How to Order Food on China Trains: Options & Step-by-Step Guide

I travel on China’s high-speed trains regularly and have tried different ways to get food during the journey. If it’s your first time travelling by train in China, you may be wondering what food is available and how to order easily. This guide covers practical tips, simple ordering steps and important rules to help you enjoy a more comfortable dining experience onboard.

🍱 What are the food options on China trains

China’s high-speed trains offer a wide range of food choices, from local specialities and affordable meals to snacks and drinks. Passengers can buy food onboard, order through the 12306 App, or choose delivery from restaurants at stations along the route.

Tip: If food appears unavailable on the 12306 App, you can also ask the train attendant or visit the dining car, as some onboard meals may still be available.

🚄 How to order food on trains in China

There are several easy ways to order food on China high-speed trains. Passengers can order meals in advance through the 12306 App, scan the onboard QR code after boarding, or buy food directly from the train. Food can be delivered to your seat or purchased onboard during the journey.

Common options include:

• 12306 App ordering (most popular): Use the 12306 App or Mini Program to order meals from stations along your route. After selecting your train, departure and arrival stations, you can choose restaurants and meals, then have the food delivered directly to your seat.
• Onboard QR code ordering: After boarding, scan the Railway Travel QR Code (铁路畅行码) on your seat armrest or tray table with WeChat or Alipay. You can browse train-operated meals, drinks and snacks, place your order and wait for delivery.
• Dining car and food trolley service: You can buy food directly onboard from the dining car or from staff pushing food trolleys through the carriages. Options usually include boxed meals, instant noodles, snacks and drinks. Some trains also offer freshly cooked dishes.
• Ordering for others: Some services allow passengers to order meals remotely for family or friends travelling on the train, with the meal delivered to their seat.

Useful tips: For station-delivery orders, it is recommended to place your order at least 1 hour before the train reaches the delivery station. Food orders can usually be made for the same day or up to 14 days in advance through the 12306 App. If the app shows some items as unavailable, you can ask the train attendant or check the dining car, as some onboard meals may still be available.

📱 How to order food on China trains via the 12306 app

Step 1: Open the 12306 App or mini programme

Open the 12306 App or mini programme, then go to the homepage and select “Food & Local Products” (餐饮·特产).

Step 2: Enter your train details

Enter your train number and travel date, then tap “Start Ordering”.

Step 3: Choose your route and food

Select your departure station and arrival station. The app will show stations along your route that offer food delivery services (like KFC, McDonald's, Burger King, or famous regional dining chains). Choose a restaurant and meal, then check the estimated delivery time.

Step 4: Enter your seat details and pay

Fill in your name, carriage number, seat number and mobile number. Check your order details and complete the payment.

Step 5: Wait for delivery to your seat

After placing your order, you can check the progress in “Orders” → “Food & Local Products Orders”. Railway staff will deliver your food directly to your seat. Make sure your seat number is correct when ordering.

Key reminders

• Place your order at least 1 hour before the train arrives at the delivery station. The latest ordering time is usually 1 hour before arrival. For example, if your train reaches a station at 2:00 pm, you need to complete your order before 1:00 pm. You can also book meals in advance through the 12306 App, with reservations available up to 14 days ahead.
• Ordering earlier is recommended during busy periods. During peak travel times, placing your order 2 hours in advance can help avoid delays caused by busy restaurants or high order volumes.
• Do not leave the train to collect your food. Trains only stop for a few minutes at most stations. Your meal will be delivered directly to your seat by station staff.
• Food delivery may cost more than buying food onboard or bringing your own. Many budget travellers choose to bring their own food, while seat delivery is often preferred by passengers who value convenience.

📲 How to order food by scanning a QR code on China trains

Step 1: Scan the onboard QR code

Find the “Railway Progress” QR code (铁路畅行码) on your seat armrest, tray table or headrest card. Scan it with WeChat to open the food ordering page.

Step 2: Check your train details

The system will usually identify your train number, travel date and route automatically. If the information is incorrect, enter it manually.

Step 3: Choose your food

Select “Onboard Dining” and browse available meals, drinks and snacks from the train’s own dining service or restaurants at stations along the route. Add your chosen items to the basket.

Step 4: Confirm details and pay

Check your carriage number, seat number and phone number, then complete payment with WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Step 5: Wait for delivery

Your meal will be delivered directly to your seat by train staff or station delivery staff.

Useful tips:

• If ordering food from a station along the route, place your order at least 1 hour before the train arrives at that station.
• Passengers without a reserved seat can wait in their ticket-designated carriage area or collect food from the dining car using their order details.
• Available options may include train-operated meals, drinks, snacks, chain fast food and local specialities.

🥡 Can you bring your own food on China trains

Passengers can bring their own food on China high-speed trains as long as it meets the railway rules. Sealed snacks, packaged meals, fresh fruit and drinks are generally allowed, while some items are restricted.

🛒 Where to buy food before your journey

You can prepare food in advance from supermarkets, convenience stores or online platforms. Buying outside the station is usually cheaper than purchasing from station shops. Major train stations also have convenience stores and local speciality shops where you can quickly buy snacks and drinks before boarding.

Tip: Bringing your own food is often a more affordable and reliable option compared with onboard meals. Choose simple, sealed foods that are easy to eat during your journey.

🥪 What food can and cannot be brought on China trains

Food is allowed on China high-speed trains, but all items must pass the station security check. Most sealed snacks, packaged meals and fresh fruit are fine, while some foods are restricted for safety reasons.

✅ Allowed food

• Fresh fruit: Apples, bananas, oranges and other easy-to-carry fruits are allowed. It is better to wash and pack them in advance.
• Snacks and bakery items: Packaged nuts, biscuits, crisps, sweets, bread, pastries and other sealed snacks are suitable for train journeys.
• Ready-to-eat meals: Sandwiches, wraps, rice balls, steamed buns and other pre-cooked foods can be brought onboard.
• Packaged meat products: Vacuum-sealed cooked foods such as roasted duck, braised pork and chicken snacks are allowed.
• Drinks: Bottled water, sealed juice and room-temperature milk can be carried onboard.
• Seafood: Cooked seafood or seafood packed in sealed containers is allowed. Live seafood or animals are not permitted.
• Alcohol: Sealed alcoholic drinks with clear labels and an alcohol content of 24%–70% are allowed, with a total limit of 3,000 ml.

❌ Not allowed or not recommended

• Self-heating food: Self-heating hot pots, self-heating rice and similar products are prohibited because the heating packs may contain flammable materials.
• High-alcohol drinks: Alcohol above 70% ABV is not allowed.
• Unlabelled alcohol: Homemade alcohol, loose spirits and drinks without clear packaging are prohibited.
• Knives: Metal fruit knives and pocket knives cannot be taken onboard. Prepare fruit before arriving or bring plastic cutlery instead.
• Live animals or seafood: Live crabs, fish, poultry and other animals are not allowed.
• Strong-smelling food: Durian, stinky tofu and snail rice noodles (螺蛳粉) may be carried if properly sealed, but eating them in the carriage is strongly discouraged to avoid disturbing other passengers.

Tip: Buying food before arriving at the station is often cheaper than purchasing from station shops. Choose sealed, easy-to-eat and low-odour food for a more comfortable journey. For the latest rules, check the official 12306 railway website before travelling.

☕ Drinks on China trains: coffee, tea and alcohol rules

Staying hydrated on China trains is easy. Passengers can bring their own drinks, use the free hot water facilities onboard, or buy drinks from the train during the journey.

☕ Hot water, coffee and tea

• Free hot water: Every carriage has a hot water dispenser near the toilets, providing free hot water for passengers.
• Bring your own drinks: Tea bags, loose tea, instant coffee, powdered drinks and other instant beverages can be brought onboard with no quantity limit.
• Using hot water: Passengers can use the train’s hot water to make tea or coffee. Open flames and personal heating devices are not allowed.

🥤 Drinks you can bring

• Non-alcoholic drinks: Bottled water, soft drinks, juice, milk and other sealed drinks are allowed.
• Alcohol: Sealed alcoholic drinks with clear labels and an alcohol content of 24%–70% can be carried, with a total limit of 3,000 ml per passenger.
• Low-alcohol drinks: Beer and other drinks below 24% ABV can usually be carried and consumed onboard.

🍹 Buying drinks on the train

• Train dining cars, food trolleys and the 12306 App offer drinks such as mineral water, coffee, milk tea, soft drinks and juice.
• Some routes also sell local speciality drinks, such as regional coffee and high-speed rail milk tea.

❌ Alcohol restrictions

• Not allowed: Loose alcohol, homemade alcohol, unlabelled drinks and alcohol above 70% ABV.
• Opened bottles may be refused at security checks.
• High-proof spirits have stricter limits, so check the latest rules before travelling.

Tip: Bringing a reusable flask or travel mug is a popular choice among local passengers, as you can refill it with free hot water throughout your journey.

💺 China train food by class: high-speed, sleeper and regular trains

China high-speed train Business Class meals and menu

Food services on China trains vary depending on your ticket class. The main differences are whether meals are included, what food is available and how it is delivered.

🚄 Food options on China high-speed trains

Business Class (商务座)

• Some long-distance G trains provide free premium meals during breakfast, lunch and dinner periods.
• Passengers can enjoy set meals, snacks, tea and drinks at no extra cost.
• Food and drinks are usually delivered directly to the seat by attendants.

First Class (一等座)

• No free full meals are included.
• Some trains may offer a small snack pack or drink, depending on the route.
• Extra meals, snacks and drinks can be purchased through the 12306 App, food trolley or dining car.

Second Class / Standard Seat (二等座)

• No complimentary food or drinks are provided.
• Passengers can order meals through the 12306 App, scan the onboard QR code, visit the dining car or buy from the food trolley.
• Station food delivery can be sent directly to the seat.

🌙 Food options on China sleeper trains

Sleeper trains offer more flexible dining options, including dining car meals, onboard delivery and food brought by passengers. Services vary by train type and route.

High-speed Sleeper / Overnight High-speed Trains (高铁动卧)

• Meals are usually pre-prepared and heated onboard, with options ranging from simple meals to premium set menus.
• Some trains offer QR code ordering, with food delivered directly to the sleeping berth.
• Selected routes may provide late-night snack services.

Premium Sleeper / Luxury Tourist Trains (高级软卧 / 高端旅游专列)

• Some high-end routes provide complimentary customised meals featuring local specialities.
• Meals, drinks and snacks may be delivered directly to private cabins.
• Some luxury tourist trains also have dedicated dining areas with table service.

Soft Sleeper (软卧)

• No free meals are included.
• Passengers can buy freshly cooked dishes from the dining car or order meals through onboard services.
• Some long-distance routes allow passengers to reserve special meals in advance.

Hard Sleeper (硬卧)

• No exclusive dining benefits are available.
• Passengers share the same food options as other regular train passengers, including boxed meals, snacks and drinks from the trolley or dining car.
• Some routes offer affordable set meals delivered to carriages.

🚆 Food options on regular trains

Dining Car

• Most regular trains have a dining car located between seating and sleeper carriages.
• Passengers can buy freshly cooked dishes, boxed meals, snacks and drinks.
• Some long-distance routes offer affordable buffet-style meals with several dishes and soup.

Hard Seat (硬座)

• No special dining services are included.
• Passengers can buy basic boxed meals, instant noodles and snacks from staff or bring their own food.

🍱 Quick comparison

• High-speed Business Class: Free meals and drinks on selected routes, with seat delivery.
• High-speed First Class: Mainly paid food options, with occasional snacks depending on the train.
• High-speed Second Class: Full access to paid onboard dining and 12306 food delivery.
• Premium Sleeper / Luxury Tourist Trains: May include customised meals and private dining services.
• Soft Sleeper: Paid meals available from dining cars or onboard ordering.
• Hard Sleeper: Basic paid meals, snacks and drinks shared with other passengers.
• Hard Seat: Simple food options or bring your own.

Note: Food services differ by train type, route and railway operator. Always check the actual services available on your specific train before travelling.

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