Travelling by train in China but your plans changed? Need to switch to a flight or your train gets cancelled? Don't worry - China Railway 12306 offers flexible ticket change and refund options. Here's a simple guide to help you save money and time when modifying your travel plans.
China Train Tickets: Change, Refund & Cancellation Policy
China train tickets allow 1 free change before departure with fare adjustments, while refunds follow a sliding fee scale based on timing. If your train is cancelled by China Railways, you'll receive a full automatic refund. You may also change to any available same-day train (before 24:00) for free - this also applies if you miss your original train! For self-cancellations, fees may apply depending on how early you cancel- but in some cases it's completely free (≥ 8+ days). For specific deadlines and fees, please see the following details:
Time Before Departure | Refund Fee | Change Fee |
8+ days | Free | Free |
48 hours – 8 days | 5% fee | Free |
24 – 48 hours | 10% fee | 5% fee |
<24 hours | 20% fee | 15% fee |
After departure | Not allowed | Change to same-day train (before 24:00): Free (includes missed trains) |
*Policy updated 2025 | Check 12306.cn for latest rules.
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Train: Refund & Change Policy
When travelling on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong cross-border high-speed rail, be aware of these key refund and change policies: You're permitted only one ticket change (with the same departure/arrival stations), and any fare difference must be paid if the new ticket is more expensive.
Please note that changed tickets become non-refundable, and strict deadlines apply - 30 minutes before departure at Mainland stations or 45 minutes at Hong Kong West Kowloon. Below are the detailed refund fees and change rules:
Time Before Departure | Refund Fee | Change Fee |
8+ days before | 5% fee | Free* |
2-7 days before | 30% fee | Free* |
Within 48 hours | 50% fee | Free* |
<30 min (Mainland)/<45 min (HK) | Not allowed | Not allowed |
*Policy updated 2025 | Check 12306.cn for latest rules.
How to Change China Train Tickets?
1. Where to Change Tickets
- At Station Counters: All ticket types
- Online (12306.cn/app): E-tickets not collected as paper tickets
- Self-Service Machines: Find a ticket machine with a ticket change function at the station and follow the system prompts.
2. Step-by-Step Change Process
A. Online Change (12306.cn/Trip.com):
1️⃣Log in → Select "My Orders" → Choose ticket → Click "Change"
2️⃣Pick new date/train (same departure & arrival stations)
3️⃣Pay price difference (if new ticket costs more)
4️⃣Get e-ticket update via app/email
B. Station Counter Change:
1️⃣Bring:
Original ID (passport for foreigners)
Paper ticket (if collected)
2️⃣Request change before departure (see deadlines below)
3️⃣Pay any fare difference
3. Key Rules to Note
- Deadlines:
- Before departure: Free change (1 allowed)
- After departure: Before 24:00 on the same day, you can change to another train on the same day for free
- Fees: No change fee, but pay if new ticket is more expensive
- No Changes Allowed:
- Different departure/arrival stations
- After final deadline (varies by station)
4. For Foreign Travellers
- Use passport at counters
- Paper tickets must be unchanged (no tears/stains)
- Check new ticket details carefully
- Change early! Popular trains sell out fast.
How to Refund China Train Tickets?
1. Where to Refund
- At Station Counters: Available for all tickets (cash/online purchases)
- Online (12306.cn/Trip.com): Only for e-tickets not collected as paper tickets
- Self-Service Machines: At selected stations (follow system prompts)
2. Step-by-Step Refund Process
A. Online Refund (12306.cn/Trip.com):
1️⃣Log in to 12306.cn (must use original account).
2️⃣Select unused tickets → Click "Refund".
3️⃣Refund amount returns to original payment method (e.g., credit card/Alipay/Wechat).
4️⃣For cash/paper tickets: Request refund online first, then within 180 days:
Bring original ID + paper ticket (if collected) to any station counter.
B. Station Counter Refund:
1️⃣Before departure: Go to any ticket window with:
Your original ID (passport for foreigners).
Paper ticket (if printed).
2️⃣Cash purchases: Refund in cash.
3️⃣Online payments: Refund to original account.
3. When Can't You Refund Train Tickets?
Refunds are not allowed in these cases:
- After the train has departed
- For tickets changed after departure
- Any additional fees/penalties charged
- Onboard ticket replacement 补票 (except for:
- Failed student verification
- Lost ID replacement tickets)
4. Key Rules to Note
- Deadline: Refund before train departure (no post-departure refunds).
- Fees:
- ≥8 days: Free
- 48h-8 days: 5% fee
- 24h-48h: 10% fee
- <24h: 20% fee
- Paper Tickets: Must return them for refunds.
- Agent Refunds: Possible with your ID + agent’s ID.
5. For Foreign Travellers
- Passport Required: Original used for booking.
- Lost ID? Use temporary ID from your embassy.
- Need Receipt: Request "refund fee invoice" at stations within 180 days.
- For e-tickets, online refunds are fastest. Keep paper tickets undamaged!
How to Refund Cross-Border High-Speed Rail Tickets?
- Non-Cash Payments (No Paper Ticket):
- Refund online via 12306 website or at the station ticket window.
- The refund will be processed to the original payment method.
- Cash Payments or Paper Ticket Issued:
- Refund at the station ticket window.
- Alternatively, submit a refund request online via 12306 first, then visit the station within 180 days with the original ID used for booking to complete the refund. Return the paper ticket if issued.
- Tickets purchased at MTR Ticket Offices (Hong Kong) can also be refunded at the ticket office if no paper ticket was issued.
- Paper Ticket Required:
- The paper ticket must be returned for the refund to proceed.
How to Change, Refund or Cancel a Ticket on Trip.com?
- Before Departure: Request refunds via the Trip.com app.
- After Departure: No refunds. On the departure day, you may:
- Change to another train for free (same day), or
- Reschedule for a future date (fees may apply).
- Unused tickets expire automatically if no changes are made.
- Paper Ticket Holders: Request a refund via Trip.com first, then complete the process at the station within 180 days (with original ID and returned ticket). Refunds are issued by the Railway Authority.
- Cross-border train tickets from China to Laos can be refunded before departure. The Railway Administration will charge a handling fee of 20% of the ticket price.
How to Change a China Train Ticket on Trip.com
To cancel a train ticket that hasn't been issued yet, sign in to Trip.com, go to your account, and then select My Bookings > Trains. Cancel the train ticket booking by selecting the Cancel Booking button.
How to Cancel and Refund China Train Tickets Online on Trip.com
If you haven’t picked up your train ticket, it can be cancelled online. To do so, sign in to Trip.com, go to your account, and then select My Bookings > Trains. Cancel the train ticket booking by selecting the Cancel Booking button. Tickets can be cancelled online from 08:00 to 20:00 (GMT+8).
Trip.com China Train Ticket Cancellation/Refund Fee
Trip.com follows the cancellation policies of China’s national rail operator, China Railway. No handling fee is charged if the train ticket is cancelled at least 8 days before the train’s departure date.
Time Before Departure | Refund Fee | Change Fee |
8+ days | Free | Free |
48 hours - 7 days | 5% (min. CNY 2) | 5% |
24 - 48 hours | 10% | 5% fee |
<24 hours | 20% | 15% fee |
After departure | Not allowed | Change to same-day train (before 22:00): Free (includes missed trains) |
After departure 24:00 | Not allowed | Cannot be changed |
The refund will be returned to your original account of payment within 7 working days. The refund amount is subject to China’s railway authority. The date you receive the refund is subject to your bank or credit card provider.
👉 View Trip.com's detailed ticket issuing, change, refund, and reimbursement policies for China trains here.
China Train Tickets: Change, Refund & Cancellation FAQs
1. Can I cancel and get a refund for my China train ticket?
Yes, you can cancel tickets before departure. Refund fees depend on how early you cancel (free/5%-20% of ticket price). Tickets are non-refundable after the train departs.
2. What if China Railways cancels my train?
You'll receive a full automatic refund if the railway cancels your service. No action is needed.
3. Where can I refund my China train tickets?
Refunds are available at station ticket counters, on 12306.cn website (for e-tickets), or at self-service machines. Cash purchases require in-person refunds.
4. How many times can I change my ticket?
You may change your ticket once for free before departure. After changing, you can still cancel (except for cross-border trains like Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong).
5. How do I check my refund status?
Check your original payment method (credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay, etc.). Refunds typically process within 15 working days.
6. Can I upgrade/change my seat/bed during the journey?
Yes, if available. Pay the price difference for higher-class seats. No refunds for downgrades.