blunt objects that may endanger passengers
• Flammable and explosive items (compressed/liquefied gases, liquids containing flammable solvents or flammable liquids, flammable solids, spontaneously combustible items, water-reactive substances, oxidizers, and organic peroxides)
• Toxic chemicals (highly toxic, corrosive, radioactive, infectious, and hazardous items)
• Other items (strongly magnetic items, items with strong irritating odors, live animals)

In addition to prohibited items, some are restricted:

The following are just examples from the regulations. If unsure about an item, check specifically.

• Sealed, clearly labeled alcohol (24%–70% ABV) ≤ 3000 ml
• Clearly labeled portable power banks/lithium batteries with rated energy ≤ 100 Wh (except electric wheelchairs with lithium batteries)
• Nail polish/remover ≤ 50 ml
• Flammable everyday items in non-aerosol containers (perfumes, Florida water, sprays, and gels) ≤ 100 ml, one per type
• Cold perm solutions, hair dyes, hair mousse, hairspray, insecticides, air fresheners, and other aerosol containers ≤ 150 ml, total ≤ 600 ml, one per type
• Safety matches ≤ 2 boxes
• Ordinary lighters ≤ 2

Free Luggage Allowance

• Weight
  • Adults: 20 kg
  • Children: 10 kg (including free-ticket children)
  • Diplomats: 35 kg
• Maximum size: 130 cm (non-high-speed trains may allow up to 200 cm items)
• Folding wheelchairs and strollers can be carried free and do not count toward the allowance

Ticket Changes (Rescheduling)

If you booked via app, changes and refunds can usually be done in the app. For special cases, contact customer support or visit a station ticket window.

Change and refund rules follow official 12306 policy. Trip may differ slightly; see Train Travel Guide and Policies

With available seats, passengers can change tickets once for free (date, train, seat class, destination). Fee rules:

Free changes:

• More than 48 hours before departure
• 24–48 hours before departure, changing to a train departing before 24:00 on the same day
• After departure, changing to another train on the same day

Fees apply:

• 24–48 hours before departure, changing to a later date → 5%
• Less than 24 hours before departure, changing to a later date → 15%
• After departure, changing to the next day or later → 40%

Special rules for changing destination:

• Must apply more than 48 hours before departure
• Once destination is changed, no further changes to date, train, or seat class are allowed

Refunds

• 8 days or more before departure → 0% fee
• More than 48 hours before departure → 5%
• 24–48 hours before departure → 10%
• Less than 24 hours before departure → 20%

Reimbursement (Invoicing)

Reimbursement processes may change, so the following is for reference only. Always follow app prompts or confirm with customer support.

• Regardless of booking on 12306 or a third-party app, register and log in to the 12306 app to find the electronic invoice issuance entry in the orders page.
• If booking for others, go to a station ticket window or self-service machine with valid ID to obtain a QR code invoice, then scan it in the 12306 app within 180 days to issue the invoice.

Popular Route Travel Times

Times below are pure running times only and do not include advance arrival for security checks. Different trains have varying speeds, so times are ranges. Exact times are shown during booking.

• Beijing to Shanghai: ~1,300 km, ~4.5–6 hours
• Shanghai to Hangzhou: ~170 km, ~45–90 minutes
• Hangzhou to Suzhou: ~160 km, ~40–120 minutes
• Beijing to Xi'an: ~1,200 km, ~4.5–6 hours
• Shenzhen to Guangzhou: ~130 km, ~30–60 minutes
• Guangzhou to Hong Kong: ~140 km, ~50–90 minutes

Links

• 12306 Official Website
• 12306 Official FAQ
• Trip Official Website
• Trip Booking Guide
• Train Travel Guide and Policies