AdvancedForeign cards: VariesEnglish: Partial
12306
The official China Railway app for checking and booking train tickets.
Setup
20-45 minutes
Cards
Varies
English
Partial
Purpose
What this app is for
- Searching official train schedules and availability.
- Booking high-speed train tickets with passport passenger details.
- Checking train number, station, carriage, and seat information.
Setup
Setup steps
- Download the official China Railway 12306 app.
- Create an account or sign in.
- Add passport passenger information exactly.
- Complete identity verification if required.
- Search routes by city, station, date, and train number.
Daily use
Common use cases
- Checking official train schedules.
- Booking domestic high-speed trains.
- Confirming station, train number, seat, and boarding information.
- Comparing official availability with third-party platforms.
Troubleshooting
Common problems
- Passport verification can be difficult for some foreign users.
- Payment may not work smoothly with every foreign card.
- Wrong station selection is a common and costly mistake.
Related guides
Practical tasks that use 12306
Transport
How to Set Up 12306 as a Foreigner
Install China Railway 12306, prepare passport identity details, and understand when to use 12306 versus Trip.com.
Advanced·20-45 minutes·May 14, 2026
TransportEssential
How to Buy High-Speed Train Tickets in China
Use 12306 or a foreigner-friendly platform, enter passport details correctly, choose the right station, and board with confidence.
Medium·20-30 minutes·May 14, 2026