12306 App Guide for Foreigners: Book China Train Tickets with a Passport

Last reviewed: August 25, 2026

This 12306 guide for foreign travelers explains how China Railway ticketing works for visitors using passports. 12306 is the official China Railway ticketing system, but first-time foreign visitors should understand real-name ticketing, e-tickets, service hours, passport checks and backup options before booking.

For the full transport overview, start with our China transport guide: China transport guide

12306 guide for foreign travelers: the short answer

Foreign visitors should know:

12306 is the official China Railway ticketing website and app.
China uses real-name ticketing.
Foreign passengers can buy real-name tickets with valid passports according to 12306.
E-tickets are widely used.
The passport used for booking should be carried for station checks and boarding.
Station counters and travel platforms are useful backups.

What is 12306?

12306.cn is the official website of China Railway Customer Service Center, according to the 12306 English FAQ.

It can be used for:

ticket search;
ticket purchase;
changes;
refunds;
e-ticket information;
official railway rules and notices.

Can foreigners use 12306?

Yes, but preparation matters. The 12306 English FAQ says foreign passengers can purchase real-name tickets with valid passports according to related regulations.

It also says the 12306 English website accepts valid foreign passports according to related regulations.

E-tickets and ID checks

12306 explains that railway e-tickets can be purchased through 12306.cn or the 12306 mobile app, station counters, automatic machines in stations selling e-tickets, or railway ticket agencies.

Passengers should keep e-ticket information and the valid ID document used for purchase, and show that document when checking in and out of the station and boarding.

For foreign visitors, this usually means your passport.

12306 service hours

The 12306 English FAQ says information query and ticket refund services are available 24 hours a day. Ticket sales and endorsement services run from 5:00 to 1:00 the next day, with Tuesday listed as 5:00 to 23:30.

Do not leave urgent bookings to the middle of the night without checking current hours.

12306 or travel platform?

Use 12306 if you want the official channel and can complete setup.

Use a reliable travel platform if you need English support, easier payment, customer service or itinerary support.

Use station counters if online verification or payment fails.

Train booking apps guide: train booking apps in China

What to prepare before booking

Prepare:

passport;
exact passenger name;
passport number;
travel date;
correct stations;
payment method;
mobile data;
screenshot or offline copy of booking;
station names in Chinese and English.

Common mistakes

Do not enter a nickname.

Do not use the wrong passport number.

Do not confuse similarly named stations.

Do not print an itinerary sheet and assume it is the ticket.

Do not forget the passport used for booking.

Do not arrive at large stations too late.

How to use this transport guide on the ground

The practical part of China transport is not only choosing a train, metro or taxi. It is moving through large stations with luggage, using the right document at the gate, and leaving enough time for security checks and platform access. Build a buffer into the plan even when the official timetable looks simple.

For high-speed rail days, keep your passport, booking record and hotel address easy to reach. If you are using a ride-hailing app, copy the Chinese name of the station or hotel before you move. At large stations, follow the train number and departure hall rather than relying only on the English name of the city.

If a transfer looks tight, choose the slower but simpler option. A direct metro line, a later train or a hotel near the station is often better than a route that works only if every app, payment and security step goes perfectly.