How to buy high-speed rail tickets for Lunar New Year travel from HK
With the Lunar New Year approaching, many people in HK plan to head "north" to return to their hometowns. How can Hong Kong residents purchase high-speed rail (HSR) tickets for this festive season? How can you use the HKSAR Re-entry Permit to book tickets on the 12306 website and app? When does ticket booking begin? DotDotNews has compiled the ultimate guide—read on for all the details!
When to Start Booking Tickets
Lunar New Year's Eve and the first day of the New Year fall on January 28 and 29, respectively. According to the current rule of tickets going on sale 15 days in advance, tickets for January 28 (New Year's Eve) will be available for purchase starting January 14, and tickets for January 29 (New Year's Day) will be available starting January 15.
It is important to note that tickets for trains departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station will start selling at 8:00 AM each day. Be sure to save the Spring Festival ticket booking calendar, set your alarm, and book your tickets on time!
Required Documents for Ticket Booking
To purchase HSR tickets, travelers must hold one of the following valid identification documents:
- HKSAR Re-entry Permit
- Chinese Resident Identity Card
- Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents
- Hong Kong and Macau Exit-Entry Permit for Mainland Travel
- A valid passport recognized by Mainland China
After successfully creating an account on the 12306 website, you can log in and use the ticket booking service.
12306 Registration
How to Register on 12306 Web
Step 1: Go to 12306 official websites and click on the top right button to choose the language "English."
How to Register on 12306 AppStep 2: Then tap "Register" to enter the registration page, fill in the passenger info, including nationality, name, passport number, email, etc. After that, click on "Next Step" to complete the procedure.
How to Register on 12306 App
Step 1: The mobile app is defaulted in Simplified Chinese. To change language, click the “我的” icon at the bottom right corner of the app.
Step 2: Click the "Set up" icon at the top right corner to enter the settings page.
Step 3: Find "Language Settings" in the detail page.
Step 4: Choose "English" and click on “确定” to proceed.
Step 5: Click on "My" at the bottom right corner in 12306 mobile app.
Step 6: Then Click on the button "Register" to continue.
Step 7: Fill in your contatc info, including name, ID number, date of birth, username, password, etc.
Step 8: Select "I have read and agreed with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy of 12306.cn" and click on "Next" to register.
Step 9: The system will generate a reminder message after completing the registration. An activation email will be sent to the registered email address. You can only buy tickets through email after you have activated your account.
Step 10: Clicking the link in the activation email will direct you to the 12306 home page. It indicates your account activation has been successful.
12306 Ticket Purchase
How to Buy Tickets on 12306 Web
Step 1: Select the China bullet train You preferred
Select the origin, destination, and departure date, and then click "Search" for a list of available trains. Choose your preferred train and click "Book".
Step 2: Add a list of passengers
The registered user information is already listed on the "My Passenger" list. If you want to buy tickets for other passengers, please add them to the "My Passenger" list in advance. Users can add up to 15 passengers, of which only up to 5 passengers with "To be verified" status are allowed.
Passengers must pass real-name checking. Email addresses and mobile phone numbers of Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are accepted as contact methods. A maximum of 5 passengers on the list can register with the same mobile phone number.
Select "My Passenger" under "My 12306", then click "Add New Passenger". Fill in personal information and mobile phone number, then proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Select and confirm ticket information
Select passenger(s) under the "Passenger Information" column, then select a ticket type and seat. Check your selection again before order submission.
Tips:
- Each passenger can only buy one ticket for the same train on the same day
- A maximum of 5 single journey tickets or 5 sets of return tickets can be bought per order
- Please note that the system will assign the seats randomly.
Step 4: Payment
After redirecting to the payment page, you should complete the payment within the designated time. Please double-check the ticket information and Click "Pay" to proceed with payment.
Note: Overseas passengers can select "International Card" or "China UnionPay" as the payment method.
Step 5: Complete Payment
Click "Payment Completed" when the transaction is done. You will then be redirected to the "Transaction Completed" page.
12306 Refund
Passengers can apply for a refund online through the 12306 website or mobile app or go to a railway station ticket counter to process the refund. The refund fee usually depends on how far in advance of the train's departure you cancel your ticket. Here is the overview of the refund:
Refund Deadline: If the departure station is Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, the ticket change and refund deadline is 45 minutes before the train departs. For tickets departing from mainland China, the deadline for ticket changes and refunds is 30 minutes before the train departs. After the train has departed, you may no longer be eligible for a refund.
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