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How to book and ride China's high-speed trains
Updated 9 November 2026
China's high-speed rail network is the best way to travel between cities: fast, punctual, comfortable and cheaper than flying. Your passport is your ticket.
Where to book
| Trip.com | Railway 12306 (official) | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | English | English version available |
| Foreign cards | Yes | Limited — Alipay works best |
| Fees | Small service fee | None |
| Registration | Easy | Passport verification can take time |
Tickets go on sale about 2 weeks before departure. Popular routes sell out around Chinese public holidays (Spring Festival, early May and the 1–7 October Golden Week) — book the day sales open.
Booking: what to choose
- Train codes: G = high-speed (up to 350 km/h), D = fast and sometimes overnight sleeper, Z/T/K = slower conventional trains.
- Classes: Second class (2+3 seats) is comfortable; first class (2+2) has more room; business class has lie-flat seats.
- Name: enter it exactly as in your passport — the ticket is linked to your passport number.
At the station, step by step
- Arrive 45–60 minutes early. Big stations are huge and some cities have several — check which one is on your ticket (e.g. Beijing South vs Beijing West).
- ID check and security. Show your passport at the entrance; bags go through an X-ray scanner. Many stations have passport-reading gates; otherwise use the staffed lane.
- Find your gate on the departure boards (检票口 = ticket gate). Boarding usually opens 15–20 minutes before departure and closes a few minutes before.
- Scan your passport at the gate or show it to staff. No paper ticket is needed.
- Find your car and seat. Car numbers are marked on the platform floor.
Popular high-speed routes
| Route | Fastest time |
|---|---|
| Beijing – Shanghai | about 4.5 hours |
| Beijing – Xi'an | about 4.5 hours |
| Shanghai – Hangzhou | under 1 hour |
| Chengdu – Chongqing | about 1 hour |
| Guangzhou – Guilin | about 2.5 hours |
| Guangzhou – Hong Kong West Kowloon | under 1 hour |
Times are approximate and vary by train.
FAQ
Can foreigners buy train tickets in China?
Yes. Book on Trip.com or the official 12306 app/website with your passport details. Your passport is used as your ticket at the station.
Do I need to print my train ticket?
No. Scan your passport at the ticket gate or show it to staff. You can ask for a printed itinerary/receipt at the station if you need one for expenses.
How early should I get to the station?
Allow 45–60 minutes at large stations for ID checks, security and walking to the gate. Gates close a few minutes before departure.