Comparing the two intercity transport apps to help you pick the right one for China.
| Railway 12306 | Trip.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | China Railway's official direct booking platform for mainland train tickets using a passport as the travel credential. | Multilingual booking for Chinese trains, domestic flights, hotels and transfers using international cards. |
| Essential? | Yes | No |
| Pro Tip | Verify the passport before tickets are released and copy the name exactly. Bring that physical passport and use a staffed gate if the automatic reader does not accept it. | A Trip.com train request is not confirmed until the ticket is issued, and service fees may apply. Use 12306 for direct pricing or Trip.com when its support is worth the cost. |
| App Store | Download | Download |
| Play Store | - | Download |
We recommend Railway 12306 for intercity transport in China. Verify the passport before tickets are released and copy the name exactly. Bring that physical passport and use a staffed gate if the automatic reader does not accept it.
Railway 12306 is our top recommendation for intercity transport in China. China Railway's official direct booking platform for mainland train tickets using a passport as the travel credential.
Railway 12306 vs Trip.com in China