How to book China's high-speed trains with a passport on the 12306 app
Register on 12306, pick a seat, read the G, D and C letters, clear station security and find your platform.
한눈에 보기
- Book through the official 12306 app or website, switch to English and register with a foreign passport.
- Tickets are tied to the name and passport you booked with, so carry the same passport and arrive early for security.
- The train letters G, D and C show the service type, and seats come in second class, first class and business class.
12306 is China's official rail booking service
Train tickets in China are sold through 12306, the system run by China Railway. It has a website and the "China Railway 12306" app, offers an English version, and accepts foreign travellers who register with a passport. Booking through the official service gives you the real fare and conditions without a middleman.
Every train uses real-name ticketing. The ticket is tied to the passport you booked with, so carry that same passport to the station and enter your name exactly as printed on the data page.
Registering and booking step by step
- 1Install the app before you flyDownload China Railway 12306 from your phone's app store while still at home, and switch the language to English.
- 2Create an accountChoose to register, pick passport as the document type, and enter your name, passport number and the email or phone number the app asks for.
- 3Complete verificationFollow the verification the app requires, which may use an emailed or SMS code. Keep your Thai SIM active for codes and finish this before the trip.
- 4Search for trainsEnter origin, destination and date, then compare train number, departure, arrival and remaining seats. Check carefully, because large cities have several stations.
- 5Pick a seat and payChoose a class, add the passenger, and pay with a method the app offers at that moment, such as a foreign card or Alipay.
- 6Save the bookingScreenshot the booking number, train, car and seat, and confirm that your name and passport number are correct.
Train letters and seat classes
The letter before the train number tells you the type. G is the fastest high-speed service, often long distance. D is a slightly slower bullet-type train. C is a short intercity service, such as lines around a big city. Trains starting with plain numbers or letters like K or T are conventional and slower.
| Class | What it is like | 적합한 용도 |
|---|---|---|
| Second class | Standard seat, five across (3+2), and the class that sells out first | Most travellers and budget trips |
| First class | Four across (2+2), wider and quieter | Long journeys where you want rest |
| Business class | Near-flat reclining seat, most space, extra services | Travellers wanting maximum comfort |
Travel day: security, stations and platforms
High-speed stations in China are often huge. Passports and tickets are checked at the entrance, followed by baggage X-ray. Arrive at least thirty minutes before departure, and allow more at large stations or on holidays, because the ticket gates close shortly before the train leaves.
- Go to the correct station: Beijing South, Beijing West and Beijing are different stations.
- Pass the document check and X-ray at the entrance.
- Find your train's waiting room and ticket gate on the big boards, then scan your passport at the gate.
- Go down to the platform, find the car number on your ticket, then the seat by row and letter.
Changes, refunds, luggage and eating on board
- Changing dates or refunding follows the app's rules. Conditions and any fee usually depend on how close you are to departure, so read the terms in the app before paying.
- Refunds and changes must be made within the stated time before departure. If you miss the train, go to a station counter straight away.
- Luggage: the railway sets size and weight rules, so check the app. Large bags go on the overhead rack or at the end of the car. Lock them and keep valuables with you.
- Food: you can bring your own. Most trains have a food trolley, and free hot water at the end of the car. Instant noodles are a common sight.
Mobile data on the train
High-speed lines run through many tunnels and mountainous stretches, so the signal drops in and out. Do not plan big downloads en route. Save offline maps, tickets and music before boarding. If you use an eSIM installed before the flight, turn on data roaming for that line and keep the Thai SIM on for SMS and bank OTPs.
Nobody can guarantee that every app works on every network, so test before you depend on it. Our China apps and connection options guide has details.
Popular routes for visitors
| 방식 | Why people ride it |
|---|---|
| Beijing–Shanghai | The country's flagship line with frequent G trains linking two major cities without a flight |
| Beijing–Xi'an | Gateway to the Terracotta Army and Xi'an's ancient city wall |
| Chengdu–Chongqing | Two spicy-food cities close together, an easy single hop |
| Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong | Cross-border link to Hong Kong, with immigration at West Kowloon station |
자주 묻는 질문
Do foreign visitors need a 12306 account?+
Yes, buying through the official app requires registering with your passport. If you prefer, you can buy at a station counter by showing the passport.
How far ahead can I buy?+
The advance-sale window changes over time, so check the current limit in the app. For public holidays, buy as soon as sales open.
What if the name does not match my passport?+
You may be refused at the gate. Check the spelling before paying, and if you spot a problem afterwards, take your passport to a station counter.
Which class should I choose?+
Second class suits most people. For several hours and more room, consider first class.
About the author
Bob Kanokphon Thongdee
- Co-founder of eSIMonline.asia
- More than 7 years in online marketing
- Founder of Cojourney Visa and Cojourney Travel
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