How to Buy High-Speed Train Tickets in China

An Easy Guide for Foreigners (2025 Update)

Traveling by high-speed train in China is a fantastic experience—it's fast, efficient, and comfortable. But for foreigners, the first step of buying a ticket can be confusing. Which platform should you use? How do you register with a passport? This guide breaks down the two best methods so you can book your tickets with confidence.

12306 vs. Trip.com: Which Should You Choose?

Your two main options are the official China Rail platform, "12306," and a trusted third-party agent like Trip.com. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	Official 12306 App	Trip.com App
Passport Verification	Required, can take 1-3 days	Not required for booking
Service Fees	None	Small booking fee applies
Payment Methods	Limited international card support (Alipay/WeChat Pay recommended)	Accepts most international credit cards
Ease of Use	Can be complex, some translations are clunky	Very user-friendly, full English support
Best For	Cost-savers and frequent travelers	First-time visitors and those wanting convenience

Method 1: Use the Official "12306" Platform

12306 is the official and direct source for all train tickets in China. Using it saves you money, but requires a one-time identity verification process.

✅Official source, safe and reliable
✅No additional service fees
❌Requires passport verification, approval may take time
❌Hard to get tickets during holidays due to high demand

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the 12306 App

1
Download and Switch to English
Download the "铁路12306" app from your app store. Open it, go to Me (我的) → Settings (设置) → Switch Version (版本切换) and select the English Version.
2
Register with Your Passport
Go to Me → Register. Use the "Scan/upload ID document" feature for your passport. Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport.
Tip: You can leave the Chinese phone number field blank. Make sure to use an email address that you can access in China (like Gmail).
3
Wait for Verification
Check the email you used to register and click the verification link. The passport verification process usually takes 1 to 3 days. Check your spam folder if you don't receive an email.
If your identity verification fails, try switching the app back to Chinese and resubmitting your information. This sometimes helps!
4
Book Your Ticket
Once verified and logged in, you can search for trains. Select your departure/arrival stations, date, train, and seat type (Second Class, First Class, Business Class). You can add multiple passengers who are also verified.
5
Complete the Payment
Proceed to payment. While 12306 has options for international cards, they can be unreliable. The best way is to pay using Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to your foreign bank card.

Method 2: Use the Trip.com App

Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) is China's largest online travel agency. It is incredibly foreigner-friendly and the most popular alternative to 12306.

✅Book instantly with your passport
✅Easy to track orders, get support, and make changes
❌A small, clearly stated service fee is charged
❌Not the official platform, so in rare cases, booking issues can occur

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Trip.com

1
Search for Trains
Download the Trip.com app. Tap "Train Tickets" and enter your departure city, destination, and travel date.
2
Select Your Train and Seat
Choose from the list of available trains and select your preferred seat type. The price shown will include the service fee.
3
Add Passenger Information
Tap to add passenger details. You will need to enter your name and passport number exactly as they appear on your document.
4
Complete Payment
Pay for your ticket using your international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.), PayPal, or other available methods. You will receive an instant confirmation. If you have issues with foreign cards, check our guide to using foreign cards in Chinese apps.

After Booking: Riding the Train

You Don't Need a Paper Ticket!

China's high-speed rail network now supports paperless travel for foreigners. You do not need to collect a physical ticket from the station.

To enter the station and board the train:

Arrive at the station at least 45-60 minutes before departure.
Go through the security check with your luggage.
Find your departure gate on the big screens.
At the ticket gate, look for the lane with a passport icon or ask an attendant.
Simply scan your original passport at the gate, and it will open for you.

For more travel tips in China, check out our complete payment guides to ensure you have all the payment methods you need for your trip.

Have a great trip!