China Transportation Guide: Complete Travel Guide (2026)

Last updated: Jan 26, 2026

China Transportation Guide: Complete Travel Guide (2026)

Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 11 min

Quick Summary: China has world-class public transportation. Metro is cheapest and fastest in cities. Didi (like Uber) works everywhere with English interface. High-speed trains connect major cities in hours. Payment: WeChat Pay or Alipay required for most services. Download apps before arrival.

Overview of Transportation in China {#overview}

China’s transportation infrastructure is among the world’s best. Here’s what’s available:

Urban Transportation

TypeBest ForCost RangePayment
Metro/SubwayCity travel, avoiding traffic¥2-10 ($0.30-1.50)Transit card, WeChat/Alipay
Didi (Ride-hailing)Door-to-door, heavy luggage¥15-100 ($2-15)In-app (WeChat/Alipay/card)
TaxiWhen Didi unavailable¥15-80 ($2-12)Cash, WeChat/Alipay
BusBudget travel, local experience¥1-3 ($0.15-0.45)Transit card, WeChat/Alipay
Shared BikeShort distances, flexibility¥1-3/hour ($0.15-0.45)In-app (deposit required)

Inter-City Transportation

TypeBest ForSpeedBooking
High-Speed Train (动车/高铁)100-1,500 km trips250-350 km/h12306.cn or Trip.com
Regular TrainOvernight journeys, budget80-160 km/h12306.cn or Trip.com
Domestic Flight1,500+ km tripsFastCtrip, Trip.com
Long-Distance BusBudget, no train service80-100 km/hStation or apps

Metro/Subway Systems {#metro}

Major Cities with Metro

CityLinesStationsDaily Ridership
Beijing2745910M+
Shanghai2050811M+
Guangzhou163159M+
Shenzhen163436M+
Chengdu133734M+
Hangzhou112713M+
Nanjing112063M+
Wuhan122883M+

Other cities: Xi’an, Tianjin, Suzhou, Chongqing, Zhengzhou (40+ cities total)

How to Use Metro

Step 1: Download Metro App (Optional but Helpful)

CityRecommended App
BeijingBeijing Subway
ShanghaiMetro Metropolis
Guangzhou广州地铁 (Guangzhou Metro)
All citiesExplore Metro (multilingual)

Features: Route planning, real-time arrivals, station maps, exit information

Step 2: Payment Options

Option A: Physical Transit Card (推荐 for 3+ day stays)

CityCard NameWhere to BuyDeposit
Beijing一卡通 (Yikatong)Metro stations, convenience stores¥20 refundable
Shanghai交通卡 (Public Transportation Card)Metro stations, convenience stores¥20 refundable
Guangzhou羊城通 (Yangchengtong)Metro stations¥20 refundable
Shenzhen深圳通 (Shenzhentong)Metro stations¥20 refundable

Advantages:

  • Faster than mobile payment
  • Works on buses too
  • Small discount (5-10% off)
  • Can be refunded when leaving

Option B: WeChat Pay / Alipay QR Code

  1. Open WeChat or Alipay
  2. Find “Metro/Transport” feature
  3. Generate QR code
  4. Scan at turnstile
  5. Auto-deduct fare

Advantages:

  • No card needed
  • No deposit
  • Track spending

Option C: Single-Journey Ticket (现金)

  • Buy from ticket machines
  • Select destination
  • Pay cash (machines accept ¥5, ¥10, ¥20 notes)
  • Insert ticket at turnstile
  • Keep until exit

Step 3: Navigation Tips

  1. Find right line: Check metro map or app
  2. Check direction: Read station names at both ends (e.g., “Line 1 towards [End Station]”)
  3. Follow signs: Bilingual (Chinese/English) in major cities
  4. Exit numbers: Know which exit is closest to destination (check maps app)
  5. Peak hours: Avoid 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM if possible

Metro Etiquette

Do:

  • Stand on right side of escalators (left for walking)
  • Let passengers exit before boarding
  • Give seats to elderly, pregnant women, children
  • Keep belongings close

Don’t:

  • Eat or drink (fines apply)
  • Play loud music
  • Block doors
  • Take up multiple seats

Didi (Ride-Hailing) {#didi}

Didi is China’s dominant ride-hailing app (similar to Uber). Essential for travelers.

Setting Up Didi

Step 1: Download App

  • iOS: App Store (search “Didi”)
  • Android: Google Play (download before China) or APK

Step 2: Registration

  1. Open app
  2. Select language (English available)
  3. Enter phone number (Chinese or international)
  4. Verify via SMS
  5. Add payment method:
    • WeChat Pay (easiest)
    • Alipay
    • International credit card (Visa, Mastercard)

Step 3: First Ride

  1. Enter destination (English addresses work in major cities)
  2. Choose service type
  3. Confirm pickup location
  4. Request ride
  5. Track driver in real-time
  6. Auto-pay after arrival

Service Types and Prices

ServiceDescriptionPrice Range (10km)Best For
Express (快车)Standard car, economy¥20-35 ($3-5)Most trips
Premier (专车)Better car, professional driver¥40-70 ($6-10)Business, comfort
Luxe (豪华车)Luxury vehicle¥80-150 ($12-22)Special occasions
Hitch (顺风车)Ride-sharing with locals¥10-20 ($1.50-3)Budget (less reliable)
Bike (单车)E-bikes for short trips¥5-15 ($0.70-2)<5 km trips

Surge pricing: 1.2x-2x during rush hour, rain, or high demand

Didi Tips for Foreigners

Communication:

  • App has built-in translation
  • Driver can call (use translate app if needed)
  • Screenshot destination in Chinese characters

Address Input:

  • Use map to drop pin if address search fails
  • Landmarks work well (e.g., “Starbucks on Nanjing Road”)
  • Hotels usually have Chinese address cards

Safety:

  • Check license plate matches app
  • Share trip details with friend (in-app feature)
  • Rate driver after trip

Saving Money:

  • Compare prices across service types
  • Avoid rush hour if flexible
  • Use coupons (often given to new users)

Taxis {#taxis}

Traditional taxis still widely available, though Didi is more convenient.

How to Hail a Taxi

Method 1: Street Hailing

  • Look for lit “空车” (available) sign on roof
  • Wave at approaching taxi
  • Driver may refuse if destination is inconvenient (technically not allowed, but happens)

Method 2: Taxi Stands

  • Found at airports, train stations, tourist spots
  • Queue and wait your turn
  • Usually more reliable than street hailing

Taxi Fares

CityStarting Fare (3 km)Per KM After
Beijing¥13 ($1.90)¥2.3
Shanghai¥14 ($2.00)¥2.5
Guangzhou¥12 ($1.70)¥2.6
Shenzhen¥10 ($1.45)¥2.4
Chengdu¥9 ($1.30)¥1.9

Night surcharge: +20% after 11 PM

Tolls: You pay highway tolls (added to fare)

Taxi Tips

Payment:

  • WeChat Pay / Alipay (show QR code)
  • Cash (always carry small bills)
  • Credit cards rarely accepted

Communication:

  • Have destination written in Chinese
  • Use translation app
  • Show map location

Avoid scams:

  • Insist on meter (“请打表” = qǐng dǎ biǎo)
  • Official taxis have company name, license number
  • Avoid “black cabs” at airport/station (unlicensed)
  • Take receipt (has taxi ID for lost items/complaints)

High-Speed Trains (高铁) {#high-speed-trains}

China’s high-speed rail network is the world’s largest and most advanced.

RouteDistanceTimeFrequency
Beijing - Shanghai1,318 km4.5-6 hours100+ trains/day
Shanghai - Hangzhou159 km1 hour200+ trains/day
Guangzhou - Shenzhen102 km30 mins300+ trains/day
Beijing - Xi’an1,088 km4.5-6 hours50+ trains/day
Shanghai - Suzhou84 km25-30 mins200+ trains/day

Train types:

  • G trains (高铁): Fastest (300-350 km/h)
  • D trains (动车): Fast (200-250 km/h)
  • C trains (城际): Intercity express

Booking Train Tickets

Option 1: Official Website (12306.cn)

Pros: Best prices, most availability Cons: Chinese interface, requires Chinese phone number for registration, payment difficult for foreigners

Option 2: Third-Party Apps (Recommended)

AppCommissionEnglish SupportPayment
Trip.com¥10-30 ($1.50-4.50)ExcellentInternational cards
Ctrip (携程)¥10-30GoodInternational cards
Klook¥15-40ExcellentInternational cards

Booking process:

  1. Select route and date
  2. Choose train and class
  3. Enter passenger info (passport name, number)
  4. Pay online
  5. Receive booking confirmation

When to book:

  • High season (holidays): 30 days in advance
  • Peak days (Friday, Sunday): 7-14 days ahead
  • Regular days: 1-7 days is fine

Ticket Classes and Prices

Example: Shanghai to Beijing (1,318 km, ~5 hours)

ClassPriceFeatures
Second Class (二等座)¥550 ($80)Standard seats, 5 seats per row, most popular
First Class (一等座)¥930 ($135)Wider seats, 4 per row, more space
Business Class (商务座)¥1,750 ($255)Reclining seats, lounge access, meals

Budget option: D trains are 20-30% cheaper than G trains, take 1-2 hours longer

At the Train Station

Arrival time: 30-60 minutes before departure

Process:

  1. Security check: All bags scanned, ID/passport checked
  2. Ticket collection: Show booking code at machines or counter (if booked online)
  3. Find waiting area: Check departure board, go to designated area
  4. Board train: Gates open 10-15 minutes before departure
  5. Find seat: Car number outside, seat number inside

Station tips:

  • Stations are massive (size of airports)
  • Follow signs for “High-Speed Rail” (高铁)
  • English announcements in major stations
  • Food courts and shops inside
  • Free WiFi available

On the Train

Amenities:

  • Power outlets at every seat
  • WiFi (usually available, sometimes slow)
  • Dining car (snacks, instant noodles, meal boxes)
  • Clean restrooms
  • Luggage racks overhead and at car ends

Food:

  • Bring your own (cheaper)
  • Buy from cart service (¥15-40)
  • Dining car (¥40-80)
  • Pre-order meal when booking (some apps offer)

Buses {#buses}

City Buses

Pros: Very cheap (¥1-2), extensive coverage Cons: Crowded, Chinese-only announcements, complex routes

How to use:

  1. Install bus app (e.g., “Real-time Bus” / 实时公交)
  2. Check route and stops
  3. Board at front or rear door (varies by city)
  4. Pay via transit card or mobile payment
  5. Press button for stop (or automatic)

Best for: Daytime travel, when metro doesn’t go where you need

Long-Distance Buses

When to use: No train service, remote areas, budget travel

Booking:

  • Station ticket counter
  • Trip.com, Ctrip (limited routes)
  • Bus station apps

Comfort levels:

  • Regular seats
  • Sleeper buses (卧铺) for overnight
  • Luxury buses (more expensive, like flights)

Tip: High-speed trains are usually better value for time and comfort

Shared Bikes and E-Scooters {#bikes}

Major Providers

BrandColorDeposit (可退)Cost
MeituanYellow¥99 or credit score¥1.5/15 min
HellobikeBlueCredit score¥1.5/15 min
Didi BikeOrangeIn-app wallet¥1.5/15 min

Note: “Credit score” refers to Alipay Sesame Credit (芝麻信用) score >650

How to Use

  1. Download app (Meituan, Hellobike, or use WeChat mini-program)
  2. Register and pay deposit (or link Alipay credit)
  3. Find nearby bike on map
  4. Scan QR code on bike
  5. Unlock and ride
  6. Park in designated area (white parking boxes)
  7. Lock bike in app
  8. Auto-charge to WeChat/Alipay

Rules and Tips

Do:

  • Park in designated white boxes
  • Lock properly after use
  • Follow traffic rules (bike lanes)

Don’t:

  • Park randomly (fines apply)
  • Ride on sidewalks (where prohibited)
  • Take bike upstairs or inside buildings

Safety:

  • Traffic can be chaotic
  • Wear helmet if provided
  • Be extremely cautious at intersections
  • Avoid busy roads during rush hour

Airports and Airport Transportation {#airports}

Major International Airports

AirportCodeCityTransport to City
Beijing CapitalPEKBeijingAirport Express (25 min, ¥25)
Beijing DaxingPKXBeijingDaxing Express (20 min, ¥35)
Shanghai PudongPVGShanghaiMaglev (8 min, ¥50) + Metro
Shanghai HongqiaoSHAShanghaiMetro Line 2 (direct, 40 min)
Guangzhou BaiyunCANGuangzhouMetro Line 3 (35 min, ¥7)
Shenzhen Bao’anSZXShenzhenMetro Line 11 (35 min, ¥8)
Chengdu ShuangliuCTUChengduMetro Line 10 (25 min, ¥10)

Airport to City Options

Metro (Best Value):

  • ¥7-35
  • 25-60 minutes
  • Avoid if lots of luggage
  • Runs until ~11 PM

Airport Express Train:

  • ¥25-50
  • 20-30 minutes
  • Luggage-friendly
  • Limited stops

Taxi:

  • ¥80-200 depending on distance
  • 30-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
  • Fixed-price counters at some airports
  • Avoid touts, use official stands

Didi:

  • Similar price to taxi
  • Book before exiting arrivals hall
  • Easier payment (no cash needed)
  • Track driver location

Private Transfer:

  • ¥150-400
  • Pre-booked via hotel or Klook/Trip.com
  • Driver meets you with name sign
  • Best for late arrivals or heavy luggage

Money-Saving Tips {#money-saving}

Transportation Budget

Budget traveler (per day):

  • Metro: ¥10-20
  • Occasional Didi: ¥20-30
  • Total: ¥30-50 ($4-7)

Moderate traveler (per day):

  • Metro: ¥10
  • Didi 2-3 times: ¥50-80
  • Total: ¥60-90 ($8-13)

Comfort traveler (per day):

  • Didi most trips: ¥100-150
  • Occasional premier: ¥50
  • Total: ¥150-200 ($22-30)

Saving Strategies

  1. Buy transit card — 5-10% discount on metro/bus
  2. Walk short distances — <1 km is walkable
  3. Use metro over Didi when possible (10x cheaper)
  4. Book trains early — Cheaper fares, more choices
  5. Travel off-peak — Avoid surge pricing
  6. Stay near metro — Hotels near stations save transport costs
  7. Use day passes — Some cities offer 1-day unlimited metro (¥18-25)
  8. Shared rides — Didi Hitch for budget option

Essential Apps {#essential-apps}

AppPurposeMust-Have?
Didi (滴滴出行)Ride-hailingYes
WeChat (微信)Payment, everythingYes
Alipay (支付宝)Payment, transitYes
Trip.comTrain/flight bookingYes
Baidu Maps (百度地图)Navigation (better than Google)Yes
Metro appsCity-specific metroHelpful
12306Official train bookingOptional (use Trip.com instead)
Meituan (美团)Bike sharing, food deliveryHelpful
Explore MetroMulti-city metro mapsHelpful

Download before arrival: Google Play is blocked in China

FAQ {#faq}

Can I use Google Maps in China?

No — Google is blocked. Use:

  • Baidu Maps (best, Chinese)
  • Apple Maps (works okay)
  • Gaode Maps (高德地图)

Do I need cash for transportation?

Mostly no:

  • Metro: Transit card or mobile payment
  • Didi: In-app payment
  • Trains: Book online
  • Taxis: WeChat/Alipay accepted

Cash useful for:

  • Small taxis that don’t accept mobile
  • Emergencies
  • Rural areas

How do I navigate if I don’t read Chinese?

Tools:

  • Translation app (screenshot signs)
  • Bilingual metro maps (in app or station)
  • Drop pin in maps app (show driver)
  • Hotel business cards (have address in Chinese)

Is transportation safe for foreigners?

Yes, very safe:

  • Low crime rate
  • Trains and metros have security
  • Didi/taxis are regulated
  • Scams exist but rare with mobile apps

Stay alert for:

  • Pickpockets in crowded metro
  • Overcharging by unlicensed taxis
  • Traffic when biking

Can I travel between cities without Chinese?

Yes:

  • Book trains on English apps (Trip.com)
  • Train stations have English signs
  • Download offline translator
  • Hotels can help with bookings

Quick Reference Card

Most useful transportation:

  1. Metro (cities)
  2. Didi (taxis)
  3. High-speed trains (inter-city)

Payment setup:

  • WeChat Pay + Alipay

Apps to download:

  • Didi, Trip.com, Baidu Maps, Metro app

Typical costs:

  • Metro ride: ¥2-10
  • Didi (10 km): ¥20-35
  • Train (Beijing-Shanghai): ¥550

Need help navigating China? Contact us — We can assist with transportation planning.

Last Updated: January 26, 2026