China Train Ticket Guide: Types, How to Choose & Buy

Plan to travel to China, but still confused about the China train ticket? This guide will walk you through the entire process of purchasing a China train ticket as a foreigner, let you know all the China train ticket types and how to choose.

[3% OFF] Get Your China Train Booking Promo Code on Trip.com

China Train Ticket | High-speed Train Types

Source from Unsplash

Domestic train types are distinguished by letters. G, D, and C trains are high-speed trains, while Z, T, and K trains are slower or overnight services. High-speed trains offer different seating classes with high comfort levels, but fares are generally higher than those of overnight trains. Overnight trains in China are equipped with hard seats, soft seats, hard sleepers, and soft sleepers. Although they are slower and make more stops compared to high-speed trains, they are a more budget-friendly option for travelers.

• D-class trains (Electric Multiple Units, or dòngchē) are the second-fastest type, with speeds of up to 250 km/h. They generally stop only at major cities, and some are non-stop services.
• C-class trains (Intercity EMUs) refer to high-speed electric multiple units that operate on short-distance routes, such as the 120-km, 30-minute journey between Beijing and Tianjin.

China Train Ticket| China Conventional Trains: Z, T, and K Trains

Source from China Train Guide

Due to their slower speeds and more frequent stops, conventional trains offer seating and sleeper berth options. While soft seats and hard seats are more affordable, they are less suitable for overnight journeys. The following train types provide both seat and sleeper options:

• Z-Trains: Z-trains operate between major cities across China and stop only at key stations. As they typically run overnight, they are equipped with hard sleeperand soft sleepercabins. Many also offer deluxe soft sleepercompartments.
• T-Trains: T-trains are slightly slower and generally cover longer distances. They connect major cities and stop at larger towns along the way. Passengers can choose between hard sleeper, soft sleeper, hard seat, and soft seatoptions when booking.
• K-Trains: K-trains are the slowest and oldest type of conventional train in China, making the most stops along their routes. They are equipped with both hard sleeperand soft sleeperaccommodations.

China Train Seat Types

Source from Unsplash

China Train Business Class

• Available only on certain G-series high-speed trains, this is the most comfortable and expensive seat class.
• Features three leather recliner seats per row: two on one side of the aisle and one on the other.
• Ideal for passengers looking to relax or rest during their journey.

China Train Premium Class

• Available on some G-series trains that do not offer Business Class.
• While less luxurious than Business Class, it still offers a high level of comfort, equipped with reading lights and an entertainment system.

China Train First Class

• Configured with four seats per row, some of which are reclining.
• Provides a comfortable and spacious travel experience, with each seat including a power outlet, a headrest, and a small foldable table.

China Train Second Class

• The most economical seating option on high-speed trains.
• Seats include power outlets. While less spacious than other classes, it remains a practical and convenient choice for budget-conscious travelers.

China Train Soft Sleeper

• Available on long-distance overnight D-series trains.
• Each soft sleeper compartment contains two upper and two lower berths. Some trains also offer deluxe soft sleeper compartments with two berths.

How to Buy a China Train Ticket 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

1. ​​Log into Trip.com and navigate to "Trains"
2. 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.

Why Choose to Book China Train Tickets on Trip.com?

• Multilingual support (eliminating language barriers).
• Foreign cards are accepted (unlike other websites).
• No need to queue at the station (saving a lot of time).

How to Cancel a Train Ticket to China on Trip.com?

Let's take a look at Trip.com's cancellation rules - as plans may sometimes change, if you have no choice but to cancel or reschedule, you can check the specific cost of the loss.

Step 1: Search for your reservation

Open the Trip.com app → Click on "Trains" → go to "My Reservations".

Step 2: Select the train you want to cancel

• Click on the reservation you want to cancel. Carefully check the departure time - choosing the wrong one may result in a handling fee deduction.
• Warning: If your train has already departed, your ticket cannot be cancelled.

Step 3: Click "Refund" and get ready to pay the fee

• Click the "Refund" button.
• Trip.com will display the refundable amount minus the service fee (usually 3-5%).
• If you cancel a 500-yuan air ticket two days in advance, you can get a refund of approximately 475 yuan.

Step 4: Upload your identification document

• You need to upload a photo of the front or back of your passport (yes, even for an e-ticket).
• China's railways need verification. Blurry photos can cause delays in ticket purchasing.

Step 5: Confirm and wait for the refund

View refund details → Click "Confirm".

The refund will arrive at your bank /PayPal within 7 to 15 days (it may take longer for international cards).

China Train Ticket | Refund fee

• 8 days before departure: Full refund.
• 48 hours to 15 days: 5% fee (Trip.com will charge about 25 yuan for a 500-yuan ticket).
• 24-48 hours: 10% charge (50 yuan has been deducted).
• <24 hours: 20% of the fee (a fine of 100 yuan!) .
• Note: The fee is only applicable to the ticket price and the service fee is non-refundable.

Types of China Train Tickets

Currently, for most train travel in China—especially on high-speed (G/D/C) trains—the primary and most common method is the e-ticket systemtied to your passport.

China Train Ticket | Paper Ticket

Source from from visitourchina.com

• What it is: The traditional, physical, blue or red paper ticket.
• How to get it: Purchased at station ticket windows or self-service machines.

China Train Ticket | E-ticket

• What it is: This is now the standard and most common typeof ticket. When you buy a ticket online (via Trip.com, Ctrip, or the 12306 app), your purchase is electronically linked to your passport number.
• How to use it: You do notreceive a physical ticket. Instead, you go directly to the ticket gate at the station.
• Boarding Process: At the gate, you present the same passport you used to book the ticket. You place it on the scanner at the automatic gate, which reads the chip, verifies your e-ticket, and opens the gate. A face recognition camera will often verify your identity at the same time.

China Train Ticket | Boarding with Passport/ID Card Only

• This is the standard procedure for using an e-ticket."Boarding with your passport" is not a separate ticket type; it is the method for using an e-ticket.
• Important: Always ensure the passport number used for booking is 100% correct. The system matches the scanned passport to the booking.

China Train Ticket | QR Code Ticket (on Phone)

• What it is: Mainly used by Chinese citizens who can link their ticket to their national ID card in the official 12306 app.
• For Foreign Travelers: This is generally not availableas the primary method. The standard process is to use your passport at the gate as described above. However, some third-party apps like Trip.com may provide a QR code that contains your booking information, which can be shown to station staff for assistance if needed, but the automatic gates will still require a passport scan.

How to Choose Your China Train Ticket

Source from Unsplash

Step 1: Choose Your Train Type Based on Your Route

• For Speed and Efficiency: Prioritize G-series High-Speed Rail (fastest) or D-series Express Trains.
• For Long Distances and Saving on Accommodation: Opt for an overnight sleeper berth on a conventional train (Z/T/K-series).
• For Short Trips Between Neighboring Cities: C-series Intercity Trains are designed for these short, high-frequency routes.

Step 2: Select Your Seat Class Based on Comfort and Budget

For High-Speed Trains (G/D/C):

• Second Class: The most economical option, ideal for short trips (under 4 hours) and budget-conscious travelers. While not as spacious as higher classes, it is still clean and comfortable with power sockets.
• First Class: Offers more legroom and a quieter environment with a 2+2 seat configuration.
• Business Class: The premium experience, featuring fully reclining seats (on some routes), priority service, and complimentary meals.

For Conventional Overnight Trains:

• Hard Sleeper: Consists of three-tiered bunks (upper, middle, lower) in an open-compartment carriage. It's the most budget-friendly overnight option but offers less privacy. The lower bunk provides the most space and convenience.
• Soft Sleeper: Features four bunks (two tiers) in a private, lockable compartment. It provides greater privacy, a quieter environment, and more comfortable bedding.

[8% Off] China Hotel Recommendations