Quick answer
- 12306 (website and "Railway 12306" app) is China Railway's only official ticketing platform, and it accepts foreign passports. [1][2]
- Tickets go on sale up to 15 days ahead (including the travel day). The exact release time for each date is shown in the app. [1][3]
- Refunds are free 8+ days before departure; then 5%, 10% or 20% as departure gets closer. [2]
- With a foreign passport you'll usually enter through the staffed gate. Bring the same passport you booked with. [4]
12306 or an agent?
| 12306 (official) | Agent apps (e.g. Trip.com) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Official fare | Trip.com's China trains page showed "No booking fee" on 12 November 2026 [6]. Still compare the ticket price with 12306 before you pay, in case fees or promotions change. |
| Language | English website and app | English, more polished |
| Setup | Account + passport verification | Agent account; agent books on 12306 for you |
| Changes & refunds | Directly, under 12306 rules [2] | Through the agent, under 12306 rules plus agent terms |
If you're comfortable with a short registration, 12306 is the cheapest and most direct official option. If you want everything in one English app, or verification gives you trouble, an agent is a reasonable trade-off. Trip.com's China trains page showed no booking fee on 12 November 2026 [6], but you should still compare the fare it shows with the official 12306 price before you pay.
Step 1: Register with your passport
- Open the 12306 English website or the Railway 12306 app and choose Register [1][4].
- Select Passport as the ID type and enter your details exactly as on your passport's photo page [4].
- Verify a contact: mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan mobile numbers verify by SMS. Otherwise use your email and click the activation link [4].
The English 12306 site accepts only a valid foreign passport. Queries and refunds are available 24 hours; ticket sales and changes run 05:00 to 01:00 the next day (05:00 to 23:30 on Tuesdays) [2].
Step 2: Pass identity verification
After you submit, 12306 checks your identity automatically. If the status shows failed, correct your details and resubmit, or upload photos for manual review. You can also verify at a station ticket counter with your passport. You can't buy tickets until verification succeeds [4], so do this a week or more before you need tickets.
Step 3: Search, book and pay
- Release times: online pre-sale is 15 days including the travel day, with staggered release times by region [3]. In the app, pick a date to see the exact release time, and set a reminder [1].
- Seat classes on high-speed (G/D) trains: Second class is the standard choice; First and Business cost more and have more space.
- Sold out? 12306 offers a waitlist ("候补", alternate booking) on many trains. Popular holiday dates sell out fast.
- One ID, one ticket: each ID can hold only one ticket for the same train on the same date [2].
- Pay with one of the payment methods offered at checkout. If one doesn't work, try another.
- Ticket machines at stations do not list foreign passports as an accepted ID. Buy online, by phone, or at a staffed ticket counter [1].
- You can print or download an e-ticket itinerary sheet (行程信息提示). 12306 says it is not itself a ticket [2].
Step 4: At the station
- Arrive early. There can be queues at ticket windows, security, ID checks and gates [2]. We suggest 45–60 minutes at big stations.
- Bring the original passport you booked with. That's your ticket for e-tickets.
- 12306 says IDs that machines can read (e.g. Chinese ID cards, Foreign Permanent Resident ID cards) use automatic gates, and other documents go through the staffed channel. Most visitors with passports should plan to use the staffed (manual) gate [5]. Trip.com's trains page (read 12 November 2026) says some automatic gates can read foreign passports, and otherwise staff check [6]. Follow the signs, and use the staffed channel unless a gate or a member of staff directs you otherwise.
- Check your departure gate (检票口) on the screens; boarding usually closes a few minutes before departure.
Changes and refunds (official 12306 rules)
| When you refund | Fee |
|---|---|
| 8 days or more before departure | Free |
| 48 hours to 8 days before | 5% |
| 24–48 hours before | 10% |
| Less than 24 hours before | 20% |
The minimum fee is ¥2. You can change a ticket (改签) only once. Changes made more than 48 hours ahead are free; closer to departure, fees can apply when you move to a later date [2]. Since 2 February 2026, registered users who pay electronically on official 12306 channels get one free refund per day, if they refund within 30 minutes of buying and at least 4 hours before departure [2]. During the Spring Festival rush, a flat 20% fee can apply in some cases [2].
Sources
- Save This! Essential Tips for Buying Train Tickets in China
- 12306 English FAQ (refund and change fees, free refund rule, one ticket per ID)
- 车票预售期是如何规定的？(15-day pre-sale period)
- Guide to Identity Verification for Buying Train Tickets in China
- 实名制车票常见问题 (which IDs can use automatic gates)
- China Train Tickets page (banner: “No booking fee”; payments; e-ticket and gate notes — partner claims, not independently verified)
Last checked 12 November 2026. Rules and app menus change; if something's outdated, let us know.
Do you need a visa for China?
Pick your passport, entry city and dates. We check the 30-day visa-free list, 240-hour transit, mutual agreements and Hainan rules, using official data verified on 12 November 2026.