China's vast high-speed rail network, spanning over 40,000km, offers one of the most convenient ways to travel between cities. With trains reaching speeds of 350km/h, journeys that once took days now take mere hours. During popular travel periods like Chinese New Year or National Day holidays, trains often sell out quickly, so advance booking is highly recommended. Fortunately, the online platform offers a hassle-free alternative to queues at stations, featuring an English interface, instant e-tickets and multiple payment options. To help you navigate the process, this guide provides everything from booking website comparisons to step-by-step instructions, ensuring your rail journey through China is a breeze.
Find and Book Cheap China Train Tickets
Best Train Routes in China
Not sure where to go? Let Trip.com guide your journey with these hand-picked China train routes.
| Route | Duration | 2nd Class Fare (￥) | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing-Shanghai | 4h 18m | From ¥553 | Book Tickets |
| Hong Kong-Guangzhou | 47m | From ¥215 | Book Tickets |
| Shanghai-Hangzhou | 10m | From ¥10 | Book Tickets |
| Guangzhou-Shenzhen | 29m | From ¥74.5 | Book Tickets |
| Beijing-Xi'an | 4h 10m | From ¥577.5 | Book Tickets |
| Chengdu-Chongqing | 1h 2m | From ¥129 | Book Tickets |
| Route | Duration | 2nd Class Fare (￥) | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong-Shenzhen | 14m | From ¥68 | Book Tickets |
| Shenzhen-Guangzhou | 29m | From ¥74.5 | Book Tickets |
| Shanghai-Suzhou | 10m | From ¥10 | Book Tickets |
| Shanghai-Nanjing | 1h 38m | From ¥146 | Book Tickets |
| Beijing-Tianjin | 1h 2m | From ¥129 | Book Tickets |
| Wuhan-Changsha | 1h 11m | From ¥199 | Book Tickets |
| Route | Duration | 2nd Class Fare (￥) | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong-Beijing | 8h 10m | From ¥1248 | Book Tickets |
| Guangzhou-Shanghai | 6h 38m | From ¥912 | Book Tickets |
| Beijing-Guangzhou | 7h 17m | From ¥1033 | Book Tickets |
| Hong Kong-Shanghai | 8h 6m | From ¥944 | Book Tickets |
| Shanghai-Chengdu | 11h 11m | From ¥944 | Book Tickets |
| Beijing-Chengdu | 7h 30m | From ¥840.5 | Book Tickets |
Best Platform to Book China Train Tickets Online
For China train travel, you can book through 12306 (official site), third-party sites like Trip.com (English-friendly), or directly at stations. We compare these options to help you decide which one is best suits your needs.
Platform | Pros | Cons |
12306 | • Official railway site • No service fees • Complete schedule access | • English interface limited • Requires ID verification (3-5 days) • Occasional technical issues |
Trip.com | • Full English support • Accepts international cards • 24/7 customer service | • £2-5 booking fee for China trains • European trains are free of booking fee |
China Highlights | • Specialised for foreigners • English guides • Package deals available | • Higher service charges • Limited last-minute options |
Klook | • User-friendly app • Attraction combos available • Regular promotions | • Smaller train selection • Mainly for popular routes |
China Ticket Online | • English support • Hotel+train packages • Visa/Mastercard accepted | • Less known platform • Variable customer service quality |
Ctrip | • No 12306 account needed • Accepts foreign cards • Chinese market leader | • ¥25 service fee • Requires Chinese payment methods • Mandarin interface best |
*Based on 2025 info. Check the latest updates before you travel.
Required Documents for Booking China Train Tickets
Valid passport
- Must match booking details exactly (including middle names if displayed)
- Minimum 6 months validity recommended
Book China Train Tickets Online with Passport
Booking a train ticket via Trip.com is easy - all you need is your passport.
1️⃣ Begin by logging in: Go to the Trip.com website (English-friendly), or use the search box below🔍. Enter your departure city, destination, and travel date. If your city isn’t shown, type it manually.
2️⃣ Pick your seat class: Select second class, first class, or business class, then click "Book".
If you are not familiar with Chinese trains please read the following article to learn about the train codes (G, D, C, K, T, Z) and seat class descriptions.👇
3️⃣ Add passenger details: Select the number of travellers, provide passenger information (e.g. name, date of birth) and add contact details (e.g. email, phone number).
4️⃣ Choose seat type: Pick window, aisle, or middle seats (options like A, B, C, D, F).
5️⃣ Pay securely: Use credit/debit cards, PayPal, WeChat Pay, or Alipay to complete your booking. (Use your card in your local currency!) ✅
Practical Tips for Booking China Train Tickets
- Book Early
Tickets become available 15 days in advance - set calendar reminders for popular routes, especially during peak seasons like Chinese New Year and Golden Week holidays. - Double-Check Your Passport Details
Ensure the booking name matches your travel document exactly - even minor discrepancies can prevent boarding. - Target Off-Peak Travel Times
Mid-week departures (Tuesday-Thursday) typically offer better availability. - Use English-Friendly Platforms
Platforms like Trip.com or Alipay provide full English support, bypassing 12306's Mandarin-dominant interface.
China Train Tickets Refund & Change Policy
| Time Before Departure | Refund Fee | Change Fee | Notes |
8+ days | Free | Free | Full refund allowed. |
48 hours – 8 days | 5% fee | Free | Refund based on original ticket price. |
24 – 48 hours | 10% fee | 5% fee | Changes allowed once. |
<24 hours | 20% fee | 15% fee | No free changes. |
After departure | Not allowed | 40% fee (Within 24 hours after departure) | Exceptions for delays/cancellations. |
Note:
- Latest update: 2025
- Refund fee: ¥2 minimum.
- Changes: Only 1 free change allowed (if done 48+ hours before departure).
- Seat availability: Changes depend on seat/ticket availability.
- Special cases: Full refund for delays/cancellations or travel restrictions.
- Rules may vary slightly for holiday periods or special trains.
Alternative Options if Tickets Sell Out
If your preferred train tickets are sold out, there are several alternative options to consider:
- Waiting List (候补, Hou Bu) – Many rail operators offer a waiting list system. If a booked ticket is cancelled, you may secure a seat when your turn arises. This is a good option if you book in advance.
- Booking Short Segments – If a direct ticket is unavailable, try booking separate shorter segments of the journey. For example, reserve a ticket from A to B, then B to C. This may require changing trains but increases availability.
- Standing Tickets – On some high-speed or commuter trains, standing (无座, Wu Zuo) tickets are sold when seats are full. These are cheaper but less comfortable for long journeys.
- Flights or Buses – If rail options are exhausted, consider domestic flights (often quicker for long distances) or coaches (cheaper but slower). Booking in advance improves availability.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
Waiting List | No extra cost; automatic booking | Not guaranteed; last-minute |
Short Segments | Increases ticket chances | Multiple changes; less convenient |
Standing Tickets | Immediate travel; budget-friendly | Uncomfortable for long trips |
Flights/Buses | Alternative routes; flexible | More expensive (flights) or slower (buses) |
Planning ahead and staying flexible improves your chances of securing travel.
China Train Ticket Booking FAQ
1. Which is the best website for booking train tickets in China?
The official 12306 is the most reliable, while Trip.com offers English support and accepts foreign cards.
2. Can foreigners buy China train tickets online?
Yes, using platforms like Trip.com or the 12306 English app with a passport for verification.
3. Which class of train is cheaper?
Second-class (硬座) seats are the most affordable, followed by hard sleepers (硬卧) for overnight journeys.
4. Can I book a train ticket online 30 minutes before departure?
No, online bookings close 30–60 minutes before departure (varies by route).
5. What if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Delayed tickets remain valid; for cancellations, full refunds are available at stations or via your booking platform.