How do I take high-speed trains in China?
Published: April 29, 2026
Short Answer
Taking high-speed trains in China is easy and affordable. Book tickets through Trip.com (English-friendly) or 12306 (official, Chinese only), arrive at the station 45-60 minutes early for security and ID checks, and board with your passport. Trains are fast (up to 350 km/h), clean, comfortable, and connect nearly every major city in China.
Chinese high-speed bullet train at a modern station
Deep Dive
How to Book Tickets
Trip.com (recommended for foreigners)
- English interface, accepts foreign credit cards
- Search by city name in English
- Choose your train, seat class, and pay
- E-ticket is linked to your passport -- no paper ticket needed
- Small booking fee (around $1-3 USD per ticket)
- Book up to 15 days in advance
12306 (official railway app)
- Chinese language only (use camera translate)
- No booking fee
- Requires Chinese phone number for registration
- Accepts some foreign cards now, but can be glitchy
- Book up to 15 days in advance
Seat Classes
- Second Class (er deng zuo) -- 5 seats per row, 2+3 configuration. Perfectly comfortable for most trips. This is what most people book. Beijing to Shanghai costs around 550 RMB ($75 USD).
- First Class (yi deng zuo) -- 4 seats per row, 2+2. More legroom, wider seats. About 50-60% more expensive than second class.
- Business Class (shang wu zuo) -- Lie-flat seats, meals included. 2-3x the price of second class. Available on newer trains.
- Standing/No Seat (zhan piao) -- Cheapest option, you stand in the aisle. Only recommended for short trips under 1 hour.
What to Expect at the Station
- Arrive 45-60 minutes early -- you need to pass through security and ID check
- Find the entrance -- large stations have multiple entrances; check which one is closest to your waiting hall
- Security screening -- bags go through X-ray, just like an airport but faster
- ID verification -- scan your passport at the gate or show it to staff
- Find your waiting hall -- screens show which hall your train departs from
- Boarding -- gates open about 15 minutes before departure
- Find your seat -- car number and seat number are on your ticket
Luggage Rules
Officially, each passenger can bring up to 20kg of luggage. In practice, nobody weighs your bags. Large suitcases fit in overhead racks or luggage areas at the end of each car. There's no checked luggage on high-speed trains.
Food on Board
- Dining car -- located in the middle of the train, serves hot meals (30-60 RMB / $4-8 USD)
- Instant noodles -- the classic Chinese train food, hot water is free at the end of each car
- Vendors -- staff walk through selling snacks, drinks, and boxed meals
- Bring your own -- plenty of people bring food from outside. Convenience stores at stations sell bento boxes, fruit, and snacks
Tips for Foreigners
- Your passport is your ticket -- always carry it. You need it to enter the station and board
- Trains are punctual -- they leave on time, to the second. Don't be late
- Quiet car -- some cars are designated quiet zones; avoid phone calls there
- Charging -- outlets are available at every seat (USB and standard outlets)
- Wi-Fi -- most trains have free Wi-Fi, but it's slow and requires a Chinese phone number
- Stations are huge -- Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Guangzhou South are massive. Allow extra time to navigate
Popular Routes and Times
| Route | Duration | Second Class Price |
|----|----|----|
| Beijing - Shanghai | 4.5 hours | ~550 RMB ($75) |
| Beijing - Xi'an | 4.5 hours | ~520 RMB ($70) |
| Shanghai - Hangzhou | 1 hour | ~75 RMB ($10) |
| Guangzhou - Shenzhen | 30 min | ~75 RMB ($10) |
| Chengdu - Chongqing | 1.5 hours | ~150 RMB ($20) |