China’s high-speed rail is the easiest way to travel between cities. Foreigners can book through the official 12306 app (now in English) or third-party apps like Trip.com, and pick up tickets with just your passport.
12306 is the official railway app and is now available in English. Trip.com is the most foreigner-friendly alternative — it accepts international cards, shows English, and adds a small service fee. Use Trip.com for convenience; use 12306 for the exact official price.
Book with your passport number exactly as printed. At the station, your passport is your ticket — scan it at the gate; no paper ticket is needed on most high-speed routes. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for security and ID checks.
Second class (2nd class) is comfortable and cheapest; first class has wider seats; business class is lie-flat. For trips under 5 hours, second class is perfectly fine.
At Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG), DiDi is the easiest airport pickup — it accepts international cards and has an English interface. Alternatively, use the Airport Express metro, which is cheap and signposted in English.
Yes. The 12306 app now has an English version, and you register with your passport number to buy tickets.
Trip.com is easier (English, international cards, less friction); 12306 is the official source with no service fee.
Your passport is scanned at the gate — no paper ticket required on most high-speed routes.
Let us pre-book every train leg of your journey — included in all our private itineraries.
Start planning →