How to buy train tickets in China
How to buy train tickets in China
Booking train tickets in China has become increasingly convenient for international passengers. They can easily register and book tickets through the English version of 12306, the official website of China Railway. For those seeking personalized assistance and greater flexibility, utilizing a train ticket agency is highly recommended.
1. Booking through China 365 Travel
Many travelers want to use China’s vast and inexpensive rail network; however, getting train tickets is not an easy task (tickets sell out quickly, there are language issues, etc.).
China 365 Travel offers train ticket booking services to save you time and money. Our experienced and professional travel consultants will help you with all your queries and ensure you get the best quality service.
2. Book Online at www.12306.cn
Since its launch three years ago, the English version of 12306 has facilitated train ticket booking for international travelers in China, resulting in an improvement in convenience. However, it is important for travelers to consider the following points:
- While there is no personal assistant to answer queries, the system provides support for frequently asked questions.
- International credit or debit card refunds may take up to four days.
- Only the train tickets for the next 15 days are available for booking.
- The booking system undergoes maintenance every Monday and Wednesday from 1 am to 5 am and every Tuesday between 11:30 pm and 5 am, China Time.
3. Buying tickets at train stations
For non-Chinese speakers, purchasing tickets at Chinese train stations can be difficult. Usually, you need to queue up at the ticket window to buy a ticket. While the introduction of e-tickets has eased congestion, there are still long lines at major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Xi’an and Chengdu during peak holiday periods.
Here are some tips for buying tickets at train stations:
■Please bring the original passports of all passengers.
■ Your preferred train may be full, especially on popular routes or during peak travel seasons (including Lunar New Year, National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, etc.). You are advised to prepare other alternative trains in advance.
Most of the staff at train stations do not speak English. Therefore, it is recommended that you look up train information in advance and write it down to provide to the counter staff. Our travel consultants are happy to provide translation services, or you can ask the hotel staff to translate the information into Chinese.
■ Check fares online in advance and have enough cash (RMB) ready, as foreign credit cards are not accepted at train stations.
■Do not use self-service ticket machines as they only accept Chinese ID cards.
4. Buy Tickets at a Local Ticket Office
Like train stations, ticket offices sell tickets 15 days in advance. RMB 10 will be charged per ticket as a service fee. The working hours at ticket offices are usually from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Also, bring your passports to buy the tickets. Only cash (RMB) is accepted. Tickets can not be collected in any ticket office if you have made a booking online. Do not expect English to be spoken at a ticket office. It would be better to prepare a note in Chinese with the train number, travel date, and seat class.
About twenty years ago, ticket offices were established to serve individuals residing far from train stations. However, with the increasing convenience of online booking, nearly 90% of these offices have shuttered.
China Train Travel FAQs
1.When Do Reservations Open
Train tickets can be conveniently purchased 15 days before your planned departure date, whether you choose to buy them directly or through a third party. For instance, if your intended travel date is March 15th, the tickets will become available from March 1st.
2.Documents Required for Booking Train Tickets
■Foreign passengers: Passport
■Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passengers: Mainland Travel Permit
3.Do I need to pick up a paper ticket before boarding the train?
No, paper tickets are not required for boarding trains. Instead, e-tickets are now available for all trains across the country. Once your train tickets are issued, just use your passports to either swipe at the automatic check-in machines or present them at the manual ticket check-in gate to board the train.
4.Can I purchase train tickets at the station on the day of travel?
Although it may be possible to purchase tickets at the train station on the day of travel, it is generally recommended to book in advance. China train tickets can be sold out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons, so advance booking ensures you have a seat.
When purchasing tickets at the train station, it is recommended that you have the necessary information such as the train number, class, departure station, departure date, arrival station, and other relevant details printed out or written down, as English is rarely spoken at most train stations.
5.What types of trains operate in China?
China operates different types of trains, including:
■High-speed trains (G-category, D-category, and C-category): These are the fastest trains in China, reaching speeds up to 350 km/h (217 mph).
■Conventional trains (Z-category, T-category, and K-category): These are slower than high-speed trains but cover a wide network, including remote areas.
6.Are meals included during train journeys?
Meals are not typically included in the ticket price for most trains in China. However, there are usually dining cars or trolley services offering snacks and drinks for purchase.
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