8.2 How do I take the high-speed train in China?

Experiencing China’s world-famous high-speed rail (HSR) is one of the best ways to travel between cities. It is fast, comfortable and connects most major destinations. This guide walks you through the entire process from booking to arrival, step by step.

1. Booking tickets

For international travelers, online booking is the easiest and most reliable way to get high-speed train tickets. Your passport is the key ID document for the whole process.

Recommended options

Trip.com – Highly recommended for foreign travelers
- Full English interface
- Accepts international credit cards
- Clear seat classes and train options
Alipay / WeChat mini-programs – If you’ve already set up mobile payment, you can book inside the apps.
Railway 12306 (official app) – Has an English version, but registration and use can be complicated for first-timers.

Typical booking steps (similar across platforms)

Enter departure city, destination and travel date.
View available trains and choose one based on time and duration.
Select seat class: Second Class, First Class, or Business Class.
Add passenger information:
- Name must match your passport exactly.
- Choose document type Passport and enter your passport number.
Confirm the details and pay.
You’ll receive a booking confirmation in the app, by SMS or email.

Trip.com homepage showing how to select the train ticket service — **Figure 1: Trip.com – choosing the train ticket service**

Trip.com train search screen, showing how to enter departure city, destination and travel date — **Figure 2: Trip.com – searching for train tickets**

Trip.com train results list, showing how to choose a specific train and seat class — **Figure 3: Trip.com – choosing train and seat class**

Trip.com booking page, showing how to add passenger details, contact info and seat preferences — **Figure 4: Trip.com – filling passenger and contact information**

2. Getting to the station

Chinese high-speed rail stations are often very large and busy. Allow at least 45–60 minutes before departure, especially in big cities.

Many cities have multiple stations (e.g. Beijing South, Beijing West), so double-check your ticket and navigation app to make sure you are going to the correct station.

3. Entering the station and security checks

The station entry process usually has two steps:

ID check at the entrance
- Show your passport to the staff at the station entrance.
Security screening
- All luggage goes through an X-ray scanner.
- You walk through a metal detector, similar to airport security.
- Dangerous items (flammable, explosive, etc.) are strictly forbidden.

4. Finding the waiting area

After security, you enter a large waiting hall.

Your first task is to find the big departure board hanging above the hall.

Look for your train number (for example, G123).
On the same row, you’ll see the departure time, destination and the gate number (often labeled "Check-in" or "Gate").
Once you know your gate number, go to that waiting area and sit nearby.

Departure board in a Chinese train station, showing train number, origin, destination, departure time, platform and boarding status — **Figure 5: Train station departure board**

5. Ticket check and boarding

Boarding usually starts 15–20 minutes before departure.

Watch the screens at your gate and listen for announcements. When your train starts boarding:

Go to the automatic gates marked “ID / Passport” or similar.
Open your passport to the information page and place it face down on the scanner area.
The system will match your passport to your e-ticket and open the gate.

After passing the gate:

Follow the signs down to the platform (by escalator or stairs).
On the platform, look for signs or markings showing car numbers.
Match the Car No. on your ticket (e.g. Car 5) and wait in the correct area.

6. Onboard: luggage and seating

When the train arrives and stops, boarding is quick and orderly.

Large suitcases can be placed in the luggage racks at the ends of the car.
Smaller suitcases and backpacks can go on the overhead racks above the seats.
Find your seat number based on the labels above or beside the seats.

Interior of a second-class car on a Chinese high-speed train, showing clean rows of seats and a wide aisle — **Figure 6: Inside a Chinese high-speed train (Second Class)**

The ride is generally smooth and quiet. There are power outlets, tray tables and clean restrooms on board.

7. Arrival

Before arriving at your destination, there will be announcements in Chinese and English.

Pack your belongings in advance.
After the train stops completely, follow the crowd off the train.
Follow signs to “Exit” to leave the station.
You usually do not need to show your ticket again when exiting.

With this flow in mind, you’ll be able to use China’s high-speed rail system confidently and enjoy one of the world’s best train travel experiences.