China Train Ticket Guide: For Foreigners to Buy, Read, & Check in

Welcome to China! This beautiful land, with its profound history and cultural highlights, could be your first destination in Asia. In China, you can take the high-speed rail (bullet train) to cosmopolitan cities or just in small towns.

In this guide, I’ll guide you all the way through how to buy a China train ticket as a foreigner, how to read the ticket, and most importantly, how to get through security and successfully check in. Read on!

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How to Buy a China Train Ticket on Trip.com?

Well, there are many ways to buy a China train ticket. You can buy online (on the website or on the app) or on site at the station.

Locals here, especially those young, are used to buying a train ticket online. For travelers who are new to China, Trip.com is a top choice, saving your time with less stress from language problems.

Book a China Train Ticket 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~

12306 VS. Trip.com

Other ways might be 12306.cn/12306 App (official site and app for booking a train ticket in China). Know the difference between 12306 and Trip.com.

 Note: register both with your valid passport; passport is your ID; both are available to pay with an international credit card like Visa

China Train Ticket Types

Credit: from Aden Lao, Unsplash | When high-speed rail meets the old train in China

There are multiple types of trains in China. Pay for different train types and seat classes at changing rates.

If you’re booking a China high-speed rail

Normal trains in China (K, T, Z)

 Normal train is the conventional train in China with a speed at and below 160km/h. All the trains are colored “Green”, so it’s also known as “Green Train”!

How to Read a China Train Ticket?

Credit: from visitourchina.com | Look in detail at a paper China train ticket

You don’t have to know Chinese to be able to read a China train ticket.

If you book online, like Trip.com, you’ll get a confirmation QR code. Show it to the manual lane staff along with your passport, and you’ll get through successfully.

If you have already bought a ticket on site with a paper ticket, let me show you how to read a China train ticket. You’ll get a blue magnetic ticket mostly at the station (the pink one is a more traditional one).

• The ticket serial is in the upper left of the ticket.
• Departure and arrival stations are all clearly written in Chinese (Pinyin), with the train number in the middle.
• You can check your date, ticket price in RMB, seat number, and class down below.
• At last, you’ll find your passport ID and name, with a QR code on the right.

Note: you can also get a paper ticket by using an automatic machine at the train station.

✔️Explore More in Beijing

Know Basic Chinese to Read a China Train Ticket

Get familiar with these basic Chinese when taking a train in China, which helps you better choose your preferred class and seat for a China train ticket!

For China High Speed Rail:

• 二等座 – 2^nd Class Seat
• 一等走 – 1^st Class Seat
• 商务座 – Business Class Seat
• 特等座 – Premium Class Seat

For Non-Bullet Train in China

• 硬座/卧 – Hard Seat/Sleeper
• 软座/卧 – Soft Seat/Sleeper
• 无座 – Standing
• 高级软卧 - Deluxe

✔️Explore More in Shanghai

How to Check in with a China Train Ticket (or E-Ticket)?

You’ve come to the most annoying step about how to check in with your China train ticket at the station.

For first-timers who come to visit China, it’s quite tricky. You might not know how to get through all of these unfamiliar procedures. But do not worry! Here are easy steps for you to follow to check in smoothly without any issue!

• Go to the manual lane. Show the staff your passport and QR code(if booked online)/paper ticket.
• Go to Security Check.
• Check your boarding gate. If booked online, check the online deals. If booked off-line, check the upper right spot of your China train ticket.
• Wait in line at the manual lane. Ready to double-check. Prepare your passport and QR code on hand.
• Check your carriage and seat number.
• Ready for departure and enjoy the ride!

Note: don’t forget your luggage, always keep it close; if you fail to find the boarding gate, always lean onto the station’s electronic screens; if you get an e-passport, try to go for the automatic checking

Useful Facilities on China Train

Credit: from Attractoins360°, X.com | First class cabin on a bullet train in China

• Store near the open door spot if you have heavy baggage. You can also put your bags above your head.
• Fill your water bottle with cold/hot water at the connection part of each carriage. Trash bins and restrooms are also available.
• If hungry, scan your QR code on the armrest (if taking a China bullet train) to order some food (the menu varies according to different cities you’re in, but usually offering local food).
• Get snacks and drinks from the mobile food cart!
• Better prepare a power plug adapter. You can usually find the plug under your seat. (If you’re on a non-bullet-train, the plugs are limited)

Buy yourself an eSIM for fast connection in China before you go~ 📱

Local Tips for a China Train Journey

• Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes ahead of schedule.
• There’s no guarantee that tickets will be left on site on the same day!
• Double-check which city you’re going to. Because Chinese has different tones, but they may stay the same for spelling.
• Please line up to wait for the security check, check-in procedures, and your train when on the platform.
• Smoke-free!
• After arrival, check out by offering your passport and e-ticket again to the staff at the manual lane.