How to Change a China Train Ticket
The changed ticket can be refunded, but it does not apply to those changed after departure.
Where can I change my China train ticket?
At Railway Stations
(1) Usually, you can go to the ticket office at any railway stations to change your ticket, and sometimes there are a few counters designated for the change. However, after the train leaves, one can only handle it at the departure railway station of that train. 
Read more: Chinese Phrases Used at Railway Stations
 |
| Designated Counter for Ticket Change |
(2) Some self-service ticket machines at railway stations have ticket changing functions.
(3) If you are already in the waiting hall of the railway station, go to the service center, where the staff may help you change your train to a later one departing on the same day.
Through Official Website or App
Notes: 1. Tickets purchased with cash can only be changed at the railway station.
2. If the original ticket is bought from an agency, then you’d better ask the agency to handle the change for you, as the fare caused by ticket change will be returned to or charged through their bankcard.
What documents are required for China train ticket change?
Your original ID certificate used for ticket booking, mostly passport, is required. If you ask someone else to handle it on your behalf, the railway staff may also ask for that person’s original ID certificate.
What items on a China train ticket can be changed?
| Allowed Change Items | Before Departure | After Departure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ＞48 hours | ≤48 hours | ||
| Seat Class |  | | |
| Departure city |  | | |
| Departure station | | | |
| Arrival city | | | |
| Arrival station | | | |
| Earlier date | | | |
| Earlier time | | | |
| Later date | | | |
| Later time | | | |
How much do I need to pay for the ticket change?
Price of the changed ticket higher than the original one: price difference Price of the changed ticket the same with the original one: none Price of the changed ticket lower than the original one: service fee; the price difference will be returned to you
China Train Ticket Change Service Fee by China Railway Corporation
The change fee will be charged on the basis of the lower price between the original and changed ticket price.
| Changing Time | Trains to Change | Change Fee by China Railway Corporation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before departure | 15 days - 48 hours | trains within pre-sale period | free |
| within 48 hours | trains prior to the date of departure (including the same day) | ||
| 48 hours - 24 hours | trains on the second day of departure or later | 5% of the lower price | |
| within 24 hours | 15% of the lower price | ||
| After departure | before 24:00 in the same day | other trains on the same day | free |
| trains on the second day of departure or later | 40% of the lower price |
If you book through an agency and ask the agency to handle the change issues, they will usually charge an extra amount of service fee.
How to pay & get the return
If the original ticket is paid by cash, then the price difference will be charged or returned by cash.
If the original one is paid by bank card or online payment tool:
1. Changed ticket fare is higher than the original one: one should pay full fare of the changed ticket through that same bank card or online payment tool and the fare of the original ticket will be returned to the original payment account;
2. Changed ticket fare is lower than the original one: the price difference minus service fee will be returned to your original payment account.
What to do if you miss your train?
The change rules and procedures are the same as mentioned above.
Note: The above policies are only applied to domestic routes within Mainland China. They are not applied to international trains and those to/from Hong Kong.