Everything about China High Speed Rail Tickets

Traveling by High Speed Train around China is not only an easy and comfortable way to get your destination, but also a special and magical travel style to view what life is like out of major cities around China. However, it may not easy for you to get a ticket if you cannot speak Chinese and don't know Chinese ticket policy. Don't worry, the below details will tell you everything about China High Speed Train tickets.

Real-Name Ticket Policy – Available Identity Documents

From January 1, 2012, the Real-Name Ticket Policy applies to all trains in China, aim to relieve the difficulty in buying tickets and effectively stop scalpers who profit a lot in trading rail tickets especially during the Spring Festival travel rush every year. Original valid identity documents become a MUST for China High Speed Train tickets booking, collecting, altering and canceling.

It is allowed to buy one ticket per valid Identity document. Your Identity document number will be printed on the ticket. When boarding the train, you should present your train ticket and your valid Identity document together to the steward.

Identity Documents that are banded for a "Real-name Train Ticket"

●Chinese Citizen ID card
●Passport
●Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (or called Home-return Permit)
●Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents
●Permit for Mainland Residents to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan
●Residence Permit for Foreigners
●Diplomat Certificate, etc.

How to Book China High Speed Train Tickets

When Do Reservations Open? – Pre-sale Period

Pre-sale period about train tickets refers to the days prior to the train departure. The presale period for all China Railway tickets (including high-speed rail tickets) is uniformly set at 15 days, which means tickets are available for purchase 15 days before the departure date (including the day of travel). Tickets become available simultaneously across all official sales channels, including the 12306 website, telephone booking, station ticket counters, and automated ticket machines.

How to Book China High Speed Train Tickets

Both online and offline ways are available for China High Speed Train tickets booking. You can book through official website 12306.cn, travel agencies, railway stations, designed ticket outlets and telephone. 12306.cn and the hotline 95105105 are two official ticket booking ways in China, offer the most accurate train ticket information. The official website 12306.cn provides an English interface, and English-language telephone customer service (call +86 12306 for consultation) is also available.

How to Collect China High Speed Train Tickets

Effective October 1, 2025, paper train tickets have been fully phased out across China. For passengers who prefer a record of their journey, paper Trip Information Reminders remain available for print at station ticket windows and self-service machines. These slips display key details such as the departure time, train number, seat number, e-ticket number, and order number. Please note that this slip cannot be used as a boarding pass. You need to present the original valid ID document used for booking to enter the station and board the train.

How to Read China High Speed Train Tickets

With the adoption of e-tickets, paper train tickets are no longer in use in China. Constantly checking your phone for details can be a hassle. For your convenience, you can print Trip Information Reminders at station ticket windows and self-service machines. It lists all the essential information at a glance, making your journey smoother. The information including departure station and time are shown in Chinese (include Pinyin) and number, no English available. You'd better learn how to read Trip Information Reminders in advance.

How to Alter China High Speed Train Tickets

A ticket can be changed one time at appointed counters at railway stations to an earlier or a later train, which allows extra passenger capacity. Besides having the tickets left, the train you want to change to should also be within the pre-sale period. For the price difference between the previous and the changed tickets, the office staff will return any overcharge and demand payment of any shortage.

How to Cancel China High Speed Train Tickets

It is available to cancel the ticket before the scheduled departure times if you unable to take the planed train, except the changed tickets after missing. Cancellation fee will be charged according to the time left before the train departure, and you can't get full refund unless you cancel the ticket 15 days before the departure time. All tickets can be cancelled at designated windows of train station, while some online booked tickets can be cancelled online.

China Bullet Train Ticket Price

The price of China High Speed Trains is according to the seat class you choose. The price of the same seat class is the same while there will be difference between different trains.

When traveling by train in China you should be aware that there are discounts for kids traveling with you. Accompanied children under the age of 6 travel free of charge, while those between 6 and 14 (inclusive) can purchase tickets at the child fare with valid identification.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about China Train Tickets - Q&A

Q: What to do if I lost my passport while I still want to buy a China High Speed Train Ticket?

A: You should hold the certificate issued by the local embassy and consulate.

Q: What to Do If I Lost My Tickets Before enter the train station?

A: The procedure may be a little complex. You should buy a replacement first and show it to the railway attendant when you get onboard. They will provide you a voucher, and you can get the full refund of the replacement at the arrival railway station, with the voucher and your identity documents equipped.

Q: What to Do If I Lost My Tickets On the train?

A: Ask the railway attendant for help. If they can get your booking result from their system, you can get a replace ticket marked with "车票丢失"(lost ticket) after paid the service fee(CNY 2). But if they cannot find your booking result, you should buy a replacement from them first and get a refund at your arrival train station.

Q: Can I buy a ticket for others?

A: Yes, but you have to take his or her original identity document (like passport).

If you have any other problems, please feel free to contact our experienced tourist advisor for help.

Other Routes to Experience High Speed Trains

As high speed train travel are becoming much popular and recommended by large portion of visitors in China, here we also list some top high speed train routes chosen by most people during their China tour. See the routes at below and pick one to experience the great advantages of travelling by high speed train. Also, you could check all high speed train routes to select which section to experience.

Beijing-Shanghai

Best transfer between China's top two largest cities.

Beijing-Xian

Shifting among the most famed great ancient capitals.

Shanghai-Hangzhou

Bullet train to see metropolis and heavenly city on earth.

Shanghai-Suzhou

Easy close up to traditional elegance of Jiangnan.

Xian-Chengdu

Meet chubby giant pandas and eternal terracotta warriors.

Guangzhou-Guilin

Travelling in picturesque karst landscapes and water and hills.

Useful Resources

Official China Railway Website

For the most up-to-date information about train schedules, ticket availability, and booking, visit the official China Railway website:

Visit 12306.cn

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book China high-speed train tickets as a foreigner?

You can book through the official 12306 app (passport registration required), at train station ticket counters with your passport, or through WeTrip's booking service. We recommend booking 5-10 days in advance for popular routes.

What's the difference between G, D, and C trains in China?

G-trains (Gaotie) are the fastest at 300-350 km/h, D-trains (Dongche) run at 200-250 km/h, and C-trains (Chengji) are intercity trains at 200 km/h. G-trains offer the most comfortable experience with business, first, and second class seats.

Can I use my passport to board a Chinese train?

Yes, foreign passports are accepted at automated ticket gates in most major stations. Simply scan your passport at the gate. Some smaller stations still require manual verification at staffed counters.

What's the Beijing to Shanghai bullet train schedule?

There are 50+ daily G-trains between Beijing and Shanghai, running from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The journey takes 4-5.5 hours depending on stops. Second class tickets start from ¥553 (~$77 USD).