China Train Booking Online: High-speed Rail China, 12306 & How to Book
By Trip.com
April 16, 2026
Save 3% Instantly: Book China bullet trains effortlessly on Trip.com! Skip 12306’s complexity—foreign passport e-tickets delivered straight to your inbox. Discount applied at checkout!
[3% Off] Claim China Train Booking Promo Code on Trip.com
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.
See all attractions
80686 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:
✔️
100% Passport-Friendly Booking
- No Chinese ID required (unlike 12306)
- No complicated registration process
🌐
Full English Support & More
- Real English interface (no translation needed)
- 24/7 customer service in English, French, Japanese
💳
Easy Payment Options
- International credit cards accepted
- PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay available
⚡
Instant E-Tickets
- Get tickets immediately after booking
- No need to collect at station
Check-in
Thu, Jun 18Search
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)
✅Explore More in China
Top Hotels in Shanghai
Things to Do in Shanghai
See All Hotels
Top Things to Do in China
Claim 5% Off coupon and use it for for attractions worldwide, incl. China!
Universal Beijing Resort
Universal Studios Beijing attracts a lot visitors for its world-class rides and character interactions, especilly Harry Potter World and Jurassic Park zones!
4.6/5
22371 reviews
5/5
Very unique experience. Me and my family enjoyed so much. We will come back again. Parade and shows are very nice and entertaining.
5/5
It was a breathtaking experience! I highly recommend it to all Harry Potter fans. It was a truly immersive experience. I also enjoyed the other areas of the park, including rides for younger children and some extreme thrills.
5/5
I recommend making a reservation in advance. We didn't enter until lunchtime to avoid the crowds, haha. Even though it was a weekday, there were a lot of people. It was fun because there was a wide variety of things to see.
4/5
Some of the rides have screens that may need upgrades, but are fun regardless (Such as Harry Potter). In the evening, the park gets less busy and wait times were around 20 minutes or so (June 16). The park feels less crowded than its Orlando counterpart. The Kunfu panda area has a nice atmosphere.
5/5
Great park, the queues weren't too much of a problem on weekdays, and everyone enjoyed it even without the fast track.
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
You can't miss forbidden city if you visit Beijing, experience the history and marvellous building. Forbidden city is definitely worth your one day to enjoy its profound beauty and legacy.
4.8/5
48821 reviews
5/5
秀才说王导王晶很专业，讲解很仔细又幽默，让整个体验加分不少！赞👍🏼
5/5
For a general introduction to Chinese culture, it's worth a visit.
4/5
Advantages
* Immense grandeur; one of the largest ancient palaces in the world, over 600 years old, and once the residence of 24 Chinese emperors.
* The architecture, with its red walls and golden tiled roofs, is stunning and magnificent.
* Every angle is photogenic, especially in the morning.
* Provides a full immersion in Chinese history.
Things to know
* Very large area; lots of walking involved.
* Crowded, especially on holidays and during peak season.
* Advance tickets are required as visitor numbers are limited.
Suitable for:
✅ History enthusiasts
✅ Those who enjoy taking photos in ancient Chinese style
✅ Culture lovers
5/5
The moment you step into the Forbidden City, the red walls and yellow tiles, imbued with six hundred years of history, rush towards you. Every brick and tile between the halls carries the warmth of history. Walking slowly along the central axis, you can witness the grandeur of the imperial architecture and feel the everyday life of bygone days in the details. Even in the height of summer when there are many tourists, finding shade under the trees to watch the corner towers reflected in the clear water instantly brings a sense of peace. It's a cultural feast that you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Beijing.
5/5
A very atmospheric place. It's best to go early in the morning and plan your route carefully, making sure not to enter from Tiananmen Square. The walk takes about four hours.
Shanghai Disneyland
Build in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland is the sixth resort worldwide and third in Asia. Located in Shanghai, this park brings wonder and fantasy to life through beautiful attractions and joyment.
4.7/5
43343 reviews5/5
The park is very large, and the staff are very friendly. They always greeted us with "Welcome home" whenever they saw us. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't great that day; it rained the whole time, so I didn't get to take many photos.
5/5
I didn't expect to experience so many emotions while visiting the park and its attractions. If you're visiting Shanghai, you definitely need to set aside a day for Disneyland.
5/5
Shanghai Disneyland is a magical and immersive park with world-class attractions and the largest Disney castle in the world.⭐ 4.5/5Must-try rides: TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Soaring Over the Horizon.The park is clean, well-organised, and perfect for families, but popular rides can have long queues during peak periods.Stay for the evening fireworks show—it’s the highlight of the day and a memorable way to end your visit.
5/5
Absolutely incredible emotions! I wish everyone could visit Shanghai Disneyland with their children 😌
4/5
Walking was exhausting and there were few places to sit and rest; it was a weekday but still very crowded 🥲
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.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
<h3>Trending Searches</h3>
Trending Searches
- China Train Booking
- 12306
- Shanghai Maglev
- China Train Seat
- China Train Ticket
- China High Speed Rail
- China Sleeper Train
- China Train Luggage
- China High Speed Rail Map
- Featherdale Wildlife Park Ticket
- Sea Life Sydney tickets
- Trip.com promo code flights
- Where to Stay in Tokyo
- Things to Do in Melbourne
- things to do in beijing
- ZW6064 Flight Status
- ZW6020 Flight Status
- ZW6121 Flight Status
- ZW6013 Flight Status
- ZW6014 Flight Status
Most Viewed Hotels
Cheap Flights to Popular Countries
About
Payment methods
Our partners
Copyright © 2026 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.