How to Book High-Speed Train Tickets with Your Passport

China's high-speed rail network is one of the best ways to travel between cities — fast, punctual, and often cheaper than flying once you factor in airport time.

View Guide → (the official 12306 app) lets foreign tourists book tickets directly using a passport, with international card payment supported since 2023.

Before You Book

You need to register your passport on 12306 before your first booking. This is a one-time step that takes about 10 minutes. See the guide on registering your passport if you haven't done this yet.

Searching for Trains

1. 1. Open 12306 and tap 'Tickets'

   On the home screen, tap the ticket booking section. Select 'One Way' or 'Round Trip'. Enter your departure city and destination city in English — the app accepts English city names for major cities.

2. 2. Set your travel date

   Tap the date field and select your travel date. You can book up to 15 days in advance for most routes. Popular routes (Beijing–Shanghai, Beijing–Xi'an) sell out fast — book as early as possible.

3. 3. Search and browse results

   Tap Search. Results show all trains for that day sorted by departure time. Each listing shows: train number, departure/arrival times, journey duration, and available seat classes with prices.

Understanding Train Types and Seat Classes

Train types:

• G trains (高铁) — Fastest high-speed trains, 300+ km/h. Best for major city pairs.
• D trains (动车) — High-speed but slightly slower, often cheaper.
• C trains — Intercity express, short routes.

Seat classes:

• Second Class (二等座) — Standard seats, 3+2 layout, comfortable for most journeys. Most affordable.
• First Class (一等座) — Wider seats, 2+2 layout, more legroom. Worth it for journeys over 3 hours.
• Business Class (商务座) — Lie-flat seats on some trains. Expensive but excellent for overnight or very long routes.

Booking Your Ticket

1. 1. Select a train and seat class

   Tap the train you want. Choose your seat class — green means available, gray means sold out. Tap the seat class to proceed.

2. 2. Enter passenger details

   Add a passenger. For foreign tourists, select 'Passport' as the ID type. Enter your passport number exactly as it appears. Enter your name in English as it appears on your passport. Enter your phone number (your home country number works).

3. 3. Choose your seat (optional)

   Some trains allow seat selection — you can pick a window or aisle seat on the seating map. If seat selection isn't available, seats are assigned automatically.

4. 4. Pay with international card

   At checkout, select 'International Card' as the payment method. Enter your Visa or Mastercard details. A small foreign transaction fee may apply from your bank. You'll receive a booking confirmation immediately.

After Booking

Your ticket appears in 12306 under 'My Orders'. You don't need to print anything — your passport is your ticket. At the station, go to the security check and show your passport. At the platform gate, insert your passport into the reader or show it to the staff.

Practical Tips

• Book early: Beijing–Shanghai G trains on weekends sell out 10–14 days in advance. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
• Flexible dates: If your preferred train is sold out, check the day before or after — availability changes as people cancel.
• Station vs. city: Major cities have multiple stations (e.g. Beijing has Beijing South, Beijing, Beijing North). Make sure you're going to the right one — they can be far apart.
• Arrive early: Allow 30–45 minutes before departure for security, finding your platform, and boarding. High-speed trains leave on time and won't wait.
• Luggage: No luggage weight limits on trains, but overhead racks are limited. Large bags go in the space at the end of the carriage.