Domestic Transport in China

China has one of the world’s most extensive and efficient transport networks. As a foreign visitor, you have several options depending on your route, budget, and comfort level.

Quick Comparison

High-Speed Trains (高铁) — The King of Chinese Transport

China’s high-speed rail network is the largest in the world — over 40,000 km (25,000 miles). It’s fast, clean, punctual, and surprisingly affordable.

Key Facts

• Speed: 250–350 km/h (155–220 mph)
• Punctuality rate: Over 98%
• First-class and second-class seats available
• Onboard WiFi (some trains)
• Much more comfortable than flying for city-center to city-center travel

Popular Routes & Approximate Times

How to Book as a Foreigner

Option 1: Trip.com (Recommended)

1. Go to Trip.com Trains — English interface
2. Enter departure/arrival cities and dates
3. Note: use city names in English — Trip.com auto-converts to Chinese for the system
4. Choose your train and seat class
5. Enter your passport number exactly as printed
6. Pay with Visa/Mastercard
7. Receive confirmation by email
8. At the station: go to the ticket counter with your passport to get the paper ticket, or use the ticket machine (some have English)

Option 2: China Railway 12306 App

• Official app, but entirely in Chinese
• Can use a translation app to navigate
• Sometimes has slightly better availability

Option 3: Hotel Concierge

• Most hotels can book train tickets for you — may charge a small fee (~10–20 RMB per ticket)
• Great option if you struggle with apps or websites

At the Train Station

• Arrive at least 45 minutes early — stations are large and security lines can be long
• Bring your passport — you need it at security check-in and to board
• Stations have: fast food restaurants, shops, luggage storage (usually 20–30 RMB per bag), and first aid
• Boarding: Your ticket shows a gate number and seat number. Gates close 5 minutes before departure.
• Once on the train: Find your seat. Luggage racks are above seats. Power outlets are at every seat.

Didi — China’s Uber

Didi is China’s dominant ride-hailing app and is very foreigner-friendly.

How to Use

1. Download Didi app (international version works — no Chinese phone number needed initially)
2. Enter your international phone number for verification
3. Link your Visa or Mastercard for payment
4. Enter pickup and destination addresses (use English — Didi auto-translates to Chinese for drivers)
5. Confirm your ride and wait for the driver
6. The app shows: driver’s name, car model, license plate, and real-time location

Tips

• Most drivers speak little or no English. The app translates both ways — type your destination in English.
• Fare is calculated automatically and charged to your card.
• Slightly cheaper than taxis and far more convenient.
• Available in all major cities. Smaller cities may have less coverage.
• No cash payment — must use linked card or Alipay/WeChat.

Cost Example (Beijing)

• 3 km (2 mile) ride: ~$2–$3
• 10 km ride: ~$4–$6

City Metro Systems

Major Chinese cities have excellent, modern metro networks.

Cities with Metro

• Beijing: 27 lines, very extensive
• Shanghai: 19 lines, world’s longest
• Guangzhou: 16 lines
• Shenzhen: 16 lines
• Chengdu: 13 lines, expanding fast
• Xi’an: 9 lines
• Hangzhou: 12 lines
• Nanjing, Wuhan, Chongqing, Tianjin, Suzhou — all have major systems

How to Ride

1. Find a metro station — look for the blue “M” symbol or the blue Chinese character 地铁 (dìtiě)
2. Buy a ticket from the ticket machine (most have English option)
   • Tap your destination on the city map, pay with cash or card
   • Single journey: 2–10 RMB (~$0.30–$1.40) depending on distance
3. Go through security check (bag scan required)
4. Tap your ticket at the gate to enter
5. Take the train — signs and announcements are in Chinese and English
6. At your stop: exit through the gate (insert ticket or tap card)

Convenience Options

• Transport Card (Yikatong) — stored-value card usable on metro, buses, and even some taxis. Buy at any station.
• WeChat/Alipay — can scan QR code at metro gates in some cities (requires tourist payment setup).
• Google Maps / Apple Maps — plan routes easily, they show metro lines in real time.

Long-Distance Buses

Cheapest option but slowest. Good for routes where trains don’t reach.

• Ticket price: Typically 50–200 RMB ($7–$28) for intercity routes
• Booking: Can buy at the bus station or through Trip.com
• Comfort: Varies — newer buses have reclining seats and AC, older ones less so
• Language: Bus stations are often Chinese-only; use translation app

Domestic Flights

For distances over 600 km (where trains take 6+ hours), consider flying.

Airlines in China

• Major: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines
• Budget: Spring Airlines, Juneyao, Lucky Air

Booking

• Trip.com or Skyscanner work well for English speakers
• Prices vary — book 2–4 weeks in advance for best rates
• Major airports: Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Chengdu Tianfu (TFU)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book trains in advance?

Yes — especially during holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day Oct 1–7). Book 1–2 weeks in advance if possible. During peak holiday periods, book weeks in advance.

Are there English signs at train stations?

All major stations have English signs and announcements. Smaller stations may only have Chinese.

Can I use Google Maps to plan routes?

Yes, Google Maps works for route planning in China (though it may be slower). Apple Maps also works well. Maps.me is recommended for offline use.

Is Didi safe?

Didi is generally considered safe for foreigners. The app tracks your route, shows driver info, and you can share your trip with someone. As with any ride-hailing, use common sense.

Related Guides

• Pre-Trip Checklist
• Internet & Connectivity
• Money & Payments

Editorial Note: Train times and prices are approximate and subject to change. Always check current availability before booking. Metro coverage maps sourced from official city metro websites.