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Various Methods for China Train Booking
Types of Chinese Train Tickets
Chinese train tickets are categorized into high-speed bullet trains (G/D category) and regular trains.
High-Speed Bullet Trains (G/D)
- Ticket Codes: Start with "G" or "D" followed by numbers.
- Features: Higher speed, cleaner cabins, and modern amenities.
- Seat Classes:
- First Class
- Second Class
- Business Class
- VIP Sleeper
- Deluxe Soft Sleeper
Regular Trains
- Ticket Codes: Start with "Z," "T," "K," "Y," or "S" followed by numbers.
- Features: More economical; facilities may be older.
- Seat Classes: There are hard sleeper, soft Sleeper, deluxe Soft Sleeper, hard Seat and soft Seat
Booking Methods | Platform | Detail |
Trip.com Website | • Multilingual interface (incl. English) | |
12306.cn | • Official booking website • Chinese language only | |
Mobile Apps | Trip.com App | • Books trains/hotels/flights |
12306 App | • Official mobile app | |
Train Stations | Ticket Counters | • In-person purchase at stations |
Automatic Ticket Machines | • Available at major stations |
Requirements for Foreigners to Buy China Train Tickets
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Valid Passport | • Must be presented at booking and boarding • Expiry date ≥ 1 month beyond travel date |
Real-Name Registration | • Exact name match between ticket and passport • Correct order: Surname First (e.g., "SMITH John") |
Visa/Entry Status | • Valid Chinese visa OR • Covered by visa-free policy (54 countries as of 2025) • Tibet: Requires Tibet Travel Permit |
Booking Platform | • Recommended: Trip.com/Ctrip (English support) • Avoid 12306.cn (Chinese-only) • Station counters accept passports |
Payment Methods | • International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) • Alipay/WeChat Pay with foreign card • Cash at station counters |
Critical Steps to Avoid Issues
- Name Entry Protocol
- Enter names exactly as shown in passport's MRZ zone (machine-readable zone).
- Example: Passport shows "SURNAME: DOE | GIVEN NAME: JOHN ADAM" → Ticket must be "DOE JOHN ADAM".
- Boarding Process
- Security check: Passport + ticket scanned together.
- Allow extra 30 mins for manual verification if name flags mismatches.
- Special Cases
- Infants (0-6 yrs): Book "child ticket without seat" using passport number.
- Tibet Travel: Present Tibet Permit at station counter purchase.
3555 booked
Best Way to Book China Train for Foreigners with Passport
Forget the local booking platform - 12306 in China (need Chinese ID & limited English interface)! Trip.com is the best choice for international travelers needing China train tickets. Here are the reasons why I recommend Trip.com:
- No Chinese ID required (unlike 12306)
- No complicated registration process
- Real English interface (no translation needed)
- 24/7 customer service in English, French, Japanese
- International credit cards accepted
- PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay available
- Get tickets immediately after booking
- No need to collect at station
How to buy China Train Tickets on Trip.com for Foreigners
Source from Unsplash
Book China Train 12306 Official Website
Steps:
- Visit the official website of 12306 and register an account. Foreign tourists can register accounts using their passports.
- When registering, fill in your personal information and undergo identity verification (passport information).
- After successful registration, select the departure location, destination, departure time and other information, and choose the high-speed rail train you want to take.
- After confirming the ticket information, pay the ticket fee (Alipay, bank card and other payment methods are supported).
Payment method: Support payment methods such as Alipay, wechat Pay, credit cards and Bank cards of Bank of China.
Book China Train on 12306 APP
Download: The official 12306 App can be downloaded through the App Store or the app Store.
Steps:
- Register and log in to your 12306 account.
- Follow the same steps on the website to select the train information and purchase the ticket.
Special Note: In China, the official website and APP of 12306 usually support an English interface. You can choose to operate in English, which is suitable for foreign tourists to use.
Book China Train through Trip.com Website
1. Log in Trip.com website, select departure, destination and date, then click "search".
2. Choose your seat preference including second class, first class, and business class seats.
3. Add the passengers' information including name, email and phone number.
4. Chosse the seat, you can choose to sit betweem window, aisle, or middle seats among A, B, C, D, and F.
5. Select the payment method you preferred including credit, debit card, Paypal, Pay Later, Wechat Pay, Alipay.
Advantages:
- English service is provided and the purchasing process is simple.
- You can choose your seat through the Trip platform, which is very convenient to operate.
Guide to China Train Booking on Trip.com App
- Log into Trip.com and navigate to "Trains"
- Input departure, destination cities and travel date
3. Click top-right settings and select preferred currency
4. Browse available trains and compare prices for Second/First/Business Class
5. Click "Book Now" and check passenger details including full name, email and phone number.
6. Choose your seat preference, priority processing often costs additional RMB15 per person.
7. Check ticket
8. Secure checkout via credit card/AliPay/WeChat Pay
9. Check out the price detail, and confirm the payment.
10. Choose the payment and click on "Pay Now" through various payment methods.
China Train Booking Tips for Foreigners with Passport
Source from Unsplash
- Passport = Your Travel ID
- Your passport is the only valid ID for ticket booking/boarding.
- Provide your full name (exactly as on passport), passport number, nationality, and date of birth when booking.
- Tip: Enter surnames first (e.g., "SMITH JOHN") to match passport order.
- Visa Rules & Visa-Free Entry
- Most travelers need a valid Chinese visa.
- Visa-free transit/tourism is available (2024-2025) for 38+ countries including EU, Japan, Australia & more – confirm eligibility before travel.
- Name Matching is Critical
- Tickets must show your exact passport name. Spelling errors or name order mismatches = invalid ticket.
- Triple-check every character before payment.
- Choose Foreign-Friendly Booking Channels
Avoid Chinese-only platforms. Instead use: - Trip.com (English website/app, supports foreign cards)
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Questions about China Train Booking
What is the best site to book trains in China?
Ctrip (Trip.com is the english name) if you don't have Wechat Wallet, or want the tickets shipped to you (in China). If you do have Wechat Wallet, the built-in train app is excellent, and super easy to use, and there are no booking fees.Can foreigners buy tickets on 12306?
Buy Ticket on 12306 China Railway. The English website and mobile app of 12306 China Railway online ticketing platform is available for holders of foreign passport recognized by PRC Government. You can enjoy convenient ticketing service once you have activated a 12306 account and completed identity verification.Is the China train booking app reliable?
Over 90% positive reviews. China Train Booking app, launched by chinahighlights.com - one of the best tour companies internationally, maintains a top ticketing service reputation. Our 1-to-1 customer service answers your every question in no time, and provides useful suggestions based on your situation.What is a China train?
China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, which stretches over 39,000 kilometers (24,2000 miles) and is home to the fastest commercially electric train, the Shanghai Maglev Train, with the operating speed of 430 km/h (267 mph).How do foreigners book train tickets in China?
China train tickets can be bought from railway stations/ticket outlets, 95105105 (the official hotline), 12306.cn (the official website of the China Railway Corporation), FCM online/mobile app, among others. Tips: Railway stations/ticket outlets: Long queue is usually expected at the station.