China Train Schedule & Tickets Booking
This user-friendly tool helps foreigners easily book China train tickets online. Just input your route, choose a date, and compare schedules/prices. Our platform redirects you to a trusted booking service where you can easily purchase your tickets.
Popular High Speed Trains
Essential Tips Before Booking Train Tickets in China
China Railway (CR) is a form of transportation in China. It is an important national infrastructure and a popular means of transportation. As of now, the national railway operating mileage has reached 162,000 kilometers, including 47,000 high-speed railways, connecting more than 500 cities across the country, with a maximum speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). If you want to plan an economical, convenient and safe trip, China Railway is your best choice. Before buying a ticket, you still need to be familiar with the basic information about ticket purchase, riding rules and the interior of the train.
China High Speed Train (Bullet Train)
China’s bullet trains are fast, safe, and comfortable, reaching speeds up to 350 km/h (217 mph). They efficiently connect major cities and popular destinations across the country.
First Class Seat vs. Second Class Seat
China’s high-speed trains mainly offer second class (5 seats/row) and first class (4 seats/row), with some trains having even more spacious business class seats at higher prices.
How to Choose Train Type
China’s high-speed rail system primarily operates G (fastest), D (mid-speed), and C (intercity) trains, offering different seating classes from basic second class to premium business/sleeper options. Regular trains (Z/T/K types) provide more budget-friendly choices like hard/soft sleepers and seats for longer journeys.
Best China Train Travel Routes
- Chengdu – Xian: 3 – 4.5 hours
- Xian – Shanghai: 6 -9 hours
- Suzhou – Shanghai: 21 – 79 minutes
- Suzhou – Hangzhou: 1 – 2 hours
- Suzhou – Huangshan: 2.5 hours
- Guangzhou – Guilin: 2 – 5.5 hours
- Beijing – Xian: 4 – 6 hours
- Beijing – Guangzhou: 7.5 – 11 hours
- Guangzhou – Hong Kong: 1 hours
China Train Travel FAQs
Here are several ways to buy train tickets:
- Book online through ChinaJourneyGuide, saving you time, energy and money. Check Schedules and Book Tickets →
- Book Online at www.12306.cn, providing convenience for international travelers to book train tickets in China
- Buy tickets at the train station: You can go to the ticket window of the train station with your original passport to queue up for tickets
- Book by phone – 95105105. After calling the customer service number 95105105, you can handle almost all ticket purchase matters, such as booking, cancellation and ticket collection. Only Chinese services are provided.
There are eight steps for taking a train in China:
- Arrive at the train station 1-1.5 hours in advance;
- Check your passport/travel permit and e-ticket number at the station entrance;
- Go through security check;
- Find the correct boarding gate in the waiting hall and wait for boarding;
- Check in at the boarding gate;
- Go to the platform for boarding, find your train and seat;
- Settle your luggage and start your journey;
- Get off the train and check out.
The official advance sale period is 15 days, but in special circumstances, such as during peak periods such as the Spring Festival travel rush, the advance sale period for train tickets may be adjusted. It is recommended that you book your tickets as early as possible.
Yes, one ticket can be changed once. After the ticket is changed, if the trip is cancelled, the ticket can be refunded according to the regulations, but the ticket changed after the train departs cannot be refunded.
You can cancel the train ticket, but the following situations cannot be cancelled:
- After the ticket is issued and the train departs;
- The ticket is changed after the train departs;
- The additional ticket fee;
E-ticket service is available on all trains in China. You can check in at the manual ticket gate with your passport without having to collect a paper ticket.