12306 Guide – Complete Handbook for Foreign Travelers Purchasing Train (High-Speed Rail) Tickets in China

Step 1: Register a 12306 Account

1. Visit the Official Website or Download the App

• Website: www.12306.cn (recommended for PC users)
• App: Search for "铁路 12306 / China Railway 12306" in your app store; make sure to download the official version only—avoid counterfeit software.

2. Switch Language

• On the website, switch to English via the menu in the top-right corner; however, the registration form must be filled out in Chinese.
• App: Go to "我的" → 设置 → 语言, and select "English Version" to switch to the English interface.

3. Fill in Registration Information

1. Document Type: Select "Passport (Foreign Passport)"; long-term residents in China may also choose "Permanent Residence ID for Foreigners."
2. Name: Must exactly match your passport (typically surname first, given name second). Include any dots, middle dots (·), spaces, etc., as they appear on your passport.
3. Contact Information: Provide a phone number or email address for verification. Foreign passport holders are not required to use a Chinese phone number—email registration is supported (note: activation emails may land in spam/junk folders, so check accordingly).

4. Identity Verification (Key to Ticket Purchase)

Registration ≠ Eligibility to Buy Tickets. You can only purchase tickets once your verification status changes to "Passed." We recommend completing this process 3–7 days before travel—not at the last minute.

Method One · Online Automatic Verification (Recommended): Log in to the 12306 website or app, go to "My" → "Passengers" → "Add," select "Passport," then enter your name, nationality, document number, etc. The system usually completes verification automatically.

Method One · Online Manual Verification: If automatic verification fails, choose "Scan to Add," upload a clear photo of your passport’s personal information page. A backend team will manually review it (typically within 1–3 days). In some cases, you may also need to submit a photo of yourself holding your passport.

Method Two · In-Person Counter Verification: Bring your valid passport to any railway station ticket counter for immediate verification. This is ideal for those who’ve failed online attempts or are traveling on short notice.

• Once verified, the passenger can be used for ticket purchases. A single account can add multiple passengers, making it easy to buy tickets for companions.
• If your passport is renewed or your information changes, update it on 12306 and re-verify. Your passport or visa must remain valid—expired documents cannot pass verification.

Step 2: Search and Book Tickets

1. Plan Your Journey

• Enter departure city, destination city, and date (you can use Chinese or pinyin, e.g., "Beijing / 北京" or "Chengdu / 成都").
• For precise stations, add the word "Station" (e.g., "Chengdu East / 成都东 " → "Chengdu East Station") to avoid confusion with cities sharing the same name.

2. Filter Trains and Seat Types

Seat Selection / Berth Selection: Trains with C, D, or G prefixes support online seat selection (window seats A/F, aisle seats C/D); some trains allow online berth selection, with lower berths prioritized for travelers aged 60 and above.

Quiet Carriage: Some trains (marked with "Quiet / 静" in the app) offer "Priority Assignment to Quiet Carriage" at no extra cost—just follow the quiet rules.

3. Waitlist Booking (Use When Tickets Are Sold Out)

When popular routes are sold out, don’t rush to third-party platforms—click "Waitlist" instead. The system automatically queues you based on first-come, first-served principles. This is a free official service, with higher priority than any "speed-up package."

• Each user can submit up to 6 waitlist orders simultaneously, with each order allowing up to 3 travel dates and a total of no more than 60 combinations of "date + train + seat type." Multiple passengers can be added per order.
• You must prepay the ticket amount (calculated based on the highest fare in the order—use lower berth pricing for sleeper tickets). Only after successful payment does the order become active. If the waitlist succeeds, the difference is automatically refunded. If unsuccessful or if you cancel voluntarily, the full amount is returned without fees.
• The latest deadline for fulfillment is 20 minutes before departure. We recommend enabling "Accept New Trains" and "Accept Standing Room" to increase success chances.

4. Submit Your Order

• Select passengers who have passed identity verification (passport details must be pre-entered in "My Account / Passengers").
• Payment must be completed within 30 minutes—or the order will be automatically canceled!

Step 3: Payment Methods

Main payment methods supported by 12306:

• Alipay
• WeChat Pay
• Domestic and international credit cards: Support for international credit cards such as Visa/Mastercard (online payment); cash in RMB is also accepted at ticket counters.

Good news: Foreign passport online ticketing now supports domestic and international credit cards and mobile payment apps, so you no longer need to rely on Chinese bank cards. If payment is still restricted, you may use overseas platforms like Trip.com (which charges service fees), or ask a local friend for assistance.

• Important reminder: Please purchase tickets only through the official 12306 channel, ensuring the payee is 'China Railway Network Co., Ltd.', to avoid third-party fraud and ensure refunds are received when changing or canceling tickets.

Step 4: Boarding ticket and Entry to Station

1. About 'Collecting Tickets' — Paperless has been fully implemented

Railway has fully adopted electronic tickets. After successful booking, your e-ticket is automatically saved in 'My → Orders'. Generally, there's no need to print paper tickets. Enter the station using the original valid ID used for booking.

Core principle: The same type of ID used during booking must be presented at entry. You cannot use an ID card if you booked with a passport — please keep your passport original safe.

2. Electronic Invoice Application

Starting October 1, 2025, all national railway passenger services will use electronic invoices exclusively; paper reimbursement vouchers will no longer be issued. Passengers may apply for an electronic invoice within 180 days after completing their journey or processing a refund/change:

1. Online: Apply directly via the 12306 website or app.
2. Offline: Present your original booking ID at station counters or self-service machines. Scan the QR code on the 'Invoice Issuance Slip' to complete information and issue the invoice.

• If you need a paper itinerary, you can print the 'Itinerary Information Reminder' at counters or self-service devices (note: this is not equivalent to a reimbursement voucher).

3. Boarding Process

Security check → Swipe your ID or scan QR code at the gate → Proceed to the platform according to your carriage number. We recommend arriving at the station 30 minutes early; even earlier during holidays or at major stations to avoid missing your train!

Step 5: Refunds, Changes, and Other Useful Features

1. Refunds and Changes

• Refund: Can be processed anytime before departure. The closer to departure, the higher the handling fee. Available via App/website or at station counters.
• Change: Possible when seats are available (may incur a fee). Processed via App/website or at station counters.

2. Railway Smooth Travel Frequent Passenger Membership (Earn points, redeem tickets)

• Activate membership by tapping 'Railway Member' in the App, then complete identity verification via facial recognition. Points start accumulating immediately.
• Points rules: Regular members earn points = ticket face value × 5; passengers aged 60+ earn ×15; ages 14–28 earn ×10. First accumulation of 10,000 points allows redemption.
• 100 points = 1 RMB; tickets marked with 'Redeem' can be exchanged using points, for yourself or designated beneficiaries.
• Redeemed tickets allow one change (partial points deducted as change fee), but cannot be refunded or have destination changed.

3. Other Ticketing Systems and Convenience Services

• Count-based tickets / Periodic tickets: Ideal for frequent intercity commuting, such as '10 trips in 90 days' or '40 trips in 30 days'; higher frequency brings greater discounts.
• Priority services for special passengers: Elderly, children, disabled, sick, pregnant travelers can pre-book priority services, green special lanes, and full guidance via 12306.
• Internet meal ordering, convenient transfers, and 'Light Luggage' baggage services are available during travel.

Important Notes

1. Book early: Popular routes (e.g., Beijing–Shanghai) and holiday tickets sell out quickly. Book 1–2 weeks in advance; use 'Waitlist' if necessary.
2. Children’s tickets (age-based, new rules effective 2025): Each adult may bring one child under 6 years old who does not occupy a seat free of charge; children aged 6–14 buy discounted tickets; those aged 14 and above buy full-price tickets (age calculated based on travel date). Free-riding children must be declared during booking.
3. Student discount tickets: Only available to eligible Chinese students; up to 4 one-way trips per academic year (October 1 to September 30 of next year). High-speed train discounts now extend to second-class, first-class, and sleeper cabins.
4. Station signage: Major stations have English signs; smaller ones may have only Chinese — always save your ticket or journey screenshot.
5. Help: Look for 'Service Desk / Service Center' or 'Special Assistance' counter for English support.
6. Consistent documents: Name and ID number must exactly match your passport — even one letter error may prevent boarding.
7. Special regions: Some areas like Tibet require group tours and do not allow independent travel — confirm in advance.

Appendix: Quick Reference for Valid Documents for Foreigners

Different booking channels support slightly different documents. Passports and Permanent Residence Permits offer the broadest coverage:

Wishing you a pleasant journey!

China’s high-speed rail combines comfort and efficiency — the best way to explore this amazing land. Safe travels!