How to Buy a CRH Train Ticket?

Using identification documents.

Foreign travelers can use the following valid identification documents when purchasing tickets or paying for the extended trip at the railway station's ticket officeor ticket agents, or on trains:

(1) Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;

(2) Passport;

(3) Foreigner's exit-entry permit;

(4) Seafarer's Certificate;

(5) Receipt of acceptance of a visa application issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China;

(6) Passport loss report certificate;

(7) Temporary international travel document issued by embassies and consulates in China (with valid visas or stay certificates issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China attached).

Foreign travelers can usetheir Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards and passports to purchase tickets through the 12306 website, 12306 APP, or booking hotline.

Foreign travelers can also usetheir Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to purchase tickets at the self-service machines.

Identity verification

To ensure safe and orderly passenger transport, China's railway operator implements real-name ticketing according to relevant regulations. Foreign travelers must complete identity verification before purchasing tickets.

(1) You can log in to the 12306 website or app to fill in your name, nationality, ID number, and other information following the instructions. The system will automatically complete identity verification. Or, you can upload a photo of the passport information page for manual verification.

(2) You can also take valid passports to the ticket office at the railway station for identity verification.

Ticket purchase

After the identity verification, foreign travelers can purchase tickets.

(1) You can purchase tickets online through the 12306 website or app and pay with Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards.

(2) You can also purchase tickets at the ticket office at the railway station and pay in cash or by Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards.

Some railway stations also have self-service machines for ticket purchase.

Ticket change and refund

Ticket change

Foreign travelers can change their tickets using the12306 website or APP, or through the ticket office at the railway station.

Ticket refund

Foreign travelers can cancel their tickets using the 12306 website or APP, or through the ticket office at the railway station. Service fees may be incurred depending on the time of cancellation.

Railway station entry/exit and train boarding

Foreign travelers can enter and exit the railway station through automatic or manual ticket check gates with the original valid identification documents used when buying tickets, and cooperate to complete ticket verification on the way.

For details of relevant rules, please visit the 12306 website or APP, or call China Railway customer service hotline (12306) for consultation.

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

Essential tips for high-speed rail travel in China

Book tickets in advance:

High-speed rail tickets are in high demand during holidays. Plan your trip early and book as soon as possible. Tickets generally become available up to 15 days in advance.

Verify your ID information accurately:

When booking online, ensure that the name and passport number you enter exactly match your travel documents. The 12306 system does not allow spaces or hyphens ("-") in the name field, and the character length may be limited. For example, a passport name like "Martin Jeffery Thomas James" should be entered as "MartinJefferyThomasJames".

Arrive at the station early:

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time to locate the correct gate, pass through the security check, and complete real-name verification.

Ticket check & boarding:

Paper tickets are not required. You may scan the "Ride Code" generated in the 12306 app to enter the station. If you booked using your passport, you may also present the original passport at the manual inspection channel for verification.

Selecting train type & seat class:

Train types: G-series trains are the fastest (300+ km/h), while D-series trains operate at slightly lower speeds (200–250 km/h).

Seat classes: Options generally include Second Class (most economical), First Class (more spacious), and Business Class (most comfortable).

A guide to avoiding common high-speed rail pitfalls

Mistake 1: Buying tickets through unauthorized third-party platforms. 

Correct approach: Book directly through the official "12306 China Railway" app (available in English) to avoid extra fees and potential service delays.

Mistake 2: Entering your name in Western order (e.g. "John Smith") or using hyphens or spaces. 

Correct approach: Your name must exactly match your passport, including the order. Omit all spaces and special characters.

Example: If your passport shows "Smith, John David", enter it as SMITHJOHNDAVID.

Mistake 3: Not double-checking the exact train station. Some cities have more than one station. Beijing, for example, has Beijing Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station, and Beijing West Railway Station, which are far apart. Travelers may overlook the specific station listed on their ticket or head to the wrong one based on a vague impression.

Correct approach: Always confirm the full station name on the ticket when purchasing and before departing (e.g. Beijing South Railway Station). Use a map app to navigate to the exact station.

Mistake 4: Trying to use self-service gates with a passport. Chinese Mainland ID cards contain an embedded chip that can be read by the self-service gates. Most foreign passports, however, do not have this feature and will not work at these gates.

Correct approach: Passport holders should proceed to the Manual Verification Channel at the ticket check area, where staff will verify your passport and ticket before entry.

Mistake 5: Arriving at the station too close to departure time.

Correct approach: High-speed rail stations in China are generally very large, and the boarding process—including security checks, locating the correct waiting area, and ticket inspection—can take considerable time. Gates typically close 3–5 minutes before the scheduled departure. It is strongly recommended to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train leaves.

Mistake 6: Bringing oversized or overweight luggage.

Correct approach:

The following limits apply to free carry-on luggage:

Weight allowances:

Children (including those traveling free): 10 kg

Diplomatic passengers: 35 kg

All other passengers: 20 kg

Size limits:

The sum of length, width, and height must not exceed 160 cm. Rod-like items must not exceed 200 cm in length.

For high-speed trains, no single item may exceed 130 cm in dimension (sum of length, width and height) or 20 kg in weight.

A folding wheelchair for personal mobility use is carried free and is not counted toward the above limits.

Any luggage exceeding these standards must be checked in advance.