Last reviewed: October 2026
Getting Around China
From modern metro systems to high-speed trains connecting major cities, China offers many ways to explore. This practical guide helps you choose the right transport, understand how to pay, and travel with greater confidence.
Choose Your Way to Travel
The best option depends on your destination, distance, luggage, budget, and comfort level. Use this overview to find the most suitable way to get around.
Metro & Subway
Usually a practical choice for reaching major attractions, shopping areas, and transport hubs in cities with metro networks.
How to use the metro →Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Useful for airport transfers, late arrivals, heavy luggage, and destinations that are difficult to reach by public transport.
Compare your options →High-Speed Trains
A convenient option for many popular routes, with city-center stations on numerous intercity journeys.
Understand train travel →Domestic Flights
Consider flying when distances are substantial or when train journeys would take too much of your travel time.
Plan a domestic flight →Getting Around Within Chinese Cities
Major Chinese cities often have several transport options. You do not need to master them all before arrival. Start with the metro for longer urban journeys and use a taxi or ride-hailing service when it is more convenient.
1. Metro & Subway
Metro systems are generally easy to understand once you know the station names, line colors, transfer stations, and direction of travel. Availability and coverage vary by city.
How to use it:
- Check your route and the station names before leaving.
- Buy a single-journey ticket at a station machine or ticket counter where available.
- Alternatively, use a supported transport QR code or contactless bank card where the local system accepts it.
- Follow security screening and station signs, then check the direction of your train.
- Keep your ticket or payment method available until you exit.
Good to know: Some cities support metro payment through Alipay or local transit apps, but setup requirements and payment compatibility differ.
2. Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Traditional taxis and app-based rides are useful when carrying luggage, travelling with family, or visiting places far from a metro station.
Your main options:
- Official taxis: Use a licensed vehicle and check that the meter is running, unless a clearly explained fixed fare applies.
- Ride-hailing apps: Book a car through a supported service, confirm the pickup point, and check the vehicle details before boarding.
- Airport transfers: Follow official signs to the taxi rank or your app’s designated pickup area.
Helpful tip: Save your destination in Chinese as well as English. This can reduce misunderstandings with drivers.
3. Buses
City buses can be inexpensive and reach places outside metro networks. However, route information and stop announcements may be less convenient for first-time visitors.
- Check the route, direction, and destination before boarding.
- Confirm the accepted payment method in the city you are visiting.
- Allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the route.
- Use a reliable navigation app to identify your stop.
Best for: Travellers who want a low-cost option and are comfortable checking routes in advance.
4. Walking & Shared Bikes
Walking is often the easiest way to explore historic neighborhoods, pedestrian streets, and areas around major attractions.
- Check walking distances and road crossings before setting off.
- Shared bikes may require an eligible app account, payment setup, and identity verification.
- Use designated parking areas and follow local cycling rules.
- Consider heat, rain, air quality, and the amount of walking in your itinerary.
Note: Shared-bike access and rental rules vary by provider and city.
Important for international visitors
Do not assume that an overseas bank card, a transport QR code, or a particular ride-hailing app will work everywhere in China. Check local support before relying on any one payment or booking method.
How to Pay for Transport in China
Payment methods differ across transport systems. Preparing at least one reliable option before your journey can save time at stations and pickup points.
Mobile Payment
Some transport operators support QR-code payments through Alipay, WeChat Pay, or their own transport apps.
Check whether the service requires identity verification, a specific city transport code, or a separate activation step. A general payment QR code may not work at a metro gate.
Bank Cards & Cash
Some transport systems accept contactless bank cards or other bank-card payments. Acceptance varies by city, operator, and card type.
Keep some RMB cash as a backup, especially when travelling outside major urban centers or using smaller transport providers.
Before your first ride
Test your chosen payment method when you have enough time to troubleshoot. If it does not work, ask station staff about purchasing a single-journey ticket or using another accepted payment method.
Travelling Between Cities by Train
China’s high-speed rail network connects many major destinations. For a multi-city itinerary, trains can be an efficient alternative to flying.
Why Choose High-Speed Rail?
- Convenient connections between many major cities.
- No airline-style baggage check-in process for ordinary train travel, although security checks apply.
- Stations may be located closer to urban areas than airports, depending on the route.
- Useful for popular routes such as Beijing–Shanghai and Xi’an–Chengdu, subject to the available timetable.
How to Buy Train Tickets
- Search the official China Railway 12306 English website.
- Enter your passport details exactly as required.
- Complete the identity verification process if requested.
- Check the departure station, arrival station, date, and departure time carefully.
- Keep the original valid passport used for booking with you for station entry and boarding.
Passport and ticket reminder
China Railway uses real-name ticketing. Foreign travellers can use eligible valid passports on the official 12306 English website. The original identity document used for the booking may be needed at station entry and boarding. Follow the latest instructions shown by the railway operator.
Before You Board
STEP 01Check Your Station
Large cities may have several railway stations. Confirm the exact station name rather than relying only on the city name.
STEP 02Arrive Early
Allow sufficient time for the journey to the station, security screening, finding your gate, and any identity checks.
STEP 03Keep Your Passport Ready
Follow the station’s entry and boarding instructions and keep your booking information accessible.
Ticket availability, booking rules, verification requirements, and accepted payment methods may change. Always confirm the current requirements on the official railway website.
Domestic Flights in China
Flying can make sense when visiting distant regions or when a train journey would take too much time. Compare the total journey, not just the flight duration.
When to Fly
- When the cities are far apart.
- When a direct flight is more convenient than available train connections.
- When your itinerary has limited time for long-distance travel.
What to Check
- Confirm the airport and terminal shown on your booking.
- Check baggage allowances and any additional fees.
- Review passport requirements and airline check-in instructions.
- Allow time for travel to the airport, check-in, and security screening.
- Review refund and change conditions before purchasing.
Remember the airport transfer
A low airfare may not be the cheapest overall option if the airport is far from your accommodation or if your journey involves long waiting times. Compare airport transfers and total door-to-door travel time.
Which Transport Option Is Right for You?
Use this simple comparison when planning each part of your trip. Costs, journey times, and availability depend on the city and route.
Transport Best For What to Consider Metro Urban sightseeing and commuting Station access, transfers, and ticket payment Taxi / Ride-Hailing Door-to-door trips and luggage Fare, pickup point, traffic, and app compatibility Bus Budget-conscious local travel Route complexity, stops, and payment options Walking / Bike Short distances and neighborhood exploration Weather, road safety, and bike access requirements High-Speed Train Many intercity journeys Station location, ticket availability, and passport Domestic Flight Long-distance travel Airport transfers, baggage, and check-in time Practical Transport Tips for First-Time Visitors
Save Your Destinations
Keep your hotel address, railway station, airport, and important attractions saved in your navigation app. Where possible, save the Chinese place name as well as the English name.
Check the Last Train
Metro operating hours vary by city and line. Check the final departure before planning a late-night outing, especially if your hotel is far away.
Plan Around Peak Hours
Public transport and roads can become crowded during commuting periods, weekends, and major holidays. Add extra time when your schedule is tight.
Keep Your Phone Ready
A working internet connection helps with navigation, ride-hailing, ticket information, and translation. Prepare a backup plan in case your connection or payment app stops working.
Allow for Station Security
Railway stations and some other transport facilities have security screening. Follow instructions and allow extra time during busy periods.
Travel with Children or Older Adults
Consider walking distances, station stairs, transfers, rest stops, and luggage. A direct taxi or a route with fewer transfers may be worth the additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign tourists use public transport in China?
Yes. Visitors can generally use public transport, but ticketing, payment methods, identity checks, and available services vary by city and operator. Check the local requirements before travelling.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to use transport apps?
Requirements vary by app and service. Some services support overseas phone numbers, while others may require additional verification. Check the current registration requirements before depending on an app.
Can I use an international bank card on the metro?
In some locations, supported international contactless cards can be used directly. Elsewhere, you may need a ticket or an eligible mobile payment or transport QR code. Confirm the rules for your destination.
Can I buy high-speed train tickets with my passport?
Eligible valid foreign passports can be used for ticketing through China Railway 12306. Follow the official identity verification process and bring the original valid passport used for the booking when travelling.
Is it better to take a train or a plane between cities?
It depends on the route. High-speed trains can be convenient for many city-to-city journeys, while flights may save time over longer distances. Compare the full journey, including transfers, waiting time, and the location of each station or airport.
What should I do if my payment app does not work?
Ask staff about alternative accepted payment methods. Depending on the location, you may be able to purchase a single-journey ticket, pay at a ticket counter, or use another supported payment option. Do not assume every station accepts the same methods.
How early should I arrive at a Chinese railway station?
Allow enough time for the journey to the station, security screening, locating your gate, and identity checks. Large stations and busy travel periods may require more time. Follow the guidance on your ticket and the station’s current instructions.
Make Getting Around China Easier
A little preparation goes a long way. Make sure your internet access, navigation tools, and essential travel apps are ready before your trip.
Knowliya helps you prepare for China with practical guides designed for international travellers.
Transport rules, fares, timetables, and payment support can change. Confirm important details with the relevant transport operator before travel.
