China Train Booking Online: High-speed Rail China, 12306 & How to Book
By Trip.com
June 22, 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!
[5% 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
106167 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
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
![Shanghai natural history museum [2-hour professional tour guide service | ticket purchasing service available]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0104012000erfslc677F3_C_568_320.jpg)
![Shanghai Natural History Museum [Admission tickets available/Shanghai Natural History Museum loved by kids with expert lecturers]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353612000oons071673C_C_568_320.png)
![Fudan University [1hr Campus Life Sharing Guide by Current Student]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0354912000o7g5ktw0EDB_C_568_320.png)
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
23356 reviews
5/5
A great place to visit with kids; I was absolutely delighted myself. The noodles at Kung Fu Panda's house were amazing.
5/5
We had a great time and loved everything. The lines were huge, but we were prepared for that. I highly recommend it.
5/5
I really liked everything!!!
4/5
We visited with the kids and loved all the rides ✌️. But it was sooo crowded, with lines everywhere. We tried the famous butterbeer😅. The weather 🙈was so hot🌞
4/5
The park is very beautiful—just like in the movies. I liked Harry Potter the most: the castle, the village, everything just like in the movie. But there are TONS of people. On a weekday, you still have to wait two hours for each ride. We managed to hit a lot of the rides in one day; it was a weekday and we arrived early in the morning. We were in line for 1.5 hours before opening.
If you don't buy an Express Pass, it'll be tough; it's expensive, but you can still get everything in. The food inside is delicious, but the prices are steep, and there's also a line for the Three Broomsticks.
It's easy to get there—the metro is right outside the entrance. The most important thing: download their app; it shows you where to wait. Go straight to Harry Potter when it opens, otherwise you'll never get in.
In short: it's cool and beautiful, but there are a lot of lines. It's worth a one-time visit! It's a thrill!
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.
4.9/5
48323 reviews5/5
It's definitely worth a visit! If possible, it's best to go with a guide. That way, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Before visiting, I recommend watching the film "The Last Emperor"—it gives a great insight into the history and customs of the Forbidden City. After watching the film, seeing the complex in person is incredibly exciting! There are plenty of photo ops.
5/5
秀才说温导介绍的非常好，学到很多宫里的故事。而且温导还一直关心着我们，时时刻刻提醒走哪要当心，并一直找阴凉处给我们做讲解。
5/5
Definitely worth visiting. It is very large. The bit of history behind the city is fascinating. Do bring a towel, drinks, and an umbrella, as it can get very hot.
5/5
The biggest advantage was that at the time of booking, it was practically the only option for entering the Forbidden City. Regular entrance tickets were sold out from July 14th to August 22nd. There are two types of tours: in English and Russian. If you speak English, don't hesitate to choose the Russian tour—it's half the price, and the only difference is the guide, who, with all due respect, I had a hard time understanding. Be sure to choose the option with the Treasury, as this ticket gives you access to a side section with very cozy courtyards, which you can't access with the regular tour. We were very satisfied.
5/5
I really enjoyed the excursion. The meeting was
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
44201 reviews
5/5
I loved this park!! I spent the whole day there and felt like a kid again. The parades were great, I got to take pictures with lots of characters, and everything was so well-maintained.
5/5
Disneyland is simply amazing! Keep an eye out for special offers—you can snag some great deals on tickets.
5/5
Early entry is worth the money. I highly recommend it if you can get there early. I recommend the Tron area for your route, but locals seem to head to the Caribbean and Roaring first, probably because there are a lot of children. Also, since they open even earlier than 7:30 AM if there is a long line, going early is definitely the best option.
5/5
A childhood dream came true for my daughter and me! We stayed at a hotel with a shuttle, but overslept and ended up taking a taxi at 2:00 PM. We got in without waiting in line; there was a parade going on and lots of people were having lunch. We went to see the Pirates show and got in half an hour later. The longest line was for Tron – 70 minutes, but it was worth it! In short, I wouldn't recommend Shanghai in the summer at all; it's extremely hot and at night, or it rains, and there are lots of domestic tourists with children. Ideally, get a two-day ticket; during the evening show, there's no one on the rides, so you can ride as much as you want. Then, come back during the day and walk around, explore, and take photos before the show. In my opinion, this park is for children 10 and up, and with some experience. They should have seen Pirates of the Caribbean, Zootopia, Toy Story, and be familiar with the main Disney characters, princesses, etc. The park is themed, not just amusement park rides. Otherwise, the entire meaning that the organizers put into designing the thematic zones is lost.
5/5
Going to Disney is magical
Questions about China Train Booking
-
What is the best site to book trains in China?
-
Can foreigners buy tickets on 12306?
-
Is the China train booking app reliable?
-
What is a China train?
-
How do foreigners book train tickets in China?
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.
Trending Searches
-
Trending Searches
-
Most Viewed Hotels
-
Cheap Flights to Popular Countries
- 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
- Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
- Chongqing Train Station
- 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
- Hotels in Yazhou Bay
- Hotels near Linkoping City Airport
- Hotels near St Stephen's Green