High-speed rail: buy tickets on 12306 with your passport
Register your passport on China Railway's official app or website, buy a ticket, and board by scanning your passport.
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This page is past its review date and may be out of date. Please check the official sources below before you rely on it.
Photo walkthrough coming soonWe only publish steps after checking every screen on a real phone in China. Until then, use the overview below and the official links.
China's high-speed trains (高铁, gāotiě) are one of the best ways to travel between cities: fast, on time, and stations are usually close to the city centre.
Two ways to book
| 12306 (official) | Trip.com and other agents | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | China Railway | Private booking companies |
| Language | English option | English |
| Price | Official fare | Official fare, sometimes plus a service fee |
At the station
- Arrive early. Stations are large, and there's an ID and security check at the entrance.
- Find your train number on the departure board. It shows your gate (检票口, jiǎnpiào kǒu).
- Boarding usually closes a few minutes before departure.
Changes and refunds
Changing or refunding a ticket is done in the 12306 app or at the station. Rules and any fees depend on how close to departure you change — check the current rules on 12306 before you buy.