Taking Trains in China as a Foreigner: 12306, Passport Tickets, Check-In, and Refunds

China’s high-speed rail network is one of the easiest ways to travel between cities once you understand the ticketing system. For foreign residents and visitors, the most important point is that train tickets are tied to your identity document.

This guide explains how to buy tickets, use your passport, check in, change plans, and avoid common station problems. Rules and procedures can change, so always check the latest 12306 and station information before travel.

1. Use official railway channels

China Railway’s official English FAQ says train tickets should be purchased from channels offered by the railway operation company or its sales agency. These include:

• ticket counters at railway stations or railway ticket agencies;
• automatic ticketing machines where available;
• 12306.cn or the Railway 12306 mobile app;
• ticket hotlines where telephone booking is available; and
• specific commuter-card channels where those cards are supported.

The same FAQ states that www.12306.cn is the official website of the China Railway Customer Service Center and that the railway department will not handle ticketing problems that occur on other websites.

2. Understand real-name ticketing

China Railway uses real-name ticketing. When buying a real-name ticket, you must show or enter a valid ID document for the passenger.

The official FAQ says foreign passengers can purchase real-name tickets with valid passports that can be used according to relevant regulations. On the 12306 English website, the accepted ID document is a valid foreign passport.

Use the same name order and passport number shown on your passport. If the passport details are wrong, station entry or ticket changes may become difficult.

3. Know what an e-ticket means

China Railway sells both e-tickets and paper tickets. For e-tickets, the ticket is an electronic passenger-transport contract record.

The practical rule is simple: keep the passport used to buy the ticket with you. The official FAQ says passengers should reserve the e-ticket information and the valid ID document used to purchase the ticket, and show that ID document to check in and out of the station and board the train.

Do not rely on an itinerary sheet or reimbursement receipt for boarding. China Railway states that neither can be used as a ticket.

4. Create a 12306 account carefully

The 12306 English website supports ticket purchase, endorsement, refund, and change-of-destination services. It also lets registered users buy tickets for themselves or other passengers after adding accurate passenger information.

When creating your account:

• use your passport name consistently;
• enter the passport number carefully;
• save your login credentials securely;
• add frequent passengers only with accurate information; and
• test the account before an urgent trip.

If ID verification is not completed or a passport is not accepted online, a station counter may still be needed.

5. Buying tickets for family members or colleagues

At station counters, China Railway says you can buy tickets for others by bringing the original or copy of the passenger’s valid ID document.

On 12306, registered users with ID information in the required verification status can add passengers to the My Passengers list and buy tickets for them. Enter each person’s name, ID document type, and number accurately.

For children, rules depend on age and whether the child has a valid ID. Check the current 12306 child-ticket guidance before booking family travel.

6. Leave enough time at the station

Chinese railway stations can be large. The official FAQ warns that the ticket counter, station entrance, ticket gate, and platforms may be several minutes’ walk apart. It also says ticket sales and checks stop before departure, and passengers should refer to station announcements for timing.

Plan extra time for:

• security screening;
• ID verification;
• finding the correct waiting hall;
• ticket gate opening and closing times;
• walking to the platform; and
• possible queues at counters or help desks.

For large stations or first-time trips, arriving 45 to 60 minutes early is often more comfortable than rushing. During holidays, arrive earlier.

7. Security check and luggage basics

All passengers and belongings are subject to security check when entering the station.

China Railway’s official FAQ lists prohibited or restricted items, including weapons, explosives, flammable and explosive materials, toxic or corrosive items, some sharp tools, strong magnetized objects, strong-smelling items, and other dangerous goods.

It also lists free cabin luggage limits: 20 kg for most passengers, 10 kg for children, and 35 kg for diplomats. Maximum item dimensions vary by train type, with smaller limits for EMU trains.

If you are carrying unusual equipment, tools, chemicals, large sports gear, or work materials, check the current rules before travel.

8. Changing a ticket

In 12306 English, endorsement means changing the date of travel, train number, or seat or berth when seats are available. The departure and arrival station generally cannot be changed through ordinary endorsement, except for stations in the same city.

The English FAQ also describes a separate change-of-destination service, available under conditions including a request at least 48 hours before the original departure time.

Ticket changes can involve fees depending on timing and the new train. If a reimbursement receipt has already been printed, you may need to return it before a change or refund can be completed.

9. Refunds and receipts

Refund rules depend on timing, ticket type, payment method, and whether the trip has started.

China Railway’s English FAQ states that tickets can generally be refunded through 12306 before train departure. Refund fees are time-based, with no fee more than eight days before departure and higher fees closer to departure. Special cases and temporary railway adjustments can apply.

If you need a reimbursement receipt for work expenses, ask your employer what exact document is required. Reimbursement receipts are not boarding tickets.

10. If you lose your passport before travel

The official FAQ says that if a passenger loses the ID document used to purchase the ticket before boarding, they should apply for an ID certificate from the competent issuing authority and then board with that certificate.

For foreign passengers, this can be stressful. Contact your embassy or consulate and the railway station as early as possible, and do not wait until gate closing time.

Practical train-travel checklist

• I bought the ticket through 12306 or another official railway channel.
• My passport name and number are entered correctly.
• I will bring the same passport used to buy the ticket.
• I know the station, train number, departure time, and ticket gate.
• I understand that an itinerary sheet is not a boarding ticket.
• I checked luggage and prohibited-item rules.
• I have enough time for security and ID checks.
• I know the refund or change rules before making backup plans.

Official sources

• China Railway 12306 English website
• China Railway 12306 English FAQ