Learn how to use China’s top train apps (12306 official, Trip.com) for foreigners—booking steps, refunds, more tips.
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- Eligibility: First-time Trip.com users booking China train tickets.
- How to Claim:
- Go to Trip.com’s "China Train" page → Look for the "3% Off New User" banner.
- Or just tap "Claim" below → The discount is automatically applied at checkout.
- Terms: Valid for 30 days after claiming; applies to one-way or round-trip tickets.
Overview of China Train Booking Apps
China’s high-speed rail (HSR) is the easiest way to travel between cities, and two apps handle most bookings: 12306 (China Railway’s official app) and Trip.com (a foreigner-friendly travel platform). 12306 is free and direct, but needs a passport to set up. Trip.com is simpler for non-Chinese speakers—it has English support and accepts global payments.
| APP | Core Feature | Foreigner Usage Key Point | Refund Method |
|---|---|---|---|
12306 (中国铁路官方) | Official ticketing | Can switch to limited English interface | App/website (fees based on cancel time) or station counter |
Multi-language support, international payments | No Chinese needed; 3% OFF Discounts; accepts Visa/Mastercard/PayPal, etc. | App "My Bookings" section (refunds to original account in 7-15 days) |
Trip.com China Train App - Foreigner-Friendly + 3% Off
Trip.com is ideal if you want English support, easy payments, or a discount. Its 3% new user promo makes it a top pick for first-time bookers.
How to Book China Train Tickets on Trip.com
- Go to Trains Section: App/website → Click "Trains" → Select "China".
- Search Route: Enter departure/destination (e.g., "Shanghai" to "Hangzhou"), date → Check "High-speed trains only".
- Complete Booking: Pick a train/seat class → Add passengers (enter passport number) → Fill contact info → Pay (Visa/Mastercard/PayPal/Alipay).
- Get E-Ticket: Receive QR code via email. Show passport + QR code at the station to board.
How to Get China Train Refunds on Trip.com
- Log in to Trip.com → Go to "My Bookings" → Find the train ticket you want to cancel.
- Tap "Refund" → Upload photos of your passport (for verification) → Confirm.
- Refunds go back to your original payment account in 7-15 working days.
12306 - China Train Official App
12306 is the only official app for China’s trains—no extra fees, just direct access to tickets. It’s not hard for foreigners, but you need to follow a few steps to set it up.
How to Register 12306 and Book Train Tickets
- Switch to English:
- App: Open 12306 → Tap the "My" tab (bottom right) → "Settings" (top right) → "Language" → Choose "English".
- Website: Go to 12306.cn → Click "English" in the top-right corner.
- Sign Up with Your Passport:
- Tap "Register" → Fill in your nationality, full name (must match your passport), passport number, passport expiration date, email, and create a username/password.
- Check your email (including spam) for an activation link—click it to activate your account.
- Book Your Ticket:
- Enter your departure city (e.g., "Shanghai Hongqiao"), destination (e.g., "Beijing South"), and travel date → Search for trains.
- Pick a train (look for "G" "C" or "D" types—these are high-speed).
- Add passengers: Go to "My Passenger" first to enter their passport details (you can add up to 15 people).
- Choose a seat class (2nd Class is the cheapest and most common) → Pay with an international credit card or UnionPay.
Refunds and Changes on 12306
The fee to cancel depends on how early you do it, and you can’t cancel once the train leaves:
- Cancel more than 8 days early: No fee.
- 48 hours to 15 days early: 5% of the ticket price.
- 24 to 48 hours early: 10% of the ticket price.
- Less than 24 hours early: 20% of the ticket price.
- Deadlines: Cancel 30 minutes before departure for mainland stations; 45 minutes before for Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.
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12306 vs. Trip.com: Which Is Better for Foreigners?
It depends on what you care about—no fees or easy use. Here’s a simple comparison:
| What Matters | 12306 | Trip.com |
|---|---|---|
Language | English (app/website), some small parts in Chinese | Full English (plus French/Japanese/Korean) |
Payments | International credit card, UnionPay | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay |
Support | Chinese-only, 9 AM–6 PM local time | 24/7 English support (chat/phone) |
Extra Fees | None | Small booking fee (but after using 3% Off, it may be cheaper) |
Ease for Beginners | A bit tricky first time | Very easy—step-by-step guides |
China Train Apps vs. Offline Booking: Which Is Better?
Most travelers choose online apps, but offline booking works if you prefer in-person help, I personally always choose online. Pls see the pros & cons,
| Booking Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Online (12306/Trip.com) | 24/7 access; fast; e-ticket (no printing) | Needs phone/internet; app learning curve | Most travelers (especially tech-savvy ones) |
Offline (Station Counter) | No phone/internet needed; staff help | Long lines (peak times); limited hours (8 AM–8 PM) | Seniors, tech-new users, or last-minute bookings |
Offline (Authorized 代售点) | Near neighborhoods; staff help | Extra fee (5–10 CNY per ticket); fewer locations | People without phones or internet |
China Train Tickets for: Seniors, Kids, Students
China's railways may offer discounts or special services to the elderly, children and students. Here are the ways to book for each group.
For Children (Under 18)
- Discount Rules:
- Children under 1.2 m in height: Free (no ticket, must go with an adult).
- Children between 1.2 m and 1.5 m in height: 50% off adult ticket price (applicable to all seat classes).
- Children over 1.5 m in height: Full price for adults.
- How to Book:
- 12306/Trip.com: Add a child as a passenger → Select "Child" (1.2-1.5 m) or "Adult" (over 1.5 m) → Enter passport/birth certificate number.
- Note: If the child does not have a passport, use their birth certificate information (reservations accepted).
For Seniors (60+)
- Discounts: There is no nationwide discount, but some routes offer a 10% discount to elderly people with Chinese ID cards (foreign elderly people can inquire about local discounts at the station counter).
- Convenient Services:
- Most stations have "Premium Priority" channels for security checks/registrations.
- On 12306, you can request a seat "near the exit" when booking a ticket (for greater convenience).
For Students (Full-Time)
- Discount rules: 50% off for adult second-class tickets (applicable to high-speed rail and regular trains).
- Eligibility: Full-time students (domestic or international), holding a valid student ID card (Chinese student ID cards must have a "Train Discount" sticker, foreign students should use the ID card issued by the school).
- How to Book:
- 12306: Enter "My Passengers" → Add student information → Select "Student Discount" → Upload a photo of the student ID card for verification.
- Trip.com: Contact 24/7 customer service to apply for a discount (you need to show your student ID at the station).
Useful Tips for Taking China Bullet Train
Booking is just the first step- the following suggestions can help your China train trip go smoothly,
Luggage Rules
- You can carry 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of luggage for free (the total size of each item cannot exceed 130 cm).
- Carry-on luggage must be large enough to fit under the seat or on the overhead luggage rack - do not bring too big items.
Arrive Early
Large stations (such as Shanghai Hongqiao or Beijing South Railway Station) are very large. Arrive there 30 to 60 minutes before the train departs, pass through security and find your platform.
E-Tickets Work Everywhere
You don't need to print a paper ticket - just show your passport and the QR code of your e-ticket at the revolving door (from 12306 or Trip.com). If you need a paper ticket for work, please bring your passport to the ticket office at the station to collect it.
[8% Off] Best China Hotel Recommendations
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQ about China Train Apps
Can foreigners use the 12306 app?
Yes. Foreigners can register with a valid passport, switch the app to English, and book tickets. Note that only passports are accepted for foreign user registration (no other IDs).How can foreigners buy train tickets in China?
Two main ways: 12306 app/website: Official platform, register with passport, pay via international card. Trip.com: Multi-language platform, accepts global payments, 24/7 support. In-person: Visit a train station ticket counter (show passport) or authorized agency.What apps to use for travel in China?
For trains: 12306 (official) or Trip.com (foreign-friendly). For navigation: Gaode/Baidu Maps. For hotels: Ctrip/Trip.com. For translation: Google Translate/Baidu Translate.Can foreigners easily use China's HSR?
Yes. China’s HSR is punctual, clean, and user-friendly—stations have English signs, and e-tickets simplify boarding. The main challenge is booking, which is solved with Trip.com’s multi-language support.Do I need to book trains in advance in China?
Yes, especially during peak times: Peak seasons: Chinese New Year (Jan-Feb), National Day (Oct 1-7), and weekends—book 15 days in advance (the earliest tickets go on sale). Off-peak: Book 3-7 days in advance to secure preferred seats (2nd Class sells out fast on popular routes).