Getting Around China: Transport Guide for Travellers

Getting around China is easiest with a mix of airport trains or taxis, city metros and buses, high-speed trains between major cities, and ride-hailing apps for late nights and luggage days. Most trips are cashless and app-based, so having data via a Hello eSIM helps a lot.

China’s transport network is one of the world’s most extensive: over 45,000 km of high-speed rail and metro systems in more than 50 cities, according to China State Railway Group and local transport bureaus. For travellers, that means you can usually get from airport to hotel, and city to city, without needing to drive.

Budget around ¥5–10 (US$0.70–1.40) per metro trip in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, ¥200–350 (US$30–50) for typical city–center airport transfers by taxi, and ¥300–900 (US$40–125) for popular high-speed train routes like Shanghai–Beijing (2026 prices, subject to change).

Most ticket machines accept cards and mobile payments, but foreign cards don’t always work, and some apps require a Chinese number. Staying connected via a Hello eSIM means you can use translation, ride-hailing, and map apps without relying on hotel Wi‑Fi or paper maps.

China’s major airports are well connected by metro, airport express trains, and taxis, with most travellers choosing a balance of cost (metro) and convenience (taxi or ride-hailing). For first-timers, planning your airport transfer in advance saves time and confusion after a long flight.

Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX) both offer airport express trains and metro links. The PEK Airport Express costs around ¥25 (US$3.50) one way and takes 20–30 minutes into the city. A taxi from PEK to central Beijing usually runs ¥120–200 (US$17–28) including tolls, depending on traffic.

In Shanghai, Pudong (PVG) has three main options:

• Metro Line 2: ~60–70 minutes to People’s Square, around ¥7–9.
• Maglev + Metro: Maglev to Longyang Rd is ¥50 (or ¥40 with a same‑day flight ticket), then metro into town.
• Taxi: Typically ¥170–250 (US$24–35) to central Shanghai in 45–70 minutes.

Other big hubs like Guangzhou Baiyun, Chengdu Tianfu, and Shenzhen Bao’an also offer metro lines or airport buses (usually ¥15–35), plus taxis and ride-hailing.

Most airport taxis are metered; always join the official taxi queue and insist on the meter. Have your hotel name and address written in Chinese, and keep some cash in case card or app payments aren’t accepted.

China’s public transport is cheap, frequent, and generally easy to use, with metro systems in major cities and extensive bus networks reaching almost every neighbourhood. For travellers, a city transport card or mobile wallet makes riding smoother and faster.

According to Beijing and Shanghai transport authorities, metro ridership exceeds 10 million passengers per day in each city, reflecting how locals get around. For visitors, that means trains every few minutes, clear bilingual signage, and relatively predictable travel times.

Typical metro fares in 2026:

• Beijing: Distance-based, usually ¥3–7 per ride.
• Shanghai: Often ¥3–8 per ride.
• Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Chengdu: Similar range, usually under ¥8 for most journeys.

Buses are even cheaper (often ¥2–3 flat fare) but can be harder to navigate if you can’t read Chinese. Many lines now show stops in both Chinese and pinyin, and you can track routes with Chinese map apps if you have mobile data.

Most big cities offer a rechargeable transit card, such as:

• Beijing: Yikatong
• Shanghai: Shanghai Public Transportation Card
• Shenzhen: Shenzhentong

You can buy these at metro service counters for a small deposit (commonly ¥20) and top them up in cash. They work on metro, many buses, and sometimes taxis and ferries. If you prefer mobile, many gates accept QR codes via Chinese wallet apps, but setting these up can be tricky for short-term visitors.

Ride-hailing across China is dominated by local apps, and pairing them with official taxis gives you flexibility, especially at night or with heavy luggage. To use them smoothly, you’ll want always-on mobile data and a translation app ready to go.

Popular options include Didi Chuxing (China’s biggest ride-hailing platform), plus ride features embedded in Alipay and WeChat. International apps like Uber or Bolt don’t operate in mainland China, so downloading a local solution before you arrive is key. Interfaces are increasingly available in English, but driver messages may still be in Chinese.

Typical 2026 prices in big cities:

• Short central rides (3–5 km): ¥15–30 (US$2–4)
• Cross-city rides (10–15 km): ¥35–70 (US$5–10)
• Late-night or peak surcharges: often 20–50% more

Official street taxis use meters and start around ¥10–14 base fare depending on the city. Always check that the meter is running, and take a photo of the taxi license or e‑receipt in case you leave something behind.

Because ride-hailing, maps, and translation all rely on data, many travellers use Hello eSIM for China (China eSIM plans) to stay connected without hunting for Wi‑Fi. You can install it before arrival, land with data active, and immediately request a ride in the arrivals hall.

The fastest and most comfortable way to travel between cities in China is usually high-speed rail, with domestic flights better for very long distances or remote regions. Booking in advance gives you better schedules, seat choices, and sometimes lower fares.

China operates the world’s largest high-speed rail network—over 45,000 km as of 2024, according to China State Railway Group—linking major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an. Trains are modern, punctual, and reach speeds up to 350 km/h.

Typical second-class one-way fares in 2026:

• Beijing – Shanghai (4.5–6 hours): ¥300–600
• Shanghai – Hangzhou (45–60 minutes): ¥70–120
• Guangzhou – Shenzhen (35–60 minutes): ¥80–120

You can book tickets via official railway apps, websites, or at station counters with your passport. During national holidays (especially Chinese New Year and Golden Week in early October), trains sell out quickly—book as early as possible.

Domestic flights are useful for longer routes like Beijing–Kunming or Shanghai–Urumqi, where trains would take 10+ hours. Expect budget airline one-way fares from ¥500–1,200+ depending on season and how early you book, plus typical airport-to-city transfer costs.

When choosing between train and plane, consider: door-to-door time (stations are often central), baggage limits, and your tolerance for airport queues and security. For many routes under 1,200 km, high-speed rail wins on comfort and total journey time.

Self-driving in China is possible but not practical for most short-term visitors due to licensing rules, dense traffic, and excellent public transport. Unless you have a specific road trip in mind, you’re usually better off using trains, metros, and ride-hailing.

China does not recognize foreign driver’s licenses or standard International Driving Permits (IDPs) for regular self-drive rentals. To legally drive, you generally need a Chinese driver’s license. In a few big cities there are limited programs for temporary permits for foreigners, but these usually require paperwork, translations, and time—more suited to long-term residents than tourists.

Because of this, most travellers who want to go by road either:

• Hire a car with a driver (common in rural or scenic areas), or
• Join small-group tours where transport is included.

Approximate 2026 prices:

• City private car with driver: ¥500–900 per day, depending on hours and distance
• Day-trip from a major city (e.g., Shanghai to nearby water towns): often ¥800–1,500 including driver and fuel, booked via agencies or hotel concierge

Traffic in big cities can be intense, parking is limited, and many signs are in Chinese only. If you do arrange a driver, confirm whether tolls and parking are included and keep your hotel’s address in Chinese characters handy to show them.

Most travellers get around China using a mix of metro, high-speed trains, and ride-hailing apps, with taxis and airport trains filling the gaps. Planning your routes, having addresses in Chinese, and staying connected with mobile data will smooth out almost every part of the journey.

1. Is public transport safe and reliable in China?
Yes. Metros and high-speed trains are generally clean, safe, and punctual. Stations have security checks at entrances and CCTV throughout. Avoid peak rush hours (around 7:30–9:00 and 17:30–19:30) if you dislike crowds.

2. Do I need cash, or can I pay by card/phone?
China is highly cashless; locals mainly use mobile wallets. Visa/Mastercard acceptance is improving but not guaranteed on machines or at small vendors. It’s smart to carry some cash (e.g., ¥200–400) and have at least one method of mobile payment set up.

3. How do I navigate if I don’t read Chinese?
Big-city metro signage and announcements are in Chinese and English. For buses, taxis, and smaller cities, translation and map apps are your best friends. Many travellers keep screenshots of key routes and use an eSIM from Hello to keep translation and maps online.

4. How much should I budget for transport per day?
If you mostly use metro and buses, expect ¥20–40 per day in a big city. Add occasional taxis or ride-hailing, and your daily transport budget might be ¥50–120, depending on distance and comfort.

5. Can Hello help me track my transport budget?
Yes. The Hello app includes expense tracking and splitting, so you can scan receipts, log metro card top-ups, and share costs with friends in multiple currencies while exploring China.