Not sure how to buy train tickets in China with a foreign passport?
Here’s a simple guide to booking your high-speed train on two apps——12306 and Trip.com
√ Official source, safe and reliable
√ No additional service fees
× Requires passport verification, approval may take time
× Fewer tickets available, hard to get during holidays
12306 is available as both a website and an app.
You can choose either based on your needs. The processis similar.
Belowis an example using the app version.
Download the 12306 app, go to "Me(at the bottom) → "Settings" → "switch Version" → select English toswitch to the English version.
Go to "Me" ->"Register" -> scan your passport andcomplete your personalinformation.
lf you don't havea Chinese phone number, you can leave itblank.Make sure to use an email that works in China.
If identity verification fails, try switching the app toChinese and resubmitting your information.
Check the email you just entered. Click the verificationlink sent by 12306 and follow the instructions.Verification usually takes 3-5 days, lf you don't receivethe email, check your spam folder.
After logging in, please select departure, arrival station, datetrain, and seat type. After adding multiple passengers,you can purchase severaltickets in one order.
√ Book tickets directly with your passport
√ Easy to track orders, access customer support and make changes
× Service fees apply, slightly more expensive
× Not an official platform, sometimes there maybe issues with tickets
Download Trip.com App
Tap "Train Tickets"-> Enter departure city,destination, and travel date, Select train and seat type, Tap to fill in passengerinformation,Complete payment andconfirm your order.
Both booking methods do not require a paperticket.You can go through the manual gate byscanning your passport.Some stations also supportmachine scanning, check it before you go.
