How to Buy China Train Tickets at the Train Station?

There are 3 main ways to buy train tickets in China: self-service ticket machines, manual ticket windows and online purchase. Although railway stations still retain traditional manual ticket sales services and are equipped with modern self-service ticket machines, most passengers now choose to buy tickets online, which is more convenient.

This article will provide you with detailed steps for foreigners to buy tickets at train stations, helping you choose the most suitable ticket purchase method according to your needs.

How to Buy China Train Tickets at the Ticket Office as a Foreigner?

Step 1: Prepare Necessary Documents

• Bring your passport (required for ID verification).
• Have your destination, date, and preferred train time ready (you can check schedules on apps like *12306* or Trip.com beforehand).

Step 2: Find the Ticket Counter

• Enter the train station and look for the "Ticket Office / Tickets" (售票处).
• Some major stations have dedicated counters for foreigners (labelled "Foreign Passport Service" or "International Travellers"). If not, use the general counter.

Step 3: Queue and Wait for Your Turn

• Queue in the ticketing, change and refund queues (note that some queues do not sell tickets, such as the Temporary ID Issuance Window).
• Be prepared for possible language barriers—have your destination written in Chinese characters (e.g., "北京" for Beijing).

Step 4: Communicate Your Booking Request

When your turn comes:

1. Hand over your passport.
2. Clearly state:
3. • Destination (e.g., "Shanghai")
   • Date (e.g., "June 10")
   • Train type (e.g., "High-speed train/G train" or "Overnight sleeper")
   • Preferred departure time (e.g., "Morning")
   • Seat class (e.g., "Second class" / "First class" / "Business class" / "Hard sleeper", etc.).

Example:
*"One ticket to Shanghai, June 10, morning high-speed train, second class, please."*

Step 5: Confirm Details & Pay

• The clerk will show you train options on screen (check departure time & seat type).
• Confirm your choice and pay (cash/Alipay/WeChat Pay/, bank card of POS acquiring bank or various bank cards with UnionPay logo accepted at most stations).

Step 6: Receive Your Ticket

• You’ll get a paper ticket with your passport number. Double-check:
• • Name (as in passport)
  • Train number (e.g., G123)
  • Departure time & seat number.

Step 7: Enter the Station

• Use your passport + ticket for security checks and boarding
• Foreign passports need to be verified in the manual queue. Please find the Manual Service Identity Verification (人工验证).

Tips for Foreign Travellers

• Avoid Peak Times: Long queues during holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year).
• Use Apps for Help: Translate apps (e.g., Google Translate) can assist in communication.
• Alternative Booking: Buy e-tickets via Trip.com (supports foreign cards) and you will receive an e-ticket on your mobile phone, so you don’t need to pick it up at the station.
• If you need further help, look for station staff wearing work uniforms or "Help Desk" signs! 🚄

How to Buy Train Tickets at the Automatic Ticketing as a Foreigner?

⚠️ Important Note:

These machines mainly recognize Chinese ID cards, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan resident ID cards. You can use Foreigner Permanent Residence ID card to buy tickets, but foreign passports are not currently supported. However, you can still purchase tickets using a Chinese friend’s phone number (for SMS verification). Payment methods include Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Chinese bank cards.

Step 1: Find an Automatic Ticketing Machine

• Look for a self-service ticket machine (usually near the ticket office or follow the signs for Automatic Ticketing).

Step 2: Select “Buy Ticket” (购票)

• Machines may have an English option (check the bottom-right corner for 中文/English).
• On the home screen, choose "Buy Ticket" (购票).

Step 3: Enter Travel Details

1. Destination – Type the city name in Chinese pinyin (e.g., "北京" for Beijing).
2. Date – Select your travel date.
3. Train Type – Choose between High-Speed (G/D trains) or Regular (K/T/Z trains).
4. Seat Class – Pick Second Class (二等座), First Class (一等座), or Business Class (商务座).

Step 4: Provide a Chinese Phone Number (Required)

• Since foreign passports are not accepted, you must:
• 1. Enter a Chinese mobile number (+86) (can be a friend/family member’s).
  2. Receive a verification code via SMS and enter it.
• If you don’t have one, ask a station staff member for help (they may direct you to the manual counter).

Step 5: Confirm & Pay

• Review your train number, time, and seat class.
• Choose payment method:
• • Alipay / WeChat Pay (Scan QR code✅)
  • Chinese Bank Card (Insert card, not necessarily supported)
  • (Most machines may not accept cash.)

Step 6: Collect Your Ticket

• The machine will print a paper ticket.
• Check carefully:
• • Train number (e.g., G123)
  • Departure time
  • Seat number (e.g., 05车12F)

Step 7: Board the Train

• Use your ticket + passport at security and boarding gates (staff may manually verify foreign passports).

Alternative Solutions If Machines Don’t Work

1. Buy Online First – Use Trip.com (English support, foreign cards accepted) and you will receive an e-ticket on your mobile phone, so you don’t need to pick it up at the station.
2. Ask for Help – Find the "Help Desk" or station staff.
3. Use the Manual Counter – Foreign passports are accepted here.

How to Buy China Train Tickets Online as a Foreigner?

For large hub stations such as Nanjing South Station, Guangzhou South Station, Xi'an North Station, and Beijing Fengtai Station, due to the large area and large passenger flow of the station area, if you choose to buy tickets at offline counters and ticket machines, it is recommended to arrive at the station at least 1 hour in advance. To save time and avoid missing the train, we recommend that you purchase tickets online in advance through the official website or APP. This way you can avoid waiting in line and enter the station and board the train directly with your e-ticket and passport.

👇 Check out the guide below to help you quickly buy China train tickets online.

Booking China Train Tickets FAQs

What time do China train tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale 15 days in advance.

How to book train tickets for the first time?
Use foreigner-friendly platforms like Trip.com to get English support and quick ticket purchases with your passport.

Do I need to book train tickets in advance in China?
Yes, especially on popular routes and during holidays – high-speed trains are often sold out.

Is it cheaper to buy train tickets in advance or on the day?
China train ticket prices are usually fixed (except for some discounted tickets), but last-minute tickets may not be available.

How to pay for train tickets in China?
Cash, mobile pay (WeChat/Alipay), or UnionPay are accepted at stations. Online booking supports international cards.

Can I choose a seat on a China train?
Yes (G/D/C high-speed trains only) - seats are randomly assigned on ordinary trains such as K/Z/T.

China Travel Guide