Planning to travel around China by train?
One of the first things international visitors need to figure out is:
How do I actually buy a Chinese train ticket with a foreign passport?
The good news is that foreign travelers can book train tickets through China Railway 12306, China's official railway ticketing platform.
You can register with an eligible foreign passport, search for trains, book tickets and manage eligible bookings online.
This step-by-step guide explains how to use 12306 as a foreign traveler in 2026.
What Is China Railway 12306?
China Railway 12306 is the official railway ticketing platform in China.
It allows passengers to:
Search train schedules
Check ticket availability
Purchase train tickets
Manage bookings
Change eligible tickets
Request eligible refunds
For international travelers, an English-language website is available.
If you're planning to take several trains during your China trip, learning how 12306 works can make your journey much easier.
Can Foreigners Use 12306?
Yes.
Foreign travelers can register for the English-language 12306 service using eligible valid foreign passports.
China Railway uses a real-name ticketing system, which means your train ticket is linked to your identity document.
For most international tourists, that document is your passport.
The most important rule is simple:
The passport information in your railway booking must match the passport you use when traveling.
What Do I Need Before Registering?
Before creating your account, have the following ready:
Valid foreign passport
Passport number
Passport expiration date
Date of birth
Email address
Your name exactly as required from your passport information
You will also create:
Username
Password
Take extra care when entering your name and passport number.
A small error can create problems later when buying tickets or traveling.
Step 1: Go to the Official 12306 English Website
Use the official English-language China Railway 12306 website.
Be careful when searching online because many third-party travel websites also sell Chinese railway tickets.
Third-party platforms can be useful, but they are not the official China Railway ticketing system.
If you want to book directly with China Railway, use the official 12306 platform.
Step 2: Create a 12306 Account
Select:
Register
The English registration page currently accepts foreign passports.
You will be asked to provide information including:
Name
Passport number
Passport expiration date
Date of birth
Gender
Username
Password
Email address
Enter everything carefully.
Your email address may also be used for relevant account notifications.
Step 3: Enter Your Name Correctly
Name formatting is one of the most common concerns for foreign travelers.
Use the passport information requested by 12306 and follow the platform's instructions for entering foreign passport names.
Do not:
Invent a Chinese name
Shorten your name without reason
Use a nickname
Enter a different spelling from your passport
Your railway booking is tied to your identity.
Consistency matters.
Step 4: Complete Passport Identity Verification
China Railway uses real-name ticketing, so identity verification is an important part of the process.
After registering, follow the verification instructions provided by 12306.
Depending on your account status and the current system, foreign passport verification may involve submitting the required passport information or documentation through the available verification process.
If online verification cannot be completed, railway station staff can assist with applicable identity-verification procedures.
Do not wait until the final minutes before an important train journey to discover that your account information has a problem.
Step 5: Search for Your Train
Once your account is ready, enter:
From: Departure station
To: Arrival station
Date: Travel date
Then search.
For example:
From: Beijingxi / Beijing West
To: Xianbei / Xi'an North
The results will show available trains and seat classes.
Be Careful: Choose the Correct Railway Station
This deserves special attention.
Chinese cities often have several railway stations.
For example, Beijing has:
Beijing Railway Station
Beijing West Railway Station
Beijing South Railway Station
Beijing North Railway Station
Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station
These stations can be far apart.
Similarly, Shanghai has stations including:
Shanghai Railway Station
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Shanghai South Railway Station
Do not search only for the city and assume every station is interchangeable.
Always check the complete station name.
Step 6: Choose Your Train
Train results will show information such as:
Train number
Departure station
Arrival station
Departure time
Arrival time
Journey duration
Available seat classes
High-speed train numbers commonly begin with:
G
D
or
C
For many tourist routes, G trains are among the fastest options.
But don't choose a train based only on speed.
Also check:
Departure station location
Arrival station location
Departure time
Arrival time
Seat availability
Your hotel transfer time
Sometimes a slightly slower train has a much more convenient schedule.
Step 7: Choose Your Seat Class
High-speed trains commonly offer several seat categories.
Second Class
Usually the best choice for most travelers.
It offers comfortable seating at a reasonable price.
First Class
Provides more space and fewer seats per row.
It can be a good option for longer journeys.
Business Class
Available on selected trains.
This is the most premium option and is significantly more expensive.
For most international tourists:
Second Class = Best Value
First Class = More Comfort
Step 8: Select the Passenger
After choosing your train, select the passenger traveling.
If you're booking only for yourself, select your own verified passenger profile.
12306 also allows registered users with the appropriate verification status to add other travelers under My Passengers.
You will need to enter their identity information accurately.
This is useful for:
Couples
Families
Friends traveling together
Make sure every passenger's details match their travel document.
Can I Book Train Tickets for My Family?
Yes.
12306 allows eligible registered users to purchase tickets for other passengers after their information has been correctly added and reaches the required verification status.
This means one person can manage train bookings for a family or travel group.
However, every traveler still needs the appropriate valid identification document associated with their ticket.
Step 9: Confirm Your Booking Details
Before paying, stop for a moment and check everything.
Confirm:
Travel Date
Departure City
Departure Station
Arrival City
Arrival Station
Train Number
Departure Time
Passenger Name
Passport Number
Seat Class
This 30-second check can save you a major headache.
A particularly common mistake is booking the correct city but the wrong railway station.
Step 10: Complete Payment
Once the order is created, complete payment within the time displayed by 12306.
If payment is not completed in time, the order can be automatically cancelled.
Available online payment methods can depend on the platform version and current railway payment arrangements.
Follow the payment options displayed by 12306 when completing your booking.
Where Can I Find My Ticket After Booking?
After successful payment, your booking can be viewed in your 12306 account under the order section.
Your booking information should include:
Train number
Travel date
Departure station
Arrival station
Departure time
Carriage
Seat number
Passenger information
Save the details somewhere easily accessible.
Taking a screenshot can be useful for quick reference.
Do I Need to Collect a Paper Ticket?
Usually not.
China widely uses railway electronic tickets.
For an eligible e-ticket journey, your ticket information is connected to the valid identity document used when purchasing the ticket.
For most foreign tourists:
Your passport is the key travel document.
12306 allows passengers to download or print an itinerary sheet, but the itinerary sheet itself cannot be used as a train ticket.
What Do I Show at the Railway Station?
Bring the:
Original passport used to purchase the ticket
You may need it for:
Station entry
Identity verification
Boarding
Ticket inspection
Leaving the station
If your foreign passport does not work at an automated gate, use a staffed/manual inspection channel.
Railway staff can check your passport and booking.
When Can I Buy China Train Tickets?
China Railway uses a limited presale period.
This means that even if you're planning your China holiday several months in advance, the actual train tickets may not yet be available for purchase.
The standard presale period is generally around 15 days including the departure date, although China Railway can adjust ticket-sale arrangements.
This creates an important distinction:
Plan your train journey early.
But:
Purchase the actual ticket when railway sales open.
What If the Train I Want Is Sold Out?
Popular trains can sell out, particularly during busy travel periods.
If your preferred train has no available seats, consider:
Another departure time
Another train on the same route
A different seat class
Another suitable railway station
Railway waitlist options where available
Adjusting the itinerary
Do not automatically change cities or buy a flight without first checking alternative train services.
Major routes often have multiple trains per day.
What Is the 12306 Waitlist?
On eligible services, 12306 may provide a ticket waitlist function when your preferred train or seat class is unavailable.
Instead of repeatedly refreshing the booking page, eligible passengers can submit a waitlist request according to the platform's current rules.
Whether the request succeeds depends on ticket availability.
A waitlist is not a guaranteed ticket.
For an important journey, always have a backup plan.
Can I Change a Train Ticket on 12306?
Eligible railway tickets can be changed according to China Railway's current endorsement rules.
Availability and conditions depend on factors such as:
Original ticket
Requested new train
Available seats
Timing of the change
If your plans change, deal with the ticket as early as possible.
Do not wait until you are standing at the boarding gate.
Can I Refund a China Train Ticket?
Yes, eligible railway tickets can be refunded subject to China Railway's current rules.
Refund charges depend partly on how close the refund is to departure.
Under the current published 12306 rules, refund fees generally increase as departure approaches.
This gives travelers another reason to change plans as early as possible.
Refunds for online purchases are generally returned through the applicable original online payment method according to the relevant rules.
What If I Book the Wrong Station?
If you notice the mistake immediately, check the change or refund options available for your ticket.
Do not simply travel to another station and hope your train stops there.
For example:
Beijing South Railway Station
and
Beijing West Railway Station
are separate railway stations.
Always travel to the station printed in your booking.
What If I Enter My Passport Number Incorrectly?
Because China Railway uses real-name ticketing, incorrect identity information can create problems.
Do not ignore an incorrect:
Passport number
Name
Passport identity record
Check your booking and account information carefully.
If you discover an error, follow the applicable 12306 or railway station procedure to correct the issue rather than waiting until boarding.
Can I Buy a Ticket at the Railway Station Instead?
Yes.
Foreign travelers can purchase tickets through railway station ticket counters using valid identification documents accepted under China's railway rules.
However, waiting until you arrive at the station has a disadvantage:
Your preferred train may already be sold out.
For popular intercity routes, booking ahead is usually more convenient.
Official 12306 vs Third-Party Booking Platforms
International travelers often ask whether they should use 12306 or a travel booking website.
Both approaches can have advantages.
12306
Advantages:
Official China Railway platform
Direct booking
Direct management of eligible tickets
No need to rely on another booking provider
Potential challenge:
First-time registration and passport verification can feel unfamiliar
Third-Party Platforms
Advantages:
Familiar international interface
Additional language support
Sometimes easier for first-time users
Potential considerations:
Possible service or booking fees
Change/refund processes may involve the booking platform
You are not booking directly through China Railway
If you're comfortable using 12306, the official platform is an excellent option.
Should I Use the 12306 Website or App?
Both can be useful.
For travelers planning before arriving in China, the English-language website can be convenient.
The mobile app can be useful while traveling because you can keep railway bookings accessible on your phone.
Whichever method you use, make sure you're using the official China Railway 12306 service.
Example: Booking Beijing to Xi'an
Suppose you want to travel from Beijing to Xi'an.
Your search might look like:
From: Beijing West
To: Xi'an North
Date: October 20
Search the available trains.
Then compare:
Departure time
Journey duration
Seat availability
Second Class
First Class
Choose your train.
Select your verified passenger profile.
Confirm your passport information.
Complete payment.
After booking, save:
Train number
Beijing West Railway Station
Departure time
Carriage
Seat number
On travel day, take your original passport to the station.
That's it.
A Simple 12306 Booking Checklist
Before booking:
✓ Create your 12306 account
✓ Complete the required passport verification
✓ Check when tickets go on sale
✓ Confirm your exact railway stations
When booking:
✓ Check the travel date
✓ Check the train number
✓ Check the passenger name
✓ Check the passport number
✓ Choose your seat class
✓ Complete payment before the order expires
After booking:
✓ Save the booking details
✓ Check the station location
✓ Save the Chinese station name
✓ Carry your original passport
✓ Arrive early enough for security and boarding
Common Mistakes Foreign Travelers Make
Mistake 1: Going to the Wrong Station
Always check the complete station name.
Mistake 2: Using a Nickname
Use the passport information required by 12306.
Mistake 3: Leaving the Booking Too Late
Popular trains can sell out.
Mistake 4: Thinking the Itinerary Sheet Is the Ticket
It isn't.
Your e-ticket is linked to your identity document.
Mistake 5: Forgetting the Original Passport
Carry the passport used for your booking.
Mistake 6: Arriving at Departure Time
The departure time is when the train leaves — not when you should arrive at the station.
Booking Multiple Trains for a China Trip
If you're visiting several cities, organize your railway bookings together.
For example:
Beijing → Xi'an
Xi'an → Chengdu
Chengdu → Chongqing
Then perhaps continue by another combination of train or flight to:
Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Shanghai
Keep a simple travel record containing:
Date
Route
Train number
Station
Departure time
Seat
This becomes especially helpful once you have several bookings in your account.
Need Help Planning Transportation Around China?
Buying one train ticket is relatively straightforward once you understand the system.
Planning an entire multi-city China journey is more complicated.
You need to consider:
Which train stations to use
Which routes have direct trains
When high-speed rail is better than flying
How much transfer time you need
Hotel-to-station transportation
Station-to-hotel transportation
How many cities realistically fit your trip
At SEEK CHINA TRAVEL, we help international travelers organize private and small-group journeys throughout China.
We can help arrange:
Customized itineraries
High-speed train planning
Railway ticket arrangements
Railway station transfers
Domestic flights
Private transportation
Hotels
Attraction tickets
English-speaking guides
On-the-ground travel support
Tell us your travel dates and the places you'd like to visit.
We'll help connect the journey.
Discover China. Your Way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy train tickets on 12306?
Yes. Foreign travelers can use the official English-language 12306 service with eligible valid foreign passports.
Can I register for 12306 with a foreign passport?
Yes. The current English registration system accepts foreign passports.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to buy train tickets?
Registration and account requirements can change with the platform. Follow the current information requested by the official English-language 12306 registration system when creating your account.
Do foreigners need passport verification?
China Railway uses real-name ticketing, so the applicable identity-verification process must be completed.
Can I book tickets for my family?
Yes. Eligible registered users can add other passengers to their passenger list and purchase tickets after the required passenger verification status is reached.
Do I need a paper train ticket?
Usually not for an eligible e-ticket journey. Carry the original passport associated with your booking.
Can I print my 12306 itinerary?
Yes, an itinerary sheet can be downloaded or printed for reference, but it cannot be used as the train ticket itself.
How far in advance can I buy China train tickets?
The standard railway presale period is generally around 15 days including the departure date, although the railway authority may adjust the sales period.
What happens if my preferred train is sold out?
Check other departure times, trains, seat classes or eligible waitlist options. Popular routes often have multiple daily services.
Can I refund a 12306 ticket?
Eligible tickets can be refunded according to China Railway's current rules. Refund fees may apply depending on how close the request is to departure.
Can I change my train ticket?
Eligible tickets can be changed subject to current railway rules and seat availability.
Is 12306 the official China train website?
Yes. China Railway identifies 12306 as its official railway customer service and online ticketing platform.
Important Notice
Last updated: October 2026
China Railway's registration, identity-verification, ticket-sale, payment, refund and change procedures can be updated.
Always check your booking details and the latest information on the official China Railway 12306 platform before traveling.
This guide is intended for general travel-planning information.