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
683820 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 [admission ticket can be purchased separately/popular lecturer kids love Shanghai Natural History Museum]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353612000oons071673C_C_568_320.png)
![Shanghai Natural History Museum [private tour by expert lecturer] 2-hour guide](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0104012000erfslc677F3_C_568_320.jpg)
![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
26356 reviews
5/5
🥳🥳🥳🥳
5/5
A fantastic amusement park. Long lines. I should have taken the trouble to buy all the passes. Don't be lazy; it will make your stay much easier.
4/5
A great park with themed areas! But the huge lines spoil it all. We went on a Thursday, and even the fast track didn't help. We had to wait in line too. I think that's what ruined the whole experience. Two and a half hours on a carousel that only lasted one minute is incredibly frustrating, and afterwards, you don't want to stand anywhere else. It's impossible to get into the Harry Potter-themed area at all. The park isn't designed for that many people; if they limited the number of people per day, I think it would be better!
4/5
เครื่องเล่นที่แตกต่างกับที่โอซาก้าถือว่าคุ้มค่าเลยทีเดียวไม่ว่าจะเป็นตัว Jurassic หรือกังฟูแพนด้าดีมากเลยและที่สำคัญคือตัวไฮไลท์แสง เสียงในส่วนของ Harry Potter ตอนกลางคืนดีมากๆประทับใจ
4/5
The place would be great if it weren't for the queues... Otherwise, everything is top notch.
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
47550 reviews
5/5
Incredibly beautiful, excellent, sociable and cheerful guide
5/5
A must visit spot when you are visiting Beijing. A historical and beautiful palace.
4/5
It’s a beautiful palace filled with good vibes, Chinese history of many many years back! Our guide Susie was a lovely person. Her English was understandable. Value for money
5/5
The palace is huge, much bigger than I imagined. Walking in felt like stepping into another world. It's steeped in history, magnificent, and breathtaking. It's a place you should see with your own eyes at least once in your life.
5/5
Everything was great, the guide explained everything in detail, and it was interesting to hear about the emperor's life. I recommend it to everyone.
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
45723 reviews
5/5
Friday at Shanghai Disneyland: Quick ReviewCrowds were moderate for a Friday—busy, but manageable. Wait times for top rides ranged between 30 to 90 minutes; using the official Disney app definitely helped beat peak queues.The daytime parade was vibrant, full of energy, and fun for all ages. The absolute highlight was the evening castle show—stunning fireworks, projection mapping, and music that lived up to the hype.Pro-tip: Step out to Disneytown for meals. It offers far better food choices, better value, and you can easily re-enter the park anytime with your ticket.
5/5
We thought we'd do it in one day, like in Beijing, but there were more people. We either had to arrive at 8:30 AM when it opened (we were later, at 10:00 AM), or book it for two days. We were here on Friday. We didn't even make it to the big carousel, especially considering we didn't even go to the smaller, simple ones. 😅 The evening show is the best in this park! I love it!
5/5
I went to Shanghai Disneyland on May 6th with my child. Before, during the holidays, it was very crowded, but after the 6th, it became noticeably less crowded—you could walk around freely without having to stand in line for an hour.
One thing I remember: get Early Entry and arrive at 6:30, entering through the gates at the Walt Theater—they're closest to Zootopia. We went straight to Hot Pursuit: the board said 60 minutes, but in reality, we rode in about 25-30 minutes. It makes a huge difference, especially while others are just entering the park.
Overall, the park is great, but you'll need comfortable shoes—you'll be walking a lot. Don't hesitate to plan your visit after May 6th; the crowds aren't as daunting.
5/5
very nice and spacious...nice and awesome if you go to Shanghai
5/5
This place is simply wow! We were there from the very opening until the second evening show, of which there were two, and we were thrilled every time. Disneyland was a hit with both kids and parents. Start with Zootopia, then Continents, and Pirates (or wait shorter in the evening). The Throne opens at 3:00 PM, but we didn't go to the gnomes after lunch. Be sure to download the Disney app in advance; it was very helpful for checking wait times and planning your route. If you find food expensive in the park, you can go in and out of the store with your passport. There's a 7/11 nearby.
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
- Hangzhou Train Station
- Shenzhen North Railway Station
- China Sleeper Train
- Chongqing Train Station
- Beijing to Xian Train vs Plane
- Chengdu Train Station
- Nanjing Train Station
- What to do If China Trains are Sold Out
- Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
- China Train Seat
- China Train Ticket
- Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
- Xian Train Station
- China Train Luggage
- China Train Transfer
- Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
- China Train Tickets Change Refund Cancellation
- China Train Classes
- Shanghai Hotels
- Bali Hotels
- Guangzhou Hotels
- Bangkok Hotels
- Beijing Hotels
- Chongqing Hotels
- Tokyo Hotels
- Hong Kong Hotels
- Chengdu Hotels
- Shenzhen Hotels
- Melbourne Hotels
- Ho Chi Minh City Hotels
- Sydney Hotels
- Singapore Hotels
- Zhangjiajie Hotels
- Osaka Hotels
- Kuala Lumpur Hotels
- Seoul Hotels
- Phuket Hotels
- Xi'an Hotels