China Railway 12306 App: Guide to Booking, Collecting, Refunding Tickets, and Boarding Trains

Post date: 2025-04-25 | Categories: China Travel

The China Railway 12306 website is the official platform for purchasing train tickets in China. In addition to the website, there is also an official mobile app, which is more convenient to use than the web version. This article provides a detailed guide on how to use the 12306 App to book train tickets in China, as well as the procedures and important notes regarding ticket purchases, refunds, changes, ticket collection, and riding high-speed rail trains in mainland China.

China Railway operates various types of trains, with the fastest being high-speed rail (HSR). Besides HSR, there are also bullet trains (D-series), intercity trains (C-series), and other types of trains. High-speed rail services are designated with a “G” prefix, bullet trains with a “D” prefix, and intercity trains with a “C” prefix. The 12306 platform allows users to purchase tickets not only for HSR but also for other types of China Railway trains.

The following tutorial explains how to purchase train tickets in China using the mobile app. If you prefer using the web version on a computer, you can also book tickets on the China Railway website, where the process is largely similar, though the interface differs slightly.

In addition, the 12306 APP also has an English version, but the content is simpler than the Chinese version. If you don’t want to use the Chinese version, you can convert it to the English version according to the steps below. (Note: The ticket purchase instructions in this article use the Chinese version of the 12306 APP.)

Below are the official website and download links for the China Railway 12306 mobile app:

In addition to booking tickets online via the 12306 website or app, you can also purchase tickets offline at station ticket offices, authorized ticket agencies, or travel agencies. Alternatively, you can book through online travel platforms such as Trip.com or Klook, where you can purchase short-haul HSR tickets between Hong Kong and mainland China.

The online ticketing platform is available in different language versions. If you find it difficult to use the official platform, you can purchase tickets through the online ticketing platform.

Below are links in Trip.com and Klook for booking mainland train tickets:

Booking through third-party agents usually incurs service fees, making tickets slightly more expensive than purchasing directly from official platforms or stations. However, Trip.com and Klook often offer discount codes for HSR tickets, which may sometimes make their prices cheaper than the official platform.

Children under 6 years old can ride for free when accompanied by an adult, but they will not have a seat. Children under 14 are eligible for a 50% discount on tickets. However, discounted tickets can only be purchased through the 12306 app, website, or station ticket offices—third-party agents only sell full-price tickets.

Table of Contents

I. How to Book China Train Tickets Using the 12306 App
II. Refunds and Changes
- 1. Refunds
- 2. Changes
III. Ticket Collection
IV. Boarding China’s High-Speed Rail
V. Other Features of the Mobile App

I. How to Book China Train Tickets Using the 12306 App

The process for booking train tickets via the 12306 app is as follows:

Register an account;
Add passenger information;
Search for tickets;
Select a train;
Choose a seat class;
Select passengers;
Set seat preferences;
Submit the order;
Make payment;
Complete the booking.

1. Registering a 12306 Account

To purchase train tickets on China Railway 12306, you must first register for an account. The registration process is straightforward and user-friendly.

In addition to mainland Chinese residents, residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, as well as foreigners, can register for an account. Acceptable identification documents include the Hong Kong and Macau Resident Travel Permit (Home Return Permit), Taiwan Resident Travel Permit (Mainland Travel Permit), residence permits for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents, or a foreign passport. For phone numbers, you can use a mainland number or one from Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.

Here’s how to register for an account:

(1) Open the app, go to “铁路会员”(Railway Member), tap “立即登录”(Log In) and then select “注册”(Register) on the login page. (Note: The login page can also be accessed from other links.)

(2) Set a username and password, then fill in your personal details, including ID type, name (Note: use simplified Chinese characters), gender, date of birth, ID number, ID expiry date, and contact information (phone number or email). After completing the form, check the box to agree to the terms and conditions, then tap “下一步”(Next) to confirm the details. A verification code will be sent to your phone or email. Enter the code and tap “完成注册”(Complete Registration).

After submitting your registration, your identity will be verified (real-name authentication). This process is usually completed instantly. Once verified, you should see “已实名认证“(Verified) under the “我的”(My Account) section after logging in with your username and password.

If verification is not completed within 24 hours, it may be due to a system issue. Try clicking “未实名认证”(Unverified) under “我的”(My Account), modify your details, resubmit them, log out, and log back in. This should resolve the issue.

2. Adding Passenger Information

China’s train ticketing system requires real-name registration, so you must add passenger details before booking tickets. Once verified, you can select passengers directly from your saved list. After registering and verifying your account, your own details are automatically added as a passenger. If you only plan to book tickets for yourself, no further action is needed. However, if you’re booking for others, you must add their details first.

Here’s how to add passenger information:

(1) In the app, go to “我的”(My Account), tap “乘车人”(Passengers) in the top-left corner, then select “添加”(Add) in the top-right corner.

(2) Fill in the passenger’s details, including ID type, name (Note: use simplified Chinese characters), gender, date of birth, ID number (Note: If using a Home Return Permit, omit the renewal count), ID expiry date, discount type (select “Child” for passengers under 14, “Student” for those with a mainland student ID, or “Adult” otherwise), and contact information. Tap “完成”(Complete), confirm the details, and then tap “确认”(Confirm) to finish adding the passenger.

After adding a passenger, their identity must also be verified. This is typically done instantly. To check, go back to the “乘车人”(Passengers) section and tap the passenger’s name. If verified, you’ll see “已通过“(Approved) under “审核状态”(Verification Status). If verification isn’t completed within 24 hours, try deleting the passenger and re-adding them.

3. Booking Train Tickets

Registering an account and adding passenger information are preparatory steps. The actual ticket booking process begins with searching for tickets.

The full process for booking HSR tickets is: Search for tickets → Select a train → Choose a seat class → Select passengers → Set seat preferences → Submit order → Make payment → Complete booking.

China Railway tickets go on sale 14 days before the travel date. For example, tickets for October 31, 2024 (Thursday) will be available from October 17 (Thursday). However, sale times vary by station. For instance, Zhuhai Station opens sales at 14:00, while Hong Kong West Kowloon Station starts at 8:00. Some stations may also have different sale times for different trains. During peak seasons like the Spring Festival, Labor Day, and National Day holidays, tickets sell out quickly, so it’s essential to book as soon as sales open.

If you’re concerned about securing tickets during peak times, consider booking through Trip.com or Klook, which offer ticket reservation services. You can place an order before tickets go on sale, and the platform will attempt to secure them for you. Below are links to their booking pages:

(1) The first step is to search for tickets. On the app’s homepage, select the departure station, destination station, and travel date, then tap “查询车票”(Search). The results will show all available trains for the selected route, including departure/arrival times, duration, and train numbers (G for HSR, D for bullet trains, C for intercity trains). The remaining ticket count for each train is also displayed. Results are sorted by departure time by default, but you can reorder them by travel duration.

Note: If a station isn’t listed, you can search for it by name, but only using simplified Chinese characters.

(2) Select your preferred train and seat class (HSR typically offers Business, First, and Second Class). Tap “选择乘车人”(Select Passengers) and choose from your saved list.

(3) Seats are randomly assigned by the system, but you can specify preferences like window or aisle seats. After selecting passengers, set their seat preferences and tap “提交订单”(Submit Order). The system will assign seats based on your preferences. Confirm the booking and tap “立即支付”(Pay Now) to proceed.

【Note】Most HSR seats are arranged in rows (left image below), but some cars have face-to-face seating with a table in the middle (right image). This setup is ideal for families or groups but may be awkward if you’re seated with strangers for hours.

To avoid this, refer to Part V (Other App Features) to check the seating layout of your train before booking. If assigned an undesired seat, you can cancel and resubmit the order for a new assignment. Note: You can only cancel three times per day; exceeding this limit will block further bookings for the day.

(4) Payment methods include mainland bank cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and international credit cards. For international cards, select “国际卡”(International Card), tap “提交支付”(Submit Payment), then enter the card number, expiry date, and CVV. Check the agreement box and tap “下一步”(Next).

(5) A verification code will be sent to your registered phone number. Enter the code and tap “SUBMIT.” After verification, you’ll be redirected to a payment confirmation page (similar to the previous step). Tap “确认支付”(Confirm Payment) to finalize the transaction.

After successful payment, a confirmation page will appear. Tap “订单详情”(Order Details) to view the ticket information, including departure/destination stations, departure/arrival times, and assigned seat numbers.

To view booked tickets, go to the “订单”(Orders) section in the app, tap “已支付”(Paid), and select the order.

4. Free Travel for Children

Each adult with a full-price ticket can bring one child under 6 for free, but the child won’t have a seat. If a seat is needed, a half-price child ticket can be purchased. To register a free child passenger, follow these steps:

(1) First, add the child as a passenger. (Refer to the “Adding Passenger Information” section.)

(2) Go to “订单”(Orders) → “已支付”(Paid Orders), and under “未出行订单”(Upcoming Trips), tap “免费乘车儿童申报”(Register Free Child Passenger).

(3) Select the accompanying adult, tap “添加免费乘车儿童”(Add Free Child Passenger), choose the child from your passenger list, and tap “确认”(Confirm) to complete the registration.

5. Using Self-Service Ticket Machines

If online booking isn’t an option, you can purchase tickets at station ticket offices, though queues may be long. Alternatively, use self-service ticket machines, but you must first register a contact phone number in the system. If you’ve already registered or added yourself as a passenger on 12306, your number is already on file. Otherwise, use the “Contact Information” function on the machine to register.

Using the machine is simple: Tap “购票”(Buy Tickets), select the destination station (the departure station is preset to the machine’s location) and travel date, choose a train and seat class, scan your ID at the designated spot, and complete the payment.

II. Refunds and Changes

Refunds cancel a ticket order and provide a reimbursement, while changes allow modifications to the travel date, time, train, seat, class, or destination. (Note: Rules for Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link tickets differ. The following applies to mainland tickets unless otherwise noted.)

1. Refunds

Refunds can be requested anytime before the train’s departure time but not afterward. (Note: For Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link tickets, refunds must be requested at least 30 minutes before departure, or 45 minutes for trains departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.)

Refund fees depend on how far in advance the request is made. If submitted more than 8 days before travel, no fee is charged. For requests made within 8 days but more than 48 hours before departure, a 5% fee applies. Within 48–24 hours, the fee is 10%, and within 24 hours, it’s 20%. No refunds are issued after departure.

Below is the official refund fee schedule. For details, click here.

Note: Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link tickets have higher refund fees and no free cancellation. Below is their fee schedule.

Refunds can be processed online via the 12306 website or app, or offline at station ticket offices or self-service machines. The refund method depends on the original payment method and whether the ticket was collected.

For non-cash payments where the ticket wasn’t collected, the refund (minus any fees) is automatically returned to the original payment method (e.g., credit card).

For cash payments or collected tickets, after requesting a refund online, you must visit a station ticket office within 180 days with the original ID and ticket (if collected) to receive the refund. Lost or damaged tickets are non-refundable.

Below is the official refund method guide.

To process refunds on the official platform, you must log in to your account. For tickets booked via 12306, log in and select the order under “Upcoming Trips” to initiate a refund. For tickets booked elsewhere, use the “快捷退票”(Quick Refund) feature on the website or app, verify your identity, and enter the booking ID to locate the ticket.

Below is the app refund process for tickets booked on the official platform:

(1) Go to “订单”(Orders) → “已支付”(Paid Orders), and under “未出行订单”(Upcoming Trips), select the ticket to refund.

(2) Tap “退票”(Refund), select the passenger(s), and tap “立即退票”(Refund Now).

(3) Tap “确定退票”(Confirm Refund) → “继续”(Continue) to complete the process. The refund confirmation will show the original price, fees, and net refund amount. Refunds to mainland bank cards, Alipay, or WeChat Pay are instant; credit card refunds may take longer depending on the issuer.

2. Ticket Changes

Ticket changes include modifying the travel time (including travel date and train number), seat type, ticket class (e.g., changing from second class to first class), or destination station. Different types of changes have different requirements regarding the timing of the change. Additionally, note that each ticket can only be changed once.

If you need to change the travel date, the change must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time, and the new travel date must fall within 15 days of the original date. Changes cannot be made to a date more than 15 days later. If the change is requested less than 48 hours before departure, you can only switch to a train departing on the original travel date. For changes to the destination station, the request must also be made at least 48 hours before departure.

If you miss your original train due to being late, you can still change your ticket after the train has departed, but only to another train scheduled for the same day.

Below is the official explanation of the ticket change policy.

Changing the destination station or ticket class may result in a price difference. If the new ticket price is higher, you will need to pay the difference. If the new price is lower, the difference will be refunded according to the refund policy after deducting any applicable service fees.

Note: For tickets on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail, changes must be requested at least 30 minutes before departure. For trains departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, changes must be made at least 45 minutes before departure.

The method for changing tickets depends on the original payment method and whether the ticket has been collected. If the ticket was purchased online through the China Railway website or mobile app and has not been collected, changes can be made online via the 12306 website or app. Alternatively, you can visit the station ticket office or use a self-service ticket machine.

If the ticket has already been collected or was purchased with cash at the station ticket office or self-service machine, changes can only be made at the station ticket office, and the original ticket must be returned.

Below is the official explanation of the ticket change process.

Here is the step-by-step process for changing the travel time of a train ticket purchased on the official platform via the mobile app:

(1) Go to the “订单”(Orders) tab, select the “已支付”(Paid Orders) section, and click on the ticket order you wish to change under “未出行订单”(Upcoming Trips). Then, click “改签”(Change) on the ticket. (Note: If the order includes tickets for multiple passengers, you must first select the passenger(s) whose ticket(s) you want to change and then click “立即改签”(Change Now).)

(2) After clicking “确定”(Confirm), set the new travel date and click “查询车票”(Search for Tickets). From the search results, select the train you wish to take.

(3) Select the ticket class and seating preference, then click “提交订单”(Submit Order). Review the change details and click “确认改签”(Confirm Change),” followed by “确定”(Confirm) to complete the process. (Note: If the change involves paying a price difference, you will need to complete the payment step.)

III. Collecting Tickets

When traveling by train in mainland China, you can use the ID document used for purchasing the ticket to pass through the gates—no physical ticket is required. This applies whether you use a mainland ID card, residence permit, Home Return Permit, Taiwan Compatriot Permit, or foreign passport. However, if you need a physical ticket for reimbursement, as a souvenir, or as a backup in case of issues with your ID, you can collect one at the station’s self-service ticket machines before your trip.

As mentioned earlier in the “Refunds and Changes” section, refunds or changes for tickets that have already been collected are more complicated. Therefore, it is recommended to collect the ticket only shortly before your trip if needed. For reimbursement purposes, you can also collect the ticket after your journey, as tickets can be collected within 180 days of the travel date. Note that tickets collected after the trip cannot be used for travel—they are only for reimbursement or as keepsakes.

How to Use Self-Service Ticket Machines?

Train stations typically have both self-service ticket vending machines and self-service ticket collection machines. While they look similar, their functions differ: vending machines can purchase tickets but cannot print them, while collection machines can print tickets but cannot purchase them. Both types of machines can handle changes, refunds, registering free travel for children, and updating contact information.

The image below shows a self-service ticket vending machine on the left and a self-service ticket collection machine on the right. The collection machine is labeled with “本样可取报销凭证”(This machine can print reimbursement receipts).

Here is the process for collecting tickets using a self-service ticket machine:

(1) On the machine’s screen, select “领取报销凭证”(Print Reimbursement Receipt) (Note: Since train travel now uses ID verification, physical tickets are mainly for reimbursement purposes.), then choose “近30天内乘车凭证”(Tickets for Travel Within 30 Days) (Note: If you are collecting a ticket more than 30 days after your trip for reimbursement, select “30-180天内乘车凭证”(Tickets for Travel 30-180 Days Ago).), and finally select the type of ID used for the purchase.

(2) Place your ID on the card reader. Once the system retrieves your ID information and purchase records, it will display the tickets available for collection. Select the ticket(s) you wish to print and click “确定”(Confirm) to proceed.

【Tip】For tickets linked to your member account, you can view them in the mobile app. Go to the “订单”(Orders) tab, click “本人车票”(My Tickets), and the e-ticket will be displayed. Click “二维码检票”(QR Code for Ticket Check) to generate a QR code, which can be scanned at the station gates—no ID is required.

IV. China High-Speed Rail Travel Process

Passengers entering a train station to board a train must pass through two gates: the first is the security checkpoint to enter the waiting area, and the second is the ticket validation gate to access the platform.

1. Entry, Security, and Ticket Validation

The process for passing through the security checkpoint is similar to using automated gates at customs, except fingerprint scanning is not required. Place your ID (mainland ID card, residence permit, Home Return Permit, or Taiwan Compatriot Permit) face down on the designated reader, then complete facial recognition. Once verified, the gate will open, allowing you to proceed.

If the automated gate cannot read your ID or you are traveling with children, you can use the manual channel nearby. Present your ID to the staff for verification. After passing through security, your luggage will be scanned by an X-ray machine. Note that knives or scissors with blades longer than 6cm are not permitted.

Once in the waiting area, check the display screens for boarding announcements. Gates typically open 13-15 minutes before departure.

The process for passing through the ticket validation gate is the same as for the security checkpoint—use your ID and facial recognition. Manual channels are also available if you encounter issues with the automated gates.

2. Luggage Racks and Charging

For many travelers, luggage storage is a key concern. High-speed rail carriages have limited dedicated luggage racks for large items. If you board late, you may struggle to find space. Overhead racks are only suitable for small carry-on items and cannot support heavy luggage. If the dedicated racks are full, you can place your luggage in any unobstructed area.

Seats are equipped with charging ports underneath, so you can bring your own charger.

V. Other Features of the Mobile App

In addition to purchasing tickets and handling refunds or changes, the Railway 12306 mobile app offers many other useful features.

1. Checking Train Status

The app allows you to check train status, including stops, arrival and departure times, and layover durations. You can also view train layout maps, showing seat arrangements and the locations of key facilities like luggage racks, restrooms, nursing rooms, water dispensers, and charging ports.

To check train status, you’ll need the departure station, destination station, travel date, and train number. In the app, go to “全部应用”(All Services), select “列车状态”(Train Status) under “出行导向”(Travel Guide), and enter the required information to view details.

2. Viewing Station Layouts

The app also provides station layout maps and indoor navigation.

3. Booking Hotels

Beyond train-related services, the Railway 12306 website and app also offer flight tickets, bus tickets, air-rail combined tickets, taxi bookings, and hotel reservations.

【Tip】For booking hotels and flights in mainland China, I usually use Trip.com. Trip.com is the overseas platform of Ctrip, China’s leading travel service. It offers the same range of mainland hotels and homestays as Ctrip, making its selection much broader than foreign platforms like Agoda or Hotels.com. Based on my experience, Trip.com also offers the best prices for mainland hotels and flights—often cheaper than both international and local platforms.