How to Book China Train Tickets

Use the official 12306 English service and avoid the most common passport-name mismatch.

The short answer

Your passport is the travel credential. Enter passenger details exactly as required by 12306 and keep that passport with you for the journey.

Step by step

What to do

01
Start with the official English service
Create or use your account at the official 12306 English website. Confirm you are on 12306.cn before entering identity or payment details.
02
Match the passenger details to the passport
The official FAQ accepts valid foreign passports. Enter the passenger information carefully and use the same passport for the trip.
03
Save the itinerary offline
Keep the train number, departure station in Chinese, departure time and seat details available even if mobile data fails.

When Plan A fails

If verification or payment fails, read the official FAQ before buying again through an unknown reseller.
Leave extra time at large stations for security and wayfinding.
Check which city station you booked; major cities have several stations far apart.

Evidence