How to Collect Train Tickets in China?

Paper train tickets are no longer required for boarding, so your passport is your train ticket in China! Simply proceed to your boarding gate, where station staff will scan your passport for manual entry. Travellers with a Chinese ID or permanent resident card can use the automated gates for faster access.

If you’d like to get a paper ticket as a souvenir or for reimbursement purposes, you can still collect one from self-service machines or ticket offices. This guide provides step-by-step instructions with photos to help you easily get a souvenir ticket or reimbursement receipt for your journey!

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🧾 The receipt currently printed at station machines looks like the example below, titled “Receipt of E-invoice generation QR code.”

🧾 After your trip, refund, or ticket change, you can use the 12306 app to scan the code and get an e-invoice within 180 days. 👇

Where to Collect China Train Tickets?

You can collect or purchase paper train tickets at the self-service ticket machine (TVM) or the Ticket Office (also called Integrated Service Center / 综合服务中心) in the train station. If you buy a ticket on-site, you’ll receive the paper ticket immediately.

You can collect or buy paper train tickets at the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM), the Ticket Office (also called Integrated Service Center / 综合服务中心) in the train station, or at authorized train ticket agents (火车票代售点). If you purchase your ticket on-site at the station or through an agent, you will receive your paper train ticket immediately. Please note that some ticket agents may charge a handling fee of approximately 5 RMB, depending on local policy.

After your journey, you can also print a paper ticket (Reimbursement Receipt) at the ticket vending machines or ticket counters. The machines are quick for independent collection, while the ticket office provides help from staff if needed.

When to Collect China Train Tickets?

1. After Booking

• Around two hours after paying online, you should get your ticket pick-up number.
• Check your email (including spam) or your booking account for this number

2. Bring Your ID

• Take the original ID you used to book your ticket, such as your passport, when collecting tickets.

3. Any Time Before Travel

• Once you have the pick-up number, you can collect your ticket at the train station, ticket office, self-service machine, or an authorised ticket agent.
• Collect in advance to avoid long queues.

4. On the Day of Travel

• Arrive at least one hour before departure to collect your ticket and pass security.
• At busy times (holidays, summer, weekends), arrive two hours before.
• Boarding gates close 3–8 minutes before departure.

5. After your journey

You can still collect a paper ticket (Reimbursement Receipt) after travelling.

• Trips within 30 days.
• Trips within the past 180 days (most recent 30 days not included).
• ⚠️ Note: Tickets older than these time limits may not be available.

6. During Peak Seasons

• For public holidays like Chinese New Year or National Day, collect your ticket as early as possible, or arrive at the station very early on the day.

How to Collect Tickets at a Self-Service Ticket Machine (TVM)?

✔️Bring Your Original ID and Find the Machine

• Original ID: Valid Passport, Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents, etc.
• Go to the nearest train station and look for signs saying "Automatic Ticketing/Integrated Service Center (Tickets)" to find the self-service machines.

Step 1: Switch to English (Optional)

• Tap the blue "中文/English" button in the bottom-right corner of the screen to change the language.

Step 2: Select "Collect Reimbursement Receipt"

• Press the blue "Collect Reimbursement Receipt" button in the top-right corner.

Step 3: Choose Receipt Type

You will see three options:

• Trips Reimbursement Receipt
• Ticket Cancellation Reimbursement Receipt
• Ticket Changing Reimbursement Receipt

Step 4: Select Your Travel Date Range

• Trips within 30 days
• Trips within the past 180 days (most recent 30 days not included)
• ⚠️ Note: Tickets older than these time limits may not be available.

Step 5: Choose Your ID Document Type

There are six options:

• People's Republic of China Resident Identity Card
• Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents
• People's Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
• Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents
• Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents
• Valid Passport

Step 6: Scan Your ID

• Follow the on-screen prompt: "Please place your ID document in the scanning area."
• For Passport & Mainland Travel Permit: Place your document in the right-side scanner.
• For Chinese ID Card, Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card & Student ID: Place your card in the lower-left scanner.

Step 7: Select Your Ticket(s)

• Your recent train tickets will appear on the screen.
• Tick (☑️) the box next to the ticket(s) you need.
• Press "Confirm/OK" to proceed.

Step 8: Collect Your Ticket

• Your ticket will be printed from the "Ticket Reimbursement Invoice Exit" at the bottom of the machine.
• Reminder: Don’t forget to take your passport and ticket!

Train Ticket (For Reimbursement)

How to Collect Train Tickets at the Ticket Counter?

Step 1: Prepare Your ID and Find the Ticket Office

• Bring the original ID you used when booking (for example, your passport, Mainland Chinese ID card, or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan residents).
• At the train station, follow the signs for “Integrated Service Center (Tickets)” or “Ticket Office” (综合服务中心 / 售票处).

Step 2: Queue at the Correct Counter

• Look for the counters for ticketing, changes, or refunds. Join the queue and wait for your turn.

Step 3: Ask to Collect Your Paper Ticket

• When it’s your turn, politely tell the staff that you want to collect your paper train ticket. Hand over your ID to the staff.

Step 4: Collect Your Ticket

• The staff will scan your ID, print your ticket, and return your documents along with the paper ticket.

Useful Phrases at the Ticket Counter

1. I booked a train ticket online. Do I have to queue up here to pick it up?
   我在网上订的火车票，是在这里排队取票吗？
   Wǒ zài wǎng shàng dìng de huǒ chē piào, shì zài zhè lǐ pái duì qǔ piào ma?
2. Hello, I would like to collect my paper train ticket. Here is my ID.
   你好，我要取纸质火车票，这是我的证件。
   Nǐ hǎo, wǒ yào qǔ zhǐ zhì huǒ chē piào, zhè shì wǒ de zhèng jiàn.
3. Excuse me, where is the ticket collection counter?
   请问取票窗口在哪里？
   Qǐng wèn qǔ piào chuāng kǒu zài nǎ lǐ?
4. Thank you, goodbye.
   谢谢，再见。
   Xiè xiè, zài jiàn.

China Train Travel Guide