How to Change/Cancel China Train Tickets

Unforeseen circumstances may require you to modify or cancel your train tickets. Knowing the steps for these processes can help you save time, effort, and money. Keep in mind that purchased tickets can only be changed once.

How to Change Train Tickets in China

When changing train tickets in China, note that the new train must depart from the same station as your original booking. There are three ways to change tickets:

Ticket Windows at Train Stations

All train tickets, except cross-border ones (e.g., China-Laos or Hong Kong-Mainland China trains), can be changed at any station's ticket window. Cross-border tickets must be changed at the departure station or via China Railway’s official website.

Look for the window labeled "改签窗口" at the station. This window is specifically designated for ticket changes.

China Railway’s Official Website

If tickets were purchased online, you can modify them conveniently on the website. However, once paper tickets are collected, changes must be made at a ticket window.

Vending Machines at Train Stations

Some vending machines allow ticket changes, but availability varies. If the machine does not support changes, you will need to try another, making this method the least efficient option.

Is It Free to Change Train Tickets

In most cases, changing train tickets in China is free. However, if changes are made too late, an additional fee may apply. This fee is typically 40% of the higher price between the original and new tickets. Here are six scenarios to consider:

• Changes Made Over 48 Hours Before Departure - No additional fee is charged.
• Changes Made Less Than 48 Hours Before Departure (Earlier Train) - It is free to change to a train departing earlier than the original.
• Changes Made Less Than 48 Hours Before Departure (Later Train) - If the change is to a train departing on a later date, an additional fee is required.
• After Original Train Departs (Same-Day Train) - No additional fee is charged for changing to a train departing on the same day as the original.
• After Original Train Departs (Later Date Train) - An additional fee is charged for changing to a train departing on a later date.
• Changing Departure Stations - Changes to the departure station can only be made more than 48 hours before the original departure. Price differences apply, and any consigned luggage must also be updated or canceled.

How to Cancel and Refund a China Train Ticket

China Train tickets can be canceled before departure. A cancellation fee of 0-20% of the ticket price will be charged by China Rail. The remainder of the ticket price will be refunded.

Canceling Tickets Online

If you booked a ticket on China Railway's official website, the cancellation can be handled online. Tickets can be canceled online up to 30 minutes before departure. If you book tickets with Train Spread, please email us 24 hours or more in advance when you need to cancel train tickets. Our travel advisor will process the cancellation for you.

Canceling Tickets at a Train Station

You can also cancel your train tickets at the train station. There is a designated window for canceling tickets signed “退票窗口”. The e-ticket number and passengers’ original passports need to be presented in order to cancel the tickets. A cancellation fee will be charged by China Railway. The rest of the money will be refunded to you in cash, or returned to your credit card.

Cancellation Fees Charged by China Rail

Time of Cancelling Ticket	Cancellation Fee
more than 48 hours before departure	5% of the ticket price
24-48 hours before departure	10% of the ticket price
Less than 24 hours before departure	20% of the ticket price

Cancelation Fees for Tickets to and from Hong Kong

Changing tickets or requesting refunds should be made no later than the date specified on the ticket and 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for all trains, except for tickets with the origin station at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, which should be made no later than 45 minutes before departure.

• 5% of the ticket price if make cancellation more than 8 days before departure.
• 30% of the ticket price if make cancellation 48 hours - 7 days before departure.
• 50% of the ticket price if make cancellation less than 48 hours before departure.

Refund Method for Canceled Train Tickets

If you bought tickets in cash, you will get a refund in cash. If you bought tickets with a credit card, the money will be returned to your credit card. If a ticket is paid by an online payment tool like WeChat, the money will be returned to that payment tool. 

Documents Needed for Changing or Canceling China Train Tickets

• No Documents Required Online - When changing tickets online, no documents are needed.
• At Train Stations - You must provide the original passports for all passengers and the e-ticket number.
• If Someone Else Handles It for You - The person making the change must also present their original valid ID documents in addition to the passengers' passports and e-ticket number.

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