Traveling by train is one of the best ways to see China. The trains are fast, comfortable, and connect almost every city. But if you’ve never booked train tickets in China before, it can feel confusing. That’s where China train apps come in handy. They help you find trains, book tickets, and check schedules easily. In this article, I’ll introduce the best train apps for travellers, so you can enjoy a smooth journey across China.
Top China Train Apps
Two of the most popular train apps are the official 12306 app and the international-friendly Trip.com app. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which one suits you best:
Feature | 12306 | Trip.com App |
Target Users | Mainly Chinese domestic travellers | International travellers |
Language Support | Chinese + Limited English | Multiple languages |
Payment Methods | Chinese bank cards, Alipay, WeChat | International credit cards, PayPal, etc. |
User Interface | Functional but complex | User-friendly and simple |
Customer Support | Chinese only | Multilingual support, 24/7 |
Extra Services | Basic ticket booking and train info | Also offers flights, hotels, attractions and more |
😆As a special treat, Trip.com is offering a 3% discount on your first train ticket booking. Simply claim your coupon and enjoy a seamless, affordable travel experience. Book now and start your journey with savings!
China Train App: 12306
12306 is the official train ticket app in China. It lets you check train times, book tickets, and see live updates. This app is used by millions in China every day and has the most complete ticket options.
👍Best for:
- ✔️Travellers who can read Chinese.
- ✔️Long-term visitors or students in China.
- ✔️Need full ticket choices and real-time updates.
Key Features for China Train Booking on 12306
- Check real-time train schedules
- Book tickets directly with China Railway
- Select a seat
- Get e-tickets linked to your passport
- View platform and delay updates
- Cancel or change tickets in-app
How to Book China Train Tickets on 12306 App?
1. Download & Install
Search for “12306” in your app store and install it.
2. Language Setting
If the App opens in Chinese, you’ll first need to agree with the terms and conditions by clicking “同意”. Then you can change the language to English. Click “我的”-“设置”-“语言设置”-“English”-“确定”.
3. Register & Login
On the main screen, tap “Me”-“Register” to begin the account creation process. Then enter your personal information, including name, gender, ID number (passport number), phone number, password and Email address.
You’ll receive a verification code. Enter it to complete registration.
4. Search for Trains
Enter your departure city and destination. Select your travel date. Tap “查询” (Search) to see available trains.
5. Choose Your Train & Seat
Browse the list. Select train number, departure/arrival time, and seat types (e.g., 二等座 = second class, 商务座 = business class). Tap your preferred option. Then click "Book".
6. Add Passenger
Choose from your saved passengers (linked via passport). Add a new passenger if needed, entering passport details.
7. Make Payment
Confirm order details. Pay using a Chinese bank card, Alipay, or WeChat payment.
8. Retrieve E‑ticket
After payment, you will receive an e-ticket with your ticket details. No need to print—just show your passport and QR code at the train station.
9. Check & Manage Your Booking
Go to “我的订单” (My Orders) to view or cancel. You can also change your ticket within the allowed time frames.
That’s all! Booking through 12306 can feel challenging at first, but once you know the steps, it becomes quite smooth.
Pros & Cons of Using 12306 App
✅ Pros
- Official app with full ticket availability
- Real-time train schedules and updates
- E-tickets linked directly to your passport
- Direct booking with China Railway (no third-party fees)
❌ Cons
- Complex registration for foreigners
- Only accepts Chinese payment methods
- Can be confusing for short-term visitors
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China Train App: Trip.com App
Trip.com is a popular app for booking China train tickets, especially for foreign travellers. It offers an English interface, clear steps, and easy payment with international cards or PayPal. You can check train times, book tickets, and get e-tickets. This makes train travel in China much easier for tourists.
👍Best for:
- ✔️Foreign travellers who don’t read Chinese
- ✔️Tourists needing easy English booking
- ✔️Users with international credit cards or PayPal
- ✔️Those who want customer support in English
- ✔️People booking multi-leg or round-trip journeys
Key Features for China Train Booking on Trip.com App
- Easy-to-use app with English interface
- Pay with international credit cards and PayPal
- Choose your seat (window or aisle)
- Get e-ticket pickup code—just show passport at station
- 24/7 customer service in English and other languages
- Book round trips or multiple trains in one order
- Alerts when tickets become available or confirmed
How to Book China Train Tickets on Trip.com App?
1. Download the App
Download the Trip.com app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Register or Log in
Register or log in with your email.
3. Select the “Train” Section
Open the app and tap the “Train” icon at the bottom menu.
4. Enter Your Trip Details
Fill in your departure city, destination, and travel date. Tap “Search” to see available trains.
5. Choose Your Train
Filter by time, train type, or seat class. Tap the train you want to book for more details.
6. Add Passenger Info
Enter the required information for each passenger, such as full name, passport number, and contact details. You can select your seats here if available.
7. Confirm and Pay
Review your order and price. Choose your payment method (international credit card, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay).
8. Ticket Confirmation
Once the payment is complete, you will receive a booking confirmation. You can access your e-ticket through the Trip.com App under the "My Bookings" section.
Booking with Trip.com is easy and perfect for foreign travellers thanks to the English interface and international payment. If you need help, just ask!
Pros & Cons of Using Trip.com App
✅ Pros
- Easy English interface, user-friendly
- Supports international payments (credit cards, PayPal)
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
- Book trains, flights, hotels and attractions all in one app
- Good for tourists and short-term visitors
❌ Cons
- Sometimes ticket availability lags behind the official site
- May not have the very latest real-time train updates
How to Use China Train Apps Effectively?
Source: Wikipedia
Know Your Travel Dates: Train tickets usually open 15–30 days before departure. Be ready to book right when they open.
Check Train Types and Seats: Understand train classes (high-speed, normal) and seat types (business, first, second class).
Keep Your E-Ticket Info Handy: Save your ticket QR code or pickup code for easy boarding.
Track Train Status: Check for delays or platform changes before heading to the station.
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Enjoy Smooth Train Travel in China
Source: Unsplash
Travelling by train in China can be easy and fun when you use the right app. For foreign travellers, Trip.com offers a simple English interface, international payments, and great support. If you speak Chinese and want full access, 12306 is the official choice.
Whichever app you pick, plan ahead and book early to get the best tickets. Safe travels and enjoy your train journey across China!