China’s high-speed rail network connects most major cities and is one of the fastest ways to travel between them. For example, the journey from Beijing to Shanghai takes just over four hours at 350 km/h.
For international travelers, however, the process can still be confusing, especially around passport verification and boarding procedures. This guide will clearly explain how to book tickets using the 12306 app and Trip.com, and walk you through each step from verification to boarding.
Choosing a Booking Platform: 12306 vs. Trip.com
| 12306 | Trip.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Official price; no service fees | Official price + service fee |
| ID Verification | Requires passport upload | No real-name registration required |
| Pros | Cheapest prices; fastest refunds; most accurate seat info | User-friendly UI; smooth payment; multi-language customer support |
| Cons | Requires a verification step for registration | Charges a service fee per ticket |
Option One: Official 12306 App
Step 1: Download & Language Settings
Download the official 12306 App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. To switch the language inside the App, go to: Me → Settings → Language → English.
For desktop users, you can also access the English version of the official website directly:
Step 2: Account Registration & Identity Verification
Click “Register” and follow the prompts to complete account registration and identity verification.
Note: The name entered must match the full name on your passport exactly; otherwise, you will not be able to purchase tickets.
Go to “Me” → “Passengers” to add your information and that of your companions.
Policy Notice: Even if your account is in a “pre-verified” status, you can still purchase up to 4 tickets in advance.
Step 3: Train Search & Seat Selection
Enter your departure and destination stations (it is recommended to copy and paste the Chinese station names directly to avoid spelling confusion). Carefully check the departure time and station information before selecting your train. Then choose the passenger and select your preferred seat before confirming the order. We have also prepared a guide explaining the differences between train types and seat classes for your reference.
Important Reminder: The system undergoes maintenance daily from 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM Beijing Time, during which ticket booking is unavailable.
Note: If you would like two seats together, please select seats according to the following arrangement:
Step 3: Complete Payment
Payment methods supported include Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
Option 2: Booking via Trip.com
Step 1: Entrance
Open the Trip.com App homepage and tap the “Trains” section. For desktop users, you can also visit the official website directly: Trip.com
Step 2. Account Registration
Add passenger information before booking.
**Please note: **the passenger’s name must match the full name on the passport exactly. This is essential for successful ticket booking and boarding.
Step 3. Train Search & Seat Selection
Enter your departure and destination stations (it is recommended to copy and paste the Chinese station names directly to avoid spelling confusion).
Step 4. Complete Payment
Submit your order and complete payment. Supported payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
The Full Boarding Process: From Entrance to Arrival
Step 1: Entrance
Arrive at the station at least one hour early. Foreign passport holders cannot use the automated ID gates; you must use the Manual Verification Lane.
Step 2: Security Check
China’s high-speed rail has strict luggage regulations:
- Prohibited: Dangerous, flammable, or explosive goods
- Cosmetics: One bottle of perfume (max 100ml); one bottle of insect repellent spray (max 100ml)
- Alcohol: Only sealed bottles are allowed; opened containers are prohibited
- Lighters: Maximum of 2
For the full list of prohibited items, please visit the official 12306 website:
https://www.12306.cn/en/faq.html
Step 2: Security Check
After arriving at the waiting hall, please check your boarding gate number (Gate No.) through the electronic display screens inside the station.
Most waiting areas provide free hot water stations and charging facilities for passengers.
Step 4: Boarding
Boarding gates usually open 10–15 minutes before departure. Passengers traveling with foreign passports should use the manual verification lanes located on both sides of the gate.
Please note: boarding gates generally close 3–5 minutes before departure, so make sure to arrive on time.
Step 5: Finding Your Platform & Luggage Storage
After passing through the boarding gate, proceed to the correct platform.
Please pay attention to the colored platform markers shown on the station display screens, and follow the corresponding color indicators to locate your carriage.
After boarding, please take the seat assigned on your ticket. Small luggage can be placed on the overhead racks, while larger luggage should be stored in the designated luggage areas at the ends of the carriage. If the luggage racks are full, you can ask station or train staff for assistance.
Step 6: Leaving the Station
After arriving at your destination, follow the “Exit” signs to leave the station.
Passengers traveling with foreign passports should use the manual exit lane and present their passport for verification when exiting the station.
Seat Classes
Second Class — The best value and most economical option
First Class — More spacious and comfortable
Business Class — Premium experience with lounge access and complimentary meals
For more details, please refer to the guide: Introduction to Train Types & Seat Classes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Train Selection & Ticket Booking
You can choose based on the travel distance and duration:
- For journeys under 5 hours, high-speed rail is generally recommended for a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.
- For long-distance trips, overnight sleeper trains can be a more economical option, allowing you to travel while sleeping and arrive the next morning.
It is recommended to arrive at least one hour before departure. You may need additional time for security checks and finding the correct boarding gate.
Train tickets are usually released 15 days before departure.
For long-distance routes, tickets can sell out quickly, so booking early is recommended. For short trips between nearby cities outside of holidays, booking 2–3 days in advance is usually sufficient.
When booking through 铁路12306 or Trip.com, select all passengers before entering the seat selection page, then choose adjacent seats on the seating map.
In addition, the 12306 system will usually try to automatically arrange nearby seats for groups of up to five passengers when enough seats are available.
Security, Luggage & Station Services
Yes. You may carry one bottle of perfume under 100 ml, and up to two lighters.
China’s high-speed rail system has relatively flexible luggage rules, with no strict size or weight limits for most passengers.
Small luggage can be placed on the overhead racks, while larger luggage should be stored in the designated luggage areas at the ends of the carriage. If the storage areas are full, you can ask staff for assistance.
China’s high-speed rail system has relatively flexible luggage rules, with no strict size or weight limits for most passengers.
Most major railway stations provide paid luggage storage services. It is recommended to check the station’s specific service policies in advance.
Onboard Facilities & Travel Tips
Yes. Most high-speed trains have a dining car, although the food selection may be limited.
If you would like more meal options, you can scan the QR code near your seat to order food online. After placing your order, the meal will usually be delivered to your seat at the next station that supports meal delivery services.
Ticket Refund & Change Policies
Yes. Refund fees are charged based on how early you cancel your ticket:
- 8 days or more before departure: No refund fee
- More than 48 hours before departure: 5% fee
- 24–48 hours before departure: 10% fee
- Less than 24 hours before departure: 20% fee
Passengers may change their ticket once free of charge. You can modify the travel date, train number, seat class, or destination station.
If you change to another train on the same travel day, no additional fee is usually charged. If you change to a later travel date, the following fees may apply:
- Changes made 24–48 hours before departure: 5% fee
- Changes made within 24 hours before departure: 15% fee based on the lower ticket price
- Changes made after departure for trains on the following day or later: 40% fee based on the lower ticket price
Yes. This can usually be done through the ticket change function.
As long as seats are still available on your selected train, you may change your booking and choose a different seat.
**Please note: **ticket changes are generally limited to one time only. If you use your change opportunity to switch seats, the order will usually be locked afterward, and further changes to the travel time or destination may no longer be possible.
Children’s Ticket Policies
Since January 1, 2023, the child ticket policy has been as follows:
- Children under 6 years old: One child without a seat may travel free with each adult
- Children aged 6–14: A discounted child ticket is required
- Children aged 14 and above: A full adult ticket is required
- Each adult may only bring one child traveling for free; additional children require child tickets
When booking through 12306, children with identification documents can be added directly as passengers.
For children without identification documents, tickets can usually be purchased using the accompanying adult’s identification information.
Most high-speed trains provide foldable baby changing tables inside the accessible toilets, which can be used for diaper changing or basic childcare needs.
If you need assistance, you can always ask the train staff for help.