How to Book China High-Speed Train Tickets as a Foreigner
Booking on 12306 or Trip.com, what to do when 12306 won't verify your passport, and getting through the station.
Short answer
Use the official 12306 app or Trip.com. 12306 is run by the railway and has no booking fee, but it has to verify your passport before you can buy, and that can take a few days. Trip.com takes foreign cards and doesn't need verification. Tickets are electronic and linked to your passport, which you show at the staffed gate.
- Topic
- 交通 Trains & transport
- Reading time
- 2 min
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High-speed rail is the easiest way to get between Chinese cities. The trains are fast and punctual, and stations are usually in or near the city. Booking is the only part that catches people out.
12306 or Trip.com
| 12306 | Trip.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | China Railway | A travel agency |
| Language | English available | English |
| Booking fee | None | Shown at checkout |
| Payment | Alipay, WeChat Pay, some foreign cards | Foreign cards, PayPal and others |
| Passport verification | Required first | Not needed |
| Best when | You have a week before your trip | You need to book now |
If you’re still at home with a week to spare, set up 12306. If you need tickets today, or 12306 is stuck on verification, book on Trip.com.
Booking on 12306
- Download the 12306 app, or use the website, and switch it to English.
- Register with your passport, typing your name exactly as it appears in it.
- Wait for the account to be verified. It shows as pending until then. Manual checks usually take 3 to 5 working days.
- Add yourself and everyone travelling with you as passengers. Each passport is checked separately.
- Search for your train, choose seats and pay.
When 12306 won’t verify your passport
The usual cause is a name that doesn’t match the passport, so check that first and correct it in your account.
Don’t open a second account or add a duplicate passenger to get around a pending check. It tends to make things worse.
Any staffed ticket window at a station can verify you in person. You can do this when you arrive in China. Show staff your passport and this:
请帮我核验12306账户，这是我的护照。
Please verify my 12306 account. Here is my passport.
Or book this trip on Trip.com and deal with 12306 later.
At the station
- Get there about 45 minutes early if it’s a big station.
- Show your passport at the entrance and put your bags through the scanner.
- Look up your train number on the departure boards to find your waiting area and gate.
- Boarding opens 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Use the staffed lane and show your passport.
- On the platform, carriage numbers are marked on the floor. Wait by yours.
If you can’t find your way, these help:
外国护照，请问人工通道在哪里？
Foreign passport. Where is the staffed gate?
请问这趟车在哪个检票口？
Which gate is this train boarding from?
Big cities have more than one main station, for example Beijing South and Beijing West. Check which one your train uses before you get in a taxi.
Common questions
How early should I book?
As soon as your dates are fixed. Weekend and public holiday trains on busy routes sell out. The 12306 app shows how far ahead each route goes on sale.
Do I need a paper ticket?
No. Your ticket is stored against your passport. If you need a paper receipt for expenses, ask at a ticket window.
Can I use the automatic gates?
Many of them only read Chinese ID cards. With a foreign passport, go to the lane with a member of staff.
How early should I get to the station?
Around 45 minutes before departure at a big station. There's a passport check and a bag scan before the waiting hall.