Booking Chinese train tickets as a foreign tourist is straightforward once you know which platform to use. Trip.com is the easiest option — English interface, accepts foreign credit cards, and delivers e-tickets to your phone. The official 12306 app is cheaper (no service fees) but requires a Chinese phone number and is in Chinese only. Both allow booking up to 30 days in advance. At the station, either scan your e-ticket QR code at the automatic gates or present your passport to collect a physical ticket. This guide walks you through every step.
Table of Contents
What are the best platforms to book China train tickets?
Trip.com (recommended for most foreign tourists)
- English interface, foreign cards accepted
- Service fee: approximately ¥15–25 per ticket
- E-tickets delivered to app (scan QR code at station gates)
- Can select specific seats
- Customer service available in English
- Best for: tourists who want a simple, English experience
12306.cn (official Chinese rail platform)
- No service fees — cheapest option
- Chinese only, requires Chinese phone number for registration
- More complex interface for non-Chinese users
- Best for: travellers with Chinese language ability or Chinese-speaking friends helping them
Ctrip / 携程 (Chinese equivalent of Trip.com)
- Similar to Trip.com with English option
- Slightly different service fee structure
- Good alternative if Trip.com is unavailable
At the station (for same-day or last-minute booking)
- Self-service machines accept foreign passports (insert passport, machine reads the chip)
- Ticket windows (售票处) have staff who can assist
- No service fees
- Best for: same-day travel or travellers uncomfortable with apps
Step-by-step: How to book on Trip.com
Step 1: Go to trip.com (website or app) → Select “Trains”
Step 2: Enter your departure and arrival cities in English → Select your travel date → Click Search
Step 3: Review the results — trains are listed by departure time, duration and price. “G” trains are the fastest (350km/h). “D” trains are slightly slower but still high-speed.
Step 4: Select your preferred train → Choose seat class (Second Class recommended for most trips) → Select your seat (window or aisle) → Add passenger details (full name exactly as passport, passport number, nationality)
Step 5: Pay with your foreign credit or debit card → You’ll receive an e-ticket confirmation by email and in the Trip.com app
Step 6: At the station:
- Option A: Scan the QR code in your Trip.com app at the automatic entry gates (most convenient)
- Option B: Go to the self-service ticket collection machines (取票机) → insert your passport → the physical ticket prints automatically → use this at the gates
What is the best website to book China train tickets?
Trip.com is the easiest for foreign tourists — English interface, accepts foreign credit cards, and issues e-tickets. The official 12306.cn is cheaper (no service fees) but requires Chinese language ability and a Chinese phone number. For same-day travel, buying at the station ticket window or self-service machine works well.
How far in advance can I book China train tickets?
Up to 30 days in advance on both Trip.com and 12306. For popular routes (Beijing–Shanghai, Beijing–Xi’an) during peak seasons (Golden Week, Chinese New Year, summer holidays), book as early as possible — tickets sell out.
Can I buy China train tickets without a Chinese phone number?
Yes — Trip.com and Ctrip don’t require a Chinese phone number. Only the official 12306 app requires a Chinese phone number for registration. Trip.com is specifically designed for international travellers.