How do I buy China train tickets with a foreign passport: 12306 or Trip.com in 2026? →
Use 12306’s English website or app to buy train tickets with your foreign passport.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Train travel
From booking to the right platform.
24 answers
Trip.com took my payment. Is my train ticket confirmed? →
No: payment or a reservation request does not mean your train ticket has been issued.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How far ahead can I buy a China train ticket? →
China train tickets normally go on sale within a 15-day window, including today.
Checked 1 Oct 2026Do I need a paper ticket or QR code to board a China train? →
For a China railway e-ticket, bring the original passport used for the booking.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How early should I arrive at a large Chinese train station? →
Aim to reach an unfamiliar large mainland railway station about one hour before departure.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How do I avoid going to the wrong train station? →
Use the exact station name in the issued ticket, including North, South, East or West.
Checked 26 Sept 2026My preferred train is sold out. What alternatives should I try? →
First search nearby departure times and another acceptable seat class, then compare a different station or travel day.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Is my connection between two Chinese trains realistic? →
Check whether the two trains use the same station before judging the connection time.
Checked 26 Sept 2026I missed my train. What should I do first? →
Go straight to the railway service desk or your ticket’s change option and ask for the next usable departure.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Is an overnight sleeper train worth it instead of a flight? →
Choose a sleeper when it gives you a useful night’s rest and arrives at a sensible time near your next stop.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Can I order food to my seat on a Chinese high-speed train? →
Yes, on supported services you can order through 12306’s 餐饮·特产 section for delivery to your seat.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How do I book child tickets and free-travel children on Chinese trains? →
For mainland train travel with an adult, children aged 6 to under 14 need a discounted child ticket; those 14 or older need a full-fare ticket.
Checked 26 Sept 2026What is the refund fee for cancelling a mainland China train ticket? →
For an ordinary mainland ticket, cancellation at least 8 days before departure is normally free; the usual later bands are 5%,10% and 20% as departure gets closer.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How do I change the date or destination of a China train ticket? →
Open the issued ticket and use its change option while seats are available.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How can a family improve its chances of sitting together on a train? →
Book the travelling group together when the channel supports it, then inspect the issued carriage and seat numbers immediately.
Checked 26 Sept 2026What size luggage and power banks can I take on Chinese trains? →
For ordinary mainland trains, pack within the published 20 kg adult allowance and the applicable size limit; EMU services use a 130 cm total-dimensions limit per item.
Checked 26 Sept 2026How do I request wheelchair assistance for a Chinese train journey? →
Use 12306’s special-priority-passenger reservation with the issued ticket and your actual assistance needs.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Why does Trip.com show a train that I cannot find on 12306? →
First compare the exact stations, travel date and whether Trip.com is showing a direct train, a connection or an advance reservation.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Can I choose an upper or lower sleeper berth when booking? →
Yes—on a train that offers 选铺, you can request a lower, middle or upper berth when booking through 12306.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Is first class worth paying for on a Chinese high-speed train? →
Choose second class for most sightseeing trips; pay for first class when extra seat width and personal space will materially improve a long ride.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Can I bring a bicycle on a Chinese train? →
A full-size bicycle usually will not fit Chinese high-speed-train luggage limits; ship it separately or rent at your destination.
Checked 26 Sept 2026Which international trains link China with neighbouring countries? →
The main cross-border passenger routes to consider are Kunming–Vientiane in Laos, Nanning–Hanoi in Vietnam and Beijing–Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
Checked 17 Oct 2026How do I book a train from Kunming to Xishuangbanna? →
Book a domestic train to Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) through 12306 or a booking service that accepts your passport, and use the departure station printed on the confirmed ticket.
Checked 11 Oct 2026Should I book Suzhou station or Suzhou North for a garden visit? →
Choose Suzhou station (苏州站) for a first garden-and-old-city visit when suitable trains are available.
Checked 11 Oct 2026