Book China High-speed Train Tickets Online

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    Book in 3 Minutes, Tickets Issued in 10 Minutes

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  • E-tickets Available

    E-tickets Available

    E-tickets on your phone for contactless travel

High-speed Rail Seat Types

Hong Kong's high-speed rail seat types are crafted for comfort and functionality, offering two classes: second and first class, to meet the needs of various travelers. Additionally, business class seats are available on mainland China high-speed trains.

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Second Class

Second class is the most common seating option on Hong Kong's high-speed rail, offering excellent value for both short commutes and long-distance travel. With a 2+3 seating layout (five seats per row), it provides moderate seat width and ample legroom. Adjustable seatbacks ensure a comfortable journey, while power outlets under the seats allow for easy charging of electronic devices. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the carriage, catering to both work and entertainment needs. Second class is economical and particularly ideal for passengers traveling short distances from Hong Kong to destinations like Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

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First Class

First class on Hong Kong's high-speed rail provides an upgraded seating option for travelers looking for extra comfort. Featuring a 2+2 seating arrangement (four seats per row), it offers more space and privacy than second class. Features like adjustable backrests, footrests, and folding tray tables make it easier to relax or work comfortably. Each seat is equipped with its own power outlet, and the quieter, more spacious carriage is ideal for long journeys or business travelers.

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Business Class (Only on Mainland China High-speed Trains)

Business class, available on select high-speed rail lines in mainland China, is the most premium seating option, catering to travelers seeking a luxurious experience. With a 1+2 seating layout, each row has three seats that recline almost 180 degrees, providing comfort akin to first-class airline seats. Passengers in business class can enjoy attentive service, high-quality dining, dedicated attendants, and plenty of luggage storage. It's the perfect choice for those traveling from Hong Kong to long-distance destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

Hong Kong High-speed Rail Travel Guide

Popular High-speed Rail Stations

Hong Kong's high-speed rail connects to several important stations, each designed with modern facilities to provide convenient travel experiences.

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Hong Kong West Kowloon Station

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, the starting point of the Hong Kong high-speed rail, has a modern design and juxtaposed controls, providing seamless cross-border exit and entry. The station has commercial areas, dining options, and connections to multiple MTR and bus lines, making it a key transportation hub linking Hong Kong to mainland China.

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Futian Station

Futian Station, situated in the heart of Shenzhen, is a key high-speed rail hub featuring a modern design and efficient transport links. It seamlessly connects with the metro and bus systems and offers shopping and dining options for passenger convenience, connecting Hong Kong and other cities in mainland China.

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Shenzhen North Railway Station

Shenzhen North Railway Station is Shenzhen's largest high-speed rail hub, connecting several lines, including the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway. It offers extensive facilities with numerous platforms and transfer passages. The station is linked to Shenzhen Metro lines 4, 5, and 6, providing convenient access to local transportation networks. It serves as a crucial transit hub for Shenzhen and the South China region.

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Beijing West Railway Station

Beijing West Railway Station is a major high-speed rail hub in northern China, facilitating travel to southern provinces and the northwest region. As the starting point for the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, the station is large and modern, featuring a wide range of shops and dining options. Additionally, it's conveniently linked to Beijing Subway Lines 7 and 9.

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Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is one of China's largest high-speed rail stations. Connected to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, it allows for seamless transfers between high-speed rail and air travel. The station offers a wide range of amenities, including dining and shopping options. It is also connected to Shanghai Metro Lines 2 and 10, providing convenient access to the Yangtze River Delta region and other parts of China.

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Guangzhou South Railway Station

Guangzhou South Railway Station is the largest high-speed rail station in Guangdong Province. As one of the terminus stations of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, this station connects several lines, including the Beijing-Guangzhou High-speed Railway, and features extensive transfer facilities. It provides dining, shopping, and other services to ensure passenger convenience.

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Wuhan Railway Station

Wuhan Railway Station is a central hub for high-speed rail in China, linking major lines such as the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway and the Wuhan-Shanghai section of the Huhanrong passenger-dedicated line. The station features modern amenities, including shops and dining options, and provides easy access to metro and bus networks. It plays a vital role as a transportation center for Hubei and nearby areas.

High-speed Rail Fares on Popular Routes

High-speed Rail Fares on Popular Routes

Adult and Child Tickets

High-speed rail offer various ticket types, including adult and child tickets. Adult tickets apply to passengers aged 12 and above and are priced at the standard fare. Child tickets are available for passengers aged 6 to 11, typically costing about half the price of adult tickets or offering a certain discount. Children aged 5 and under can travel for free, but they must share a seat with an accompanying adult and cannot occupy a separate seat. If a separate seat is needed, a child ticket must be purchased. Passengers should choose the appropriate ticket type based on their age and carry valid identification for verification when traveling.

Different Class Carriages

High-speed rail ticket prices are categorized into first class, second class, special class, or business class, based on passenger needs.

Published and Implemented Fares

High-speed rail fares are divided into "Published Fares" and "Implemented Fares." The published fare is the original ticket price, while the implemented fare is the actual selling price, usually lower than the published fare. These fares can be adjusted based on the season, promotional offers, or route demand, but they will never exceed the published fare. Since tickets are priced in CNY, fares in HKD will be adjusted according to the exchange rate, with updated prices announced on the first day of each month.

Boarding and Customs Clearance Process at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station

Boarding and Customs Clearance Process at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station Layout

West Kowloon Station boasts a sleek exterior design and is organized into five levels: the ground level, B1 ticketing concourse, B2 and B3 immigration levels, and the B4 platform level. It features an innovative structure with juxtaposed controls for entry and exit, efficiently managing arriving and departing passengers separately. The ground level serves as the main waiting area, complete with shops, restaurants, and convenience stores, and is seamlessly connected to the MRT and bus systems for easy access. On level B1, the ticketing concourse enables travelers to use their travel documents (cross-border e-tickets) to complete identity verification and ticket checks at either self-service gates or staffed counters, accompanied by security screening. The Hong Kong Port Area (West Kowloon Control Point) and the Mainland Port Area (West Kowloon Station Mainland Port) are located on levels B2 and B3, handling immigration and customs checks. The Hong Kong control point is staffed by Hong Kong Customs, the Immigration Department, and the Department of Health, while the Mainland immigration hall is staffed by mainland Chinese law enforcement officers who enforce Mainland laws and conduct border clearance checks. Level B4 is the high-speed rail platform area, featuring clear signage and comfortable seating, making it easy for passengers to find their trains, with emergency equipment in place for safety. The overall design enhances the travel experience by efficiently managing passenger flow and providing convenient services.West Kowloon Station boasts a sleek exterior design and is organized into five levels: the ground level, B1 ticketing concourse, B2 and B3 immigration levels, and the B4 platform level. It features an innovative structure with juxtaposed controls for entry and exit, efficiently managing arriving and departing passengers separately. The ground level serves as the main waiting area, complete with shops, restaurants, and convenience stores, and is seamlessly connected to the MRT and bus systems for easy access. On level B1, the ticketing concourse enables travelers to use their travel documents (cross-border e-tickets) to complete identity verification and ticket checks at either self-service gates or staffed counters, accompanied by security screening. The Hong Kong Port Area (West Kowloon Control Point) and the Mainland Port Area (West Kowloon Station Mainland Port) are located on levels B2 and B3, handling immigration and customs checks. The Hong Kong control point is staffed by Hong Kong Customs, the Immigration Department, and the Department of Health, while the Mainland immigration hall is staffed by mainland Chinese law enforcement officers who enforce Mainland laws and conduct border clearance checks. Level B4 is the high-speed rail platform area, featuring clear signage and comfortable seating, making it easy for passengers to find their trains, with emergency equipment in place for safety. The overall design enhances the travel experience by efficiently managing passenger flow and providing convenient services.

West Kowloon Station Customs Clearance Process

Hong Kong West Kowloon Station operates from 6:00 am to 12:00 am and serves as a cross-border railway station with juxtaposed controls for entry and exit between Hong Kong and mainland China. Passengers can start their entry and exit procedures, including identity verification, security checks, and customs clearance, up to 120 minutes before departure. These procedures usually take about 30 minutes. Travelers can use their travel documents (cross-border e-tickets) to complete identity verification and ticket checks at automatic ticket gates or staffed counters.

China High-speed Train FAQ

Ticket Booking and Pick-up
  • How do I book China train tickets?

    To book train tickets, please follow these steps:

    Step 1: Select departure and arrival stations

    Step 2: Select departure date

    Step 3: If you want to book a return ticket, select the return date

    Step 4: Choose the most suitable train from the list and confirm your desired seat class

    Step 5: Enter passenger and contact information

    Step 6: Choose payment method

  • How do I pick up China high-speed train tickets?

    China Railway and Hong Kong cross-boundary trains have fully implemented e-tickets, and paper tickets are not required for both adult and child tickets.

    If the ID document used for booking your ticket is a passport, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Residents, or PRC Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, please use the manually staffed channel to enter and exit the station. If the ID document used for ticket booking is a mainland Chinese ID card, you can directly swipe your ID card to enter and exit the station.

    In case of any issues, you can show your ticket pick-up number to the staff (which can be found on your train ticket booking details page).

Hong Kong Cross-boundary High-speed Trains
  • How do I take Hong Kong cross-boundary high-speed trains?

    To take the train, please follow these steps:

    1. Real-name Authentication and Ticket Check-in Go to the ticket hall on floor B1 and complete the real-name verification and ticket check-in process through the self-service gates or staff-assisted counters.

    2. Security Check Procedure Follow the instructions to complete baggage and security checks.

    3. Customs Clearance Procedure Go to the departure hall on floor B3 to complete immigration procedures for Hong Kong and mainland China.

    4. Boarding Go to the ticket gate for the train on floor B3, and present your ID document to enter the gate and board the train. The gate will open 15 minutes before departure and close 5 minutes before departure.

    5. Arrival at Mainland Chinese Stations Use the ID document used for ticket booking to exit the gate.

    On the day of taking the high-speed train, passengers can complete the real-name verification, security check, customs clearance, and boarding procedures as early as 120 minutes before the train departs, with the process taking about 30–45 minutes at the fastest.

    Additional time is required for travel on weekends, holidays, or during summer vacation, or for passengers using passports or who need to use the exit inspection counter.

  • How do I change Hong Kong cross-boundary high-speed train tickets?

    Once the train ticket has been changed successfully, it cannot be refunded.

    Passengers can only make one ticket change, and departure and arrival stations cannot be changed.

    If the price of the new ticket is higher than the original ticket price, the new ticket price must be paid in full, and the original ticket price will be refunded once the new ticket has been issued successfully. If the new ticket price is lower than the original ticket price, the difference will be refunded. A change fee of CNY 15 per person will be charged.

    For details, please refer to the ticket policy.

  • How do I get a refund for Hong Kong cross-boundary high-speed train tickets?

    Refunds should be processed no later than 30 minutes before the ticket's designated date and departure time. For tickets with Hong Kong West Kowloon Station as the departure or arrival station, refunds should be processed no later than 45 minutes before departure.

    Tickets that have been successfully changed cannot be refunded.

    For details, please refer to the ticket policy.

Chinese Mainland High-speed Trains
  • How do I take Chinese mainland high-speed trains?

    To take the train, please follow these steps:

    1. Enter the station Show the valid ID used when booking the ticket to station staff to enter the station. Valid ID types include passport, mainland Chinese ID card, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Residents, and PRC Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card. If required, you may need to show the relevant booking information.

    2. Find your gate Find the gate for your train on the electronic screen in the station. Head to the area near your gate and wait for boarding to begin.

    3. Go through the ticket gates If you booked e-tickets, information about the train station will be linked to your valid ID (such as passport, mainland China ID card, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Residents, and PRC Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card). When entering the gate, please show your ID to the attendant. On the platform, we recommend asking the attendant the correct boarding location for your car.

    4. Boarding Refer to the car and seat number on your booking details and find your seat.

  • How do I change Chinese mainland high-speed train tickets?

    What can be changed: Departure date, train number, seat class, and arrival station. Please note that according to Railway Administration regulations, you can only change the arrival station 48 hours or more prior to departure. Changes cannot be made within 48 hours.

    What cannot be changed: Departure station (except for intra-city stations), name, ID document, ID document type, etc. If there is a name error on your ticket, it cannot be modified through ticket changes.

    Each ticket can only be changed once. Once a ticket has been successfully changed, it cannot be changed again.

    Tickets that have been printed for reimbursement and purchased using cash payment can only be changed at a station ticket window, and you will need to return your paper ticket.

    If your ticket has been issued directly from 12306 China Railway, you cannot make changes between 23:30 each Tuesday and 05:00 the next day. Change requests submitted during this time will be processed after 05:00 on Wednesday.

    If the price of the new ticket is higher than the original ticket price, the new ticket price must be paid in full, and the original ticket price will be refunded once the new ticket has been refunded successfully. If the new ticket price is lower than the original ticket price, the difference will be refunded. A change fee of CNY 15 per person will be charged. For change fees and other details, please refer to the ticket policy.

  • How do I get a refund for Mainland China high-speed train tickets?

    Before departure: You can request a ticket refund on the Trip.com app.

    After departure: Tickets cannot be refunded. On the day of departure, you can change to another train on the same day for free, or you can change to a future train. If no changes are made on the day of departure, the ticket will become void.

    If you already have a paper ticket for reimbursement: You can first request a ticket refund on the Trip.com app and then, within 180 days, bring your original ID used at the time of booking to the station ticket window to complete the refund process and return your paper ticket for reimbursement. Only then can the Railway Authority issue a refund.

    If your ticket was issued by a manual assistant, Trip.com will charge a CNY 15 manual change fee per person. If your ticket was directly issued from the official 12306 China Railway website, no manual change fee will be charged.

Transfer
  • How do I transfer to another high-speed train?

    If you have a long transfer duration, after getting of your train, you may want to ask station staff whether there's a way to directly access the waiting area for your connecting train. If there isn't, you'll need to exit and re-enter the station.

    If the transfer duration is short, after getting off at the transfer station, we recommend asking station staff how to get to the platform for your connecting train.

    If you are unable to make your connecting train because the first train on your itinerary was delayed, you can change your ticket to another train departing on the same day before 23:59. If you're unable to change your ticket, please go to a station ticket window and request a refund. Generally, there won't be a fee for doing this, but policies vary by station and Trip.com cannot accept liability in the event you are charged.

    If passengers incur ticket-related losses due to uncontrollable factors, Trip.com cannot accept liability.