China Arrive

Book 12306 high-speed trains with a foreign passport

Draft: not yet verified in the live app. Fees, limits, and menus change—confirm on the in-app payment screen and in the provider’s official Help.Verification status: DRAFT — verify in the live app before publish

Railway 12306 is China Railway’s official ticketing app and website. International visitors can complete online real-name verification with a passport and buy tickets. Official materials note that passport holders use the manual inspection channel at stations for ticket and identity checks (Travel China; Beijing English transport guidance).

Train times and ticket validity are in China Standard Time (UTC+8).

Railway 12306 English home screen (placeholder; real photo pending)

Before you book

  • Passport used for your China stay
  • Ability to pay (international card, Alipay, or WeChat Pay—availability varies; confirm at checkout)
  • Time for identity review—manual checks can take several working days in some traveler reports; start early (confirm current timing in-app)

Step-by-step (app)

  1. Install Railway 12306 from an official store (publisher should match China Railway / Academy listings—avoid clones).
  2. If the app opens in Chinese, open Me (我的) → settings gear → look for version / language switch and choose English (labels move between versions).
  3. Register with your passport. Upload or scan the bio page when offered.
  4. Wait until passenger verification succeeds before peak holiday booking.
  5. Search origin, destination, and date (China time).
  6. Choose train and seat class; add your verified passenger.
  7. Pay within the countdown.
  8. Store the order in the Orders tab; screenshot the train number and carriage.
12306 passport verification status screen (placeholder; real photo pending)

At the station

  • Follow signs for manual ID check lanes for foreign passport holders when automatic gates do not accept your document
  • Arrive earlier than domestic travelers might—queues vary
  • Keep passport accessible; the name must match the ticket
Railway station sign indicating manual ticket inspection (placeholder; real photo pending)

Changes and refunds

Use the app’s change/refund flows or station counters. Fees depend on timing rules shown at change time—read the fee preview before confirming.

FAQ

Can someone else pick up my ticket?
China Railway uses real-name tickets. Follow current rules on the order page; do not assume agents can collect for you without authorization paperwork.

Is Trip.com easier?
Third-party agencies may add fees. 12306 sells official inventory. Any third-party booking links on China Arrive stay disabled until affiliate approval.