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Complete Guide to High-Speed Train Booking in China for Foreigners

Full guide to 12306 registration, ticket purchase, and collection, making your China high-speed rail journey easy

2026-01-14
TrainHigh-speed RailBooking

China's high-speed rail is currently the world's largest, fastest, and most punctual mode of transportation.

  • Maximum speed of 350 km/h, from Beijing to Shanghai (over 1,300 km) takes only 4.5–6 hours.
  • Almost all provincial capitals and major cities nationwide are connected by high-speed rail, with stations basically located in the main urban areas.
  • Extremely high punctuality rate; the vast majority of trains are basically on time.
  • Spacious carriages, comfortable seats, power outlets, quiet environment, and you can walk around.

China High-Speed Rail

Ticket Purchase Methods

Currently, online ticket purchases can be made through the following two methods:

  • Purchase through the official 12306 app operated by China Railway
  • Purchase through third-party apps officially authorized by China Railway (Trip, Klook)

12306

Pros: Zero service fees; faster ticket grabbing and waitlisting

Cons: The app supports English but the overall experience is not as good as Trip; real-name verification is required after registration, with a review time of 3-5 days; although international bank cards are supported, they may be declined

Trip

Pros: 7×24 hour English customer service; specially designed for international users; no identity review required; supports international bank cards and Paypal

Cons: Additional ticket booking service fees

Starting to Book Tickets - 12306

1. Registration

  1. Search for and download the 12306 app from the app store
  2. Open the app, tap 【Me】> 【Register】
  3. Upload passport information or enter it manually
  4. Fill in password and email, verify email

Registering 12306

2. Complete Identity Verification

Verification takes 3-5 business days, so remember to prepare in advance before purchasing tickets

12306 Identity Verification

3. Add Other Passengers (Optional)

Adding Other Passengers

4. Purchase Tickets

12306 Ticket Purchase

Starting to Book Tickets - Trip

  1. Search for and download the Trip app from the app store
  2. Register using Email, Google, Apple, Facebook, and other methods
  3. Tap 【Trains】on the homepage to enter the ticket purchase page

Trip Ticket Purchase

Taking the High-Speed Rail

Steps: Manual channel (passport) -> Security check -> Ticket gate -> Platform -> Carriage

High-Speed Rail Entrance High-Speed Rail Security Check High-Speed Rail Waiting Hall Big Screen

Other Matters

Children

  • Ages 6 - 13: Child discount ticket
  • Ages 14 and above: Full-price ticket
  • Under 6 years old: Free ticket

Ticket Changes

  • Change more than 48 hours before departure -> Free
  • Change 24–48 hours before departure to the same day train -> Free
  • Change to a later date within 24 hours before departure -> 15% fee
  • Change to the next day or later after the train has departed -> 40% fee

Refunds

  • 8 days or more before departure -> 0%
  • More than 48 hours before departure -> 5%
  • 24–48 hours before departure -> 10%
  • Within 24 hours before departure -> 20%

Popular Routes

  • Beijing to Shanghai: about 4.5 - 6 hours
  • Shanghai to Hangzhou: about 45 - 90 minutes
  • Hangzhou to Suzhou: about 40 - 120 minutes
  • Beijing to Xi'an: about 4.5 - 6 hours
  • Shenzhen to Guangzhou: about 30 - 60 minutes
  • Guangzhou to Hong Kong: about 50 - 90 minutes