China Railway 12306
Why Choose 12306?
Official China Railway booking platform, safe and reliable
Official Platform
Authorized by China Railway Corporation, genuine tickets with no intermediaries
Real-time Search
Check real-time ticket availability, latest prices, and schedules nationwide
Easy Payment
Multiple payment options including Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank cards
E-Tickets
No physical ticket needed, just swipe your ID card to board
Why Choose China High-Speed Rail
World-Leading High-Speed Rail Network
Leading Speed
China high-speed rail operates at up to 350 km/h. Beijing to Shanghai takes only 4 hours 28 minutes.
Extensive Network
As of 2024, China's high-speed rail network exceeds 45,000 km, covering 31 provinces and over 200 cities.
High Punctuality
China HSR maintains a punctuality rate of over 99%, known as the world's most punctual railway system.
Safe & Reliable
Chinese HSR uses the most advanced safety technology, including automatic driving and real-time monitoring.
Comfortable & Convenient
Spacious seats, free WiFi, power outlets, dining cars. HSR offers business-class comfort.
Affordable Prices
Compared to flights and driving, HSR fares are more economical. Best value for trips under 500 km.
Popular High-Speed Routes
Explore the busiest rail routes in China
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about 12306 booking
Can foreigners use 12306?
How far in advance can I book?
How do I refund or change tickets?
What if I forget my password?
Strategies for peak travel periods
Spring Festival, the summer peak and the National Day holiday are the hardest times of year to get a seat. Beyond being online the moment tickets are released, these approaches tend to work better:
- Use the waitlist first β it is the official queue, it beats manual refreshing, and you can waitlist several trains at once.
- Widen the time window β going from "this train" to "this half-day" multiplies the options available.
- Consider neighbouring stations β big cities have several, and boarding where a train originates is easier than joining midway.
- Accept a connection β splitting the journey in two is often possible when the direct train is full; the connecting search suggests workable combinations.
- Watch the refund waves β tickets are released back into the pool around 48 and 24 hours before departure, when cancellations cluster.
Ticket types and concessions
| Type | Who it is for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | General passengers | Full fare by seat class; the standard ticket |
| Child | Children within the published age rules | Discounted per the rules; the child must be added as a passenger |
| Student | Eligible enrolled students | Requires student status verification; a limited number of discounted journeys per academic year |
| Disabled / veteran | Eligible categories | Handled per the published rules, usually with document checks at the station |
Exact eligibility and discount levels follow the railway's current rules, and the booking page indicates whether a concession applies. Child and student tickets may require supporting documents at the gate.
Refunds and changes in outline
Refunds
The fee depends on how far ahead of departure you cancel, rising as departure approaches; cancelling well in advance is normally free. Once the train has departed, online refunds are generally not possible.
Changes
A ticket can usually be changed once before departure, to a different date or train. You pay the difference if the new fare is higher and are refunded if it is lower. A ticket that has already been changed generally cannot be changed again.
If you miss your train
Deal with it as soon as possible within the permitted window; what you can do depends on the channel you booked through. Once the gate closes you cannot board, so allow enough time to reach the station.
The above is an outline of the general rules. Current rates, deadlines and scope are set by China Railway and take precedence.
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