中国の高速鉄道、切符はどう買う？外国人向け完全ガイド

I’ve taken China’s high-speed rail at least fifty times — Beijing to Shanghai, Chengdu to Chongqing, Guangzhou to Shenzhen — each time less hassle than flying. But the first time I tried buying a ticket, I spent two solid hours wrestling with the 12306 website.

Three Ways to Buy Tickets

Method 1: The 12306 App (Recommended)

1. Google Play）

The 12306 app is the official ticketing platform. After 2024, passport registration has improved:

1. Google Play)
2. Choose “passport registration,” enter your passport number and name (must exactly match your passport, including capitalization and spaces)
3. Once registered, search routes, select seats, and purchase
4. Supports Alipay / WeChat Pay / foreign credit cards

Pitfall: Name entry must exactly match your passport. If your passport name has hyphens or spaces, even one character difference can cause identity verification failure at the station gate.

Method 2: Trip.com

If 12306 feels too frustrating, Trip.com is an international-friendly alternative:

• English interface, direct passport registration
• Service fee ~¥20–30 per ticket
• Pros: English customer service, easier cancellation/changes than 12306
• Cons: Slightly more expensive, some niche routes not listed

Method 3: Station Counter

Bring your passport to the ticket counter at any train station — the queue might be long (especially during holidays), but the clerk handles everything.

How to Board

After purchasing, the boarding process:

1. Arrive at the station: 40 minutes early recommended (30 at origin stations, 40–50 at intermediate stops)
2. Security check: All luggage through X-ray, liquid restrictions similar to airports
3. ID check at gates: Passport holders use manual channels (Chinese ID holders use facial recognition auto-gates). This is the slowest part for foreigners — manual channels sometimes have only 1–2 windows open, 10–20 minute waits are normal
4. Find your waiting room and gate: Large screens show train numbers and corresponding boarding gates. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure
5. Board and find your seat: Ticket shows car number and seat number

Seat Selection Tips

Second class (most common) seats are labeled A/B/C/D/F — no E. A and F are window seats, C and D are aisle.

• Short trips (under 2 hours): Choose A or F for the view
• Long trips (over 4 hours): Choose C or D for easy bathroom and dining car access
• Business travel: First class is much wider, ~1.6× second class price, worth the upgrade

Practical Notes

Price reference: Beijing–Shanghai second class ~¥553/4.5 hours; Chengdu–Chongqing ~¥154/1.5 hours Food: Dining car and trolley service (boxed meals ¥40–60, overpriced) — bring your own WiFi: Most trains don’t have free WiFi; download entertainment in advance Refunds: Free if cancelled 8+ days before departure; 5–20% fee within 8 days

For scenic route recommendations, see Top 5 Most Scenic Rail Routes. For getting around after arrival, Ride-Hailing in China covers Didi usage. For payment setup, Mobile Payments in China handles both tickets and daily spending.

外链： China Admissions — High-Speed Rail Guide