Transport · Train booking

How to Book China High-Speed Train Tickets Without a Local ID

China's high-speed rail network is one of the best in the world—trains run at up to 350 km/h, stations are clean, and the Beijing–Shanghai route takes just 4.5 hours. The official booking site (12306) works best with a Chinese ID, but foreigners can book easily through Trip.com, at station counters, or increasingly through 12306 directly with a passport. Here's everything you need to know.

At a Glance

  • Best booking method: Trip.com or Ctrip (English, accepts foreign cards and passports).
  • Advance window: Up to 30 days; popular routes (e.g. Beijing–Shanghai) sell out fast on holidays.
  • Pickup: Paper ticket at station with passport, or e-ticket (QR code at gate in many cities).
  • Seat class: Second class ≈ ¥500–600 (Beijing–Shanghai); first class ≈ ¥900; business ≈ ¥1,750.
  • Station tip: Arrive 30–45 min early; security + ticket collection + platform boarding takes time.

G vs D vs C trains: what's the difference?

High-speed trains in China come in three main types. The train code appears on your ticket—knowing the difference saves confusion when choosing routes.

G trains (高铁)

The fastest—up to 350 km/h. Cover the longest inter-city routes like Beijing–Shanghai, Beijing–Xi'an, and Shanghai–Guangzhou. Most convenient for tourists on main corridors. Usually the most expensive but worth it for time saved.

D trains (动车)

Slightly slower (200–250 km/h) but cover more destinations and are cheaper. Great for medium-distance trips like Shanghai–Hangzhou or Shanghai–Nanjing. Often the only high-speed option for smaller cities.

C trains (城际)

Intercity express for short routes between nearby cities—e.g. Beijing–Tianjin (30 min) or Guangzhou–Shenzhen (30 min). Frequent departures; great for day trips.

Booking options for foreigners

Trip.com / Ctrip (easiest)

English interface, accepts Visa/Mastercard, and lets you enter passport details for each passenger. Search your route, select a train and class, add passengers (full name and passport number as printed), and pay. You receive a booking number and instructions for collecting a paper ticket or using an e-ticket. A small service fee (¥10–30) applies. Ideal for anyone who doesn't want to navigate Chinese-language booking.

12306 (official site / app)

The official Chinese rail booking platform. It now supports foreign passport registration and booking—but the interface is mostly Chinese and the setup can be tricky. If you're comfortable navigating a Chinese app, registering takes about 10 minutes: enter your passport details, set a password, complete SMS verification, and you can book directly. No service fee. Requires a Chinese phone number for verification, which can be a barrier.

At the station counter or self-service machine

Ticket windows at major stations have dedicated counters or staff who handle foreign passports. Show your passport and name of destination (written in Chinese or using the English train code helps). Allow 30–60 minutes for queuing, especially at peak times. Self-service machines in larger stations can also handle passport pickup if you have a booking—select "Foreign Passport" and scan the document. Cash (RMB) and some international cards are accepted at windows.

Seat classes compared

All classes on G/D trains are clean and air-conditioned. The choice is mainly about budget and comfort for the journey length.

Second class (二等座)

3+2 seating (3 on one side, 2 on the other). Comfortable enough for 4–5 hour routes; totally fine for any length if you don't need extra room. The most popular and often sells out first on busy routes. Price example: Beijing–Shanghai ≈ ¥553.

First class (一等座)

2+2 seating, wider seats, more legroom. Worth the extra cost on journeys over 3 hours or if you want to work comfortably. Less crowded feeling. Price example: Beijing–Shanghai ≈ ¥933.

Business class (商务座)

Lie-flat or wide reclining seats, 1+2 layout, at the front of the train. Spacious and quiet; some have power sockets and personal screens. Expensive but a genuine treat for overnight or very long routes. Price example: Beijing–Shanghai ≈ ¥1,748.

At the station: step by step

  1. 1 · Arrive early (30–45 min before departure)

    Major stations like Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Guangzhou South are huge. Allow time for luggage screening, ticket collection if needed, finding your platform (月台 / 站台), and boarding. Boarding gates close 5 minutes before departure—there's no running-to-the-train scenario like at airports.

  2. 2 · Security check

    All stations have airport-style X-ray for bags and sometimes a body scanner. Liquids rules are more relaxed than airports—water and food are fine. Keep passport accessible as it may be checked.

  3. 3 · Collect paper ticket (if needed) or use e-ticket

    E-tickets (Trip.com and 12306): scan your QR code or passport at the gate—no paper needed. Paper ticket (if your booking requires one): go to the designated collection counter, show your booking reference and passport. Staff will print your ticket. Keep it until you leave the destination station.

  4. 4 · Find your platform and board

    Check the departure board for your train number and platform. Platforms are announced 15–20 min before departure—a waiting room on each floor holds passengers until then. Find your carriage number (车厢) printed on your ticket, match it to the markers on the platform, and board.

Popular routes and travel times

Major inter-city routes

  • Beijing → Shanghai: ~4.5 h (G train)
  • Beijing → Xi'an: ~4.5–5 h (G train)
  • Shanghai → Hangzhou: ~1 h (G/D)
  • Shanghai → Suzhou: ~25–30 min (G)
  • Shanghai → Nanjing: ~1.5 h (G)
  • Guangzhou → Shenzhen: ~30 min (C)
  • Beijing → Tianjin: ~30 min (G/C)

Tips for smoother travel

  • Book as soon as the window opens (30 days ahead) for holiday travel
  • Second class sells out before first—book early if you want the cheaper fare
  • Food carts come through the train; you can also bring your own food and drinks
  • Power outlets are under the seats in most G trains; USB ports in some
  • Luggage goes in the overhead rack or at the end of the carriage—no strict weight limit
  • Station Wi-Fi exists but is slow; use your SIM or VPN for reliable internet

Practical notes

For visa-free transit itineraries, match your train travel dates carefully to stay within your 24h or 144h window and the correct region. If you need to cancel, Trip.com has an English refund flow; 12306 tickets can be refunded at station counters (fees apply). Keep your passport on you at all times on the train—occasional spot checks happen, especially on overnight services.

Schedules, prices, and booking windows can change. Confirm on Trip.com or 12306 before you travel.