12306 Train Booking for Foreigners
China's high-speed rail network is the world's largest and most punctual β and the 12306 app is the official way to book tickets. Since 2023 the app has English support, and foreigners can register with a passport and pay with Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal. This guide gets you booking in under 30 minutes.
β¦ Member access β full guide unlocked
What you'll need
- Your passport (only accepted ID for foreign registration)
- A Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal account β or WeChat Pay / Alipay already set up
- Your trip dates and station names (English station names work in the app)
- Tickets open for booking 15 days before departure at 8:00 AM Beijing time
Free preview β Stage 1
1
Download, Register & Switch to English
Install 12306, register as a foreign passport holder, and set the app to English.
Name must match passport exactly (WANG HONG-MING β)
Upload passport photo page + selfie for ID verification
- Search 12306 or China Railway in App Store or Google Play β publisher: China Railway Customer Service Center
- Tap Register β select Overseas Passenger β enter passport number, nationality, full name
- Your name must match your passport exactly β including middle names
- Upload passport photo page + take a selfie for ID verification (usually instant)
- Switch to English: Me β Settings β Language Settings β English
π‘ On iOS, search "δΈε½ιθ·―12306" if the English name doesn't appear. Publisher: China Railway Customer Service Center Co., Ltd.
Member stages β 2 & 3
2
Add Payment & Book Your Ticket
Link your international card and search for the train that fits your route and schedule.
Search results β filter by G/D trains, choose your seat class
Me β Passenger β wait for green "Approved" status before booking
- Add payment: Me β Payment Methods β Add Card β International Card (Visa/Mastercard/PayPal)
- WeChat Pay or Alipay is the most reliable option β avoids potential international card blocks
- Check Me β Passenger β wait for green "Approved" status before attempting to book
- Tap Book Tickets β enter departure station, destination, date
- Seat classes: 2nd Class (most affordable), 1st Class (wider), Business (lie-flat on overnight routes)
- Confirm passenger and pay β your e-ticket appears in Me β My Orders
π‘ Book as early as possible β tickets open 15 days before departure at 8:00 AM Beijing time. Popular routes sell out fast on weekends.
3
Get Your Ticket & Board
Use your digital QR ticket or collect paper β then board with confidence.
Find your Platform (η«ε°) on the departure board
Pre-departure checklist β arrive 30β60 min early
- Digital QR: use directly at station gate β no printing needed at most major stations
- Paper ticket: collect at any station window or self-service kiosk with your passport
- Arrive at least 30β45 minutes before departure
- Process: security check β find platform on departure board β scan QR or insert ticket at gate
- Seat number format: 05车08ε· = Car 5, Seat 8
- Gates close 5 minutes before departure β don't cut it close
π‘ If you miss your train, go to the ticket window with your passport β a same-day ticket change is usually possible for a small fee.
Pro tips
- Window seats on the left side (A/F seats) offer the best views on most scenic routes. Check the train direction before choosing.
- High-speed trains have a dining car and trolley service with hot meals, snacks, and drinks β no need to pack food for long journeys.
- Most high-speed trains have power outlets at every seat β bring your charging cable for long journeys.
- Trip.com is a great English alternative to 12306 if you find the app difficult β it sells the same tickets with a small service fee and full English support.
Sources & further reading:
China Survival Kit β 12306 English Guide 2026 Β· China Navigators β 12306 Guide Β· Official 12306 FAQ (English)
China Survival Kit β 12306 English Guide 2026 Β· China Navigators β 12306 Guide Β· Official 12306 FAQ (English)