Why Take the Train in China?
China's high-speed rail network is the largest and most advanced in the world, with trains reaching speeds of 350 km/h (217 mph).
Train travel is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than flying for most domestic routes:
- Beijing to Shanghai: 4.5 hours (vs 2 hours flight + 2 hours airport time)
- Shanghai to Hangzhou: 45 minutes
- Guangzhou to Shenzhen: 30 minutes
- Xi'an to Chengdu: 4 hours
The main challenge for foreigners is booking tickets — the official app (12306) is in Chinese only and requires passport verification.
Option 1: Booking via 12306 App (Official)
What You Need
- Passport (physical copy required for pickup/verification)
- Chinese phone number (for verification code)
- 12306 app (download before arriving in China)
- Alipay/WeChat Pay for payment
Step-by-Step Setup
Download the 12306 app
Download from App Store (iOS) or APK file (Android) — the app is not available on Google Play in China.
Register an account
Select "Register" > "Foreigner Passport" and enter your passport details exactly as they appear (no typos).
Verify your phone number
Enter your Chinese phone number and input the verification code sent via SMS.
Add your passport to your profile
Go to "My 12306" > "Personal Information" > "Add Passenger" and enter your passport details.
Book your ticket
Use the English interface (Settings > Language) to search for routes, select dates, and choose seats.
Pay and collect your ticket
Pay with Alipay/WeChat Pay, then collect your physical ticket at the station using your passport at the ticket machine or window.
Pro Tip: Tickets go on sale 15 days before departure at 8:00 AM China time. Popular routes sell out in minutes, so book as soon as tickets become available.
Option 2: Booking via Third-Party Platforms
If you don't have a Chinese phone number, use these foreigner-friendly platforms:
Recommended Platforms
- Ctrip (Trip.com): English interface, accepts international cards, small service fee (5-10%)
- China Highlights: Tourist-focused, English support, higher service fee (10-15%)
- Klook: Good for short-distance tickets, easy cancellation policy
- Our Concierge Service: Included in China Ready Kit, no extra fees, guaranteed tickets
Step-by-Step with Ctrip
Create a Ctrip account
Use your international email and phone number to register on the Ctrip website or app.
Enter your passport details
Add your passport as your ID document (required for all train bookings in China).
Search for your route
Enter departure city, arrival city, and travel date (use English city names).
Select your train and seat class
Choose from available high-speed trains (G-series) and select your preferred seat class.
Pay with international card
Ctrip accepts Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay for foreign customers.
Collect your ticket
Bring your passport to the train station ticket window or machine to collect your physical ticket before departure.
Train Seat Classes Explained
First Class
~2x Second Class
- Wider seats (1-2 layout)
- More legroom
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free water and snacks
- Quieter carriages
Second Class
Standard Price
- 2-3 seat layout
- Comfortable for short trips
- Power outlets available
- Most popular option
- Good value for money
Business Class
~4x Second Class
- 1 seat per row
- Fully reclining seats
- VIP lounge access
- Meal service included
- Personal attendant
Recommendation: Second Class is perfectly comfortable for most travelers (even for 4-5 hour journeys). First Class is worth it for longer trips (6+ hours).
At the Train Station
Here's what you need to know when traveling by train in China:
- Arrive early: Allow at least 30 minutes before departure for security and boarding (60 minutes for first-time travelers).
- Bring your passport: You need it to collect your ticket and for security checks.
- Check the departure board: Platform numbers can change, so check the electronic boards before boarding.
- Seat numbering: Seats are labeled with letters (A, B, C, D, F) — A/F are window seats, C/D are aisle seats.
- Luggage storage: Overhead racks for small bags, larger luggage goes in the storage area at the end of each carriage.
- Food and drinks: Snack carts pass through carriages, or bring your own food and water.
- English announcements: Major stations have English announcements for train departures/arrivals.