04 — Before you fly
Trains & flights in China
火车
High-speed rail is how China travels: 350 km/h (217 mph), city-center to city-center, and usually the better choice over flying for under 1,200 km (750 mi). Foreign passports can now book everything online.
Quick checklist
- 01The official 12306 app has an English mode and accepts foreign passports and international cards.
- 02Book early for weekends and holidays — popular routes sell out.
- 03Arrive at the station 40–60 minutes early: security plus passport checks take time.
- 04Your passport is your ticket — scan it at the gates, no paper needed.
Train vs plane
Under about 1,200 km (750 mi), high-speed rail wins on total journey time: stations are central, security is quick, and there's no two-hour airport buffer. Beijing–Shanghai (1,318 km / 820 mi) takes 4.5 hours city-center to city-center.
Fly when crossing the country (e.g. Shanghai–Urumqi) or when train times are awkward. Book domestic flights on English platforms that accept foreign cards.
Booking with a foreign passport
The official 12306 app (China Railway) has an English interface and accepts foreign passports and international cards. English-language booking platforms add a small service fee but handle changes and refunds more smoothly.
Second class is comfortable and what most people ride; first class is wider and quieter; business class on flagship routes rivals airline flatbeds.
Station day survival
Arrive 40–60 minutes early. You'll pass luggage security, then a passport gate — look for the manual lane if the scanner balks at foreign documents. Gates close 3–5 minutes before departure.
Stations are huge and signage is bilingual. Your carriage and seat number are on the booking confirmation; the platform displays match train numbers, not destinations.
Common pitfalls
- Tickets open about 15 days ahead and holiday routes sell out within minutes. Book the morning sales open for Golden Week and summer Fridays.
- Cities often have several stations far apart (Xi'an North is 40 minutes from town). Double-check which station your train actually leaves from.
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