How to purchase a train ticket?

Ticket Purchase

Identification documents. Foreign travelers can use the following valid identity documents when buying tickets or paying for extended trips at railway station ticket counters, authorized agents, or on trains: Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card; Passport; Exit-Entry Permit for Foreigners; Seafarer's Certificate; Visa application acceptance receipt issued by exit and entry administrations of China's public security organs; Passport loss report certificate; Temporary international travel documents issued by embassies or consulates in China (accompanied by valid visas or residence permits issued by exit and entry administrations of China's public security organs). Foreign travelers can also use Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards or passports to purchase tickets via China Railway's 12306 English website, the 12306 app, or the booking hotline. Additionally, Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards can be used to buy tickets on self-service machines.

Identity verification. To ensure safe and orderly passenger transport, China Railway enforces real-name ticketing in accordance with relevant regulations. Foreign travelers must complete identity verification before purchasing tickets. You can log into the 12306 English website or app to enter your name, nationality, ID number, and other information as instructed, and the system will automatically complete identity verification. You can also upload a photo of passport information page for manual verification. Alternatively, foreign travelers can present a valid passport at railway station ticket counters for identity verification.

Ticket purchase. Once identity verification is complete, foreign travelers can purchase tickets via the 12306 English website or app by Chinese or foreign bank cards and mobile payment apps. Tickets can also be bought at railway station ticket counters using Chinese or foreign bank cards, RMB cash, or mobile payment apps. Some stations provide self-service machines for ticket purchase. For detailed information on applicable payment methods, please refer to station signage or consult the cashier.

Ticket Changes

Foreign travelers may change tickets through the 12306 English website or app or at railway station ticket counters. Service fees may be incurred depending on the time of change or the new date of travel.

Ticket Refunds

Foreign travelers can cancel tickets via the 12306 English website or app, or at railway station ticket counters. Service fees may apply depending on the time of cancellation.

Railway Station Entry/Exit and Train Boarding

Foreign travelers can enter and exit railway stations through automatic or manual ticket gates using the original valid identity documents provided at ticket purchase, and should cooperate with ticket inspections en route.

For detailed rules, please visit the 12306 English website or app, or dial China Railway's customer service hotline (12306).