How Foreign Visitors Can Buy Tickets on 12306 and Take China's High-Speed Trains

The three essentials

Foreign passengers can use a passport to buy train tickets through official channels including Railway 12306 and station ticket offices. The most common problems are a mismatch in the name or document number, choosing the wrong station in a city, and not carrying the passport used to book on the day of travel. China's railways use a real-name system, with the electronic ticket linked to the identity document; neither an order screenshot nor a “trip information reminder” can replace that document.

• The passenger name and passport number must match the document exactly.

• Check the departure and arrival stations by their complete names.

• Carry the original passport used for booking on the day of travel.

• Allow time for security, manual identity checks, waiting and the boarding-gate cut-off.

• For a multi-leg journey, allow a margin for changing stations, delays and another security check.

Documents and channels accepted for booking

The current Railway Passenger Transport Regulations state that foreign passports can be used to buy tickets at station ticket offices, authorised railway ticket agencies, the 12306 website and the telephone booking service. The foreign documents accepted on the 12306 website also include the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card. Ticket offices can additionally accept certain foreign entry-exit documents, receipts showing that a visa document is being processed, passport loss certificates, and temporary international travel documents accompanied by a valid visa or stay document. The documents supported differ by channel.

Third-party travel platforms may offer an English interface and accept overseas cards, but they are not the final authority on railway rules. They may charge a service fee or accept a booking request before waiting for a ticket to be issued. Before paying, check whether the ticket has been issued or is on a waitlist, whether the service fee is refundable, and who handles changes and refunds. Use the official Railway 12306 platform when you want the most direct control over the booking.

Before registering and booking

1. Have the information page of your valid passport ready and confirm the order of your name and the document number.

2. Register on the English-language 12306 website or app and complete identity verification as instructed; upload the passport information page or verify at a station if required.

3. Check all the stations serving your departure city and how long it takes to reach the correct one.

4. Have a supported mobile payment method, overseas bank card or cash in renminbi available.

5. Create accurate passenger details separately for each traveller; declare children and link their documents as required.

6. Check availability early for peak dates and prepare alternatives using different trains or nearby dates.

How to buy on 12306

Enter the full departure station, arrival station and travel date, then compare train numbers, departure and arrival times, and seat classes. The letters G, D and C identify different train types, but the actual journey time and stations matter more when choosing. After adding the passenger, check the passport details again. Once payment is complete, confirm that the order shows the ticket as issued, and save the train number, date, coach, seat and order number.

1. Confirm the city and complete station name.

2. Choose the train and seat class, and check whether it is direct or requires a connection.

3. Add the person who will actually travel; do not mistake the purchaser for the passenger.

4. Check the name, passport number, date and train before paying.

5. Check the order status; a waitlist or pending issue does not mean you have a ticket.

6. Save the order and the station's Chinese name offline, and deal promptly with any itinerary change.

Station entry, security and boarding

At the station, find the entrance and use your passport for the real-name identity check and security screening. Some gates can read foreign passports directly; use the staffed lane if they fail. Departure screens show the train, boarding gate and status. A ticket is valid only for the specified train on the specified day, and stations close boarding before departure; follow the station announcement for the exact time. On your first visit to a large station, do not plan to arrive with only the journey time shown by a map to spare.

• Keep your passport easy to reach when entering the station, boarding and leaving the arrival station.

• Check the train number, not only the terminal city; different trains may use the same platform in succession.

• Sit in the assigned coach and seat, and do not remain in a higher-fare class.

• Follow railway security and baggage rules for large luggage, liquids and restricted items.

• If you board the wrong train or get off at the wrong station, tell railway staff immediately before leaving the station.

Changes, refunds and lost documents

The current regulations allow a passenger to change a ticket once. Whether the change is free and the dates available depend on the time remaining before departure and the new travel date; the system displays the applicable amount under the rules in force when the change is made. Refunds should generally be requested before the departure time printed on the ticket, and the money is returned to the original payment method. For cash purchases, special documents or an application made by someone else, the documents required at the ticket office and the refund route may differ.

If you lose your passport before travelling, obtain a temporary certificate recognised under the regulations from the issuing body or relevant authority, then follow the station's requirements for travel. If the document is lost on the train or before leaving the arrival station, you may have to buy a replacement ticket and use the resulting record to apply for a refund later. Do not try to pass through a gate with only a photograph of your passport. In the event of a delay, cancellation or missed connection, check the change or refund options provided by the railway through 12306 or at the station, and keep all notices and order details.

Multiple stations in one city and connecting journeys

Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and other cities have several passenger stations. Names differing only by “South,” “North,” “West” or “East” may refer to stations far apart. A connecting itinerary as defined by the railway can continue at the same station or another station in the same city, but this does not guarantee sufficient transfer time. For two separately purchased tickets, calculate the time needed to leave the station, travel across the city, pass through security again and reach the boarding gate before it closes.

Official sources and verification date

This article is based on China Railway 12306's Railway Passenger Transport Regulations and the 2025 work and life guide issued by the Ministry of Commerce and other authorities, checked as of 2026-8-4. Train services, advance booking periods, identity verification, waitlists, change fees and refund fees vary with current rules and each order; rely on the Railway 12306 website and app, station announcements and answers from 12306 customer service. A third-party platform remains separately responsible for its service fees and after-sales terms.