Best China Train Booking Guide: E-Tickets, Apps, Promo Code, & Travel Tips
China high speed rail is the fastest rail network in China. For international travelers, booking a train ticket in China may be challenging at first. From passport requirements to app restrictions, foreign visitors often face challenges before their journey even begins.
This guide cuts through the confusion, providing step-by-step instructions to help you book your train ticket smoothly. China’s bullet trains are always ready for you! No worries whether you’re heading to big cities or small towns~
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Best Way to Make a China Train Booking
You can book China train tickets both online and offline. But how can you do it exactly? What if you can’t read Chinese? Don’t worry. ✔️Check out the table below to learn in detail about the best way to book a China train ticket.
Check out online China train booking platforms:
Platforms | Details |
English-friendly (multi-language support); 24/7 booking services; real-time updates; up to 3% discounts; international credit cards supported | |
12306.cn/12306 App | Official website for China train booking; use passport ID to register your app account; fewer promotions |
Check out the offline China train booking methods:
Methods | Details |
Station Counters | Limited English support but secure last-minute train tickets; cash (CNY) payment supported; long queues in peak hours; risk of sold-out trains |
Automatic Ticket Machine | English options; accepts passports; 24/7 services; no staff assistance; no seat selection; limited foreign card payment (cash/WeChat/Alipay/UnionPay is safer) |
Travel Agencies | English support but higher fees; handles complex routes but risk of scams; best for luxury travelers or those needing travel plans |
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NO.1
Requirements for International Travelers to Book China Train Tickets
For first-time travelers to China, booking a train ticket can feel overwhelming. You might wonder: Where do I buy China train tickets? What payment methods work? And what rules should I know? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
- Essential documents: valid passport & China visa
- Online booking: passport details (number, full name, expiration date), payment (foreign cards like VISA), WeChat Pay/Alipay, email/phone number for booking confirmation
- Offline booking: physical passport, cash (CNY), or UnionPay card
- Boarding the train: passport + e-ticket/physical ticket
Tips: Use Trip.com to book your China train tickets (English and foreign cards supported). Book 3-7 days early.
Buy yourself a eSIM for fast connection in China before you go~ 📱
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How to Buy China Train Tickets on Trip.com?
Note: You can also download the Trip App and book your China train tickets in minutes on your phone! Steps are similar to booking on the Trip.com website~
China Train Booking Tips
Credit: from Catgirlmutant, Unslpash | Shenzhen North Railway Station
Follow these tips to guarantee a smooth and effective China train booking process!
- Book early. High-speed rail, especially for popular routes, sells out fast. Peak seasons (Lunar New Year & National Week in Oct) require booking 30 + days ahead.
- Know seat classes better. Second class is the cheapest, first class has wider seats, while business class has premium service (like reclining beds) but at 2-3x cost.
- Be familiar with the facilities on the train. For high-speed rail, find most of the power outlets under the seats. Scan QR code to order food or any other services (WeChat/Alipay). Or you can buy from the trolley or the dining car.
- Book a soft sleeper for overnight trains. It saves time and hotel costs.
- Travel with Trip.com for English and foreign card support.
- Download Amap or Baidu Maps to find exits or platforms (English-supported).
Fun Things to Do in China
Book China high speed rail now! Transfer among those metropolises and find fun things to do here in China.
Take the advice from Trip.com in the following text and book your tours in China with us now!
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Visit the Forbidden City in Beijing
Credit: from Justin Lin, Unslapsh | Forbidden City
Spend a day exploring the ancient palace complex in Beijing, built in the 15th century. Admire its intricate wooden structure and walk around its stone-paved pathways. Feel the grand beauty of the ancient imperial palace of China.
- Opening hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (stop admission time: 4:00 pm, closed on Mondays)
- Location: No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Ticket price: Free
4.8/5
48765 reviews
5/5
We had a great time walking around. It lasted about half a day, but we didn't have time to see everything. Entry was with a passport, so there were no problems.
4/5
Great for last minute tickets to get into the Palace Museum. I hadn’t known you needed to book tickets the the museum 7 days in advance and so opted for this option the night before going. Tour was quite fast and you don’t get to see a lot of the palace unfortunately but it is a very large complex so it’s understandable. 3 hours made it feel a bit rushed but you are not required to leave after the 3 hours so you can explore a bit on your own if you want. Overall though, I think it’s worth your money especially if you are solo traveling. Got to meet some other tourists and learn more about China through this experience!
5/5
A magnificent and magical place that you absolutely must see.
4/5
It's certainly worth checking out, but the crowds were simply overwhelming. It wasn't very comfortable. Perhaps the impression was spoiled by the fact that we went on a tour straight from the plane at 8 a.m. But in reality, everything was the same.
4/5
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is worth visiting at least once for its historical significance, but it’s probably not somewhere I’d go again. I got lucky with a small group tour, which made the experience much more enjoyable. If your ticket allows, I’d recommend paying extra to see the Clock Gallery—it was one of the more interesting parts. Be prepared for the heat, especially in summer, and bring a hat or umbrella since you’ll be outdoors most of the time. It does get very crowded, so go in with realistic expectations.
Seek Memories of Childhood at Shanghai Disneyland
Credit: from huan yu, Unslapsh | Magic tour in Disneyland, Shanghai
Take your family to Shanghai Disneyland, a fairy wonderland for both kids and adults. Watch a feast of fireworks show in front of the Enchanted Storybook Castle!
- Opening hours: 8:30 am – 9:30 pm
- Location: Chuansha New Town, Pudong, Shanghai, China
- Ticket price: From $97.42 on Trip.com
4.7/5
44217 reviews4/5
It was really worth it! The ticket is much cheaper than in France, and the scenery is very good 🤩🤩 I recommend people to go there as early as possible and check the date first to avoid a crowded park !
5/5
We're thrilled to be immersed in a magical childhood 🥳. Everything has been thought out down to the last detail. Zootopia — The park's crown jewel is the exclusive Zootopia-themed zone, unlike anywhere else in the world. It's not just a set—you're literally walking through the streets of the cartoon city, where everything has been thought out to the last detail. The Zootopia: The Ride is a thrill in itself. You climb into a police car and race on the trail of criminals with Judy and Nick. The lines are, of course, huge, but it's worth it. The TRON ride is a rocket 🚀 of rockets. You don't sit in a train car, but lie down on a motorcycle, the backrest presses against you, and—spike!—in three seconds you're launched into the open sky with a scream. To willingly lie under that pressure a second time and experience that feeling of free fall again—it takes real courage. The evening show is magical, it'll give you goosebumps! Make sure you reserve a spot near the central flowerbed in advance. When the castle lights up right in front of you, without heads or phones in the frame, the emotions are much stronger.🤩
4/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended! A personal experience, absolutely worth a visit!
My first visit to Shanghai Disneyland coincided with its 10th anniversary celebration. From the moment I stepped into the park until I left, I was filled with surprises and emotions. Disney's dedication was evident in every corner. Although the queues for popular rides were indeed long, the moment I boarded one, all the waiting was worth it! The rides were filled with laughter and exclamations, truly leaving you wanting more.
Highly recommended must-dos:
🎢 Show - *The Coming Storm: Captain Jack Sparrow's Amazing Stunt Adventure*: Stunning special effects and an immersive experience!
🏴☠️ Ride - *Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure*: The most amazing Disney ride, an absolute must-try!
🦊 Ride - *Zootopia: Hot Pursuit*: A fully immersive experience; adults and children alike will have a blast.
✨ Watch - *The Enchanted Show*: The evening grand finale, absolutely spectacular and worth the wait.
🛍️Shopping - The Mickey Avenue and Disney World stores offer a wide variety of merchandise, making it easy to shop to your heart's content.
Additionally, I want to especially commend the park's service. The restrooms were impeccably clean and well-maintained; every staff member was incredibly warm and friendly, patiently assisting and guiding you with any questions, making you feel right at home.
Although we encountered torrential rain during this trip, it didn't dampen our spirits at all; in fact, it made this 10th anniversary trip to Shanghai Disneyland even more unforgettable.
Whether it's the rides, shows, park atmosphere, or service quality, it was all absolutely worthwhile. If I have the chance, I will definitely come again! ❤️
5/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended! You absolutely must experience it for yourself!
My first visit to Shanghai Disneyland coincided with its 10th anniversary celebration. From the moment I stepped into the park until I left, I was filled with surprises and emotions. Disney's dedication was evident in every corner.
Although the queues for popular rides were really long, the moment I boarded one, all the waiting became worthwhile! The rides were filled with laughter and exclamations, making it truly unforgettable.
Highly recommended must-do experiences:
🎢 Show - *The Coming Storm: Captain Jack Sparrow's Amazing Stunt Adventure*
🏴☠️ Ride - *Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure*
🦊 Ride - *Zootopia: Hot Pursuit*
✨ Watch - *A Dream of Light and Shadow Show*
🛍️ Shop - *Mickey Avenue, Disney World Store*
Additionally, I'd like to especially commend the park's service quality. The restrooms were impeccably clean and well-maintained; every staff member was incredibly welcoming and friendly, patiently assisting and guiding us with any questions we had, making us feel right at home.
This trip to Shanghai Disneyland truly left us with wonderful memories. From the rides and park atmosphere to the service quality, it was all well worth it. If I have the chance, I will definitely come again! ❤️ PS, "Even the torrential rain didn't dampen the spirits of the trip at all; instead, it made it an even more unforgettable Disney experience." 😊
5/5
Had a great time there!
Chill Out at Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou
Credit: from funbooky.com | Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou
Enjoy your summer at the largest water park in Asia! Try once the thrilling slides, “Behemoth Bowl”. Cool yourself down beside lazy rivers and pools~
- Opening hours: 9:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Location: Changlong Tourism Resort, Yingbin Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou
- Ticket price: From $19.38 on Trip.com
4.6/5
1974 reviews
5/5
If you have children, it is definitely worth a visit, although I, an adult, was as happy as a little child, and our mother and grandmother were even more so.
5/5
Great place, lots of places to walk and things to do.
5/5
I took my child to the water park today, and the staff were all very nice! 👍
5/5
We're always hesitating, always waiting, forgetting that time never stops for anyone. The world is so vast, too vast for us to traverse in a lifetime, but every step is worthwhile. Setting off isn't about escaping, but about encountering. When you finally embark on your journey, you'll find that those obstacles you once thought insurmountable were merely illusions in your mind. When you see those landscapes with your own eyes, and experience those stories with your own hands, you'll understand that the beauty of life lies not in the destination, but in every step along the way. It's never too late to start.
5/5
The amusement park rides are actually very suitable for children up to elementary school age. There are also fun magic shows and interactive performances, so it's worth a visit.
Explore Beijing for Free During Your Layover!
Starting December 27, 2024, transit passengers with an 8+ hour layover at Beijing Capital Airport can enjoy the Beijing Express Half-Day FREE Layover Tour. Choose from two exciting routes daily and make the most of your stopover!
12306 vs. Trip.com
When booking train tickets in China, travelers can choose between 12306, the official site of China Railway Corporation, and Trip.com, a reliable international travel agency. While 12306 allows users to book directly, it often experiences technical issues and offers support only in Chinese during limited hours. Conversely, Trip.com provides a user-friendly interface, multilingual 24/7 customer support, and accepts various payment methods, making it cheaper and more accessible for international travelers.
| Feature | 12306 | Trip.com |
| Booking Source | Official China Railway website | Best International travel agency |
| Additional Fees | No extra fees | Possible extra fees |
| Service Hours | 5 AM to 1 AM (11:30 PM on Thursdays) | 24/7 |
| Website Reliability | Occasional errors and crashes | Stable and user-friendly |
| Customer Service | Chinese only, limited hours | Multilingual, available 24/7 |
| Payment Options | Limited to local methods | International credit cards, AliPay, WeChat Pay |
| Additional Services | None | Hotels, flights, tours |
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✨Popular China Bullet Train Routes✨
Shanghai - Hangzhou
- DepartureShanghai Hongqiao
- ArrivalHangzhou East
- Duration~45m
- Price (2nd Class)From $10.19
Shanghai - Beijing
- DepartureShanghai Hongqiao
- ArrivalBeijingnan
- Duration~5.5h
- Price (2nd Class)From $80.35
Shanghai - Shenzhen
- DepartureShanghai Hongqiao
- ArrivalShenzhenbei
- Duration~7.5h
- Price (2nd Class)From $121.21
FAQs about China Train Booking
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