Image source: Baba Goes China
Travelling by train with children in China can be both fun and practical, offering a chance to travel the country comfortably while keeping the family together. Planning ahead helps families manage tickets, choose suitable trains and seats, and pack the right essentials for the journey.
This guide covers child ticket policies, booking tips, selecting train types and classes, packing lists, and practical advice to keep children entertained. Be well-prepared to make your family train trip enjoyable.
China's Child Train Ticket Policies
In China, travelling by train with children follows clear rules on age eligibility, ticket prices, travel conditions, and ID requirements to help you can plan smoothly. Here's a simple table to help you understand the rules for travelling by train with children in China.
Question | Policy & Answer |
Can children travel alone? | Children under 14 should travel with an adult, except for commuting students approved by railway authorities. |
How to buy tickets for children? | - Under 6 years old: One child per adult travels free if not occupying a seat. Extra children must buy a child ticket. - 6–13 years old: Must buy a child ticket. - 14 years and above: Must buy a full-price ticket. |
Do children need an ID to buy tickets? | Yes. Tickets are sold under a real-name system. A valid ID for the child is required when booking. |
Do free children need to be declared? | Yes. When booking, adults must declare the free child and provide the child’s valid ID as proof. |
What if a free child uses a seat? | A child ticket must be purchased. |
Ticket rules for child tickets | The train, seat class, and destination must be the same as the accompanying adult’s ticket. |
Discounts for child tickets | - Normal trains: 50% off the published fare (basic ticket, express surcharge, air-conditioning surcharge). - High-speed trains (CRH): 50% off seat tickets. - Sleeper tickets: Children pay the discounted seat fare + full sleeper fare (plus 50% of air-conditioning surcharge if applicable). |
How to Book Child Train Tickets in China
You can book child train tickets through Trip.com, the Railway 12306 official app, or directly at the train station in China. Trip.com is quick and foreigner-friendly, with English support and flexible payment options. The 12306 app is the official and most authoritative channel, while train stations offer personal assistance, cash payments, and printed tickets for convenience.
1. Trip.com
Trip.com makes booking China train tickets fast and easy for international travellers. You can purchase tickets in just 3 minutes using your passport, pay in local currency with familiar payment methods, and enjoy a fully English booking process without language barriers.
Steps to book child tickets on Trip.com
Step 1: Open the Trip.com website or App, enter departure and destination (e.g. Beijing to Shanghai), then select your train and seat type.
👇Use the train ticket search box below to book your tickets quickly.
Step 2: Fill in Passenger Info.
- Adult tickets → “Frequent passenger 1: Adult ticket”
- Child tickets → “New passenger 1: Child ticket”
- 👶Children under 6 can travel free without a seat (do not add their info, inform station staff instead).
- 🧒Children 6–14 can purchase child tickets at half price and must travel with an adult.
- 👦Children 14+ must purchase a full-price ticket.
Step 3: Complete Contact Info (contact name and email are required, phone number optional).
Step 4: Seat Selection – choose your preference, but availability may vary.
Step 5: Apply a Promo Code (new users can save 3% on China train tickets).
Step 6: Proceed to Payment – pay conveniently with PayPal, Apple Pay, or Credit/Debit card in your local currency.
2. Railway 12306
12306 is the official railway booking platform in China, offering accurate schedules and reliable ticketing services. Foreign passengers must complete ID verification through the app or at a station ticket window, which usually takes 3–5 working days.
Steps to book child tickets on 12306 App:
- Step 1: Add child information
Open the 12306 App → “Me” → “Passenger” → Add child info → Select “Child” as discount type → Enter valid ID details (passport, ID card, or household booklet). - Step 2: Select train and pay
Choose your train → On booking page, tick both adult and child passengers → Complete payment. - Step 3: Declare free child passenger (if applicable)
After adult ticket purchase → “Order” → “Paid” / “My Tickets” → Select “Declare Free Child” → Add child info and submit (the ID used will serve as the travel credential).
3. Railway Station
Buying child tickets directly at the train station ticket window is straightforward and reliable. It allows flexible seat selection, supports cash payments, and offers immediate assistance from staff. Families can also obtain paper receipts for reimbursement and handle refunds or changes conveniently on the spot.
Steps to book child tickets at the station:
- Step 1: Prepare documents
Bring the child’s valid ID (passport, ID card, or household booklet). - Step 2: Go to the ticket window
Inform the staff you want to buy a child ticket together with the adult ticket. If you already have an adult ticket, you may need to reissue tickets for both. - Step 3: Pay for the tickets
Pay by cash or card. Child tickets cannot be purchased alone; they must be bought with an adult ticket. - Step 4: Collect tickets & receipt
Receive printed tickets (blue/red ticket options available in some stations for reimbursement). - Step 5: Board the train
Carry the child’s ID when travelling, whether using a free ticket or discounted child ticket.
How to Choose the Right Train Type for Your Child
When travelling with children in China, the best type of train depends on the age of your child, your travel needs, and your budget. Here are some key points to help you decide:
High-Speed Trains (G/D series)
- Pros: Fast, clean, and quiet; good for long journeys. Some trains have accessible carriages with baby changing tables, wider aisles, and special toilets. Online seat selection makes it easier to sit together or choose a window seat.
- Cons: Higher ticket prices; if a child needs their own sleeper, a full-price ticket is required.
- Best for: Long-distance travel, families looking for comfort and convenience, or children over 6 who can manage closed spaces well.
Regular Trains (K/T/Z series)
- Pros: Cheaper fares, especially for hard sleeper berths; soft sleeper cabins offer more privacy for families. Some routes have scenic views, making the trip more enjoyable.
- Cons: Slower travel, noisier environment, and fewer modern facilities compared to high-speed trains.
- Best for: Families on a budget, those wanting to enjoy the scenery, or parents with younger children who need more space to move around.
How to Choose the Right Train Class for Your Child
Train Class | Advantages | Suitable Scenarios |
Business Class | Spacious, adjustable seats, some can recline fully; quiet carriages; good for baby strollers; aisle or window seats convenient for care | Long-distance travel, carrying a baby stroller, needing extra private space |
First Class | More legroom than second class; comfortable seats; some trains offer free drinks; enough space for luggage and child activities | Comfortable family travel, moderate budget |
Second Class | Affordable; flexible seating (window or aisle); front row or near carriage connection has more space | Short trips, limited budget |
How to Choose the Right Train Seat for Your Child
When travelling with children by train in China, choosing the right seat can make the journey more comfortable and easier to manage. Here are some practical tips:
Window vs. Aisle Seats
- Window seats (A or F) give children a view to keep them entertained.
- Aisle seats (C or D) are better if your child needs to move around more often.
Best Carriage Locations
- Accessible carriages (e.g. Carriage 5 on Fuxing trains): have baby-changing tables, wider space, and special toilets – ideal for families with prams.
- Near the dining car (usually Carriage 4 or 8): convenient for hot water, milk preparation, and easier access to space.
- Avoid front carriages (1–2): busier and noisier with people boarding and leaving; also colder or noisier near doors.
Travelling in Groups
- Try to book seats together (ABC row in second-class seats), which is ideal for a family of three for easier care.
- If separated, ask train staff on board for help with switching seats.
Special Needs
- Families with prams: choose accessible carriages or those near the luggage area (usually the last carriage).
- Nursing or nappy changes: sit close to accessible toilets, which often have fold-down baby tables.
Booking Tips
- Use the Trip.com/12306 App “seat selection” service when booking online.
- For groups of more than 5, split into smaller bookings or buy at a station window and explain your seating needs.
- For extra support, apply for the “Special Passenger Service” in the 12306 App – staff can help with boarding and seating.
Packing Essentials for Family Train Journeys
Travelling by train with children in China requires careful planning. Essential items include documents, food & drink, spare clothes, hygiene supplies, and entertainment. A well-organised parent bag and age-appropriate gear (such as a stroller for toddlers) make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. To help you prepare, we have created a detailed checklist of essentials for each age group.
Category | Infancy (0-1 yr) | Toddler (1-3 yrs) | Child (4-12 yrs) | Teen (13-14 yrs) |
Documents | Baby’s ID card or birth certificates | Child’s ID card or birth certificates | Child’s ID card/child passport | ID card, student card or child passport |
Food & Drink | Formula milk, baby bottle, thermal flask | Snacks, water bottle/thermos, child-friendly cutlery & bib | Healthy snacks, refillable water bottle | Snacks, water bottle |
Clothing | Spare outfits, baby hat, socks | Spare outfits, underwear, socks | Spare T-shirt, trousers, underwear, socks | Light jacket, spare top |
Hygiene | Nappies/diapers, wet wipes, nappy pads | Training pants/pull-ups, wet wipes, travel potty seat | Wet wipes, tissues, small towel | Wet wipes, tissues |
Health & Safety | Small medicine kit (fever, teething gel, thermometer) | Medicine kit (fever, motion sickness, plasters) | Medicine kit (motion sickness, plasters, sunscreen, insect repellent) | Medicine kit (pain relief, plasters, sunscreen) |
Entertainment & Comfort | Favourite toy/blanket, teether, soft book | Small toy, colouring book, sticker set | Books, travel games, headphones/tablet (with limits) | Music, books, phone/tablet (with limits) |
Travel Gear | Lightweight pram or baby carrier, large backpack (mum/dad bag) | Lightweight pram or stroller, easy-access backpack | Backpack, foldable travel blanket | Small backpack, neck pillow |
Best Tips for Train Travel with Kids
- Plan Ahead: Book tickets early, especially during peak seasons, and choose appropriate train types and seat classes for comfort.
- Pack Essentials: Bring diapers, wipes, snacks, baby food, spare clothes, and a basic first-aid kit to handle any situation on the train.
- Keep Kids Entertained: Pack small toys, books, coloring materials, and pre-loaded electronic devices to keep children engaged during the journey.
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Arrive early at stations, watch your children closely, and keep valuables safe, particularly in busy areas.
- Use Onboard Amenities Wisely: Take advantage of soft sleeper carriages, boiling water for drinks, and any available family-friendly facilities.
- Engage and Observe: Encourage kids to enjoy the scenery, play simple games, and learn about local culture to make the journey interactive and fun.
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FAQs - Train Travel with Kids in China
Can foreigners buy child train tickets in China?
Yes, foreign travellers can purchase child tickets at train stations, online via official platforms, or through Trip.com.
Do children travel free on trains in China?
Children under 6 years old travel free if they do not occupy a seat (one free child per adult). Children aged 6–13 must buy a child ticket, and those 14 and above require a full-price ticket.
How do I keep my child entertained on a long journey?
Bring small toys, books, colouring materials, and pre-loaded electronic devices to keep children engaged.
Are there family cabins on overnight trains?
You can book multiple soft sleeper berths/seats under one order to create more private space. For example, a family of three can book an extra berth in a four-berth soft sleeper, often securing the entire compartment if booked together.
What should I pack for my baby when travelling by train in China?
Pack nappies, wipes, baby food or formula, spare clothes, a blanket, and a favourite toy for comfort.
Is train stations’ infrastructure stroller-friendly?
Most stations usually have lifts, ramps, and escalators, but smaller stations may be less accessible.
Can I bring a stroller on the train?
Yes, wheelchairs, baby strollers, and mobility devices are allowed on trains. They can be brought folded or unfolded and are usually exempt from size limits.