Disclaimer: This guide is for general travel education only. China Rail Planner is not a ticket seller, travel agency, or booking agent for 12306.cn. Always verify current policies with official China Railway sources before traveling.
How to book train tickets for multiple people: 5 Easy Steps for Foreigners
Yes, you can book train tickets for multiple people as a foreigner — the key is adding all passengers to your booking profile in the 12306 app or using an English-friendly platform like Trip.com, which allows you to add up to 5 passengers per order when tickets are available.
Understanding the Booking Challenge for Groups
[COMMON] Many international travelers discover a frustrating limitation when trying to book China train tickets for a group: platforms like Trip.com may restrict you to purchasing only one ticket per account unless you add passengers correctly. as of 2026-06, this is a common point of confusion, especially for families or friends traveling together.
The core issue stems from China’s real-name ticketing system. Every passenger must have their passport details verified against the 12306 database before a ticket can be issued. [OFFICIAL] According to Travel China Guide’s booking guide, foreign passengers must provide exact passport names, passport numbers, and nationality details for each traveler.
Step-by-Step: Booking for Multiple People
Step 1: Prepare All Passport Information
Before starting, gather the following for each traveler:
– Full name exactly as shown on passport (including middle names)
– Passport number
– Nationality
– Date of birth
– Passport expiration date
[COMMUNITY] Users on Reddit report that names may need to match the passport exactly — even a missing middle initial can cause verification failure.
Step 2: Choose Your Booking Platform
You have three main options:
| Platform | Best For | Multiple Passengers? |
|---|---|---|
| 12306.cn (official) | Direct booking, lowest fees | Yes, up to 5 passengers |
| Trip.com | English UI, customer support | Yes, up to 5 passengers |
| Station counter | Last-minute, cash payments | Yes, but time-consuming |
Step 3: Add Passengers to Your Account
On 12306 (official app):
1. Create or log into your 12306 account (requires Chinese phone number or email)
2. Navigate to “Passengers” or “Contacts” section
3. Click “Add Passenger” and enter passport details
4. Use the scan function if available — [COMMUNITY] users report this speeds up verification
5. Repeat for each traveler
On Trip.com:
1. Log into your Trip.com account
2. Search for your route (e.g., Shanghai to Beijing)
3. Select your train and class
4. Click “Add Passengers” — you’ll see the option after selecting seats
5. Enter passport details for each traveler
Step 4: Verify Ticket Availability
[COMMON] Before proceeding, ensure the train you want has enough remaining tickets for your group. the booking interface will show available seats — if fewer than your group size remain, choose a different train or time.
Step 5: Complete Payment
payment methods vary:
– 12306: International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) may work, but many foreigners report issues. Chinese payment apps (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are more reliable.
– Trip.com: Accepts international credit cards and PayPal — generally easier for foreigners.
– Station counter: Cash or Chinese bank card only.
DIY Booking vs Reference Guides
| Feature | 12306 App | Trip.com | Station Counter | Travel China Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English interface | Limited | Full | None | Full |
| Multiple passenger booking | Yes (up to 5) | Yes (up to 5) | Yes | Reference only |
| Customer support | Chinese only | English available | In-person | N/A |
| Fees | None | Service fee applies | None | N/A |
| Passport verification | Required | Handled by platform | In-person | N/A |
Myth vs Fact
Myth: You cannot book tickets for other people on Trip.com — only for yourself.
Fact: Trip.com allows you to add passengers to your booking. The confusion often arises because the “Add Passengers” option appears after you select the train and seat, not on the search results page. [COMMUNITY] Reddit users confirm that clicking “Book it” reveals the passenger addition screen.
Myth: You may need to go to the station to buy tickets for a group.
Fact: While station counters are an option, online booking through 12306 or Trip.com works for groups of up to 5 passengers. station counters are useful for last-minute bookings or if online verification fails.
Also Asked
Can I book train tickets for my family using my account?
Yes. You can add family members as passengers in your 12306 or Trip.com account. ensure their passport details are entered exactly as they appear on their passports.
What if the 12306 app won’t verify my passport?
[COMMON] This is a known issue. Try the following:
– Double-check name spelling and passport number
– Use the scan function in the app
– Contact 12306 customer service (Chinese only)
– Use Trip.com instead — they handle verification on your behalf
How many people can I book for in one order?
[OFFICIAL] Both 12306 and Trip.com allow up to 5 passengers per order. for larger groups, you’ll need to make multiple bookings.
Can I buy tickets at the station for multiple people?
Yes. Visit the ticket counter at any major station (e.g., Shanghai Hongqiao, Beijing South). Bring all passports and be prepared for potential language barriers. [COMMUNITY] Some travelers report success using translation apps.
What China Rail Planner Adds
Generic guides often skip the foreign-tourist context that makes group booking confusing. China Rail Planner clarifies the exact steps — from adding passengers in the 12306 app to navigating Trip.com’s interface — based on official reference sources and real traveler experiences. We explain why the “Add Passengers” button isn’t always obvious and what to do if verification fails, saving you from last-minute station visits.
Anecdotal Community Experiences
“For me, it gives me an option to Add passengers right after I choose which route and time I want to take. Also, make sure you’re choosing the trip that has more than one ticket left to be sold.”
— Reddit user, r/chinalife
“Ah, I’d typically not gone past the ‘Book it’ button and I can see that there now. Thank you so much… disaster averted. :)”
— Reddit user, r/chinalife“Add them as passengers in your 12306 app. make sure their names are EXACTLY as in their passport and that the passport number is correct. Need a few more details too. If you have their passports, the app has a scan function.”
— Reddit user, r/chinalife
Related Guides on China Rail Planner
- How to Use 12306 as a Foreigner
- China High Speed Rail Guide for First-Time Travelers
- Shanghai to Beijing High Speed Train Guide