How to Buy China Train Tickets as a Foreigner
A step-by-step guide to booking Chinese high-speed train tickets with a foreign passport—what documents you need, how payment works, and how to collect your ticket.
What you need to know
- Works with any foreign passport
- Pay with Visa, Mastercard, or major international cards
- Ticket delivered to your email or collected at the station
1What you need before you start
You need three things: a valid foreign passport (the exact name and passport number will be printed on your ticket), an email address for your booking confirmation, and a Visa, Mastercard, or other internationally accepted payment card. No Chinese phone number or bank account is required when booking through an international service.
2Step 1 — Search for your train
Enter your departure city, destination, and travel date. Results show all available G (high-speed), D (intercity), and C (commuter) trains for that day. G trains are the fastest and most popular for long-distance travel. Filter by departure time to find the schedule that suits you.
3Step 2 — Choose your seat class
Most high-speed trains offer three classes. Second class (二等座) has 2+3 seating and is comfortable for journeys under 6 hours. First class (一等座) has wider 2+2 seats and more legroom. Business class (商务座) has fully reclining 1+2 seats and is comparable to lie-flat on a short-haul flight. For overnight-style comfort on early morning departures, business class is worth considering.
4Step 3 — Enter your passport details
Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your passport, your passport number, nationality, and date of birth. Double-check every character—errors cannot always be corrected after booking, and Chinese station staff will match your ticket against your passport at the gate.
5Step 4 — Pay with an international card
Payment is processed in your chosen currency. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely supported. Some platforms also accept American Express, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive a booking reference by email.
6Step 5 — Collect your ticket at the station
In most cases, foreign passport holders collect a physical ticket at the station using an automated ticket machine or staffed window. Bring your passport and your booking reference number. Some services now support fully digital e-tickets scannable directly from your phone—check what your booking confirmation specifies.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy China train tickets online without a Chinese account?
Yes. ChinaHighSpeedTrain.com allows foreign passport holders to book tickets using a Visa, Mastercard, or other international card. No Chinese phone number, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or 12306 account is needed.
Can I book on the 12306 website as a foreigner?
China Railway's official website (12306.cn) does accept foreign passports, but the interface is entirely in Chinese, requires a Chinese phone number for SMS verification, and payment is difficult without a Chinese bank card. Most foreign visitors find an international booking service significantly easier.
How far in advance can I book China train tickets?
Tickets go on sale exactly 15 days before the departure date. For popular routes and Chinese public holidays (Golden Week in October and May, Spring Festival in January/February), tickets sell out within minutes. Book the moment tickets become available for peak travel dates.
What documents do I need to book a China train ticket as a foreigner?
You need a valid foreign passport (the exact name and passport number used during booking must match your travel document), an email address for your booking confirmation, and an international payment card. No visa is required at the time of booking—only when you enter China.
What happens if my travel dates change?
Chinese train tickets can be refunded or rescheduled, but fees vary by train type and how close to departure you make the change. Refunds requested more than 48 hours before departure typically have lower fees. Check the refund policy before purchasing.
Do children need a train ticket in China?
Children under 1.2 m in height travel free but do not get a seat. Children between 1.2 m and 1.5 m pay a discounted child fare with a seat. Children above 1.5 m are charged the adult rate. Proof of height may be requested at the gate.
Is a China train ticket transferable to another person?
No. Chinese train tickets are issued to the specific passport used during booking. The same passport must be presented at the ticket collection machine or staffed window, and at the platform gate. Tickets cannot be transferred to another person.
What is the cheapest way to buy China train tickets as a foreigner?
The cheapest tickets are second class seats booked directly as soon as the 15-day window opens. Prices are fixed by China Railway—there are no hidden surcharges for booking in advance. Service fees from booking platforms cover the processing and passport-based booking service.