The Labor Day holiday's train ticket rush is here. Today, tickets for April 30 will officially go on sale.
Don't forget to set your alarm and grab your tickets early!
Ticket Release Schedule
| Departure Date | Earliest On-Sale Date |
| April 30 (Thursday) | April 16 |
| May 1 (Friday) | April 17 |
| May 2 (Saturday) | April 18 |
| May 3 (Sunday) | April 19 |
| May 4 (Monday) | April 20 |
| May 5 (Tuesday) | April 21 |
| May 6 (Wednesday) | April 22 |
Tips
Check On-Sale Time
Run the Railway 12306 (铁路12306) app, tap "Me" (我的), and select "On-Sale Time Inquiry" (起售时间查询).
Pre-Fill Information for Faster Booking
On the day when tickets go on sale, fill in passenger details, select your train number and seat preferences, and complete other information in advance. This helps you submit and pay for your order quickly when the sales open.
Time Requirements for Full Refunds for Wrong Purchases
Within 30 minutes after purchase and more than 4 hours before the departure time, you can apply for a refund online without any refund fee.
Standby Tickets
In the case where you failed to get a ticket for the preferred day of departure, tap "Standby" (候补) below your desired train numbers to submit standby requests. You can add alternative train numbers and seat preferences to increase your chances of securing a ticket.
"Pet Travel" Services
Launched on April 8, the services allow you to travel with your pet or have your pet transported separately.
"Easy Travel" Services
The services save you from carrying heavy luggage to your railway station and destination. To book a luggage transfer, open the app, enter the "All Services" (全部应用) section on the homepage, tap "Easy Travel" (轻装行), make an appointment and place an order.
Reminder
For safety and reliability, always purchase tickets through official channels:
1. The official website (12306.cn)
2.The official app "Railway 12306" (铁路12306)
(Source: 12306 China Railway)