China's high-speed rail network is one of the best ways to get between cities — faster than flying for most routes, more comfortable, and often cheaper. As a foreigner, booking works a bit differently than it does for Chinese nationals, but it's totally manageable once you know the system.
This guide covers how to book, what to watch out for, and how to pick up your tickets.
The Two Ways to Book
Option 1: Trip.com (or Ctrip) — Easiest for Foreigners
Trip.com is the English-language front-end for Ctrip, China's dominant travel platform. It lets you:
- Search and book train tickets in English
- Pay with foreign credit cards, PayPal, or Alipay
- Have tickets delivered to a pickup counter or mailed to your hotel (China only)
- Opt for e-ticket when available
Cost: Trip.com adds a small service fee per ticket (¥10–30), but for most foreigners, the convenience is worth it.
Best for: Anyone who doesn't read Chinese, first-time visitors, or short trips without time to figure out the alternative.
Option 2: 12306.cn — Cheaper, More Complex
12306 is China's official rail booking platform — used by hundreds of millions of Chinese people every day. Foreigners can use it, but the process is more involved:
- Create an account using your passport number
- Navigate a mostly Chinese interface (some English support exists but is incomplete)
- Pay via Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Chinese bank card
- Pick up tickets at the station kiosk using your passport
Cost: No service fee — you pay the face value of the ticket.
Best for: Longer stays in China, frequent rail travel, or if you want to guarantee access to tickets that sell out (12306 is the primary inventory; Trip.com draws from the same pool but can sometimes be slower to update).
The practical verdict for most tourists: Use Trip.com. The service fee is small, the experience is far smoother, and you won't lose an hour navigating a half-translated government website.
Train Types in China
China's rail system has multiple service types. The ones foreigners use most:
G trains (高铁 — Gāotiě): True high-speed rail. 200–350 km/h. Beijing to Shanghai in 4.5 hours. These run on dedicated tracks. Premium pricing but serious time savings.
D trains (动车 — Dòngchē): High-speed intercity trains, slightly older or on mixed-use tracks. Still fast (160–250 km/h), often somewhat cheaper than G trains on the same route.
C trains: Regional intercity, shorter routes.
Z, T, K trains: Conventional speed rail. Much slower, often overnight trains with sleeper options. Good for long-distance budget travel (Beijing to Chengdu in ~20 hours with a sleeper bed).
For typical tourist routes between major cities, you'll mostly be on G or D trains.
Seat Classes
Second class (二等座 — Èrděng zuò): Standard. Four seats across in rows, similar to economy air. Clean, comfortable for trips under 3–4 hours. The most common and cheapest option.
First class (一等座 — Yīděng zuò): Wider seats, more legroom, usually 2+3 configuration. About 50–70% more expensive than second class. Worth it for trips over 4 hours.
Business class (商务座 — Shāngwù zuò): Flatbed on G trains. Significantly more expensive. Few foreigners use this unless they've run out of standard options or have specific comfort needs.
How to Pick Up Your Tickets
E-tickets (Most Routes Now)
Most routes issue e-tickets. You show your passport at the station gate — no physical ticket needed. The gate scans your passport and lets you through.
This is the easiest option. Trip.com will tell you if a route supports e-tickets.
Ticket Pickup Kiosks (自助取票机)
If a physical ticket is required:
- Go to the automated kiosk (labeled in English at most large stations)
- Insert your passport
- The machine reads your reservation and prints your ticket
Do this before going through security. Give yourself 30–45 minutes at the station.
Ticket Window
As a backup, you can queue at a staffed ticket window. Show your passport. Staff will pull up your booking (by reservation number or passport ID) and print your ticket. Lines can be long during peak periods — avoid this if you have another option.
What to Know at the Station
Arrive early: Unlike airports, Chinese train stations require you to pass security before entering. Bags go through X-ray, you show your ID. Allow at least 20–30 minutes before departure.
Check your platform (候车室): Platforms are only announced 10–20 minutes before departure in most stations. Watch the departure board. When your train appears, head to the correct waiting hall, then board when the platform opens.
Seat car and seat number: Your ticket specifies your car number (车厢/号) and seat number (座位). Match these — you'll be asked to move if you're in the wrong seat.
Luggage: There's no baggage check or limit on Chinese trains. Bags go in the overhead rack. If you have a large suitcase, get there a few minutes early to secure overhead space.
Common Routes and What They Cost
| Route | Duration (G train) | Second Class Price (approx.) | |---|---|---| | Beijing → Shanghai | 4h 30m | ¥550–900 | | Beijing → Xi'an | 4h 30m | ¥520–700 | | Shanghai → Hangzhou | 45m | ¥73–100 | | Shanghai → Nanjing | 1h 10m | ¥134–180 | | Guangzhou → Shenzhen | 30–40m | ¥80–105 | | Shanghai → Chengdu | 7–8h | ¥800–1,100 | | Beijing → Chengdu | 8h | ¥800–1,100 |
Prices vary by day of week, how far in advance you book, and seat class. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for holiday periods or popular routes.
Buying Tickets at the Last Minute
China's rail network is enormous — there are usually multiple departures per hour on busy routes. Last-minute tickets are often available.
The exception: national holidays. During Golden Week (Oct 1–7), Chinese New Year, and major public holidays, trains sell out days or weeks in advance. If your trip overlaps with these periods, book as early as possible — ticket sales open 15 days before departure on 12306 and Trip.com.
Can You Use Alipay at the Station?
Yes. Alipay International works for vending machines, food stalls, and some payment kiosks inside train stations. You don't need cash for most transactions inside major stations.
For buying tickets in-person at the window, RMB cash is accepted. Some ticket windows may accept Alipay — it varies by station.
Related Guides
- Alipay vs WeChat Pay for tourists
- How to top up Alipay as a foreigner
- China travel budget for foreigners 2026
Planning a trip to China for medical treatment and need help with logistics including intercity travel? Talk to us here.
Need more than the guide?
This guide covers the basics. If real-world friction shows up, you can compare the support options and choose the level of human backup that fits your trip.