1. Search train schedules
Search train schedules. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
How to Book a High-Speed Train Ticket in China
Booking train tickets with a passport? Read our new step-by-step guide for international travelers, with 30 photos and two real onboard videos. How to Buy High-Speed Train Tickets in China with a Passport →
A 23-photo example showing the Ctrip booking process, payment, ticket issuance, and finding your train.
Important for foreign visitors: The screenshots show one traveler’s example using a Chinese identity document. If you are booking with a passport, select the correct passport document type and enter the name and number exactly as shown on your valid passport. Bring the original passport to the station. App screens, accepted payment methods, prices, and procedures can change. Some sensitive parts of these screenshots have been deliberately hidden.
⬇ Download all 23 guide photos (ZIP)
Payment successful is not the same as ticket issued. Wait for the app to explicitly confirm that the train ticket has been issued. The example trip is G143, Beijing South to Xuzhou East, 14:09–17:01, second class. Always check your own journey date, fare and live boarding information.
Choose a train
2. Compare departure times and fares
Compare departure times and fares. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
3. Review ticket choices
Review ticket choices. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
Review your booking
4. Confirm passenger and trip details
Confirm passenger and trip details. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
5. Read the booking notice
Read the booking notice. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
6. Confirm your booking selections
Confirm your booking selections. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
7. Review the order before payment
Review the order before payment. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
8. Check the pending booking status
Check the pending booking status. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
9. Review your order summary
Review your order summary. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
Pay securely
10. Check an on-screen payment prompt
Check an on-screen payment prompt. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
11. Choose a payment method
Choose a payment method. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
12. Continue to the payment step
Continue to the payment step. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
13. Select a supported payment option
Select a supported payment option. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
14. Complete bank verification
Complete bank verification. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
Confirm ticket issuance
15. Return to the booking app
Return to the booking app. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
16. Find the relevant train order
Find the relevant train order. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
17. Check whether payment was received
Check whether payment was received. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
18. Review the order and issuance progress
Review the order and issuance progress. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
19. Contact support if issuance is delayed
Contact support if issuance is delayed. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
20. Confirm the ticket has been issued
Confirm the ticket has been issued. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
21. Check the final ticket and seat
Check the final ticket and seat. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
At the station
22. Read the train display at the platform
Read the train display at the platform. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
23. Check the boarding gate and carriage
Check the boarding gate and carriage. Check the app’s current instructions before continuing.
Before boarding
Arrive early enough for station security and identity verification. Use the live train information board to confirm the correct train and platform. In this example, the app displayed carriage 08 and seat 1F, but gate and platform details may change. Use your original passport or other valid document used for booking, not a screenshot alone.
Need more help? Station entry photo guide · Beijing South Station · More China travel guides