China Expands High Speed Rail Pet Transport to 121 Stations Following Successful Pilot Year

China upgrades its high-speed rail pet transport, allowing owners to book travel for up to two pets via the 12306 app across 228 train services.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from China Daily

Scaling Up Specialized Rail Services

China Railway Express has announced a major expansion of its high speed rail pet transport service, building on a successful pilot program that moved more than 15,000 animals over the past twelve months. As of Wednesday, the service is now operational at 121 high speed rail stations across the country, covering 228 distinct train services. This upgrade is designed to accommodate the rising demand for pet friendly travel while maintaining the rigorous safety and hygiene standards required for high speed rail operations.

Flexible Transport Models for Owners

The updated framework provides two primary logistics options for pet owners. The "travel with your pet" model allows passengers to book slots on their own train via the 12306 mobile application, with a limit of two pets per traveler. Alternatively, the "pet travels alone" option utilizes the railway’s existing logistics network to transport animals independently of their owners. Under both models, pets are housed in professionally designed, sealed containers and stored in dedicated onboard compartments rather than the passenger cabins.

Competitive Pricing and Insurance

Pricing for the service is calculated based on distance, with specific tiers for standard and discounted travel. According to official rate cards, a pet transport from Beijing to Shanghai is priced at 658 yuan ($96) for independent travel, while those traveling on the same train as their owners receive a discounted rate of 460 yuan. To provide additional security for owners, all transport fees include a base insurance policy covering up to 2,000 yuan.