Exploring China by train is an enjoyable and convenient experience. This guide explains how to buy cheap train tickets in China for foreigners on Trip.com & China railway corporation, also shares 3% Off Trip.com China train promo codes!
[3% Off] Trip.com China Train Promo Code
How to Book Cheap Train Tickets China for Foreigners
Steps to buy Cheap train tickets China | Detail |
1. Visit the Trip.com Website | Log in to your account on Trip.com (if you are a beginner, you can also create one, and you can also get 3% Off Promo Codes on Trip.com). |
2. Enter Your Travel Details | Enter your departure city, destination city, travel date and more info like china train type (like High speed only) |
3. Search for China Train Tickets | Click "Search" to view the available trains for your route and date. |
4. Choose Your Train and Class | Browse between high-speed trains (G, D, C classes) and ordinary trains (Z, T, K, L classes). Choose your preferred seat class: second class, first class, business class, hard seat, hard sleeper, etc. |
5, Select Your Seats | Use seat codes A, B, C, D or F to select your seat by location (window, aisle or middle). |
6. Enter Passenger Information | Provide the full names and passport numbers of all passengers. |
7. Review Your Booking | Carefully check again the China train number, departure/arrival time, seat class and passenger details. |
8. Make Payment | Trip.com accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, Paypal, Alipay, Wechat Pay, etc. |
9. Receive Confirmation | This may include an e-ticket or a booking number that you will use to collect your physical ticket at the train station |
10. Collect Your Ticket | Most stations allow direct boarding with electronic tickets. Others may require that electronic tickets be exchanged for paper tickets at the station before departure. |
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10 Tips for Booking Cheap Train Tickets China
It can be a bit difficult to buy cheap train tickets in China, especially during peak tourist periods such as national legal holidays or summer vacations. However, with some planning and flexibility, you can save money on your train trip. Here are some suggestions that can help you buy cheap train tickets in China.
1. Book China Train Tickets in Advance
Train tickets in China usually go on sale 15 days before departure. Booking tickets as early as possible can increase your chances of getting the cheapest seat, especially on long-distance trains.
2. Use Trip.com to Book China Train
Trip.com is the cheapest website/app for booking high-speed trains in China. It has a user-friendly interface and sometimes offers discounts.
3. Choose a Date with Cheap China Train Ticket Price
If possible, try to arrange your travel dates flexibly. The price of train tickets varies depending on the day of the week, the time of the day and whether it is close to a holiday. Midweek trips are usually cheaper than weekend trips.
4. Compare the Price between Bullet and Slower Trains
High-speed trains (G and D classes) are more expensive than slow-speed trains (Z, T and K classes). If you are not in a hurry, choose a slower train to save money.
5. Choose Hard Seats or Standing Tickets
For short trips, you can consider buying hard seats or even standing tickets, which are the cheapest options. However, it should be noted that these options may not be suitable for long-distance travel.
6. Avoid Peak Travel Times
Traveling during peak periods such as national legal holidays (like the Chinese New Year and National Day) and school holidays may be more expensive. If possible, plan your trip outside of these times.
7. Look for Discounts
Students, children and the elderly may be eligible for discounted tickets. Be sure to check whether you are eligible for the discount and have the necessary identification.
8. Travel in Off-Peak Hours
Tickets departing in the early morning or late at night may be cheaper than those during peak hours.
9. Use a Chinese Bank Card
Some discounts or promotions may only be available to users who use Chinese bank cards or payment systems such as Alipay or wechat Pay.
10. Check for Promotions
Occasionally, the railway companies will offer promotions or last-minute deals. Keep an eye on the official train ticket booking platforms or sign up for alerts.
*Remember, although saving money is important, you should also consider the overall travel experience. Buying a slightly more expensive ticket and a faster or more comfortable train might be worth it, especially for long trips.
Best Time to Book Cheap China Train Tickets
The “best time” depends on your travel goals, but here’s what to keep in mind when you book cheap china train tickets:
- For peak seasons (holidays, summer): Book 15 days in advance (the earliest possible window) to secure lower fares.
- For off-peak travel: Book 1–7 days in advance — prices are more stable, and you may still find deals.
- For last-minute trips: Check Trip.com for “last-minute” discounts or leftover seats, which sometimes get discounted.
Cheap Train Ticket Prices - across Popular Routes
Route | Train Type | Travel Time | Price Range |
G (High-Speed) | 4.5–6h | From $76.55 | |
D (High-Speed) | 12h | From $43.75 | |
G (High-Speed) | 8–10h | From $119.25 | |
D (High-Speed) | 10.5h | From $98.14 | |
G (High-Speed) | 11–12h | From $121.68 | |
K (Regular) | 35–36h | From $38.55 | |
G (High-Speed) | 1h | From $29.77 | |
G (High-Speed) | 1.5–2h | From $18.00 | |
D (High-Speed) | 2–3h | From $13.36 | |
K (Regular) | 4h | From $7.00 |
*The price varies depending on the exchange rate and date.
Plan Your China Railway Trip with Trip.com
- No Chinese ID required (unlike 12306)
- No complicated registration process
- Real English interface (no translation needed)
- 24/7 customer service in English, French, Japanese
- International credit cards accepted
- PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay available
- Get tickets immediately after booking
- No need to collect at station
12306 vs. Trip.com
When booking train tickets in China, travelers can choose between 12306, the official site of China Railway Corporation, and Trip.com, a reliable international travel agency. While 12306 allows users to book directly, it often experiences technical issues and offers support only in Chinese during limited hours. Conversely, Trip.com provides a user-friendly interface, multilingual 24/7 customer support, and accepts various payment methods, making it cheaper and more accessible for international travelers.
| Feature | 12306 | Trip.com |
| Booking Source | Official China Railway website | Best International travel agency |
| Additional Fees | No extra fees | Possible extra fees |
| Service Hours | 5 AM to 1 AM (11:30 PM on Thursdays) | 24/7 |
| Website Reliability | Occasional errors and crashes | Stable and user-friendly |
| Customer Service | Chinese only, limited hours | Multilingual, available 24/7 |
| Payment Options | Limited to local methods | International credit cards, AliPay, WeChat Pay |
| Additional Services | None | Hotels, flights, tours |
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FAQs about Cheap Train Tickets China
How far in advance should I book cheap train tickets China to get the best price?
It's best to book train tickets as soon as they become available, which is typically 15 days in advance for online bookings. This gives you the best chance to secure the cheapest tickets, especially for high-speed trains and during peak travel periods.Can I change my train ticket after purchase?
Yes, you can change your train ticket after purchase, but there may be restrictions and fees associated with changes, depending on the fare type and how close to the departure time you request the change.Is it possible to get refunds on train tickets in China?
Yes, it is possible to get refunds on train tickets. The refund policy usually involves a cancellation fee that increases as the departure time approaches. You can cancel tickets at the train station or through the booking platform you used to purchase the tickets.Should I buy train tickets in advance in China?
Yes, especially for peak seasons or long-distance trips. Tickets go on sale 15 days early, and early booking helps secure lower fares.Is train travel cheap in China?
Yes, especially for regular trains or short distances. High-speed trains are faster but cost more; regular trains offer budget-friendly options.Can foreigners buy a train ticket in China?
Yes. Foreigners can buy train tickets via platforms like Trip.com (easy for English speakers) or the official 12306.cn website (requires passport info).Which train ticket is the lowest price?
Yes, especially for regular trains or short distances. High-speed trains are faster but cost more; regular trains offer budget-friendly options.How to get the cheapest train travel in China?
Book in advance, choose regular/slower trains, travel during off-peak times/days, and use discount-eligible IDs (if applicable). Platforms like Trip.com also offer promotions.What happens if I miss my train in China?
If you miss your train, you can usually change to another train on the same day (subject to availability) or get a refund (with a small fee). Visit the ticket counter at the station for assistance.