Your complete step-by-step guide to using China's official railway booking platform
If you're planning to travel around China by train in 2026, chances are you'll need to use 12306.cn — the official website and app for booking tickets on China's massive high-speed rail network. With over 35,000 km of high-speed tracks connecting virtually every major city, the train is often the fastest and most comfortable way to get around.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know as a foreigner: how to register, book tickets (even without a Chinese phone number), pay with international cards, and pick up your tickets at the station.
You might have heard of apps like Trainpal, Trip.com, or CTrip for booking Chinese trains. These third-party platforms are convenient, but they often charge booking fees or mark up prices. Here's why 12306 is worth learning:
1Go to the 12306 English website
Visit: https://www.12306.cn/index/
Click the "English" toggle in the top-right corner to switch to English interface.
2Click "Sign Up" in the top-right corner
You'll be redirected to the registration page. Fill in the following:
3Verify your email
Check your inbox for a verification email from 12306. Click the confirmation link within 24 hours.
4Complete identity verification
After email verification, you'll need to add your passport information. This is mandatory for buying tickets.
1Navigate to "Personal Information"
In your account dashboard, click "Personal Information" or "My Account" → "Personal Information."
2Enter your passport details
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Name (English) | JOHN SMITH |
| Name (Chinese)* | 约翰·史密斯 |
| Passport number | E12345678 |
| Country/Region | Select your country |
| ID type | Passport (Foreign) |
*If you don't have a Chinese name, use your name in Chinese characters from your visa or translation. You can also leave this blank if not required.
3Add your phone number
Enter your international phone number (with country code, e.g., +1 for USA). You'll receive an OTP code to verify.
4Submit and wait for verification
After submission, your identity will be verified. This usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours during peak periods.
1Enter your route
On the homepage, fill in:
Tip: You can type in English — the system will suggest the Chinese city name automatically.
2Click "Search"
All available trains for that date will be displayed. You'll see:
3Filter train types (optional)
Use the filters to narrow down results:
| Type | Speed | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| G (高铁) | 300-350 km/h | ¥500-1500 | Long distances, time-sensitive |
| D (动车) | 200-250 km/h | ¥300-800 | Medium distances |
| C (城际) | 160-200 km/h | ¥100-300 | Short regional trips |
| K/T/Z | 120-160 km/h | ¥100-500 | Budget, overnight travel |
1Click "Select" on your preferred train
A seat map or seat list will appear showing available carriages and seat numbers.
2Choose your seat class
Most high-speed trains offer these seat classes:
3Select your specific seat (optional)
On some trains, you can pick your exact seat from the seat map. Seats near the window (A/F) are popular for scenery; seats near the aisle (C/D) are easier to exit.
4Add passengers
If this is your first booking, you'll need to add yourself as a passenger:
5Verify your booking details
Before proceeding to payment, double-check:
1Click "Payment" or "Book Now"
You'll be redirected to the payment page.
2Choose your payment method
Accepted methods for foreigners:
3Complete the transaction
Enter your card details and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation email and SMS (if you have a Chinese number or international SMS enabled).
4Save your ticket confirmation
After payment, you'll see:
1Understand ticket collection options
As a foreigner, you have several ways to get your physical ticket:
2Go to the station early
Recommended arrival times:
3Find your platform
After collecting your ticket, check the screen for your platform number. High-speed trains usually depart from specific platforms — arrive early to find yours.
4Board the train
When boarding, have your passport and ticket ready for inspection. Find your seat and settle in. Store your luggage in the overhead bins or near your seat.
Beijing-Shanghai, Shanghai-Hangzhou, and Beijing-Xi'an routes sell out fast, especially on weekends and holidays. Set a reminder to book exactly 15 days before your intended travel date.
The mobile app (available on iOS and Android) lets you:
You'll need to show your passport at ticket collection, at the platform entrance, and sometimes during the journey. Keep it accessible, not buried in your luggage.
Chinese New Year (late January/February), National Day (October 1-7), and Labor Day (May 1-3) see millions traveling. Train tickets are nearly impossible to get last-minute — book weeks in advance or consider buses.
Some cities have multiple stations. "Beijing" usually means Beijing Railway Station, while "Beijing West" (北京西) is another. "Shanghai" and "Shanghai Hongqiao" are different stations. Check your destination carefully!
A: Yes, foreigners can use 12306. The platform now supports English interface and accepts foreign passports for registration. You can book tickets for all high-speed trains (G, C, D trains) and regular trains.
A: As of 2024, foreigners can register on 12306 using their foreign passport and either a Chinese phone number or an international phone number. The English version accepts international numbers for OTP verification.
A: Foreigners can pay with major international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club) and debit cards on 12306. You can also use Alipay and WeChat Pay if you have a foreign card linked.
A: Train tickets on 12306 can be booked up to 15 days in advance (sometimes 14 days depending on the route). During peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Golden Week), tickets sell out very quickly — book as early as possible.
A: Yes, you can cancel or change tickets. Cancellations before departure: no charge if done online; 20% fee if within 2 hours of departure. Changes are free for most ticket types before the train departs, subject to availability.
A: Common causes:
A: No, 12306 charges no booking fees. You pay exactly the ticket price shown.
A: Yes, you can use your foreign passport to register and book tickets. Just ensure your passport is added to your account under "Personal Information."
China's high-speed rail network is one of the world's most impressive transportation systems. With this guide, you're ready to book like a local.
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