China Train Tickets FAQ for Foreign Travellers
The questions people ask before booking their first Chinese train.
Booking and documents
What do I need to book? Your passport — the exact name and passport number as printed. We book against that document, so it must be the one you carry.
Can I use a different passport later? No. Tickets are issued against a specific document; you must board with the same passport you booked with.
How far ahead can I book? China Railway generally opens sales 15 days before departure, though this window shifts around peak travel seasons.
How far ahead should I book? For popular routes and holiday periods, as early as the window allows. Trains to and from Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an sell out regularly.
Tickets and boarding
Do I need to collect a paper ticket? Usually not. Your passport acts as your ticket — go to the staffed lane, have staff scan your passport, and board.
How early should I arrive? 45–60 minutes for high-speed rail. Large stations are big, and security plus passport scanning takes time.
Which seat should I choose? Second Class is comfortable and the standard choice. First Class gives wider seats and more quiet. Business Class is a fully reclining seat on selected trains.
Can I choose a window or aisle seat? Not reliably. Seat type is guaranteed; the exact seat within that class is assigned by the system.
Changes, delays and refunds
Can I change my train? Yes, before departure, subject to availability and China Railway’s own rules.
What does a refund cost? The deduction rises as departure approaches, and is highest inside the final 24 hours. The exact figure depends on China Railway’s schedule at that moment.
What if my train is delayed? Delays are uncommon on high-speed lines but do happen. Your ticket stays valid; station staff will direct passengers to rebooking counters if a service is cancelled.
What if I miss my train? Contact us immediately. Options depend on how soon you reach us and what else is running that day.
Practical details
How much luggage can I bring? Reasonable limits apply on high-speed trains; very large suitcases are better taken as checked luggage or shipped ahead.
Is there food on board? Most high-speed trains have a snack counter, and longer services have a dining car. You may also bring your own food.
Is there power and Wi-Fi? Power sockets are standard. Wi-Fi exists on some services but is unreliable — plan to use your own data.
Are there overnight trains? Yes. Sleeper trains carry hard sleeper and soft sleeper berths, and remain a good way to cover long distances while sleeping.
All train routes we cover
Every route below has a dedicated page with live timetables, USD fares and a direct booking link.