How to Book a China High Speed Rail Child Ticket?

For families traveling with children, it’s important to understand how child ticket policies work, including eligibility, pricing, and how to purchase tickets. This guide explains the key details about child fares on China’s high-speed rail system, helping you plan a smoother and more cost-effective journey with your family.

Age Eligibility for Child Tickets on China High-Speed Rail

China’s high-speed rail uses clear age-based rules for child fares, with age calculated based on the date of travel.

• Children aged 14 and above: Full adult fare required.
• Children aged 6 to 13: Eligible for a discounted child ticket.
• Children under 6: Can travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult, but do not have an assigned seat.

Each adult passenger may bring one child under 6 for free. If the child needs a separate seat, a child ticket must be purchased. If an adult is traveling with more than one child under 6, only one qualifies for free travel, and the additional child(ren) must have a child ticket.

Child tickets are typically sold at a reduced rate compared to adult fares and follow the same train, seat class, and route as the accompanying adult ticket.

How Much Do Child Tickets Cost on China High-Speed Rail?

Child ticket prices on China’s high-speed rail are calculated as a percentage of the adult fare, based on seat class. The final price varies depending on the route and train, since fares are distance- and demand-based.

A little boy looking out of the window on China high-speed rail | From Sixth Tone

In general, child fares follow these official pricing rules:

• Second Class / First Class seats: 50% of the adult fare
• Premium First / Business Class seats: around 80% of the adult fare
• Sleeper berths (where available): about 70% of the adult fare (plus full berth-related components in some cases)
• Under 6 years old (no seat): free of charge when sharing a seat with an adult

Each child ticket must match the accompanying adult ticket in train number, date, and seat type.

💡 Important Notes (Official Rules)

• Prices are based on the published adult fare for that specific train, not a flat national price.
• Each adult can bring only one child under 6 for free.
• If the child under 6 needs a seat, a child ticket must be purchased.
• All child tickets must be linked to the adult’s itinerary during booking (real-name system).

How Can You Buy a China High-Speed Rail Child Ticket?

The most convenient way to book a China high-speed rail child ticket is through Trip.com, which offers an English-friendly booking experience and allows you to manage both adult and child tickets in one place.

Book easily on Trip.com

Trip.com is the simplest option for international travelers. You can search routes, compare trains, and book tickets in just a few steps:

1. Log in to your Trip.com account
2. Select “Train Tickets” or “High-Speed Rail Tickets”
3. Enter your departure, destination, and travel date
4. Choose your preferred train
5. Add passenger details, including the child’s information
6. Select your seat class and confirm your booking
7. Complete payment using credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay, or other supported methods

Both adult and child tickets are usually booked together in the same order, making the process smooth and easy to manage.

Other ways to buy tickets

If needed, you can also purchase tickets through China Railway’s official 12306 website or app, or directly at station ticket counters in mainland China and major hubs like Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.

Self-service ticket machines are also available at many stations, though they may be less convenient for first-time travelers or non-Chinese speakers.

Read More of China High-Speed Rail

🔥 Best Hotels in China