STARTING from Dec. 6, train passengers will be able to book tickets online and via phone up to 60 days ahead of their departure dates, the Ministry of Railways said Saturday.

    At present, passengers are only able to book tickets 20 days in advance.

    At railway stations and booking offices, tickets will go on sale 58 days before departure.

    The policy will be implemented gradually over a period of five days. On Dec. 1, the advanced booking time limit will be extended from 20 days to 30 days and by six more days each day from Dec. 2 to 6.

    The new rules mean travelers can start booking Dec. 7 for journeys Feb. 4, the starting day of the 2015 Spring Festival travel rush.

    China Railway Customer Service Center (www.12306.cn) provides online ticket booking services. Foreign passengers can use their passports, residence certificates or entry-exit certificates to purchase tickets. But the website only has a Chinese version and only accepts Chinese bank cards that support online payment. As with buying tickets in person, a passport is required for the purchase of each ticket.

    To book by phone, travelers can call either 95105160 or 96020086.

    (Mu Zi)