How do I move?
China high-speed train & 12306 guide
How foreign travelers book China train tickets with 12306, use a passport at the station, and decide when rail is better than flying.
3 checks
How do foreigners book China high-speed train tickets?
Use the official 12306 English website or app, or another reputable booking channel. On 12306, enter your name and passport details exactly as shown on the document and complete identity verification. Tickets are tied to the ID used at purchase, so review every character before payment.
Do I need a paper ticket for trains in China?
Usually your original passport is the travel credential for a ticket bought with that passport. At some stations, foreign passports use a staffed or manual lane rather than an automatic gate. Arrive with extra time, keep the train number and station name offline, and never travel with only a passport photo.
When is a high-speed train better than flying in China?
Rail is often simpler for city pairs with a journey of roughly five hours or less because stations are usually closer to city centers and the process avoids airport transfers. Flying can make more sense for long cross-country legs. Compare total door-to-door time, not only the scheduled journey.
Destinations
Start with a destinationthen personalize the brief.
After china high-speed train & 12306 guide, open a destination—the free personal pre-trip brief starts inside that city page.
Next step