Quick Answer

Foreigners can buy China train tickets using a passport, but the easiest platform depends on your comfort level. 12306 is the official China Railway platform. Its English website provides timetable, ticketing, refund/change and account functions, and the official registration page states that foreign passports are accepted for registration. Trip.com is often easier for first-time visitors because it provides English booking flows and customer support.

For most short trips, use Trip.com or another foreigner-friendly platform if you want convenience. Use 12306 if you want the official railway platform and are comfortable with real-name verification.

What You Need

Prepare:

  1. Original passport.
  2. Passport number and exact name.
  3. Email or phone number for account registration.
  4. Payment method accepted by your chosen platform.
  5. Chinese station names or carefully checked English station names.
  6. Enough time before departure.

Buying on 12306

12306 is official, but verification can take time. Register early, enter passport details carefully and complete any real-name verification before a travel day. The English platform is designed for foreign passport holders, and other ID types may require other channels.

Use 12306 if you want direct order management and official railway services.

Buying on Trip.com

Trip.com is usually easier for tourists because it supports English booking and foreigner-friendly passport entry. It may charge service fees, so compare final prices. If you book on Trip.com, manage changes and refunds through Trip.com.

Buying at the Station

Station ticket windows can be a fallback. Bring your original passport. Use translation or write down:

  • Departure city and station.
  • Arrival city and station.
  • Date and preferred time.
  • Seat class.
  • Train number if you already know it.

Arrive early, especially in large stations.

Station Names Matter

Chinese cities often have multiple stations: North, South, East, West, main station and airport-area stations. A wrong station can be far away. Always check:

  1. Full station name.
  2. Metro route to the station.
  3. Travel time from hotel.
  4. Whether your passport can pass automatic gates or needs manual inspection.

Boarding with Passport

Bring the original passport used for booking. At some stations, foreign passports may need manual channels. Keep the booking confirmation ready and arrive earlier than a local traveler would.

Common Mistakes

Waiting too long to book

Popular trains can sell out around holidays, weekends and major routes.

Booking the wrong station

Check Amap route from your hotel before purchase.

Not completing identity verification

Do it before the day you travel.

Forgetting the passport

A screenshot is not enough for train boarding.

Sources Checked

Last source check: 2026-05-27

  • 12306 China Railway English website

URL: https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html

Supports: Official China Railway English platform with ticketing, timetable, refund/change and quick guide functions.

  • 12306 English registration page

URL: https://www.12306.cn/en/register.html

Supports: Official registration page stating that foreign passports are accepted for registration on the English 12306 platform.

  • MTR High Speed Rail: 12306 account registration for foreign passport holders

URL: https://www.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/en/latest-news/ticketing-via-12306-account-registration.html

Supports: Explains that the English 12306 platform is for foreign passport holders and that ticket purchase requires activation and real-name verification.

Disclaimer

App interfaces, payment rules, station practices, hotel policies and local procedures may change. Treat this guide as a source-checked practical guide, then verify important details with the official service, your hotel, transport staff or your card issuer before relying on it in an urgent situation.