Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season in China will run from February 2 to March 13, with an expected passenger volume of 539 million, highlighting the importance of efficient ticketing and transportation management during peak travel times [1]. Group 1: Passenger Volume and Travel Management - The national railway is expected to send 539 million passengers during the 40-day Spring Festival travel period, with peak travel days on February 13 and February 23 [1]. - On peak days, the railway plans to operate over 14,000 passenger trains, with a 5.3% increase in seating capacity compared to the previous year [1]. Group 2: Ticketing and Service Optimization - The railway department will enhance the 12306 ticketing system by strengthening resources, optimizing network bandwidth, and improving system monitoring to handle high traffic and ensure security [2]. - To address potential ticket shortages in popular routes, the railway will utilize big data to analyze passenger demand and adjust ticket availability dynamically, ensuring a fair ticketing environment [2].

Key Points - The 2026 Spring Festival travel rush (Chunyun) will start on February 2 and end on March 13, lasting for 40 days [1] - The peak travel day before the festival is expected to be February 13, while the peak day after the festival is anticipated to be February 23 [1] - Train tickets for the first day of the Spring Festival travel rush will go on sale starting January 19 [1] Ticket Purchase Timeline - Key ticket purchase dates are outlined from January 19 to February 14, with specific dates for different travel days during the Spring Festival [3][4] - The ticket purchase timeline includes significant dates such as New Year's Eve and the first few days of the Lunar New Year [4] Refund Policy - Starting January 19, a limited-time free refund service will be available for mistakenly purchased train tickets on the 12306 platform, allowing refunds within 30 minutes of purchase if the travel date is February 2 or later [4]

Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season in China is expected to see a total of 539 million passengers, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.0% from the previous year, with ticket sales starting on January 19 [1]. Group 1: Passenger Volume and Travel Plans - The Spring Festival travel period will last for 40 days, starting from February 2 to March 13, 2026 [1]. - The peak travel days are anticipated to be February 13 before the festival and February 23 after the festival, with a maximum of over 14,000 passenger trains scheduled to operate on peak days, reflecting a 5.3% increase in seating capacity [1]. Group 2: Ticketing and Service Enhancements - The railway ticketing service will introduce new features such as limited-time free refunds for mistakenly purchased tickets and enhanced information services to improve the passenger experience [2]. - Additional ticket purchase opportunities will be provided for specific groups, including two extra discounted ticket purchases for 2026 college graduates seeking jobs in different locations, as well as continued discounts for students and workers [2]. Group 3: Demand Management and Recommendations - The railway department will utilize big data from the 12306 platform to analyze passenger demand in real-time and adjust ticket availability accordingly, ensuring a balance between long-distance and short-distance travel needs [3]. - Passengers are encouraged to plan their trips early and utilize features such as ticket reminders and the ticket reservation service to maximize their chances of securing tickets [3].

据中国铁路消息，1月19日起，铁路12306平台（含网站、App等，下同）推出旅客误购限 时免费退票服务。 旅客通过铁路12306平台购买乘车日期为2月2日及以后火车票时，如误购车票在购票支付 成功30分钟内且在开车前4小时以上，购票人可线上自助办理退票，不收取退票费，将进一 步提升旅客购票体验。 购票人如使用电子支付购票，票款将按原渠道退还；如使用积分购票，将按原渠道返还积 分，返还积分的有效期不变； 同一购票人在一个自然日内限办1个订单误购免费退票业务，改签车票、预约或候补购票等 不办理此业务。 目前铁路部门实行阶梯式退票政策，在规定免费退票时间内办理退票的，不占用误购免费退 票次数。此外，如果旅客在线下售票窗口发生误购，须当场提出，工作人员会及时帮助旅客 换发新票。 1月19日起 铁路12306平台 (含网站、App等) 推出 旅客误购限时免费退票服务 旅客通过铁路12306平台购买乘车日期为 二月 2月2日及以后火车票时 2 如误购车票在 购票支付成功30分钟内 目在开车前4小时以上 购票人可线上自助办理退票 不收取退票费 1 举行同学 购票人通过铁路12306平台，使用电子支付或积分支付购买乘车日期 ...

目前，铁路部门实行阶梯式退票政策，在规定免费退票时间内办理退票的，不占用误购免费退票次数。 此外，如果旅客在线下售票窗口发生误购，须当场提出，工作人员会及时帮助旅客换发新票。 本报讯（记者胡子傲）记者从国铁集团获悉，从明天起，铁路12306平台推出旅客误购限时免费退票服 务，旅客通过铁路12306平台购买乘车日期为2月2日及以后火车票时，如误购车票在购票支付成功30分 钟内且在开车前4小时以上，购票人可线上自助办理退票，不收取退票费。 购票人通过铁路12306平台，使用电子支付或积分支付购买乘车日期为2月2日及以后境内旅客列车以及 始发或终到站为香港西九龙的跨境旅客列车火车票时，如在操作中发生误购，可在购票支付成功30分钟 内且在开车前4小时以上，自行线上免费办理退票。购票人如使用电子支付购票，票款将按原渠道退 还；如使用积分购票，将按原渠道返还积分，返还积分的有效期不变；同一购票人在一个自然日内限办 1个订单误购免费退票业务，改签车票、预约或候补购票等不办理此业务。 ...

Group 1 - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season will last from February 2 to March 13, totaling 40 days, with ticket sales starting on January 19 [1] - The railway department will enhance services for elderly travelers, ensuring a smooth travel experience from ticket purchase to boarding [1][4] - A "Senior Version" of the railway ticketing app will be available, featuring larger fonts and simplified processes to assist elderly travelers [4] Group 2 - The railway department will maintain manual ticket sales windows to provide assistance to elderly travelers [6] - Special services for elderly travelers with mobility issues include priority verification and boarding, with dedicated staff to guide them [8][10] - Booking for priority services can be done through the railway app, official website, or customer service [10][14] Group 3 - Major railway stations will enhance elderly-friendly services, such as adding wireless emergency call systems in restrooms and providing wheelchairs [20] - Airlines will also offer special services for elderly travelers, including simplified booking processes and dedicated assistance for first-time flyers [23][27] - Airports will provide unique services like hand bands for elderly travelers and free winter clothing storage during peak travel seasons [31]

Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season in China will run from February 2 to March 13, with an expected passenger volume of 539 million, representing a 5% year-on-year increase. The railway department aims to ensure a safe, orderly, and pleasant travel experience for passengers [1]. Group 1: Transportation Capacity - The railway network will leverage modern high-speed rail and new lines opened in 2025 to increase transport capacity. During peak travel days, over 14,000 passenger trains are expected to operate, with a 5.3% increase in seating capacity [2]. - Focus will be on high-demand areas such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, with additional services to popular routes like Xi'an to Chengdu and Dalian to Harbin [2]. Group 2: Ticketing Services - New ticketing services will be introduced, including free refunds for mistakenly purchased tickets and enhanced features on the 12306 platform to improve the purchasing experience [3]. - Special discounts will be provided for key passenger groups, including students and workers, with significant fare reductions for certain demographics [3]. Group 3: Safety and Risk Management - The railway department will enhance the 12306 ticketing system's capacity and security to handle high traffic volumes and prevent ticket scalping [4]. - Real-time data analysis will be employed to adjust ticket availability dynamically, ensuring that both long-distance and short-distance travel needs are met [4]. Group 4: Passenger Guidance - Passengers are encouraged to plan their trips early and utilize the 12306 platform for ticket purchases, including the use of the ticket reservation feature [5]. - The railway department emphasizes the importance of using official channels for ticket purchases to ensure safety and fairness [6].

Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival transportation period for railways in China will last from February 2 to March 13, with an expected passenger volume of 539 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.0% [1] Group 1: Passenger Volume and Travel Peaks - The peak travel day before the festival is anticipated to be February 13, while the peak after the festival is expected on February 23 [1] - During peak periods, over 14,000 passenger trains are expected to be operated daily, with a seating capacity increase of 5.3% compared to the previous year [1] Group 2: Ticketing and Pricing Strategies - The railway department will implement flexible and differentiated pricing strategies based on date, time, segment, and seat type, with discounts on certain routes reaching as low as 20% [1] - The 12306 ticketing system will enhance its resources and capabilities to handle increased demand and prevent malicious ticket purchasing behaviors [2] Group 3: Customer Service Enhancements - The 12306 customer service center will introduce a dedicated phone service for elderly passengers aged 60 and above, and increase customer service capacity to improve response times [1] - Travelers are encouraged to plan their trips early and utilize the 12306 platform for ticket purchasing and information maintenance to avoid issues during peak times [3]

Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival transportation period is expected to see a total of 539 million passenger trips by rail, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.0% [1] Group 1: Transportation Schedule and Capacity - The Spring Festival travel period will last from February 2 to March 13, 2026, for a total of 40 days [1] - The peak travel day before the festival is anticipated to be February 13, while the peak day after the festival is expected on February 23 [1] - The railway department plans to increase the number of passenger trains during peak periods, with a maximum of over 14,000 trains operating on peak days, and a 5.3% increase in seating capacity [1] Group 2: Ticketing Strategies and Discounts - The railway ticket sales for the first day of the Spring Festival will begin on January 19 [1] - A flexible and differentiated pricing strategy will be implemented, with discounts on less popular routes, and the lowest discount for high-speed trains reaching 20% [1] - The 12306 ticketing system will enhance its capacity and security measures to handle high traffic and prevent malicious ticket purchasing behaviors [1] Group 3: Customer Service Enhancements - The 12306 customer service center will introduce a dedicated phone service for elderly passengers aged 60 and above [1] - The system will be optimized to improve response capabilities and provide timely assistance to travelers [1] - The railway department encourages travelers to plan their trips early and utilize the 12306 platform for ticket purchasing and information management [1]

落实学生、儿童、伤残军警等重点旅客票价优惠措施，年满60周岁、14至28周岁持居民身份证、港澳台 居民居住证、港澳居民来往内地通行证、台湾居民来往大陆通行证、外国人永久居留身份证的常旅客会 员购票乘车可分别获票面金额的15倍、10倍积分，推行分日期、分时段、分区段、分席别的灵活差异化 的票价优惠策略，加大非热门方向旅客列车的票价优惠力度，动车组列车最低优惠幅度达2折，让旅客 得到更多实惠。 记者今天（18日）从国铁集团获悉，2026年铁路春运自2月2日开始，至3月13日结束，为期40天，全国 铁路预计发送旅客5.39亿人次、同比增长5.0%，节前客流高峰日预计为2月13日（腊月廿六），节后客 流高峰日预计为2月23日（正月初七），春运首日火车票将于1月19日开始发售。 今年春运售票，铁路12306将推出旅客误购票限时免费退等新服务，用好候补购票、在线选铺、起售提 醒订阅等功能，持续丰富信息服务内容，进一步提升旅客购票体验。 加强重点旅客群体购票服务保障，为2026届高校毕业生异地求职增加2次优惠购票次数，继续为学生、 务工人员提供预约购票服务。铁路12306客服中心新增60周岁及以上老年人电话购票受理服务，动 ...