High-Speed Rail Ticket Booking & Riding Guide in China

Effortless Travel with China’s High-Speed Rail. By following these steps, you can navigate China’s high-speed rail system efficiently and enjoy a seamless travel experience.

1. Ticket Booking Methods

1.1 Official Platform: 12306 (Recommended)

• • Registration & Login:
    1. Visit www.12306.cn or download the “Railway 12306” app.
    2. Register with your passport details, including name, nationality, and ID number.
  • Booking Process:
    1. Enter departure/arrival cities and travel date to search for trains.
    2. Select your preferred train and seat class (Second-Class, First-Class, Business-Class).
    3. Add passenger information, submit the order, and pay via Alipay, WeChat, UnionPay, or international credit cards.
  • Waitlist Tickets: If sold out, use the “Waitlist” feature for automatic ticket resale.

1.2 Third-Party Platforms (English-Friendly)

• • Ctrip/Fliggy:
    1. Use the app or English website to search for “High-Speed Rail.”
    2. Input travel details and filter trains/seats.
    3. Complete booking with international credit cards or PayPal.
  • Advantage: English interfaces and 24/7 English customer service.

2. Riding Process

2.1 Arrive Early

• • Arrive 30–60 minutes before departure to allow time for security checks and navigation.
  • Major stations (e.g., Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao) have English signage leading to waiting halls.

2.2 Security & Ticket Checking

• • Security Check:
    • All bags must pass X-ray screening; liquids should be removed separately.
    • Prohibited items include flammable materials and sharp objects.
  • Ticket Validation:
    • Use your passport to scan through self-service gates or manual checkpoints.
    • E-tickets require no physical tickets—simply scan your passport.

2.3 Find Platform & Carriage

• • Platform Information: Check departure screens for your train’s platform number.
  • Boarding Guide:
    • Follow ground markers (e.g., “Carriages 1–8” or “Carriages 9–16”) to locate your carriage.
    • Find your seat by seat number; overhead racks are available for small luggage.

2.4 In-Train Tips

• • Seat Adjustment: First-Class and Business-Class seats are adjustable; Second-Class seats are fixed.
  • Dining Service: Meals and snacks are available on board; some trains offer QR code-based ordering.
  • Departure Alert: Listen for announcements or check electronic screens above seats to prepare for arrival.

3. Useful Contacts & Tools

• Official Support: Call 12306 (Chinese service) or use the “Railway 12306” app for online help.
• Third-Party Support: Ctrip English hotline: +86 21-34064880; Fliggy International: +86 571-26883099.
• Real-Time Updates: Check train delays via the “Railway 12306” app or Amap.