How do I book train tickets on 12306?
China Railway's official English-language booking path — passport registration to boarding.
Through 12306, China Railway's official platform — it has an English interface
12306 is the official booking channel for China's rail network, with a website and app that support English and passport-based registration for foreign travelers. Register your passport details ahead of time, then book, pay, and collect or scan your ticket at the station.
The details
Foreign travelers register an account using passport details rather than a Chinese ID number. Have your passport on hand when you set up your account, since the same details are checked against your ticket at the station.
The official 12306 platform provides an English-language option, which covers route search, booking, and payment — the smoothest official path for foreign travelers compared to relying on third-party resellers.
Supported payment methods for foreign cards can vary — check the current payment options in the app/site when you book, and have Alipay or WeChat Pay linked as a backup if a direct card payment doesn't go through.
Many stations now support e-ticketing where your passport itself acts as your ticket at security and boarding gates — no separate paper ticket collection needed in that case. Arrive with time to spare for security screening, similar to airport-style checks.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources
- 12306 China Railway — English site FAQ— China Railway (12306.cn)· Reviewed 2026-07-10
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