China Transport Guide 2026: Trains, Metro, Taxis, and Buses for Foreigners
How to get around China as a foreign visitor: booking high-speed rail, using metro systems, hailing taxis, and riding buses without speaking Chinese.
Last updated:
TL;DR
| HSR speed | Up to 350 km/h (Beijing–Shanghai in 4.5h) |
|---|---|
| Metro cost | ¥2–10 per ride ($0.30–1.40) |
| Taxi starting fare | ¥10–14 ($1.40–2.00) in major cities |
| Best booking app | Trip.com (English) or 12306 (Chinese) |
| Payment | Alipay / WeChat Pay QR codes at metro gates |
| Last updated | 2026-06-11 |
| Last updated |
How do I book high-speed rail tickets in China?
The easiest way for foreigners is Trip.com, which has an English interface and accepts international credit cards. You can book up to 15 days in advance. At the station, collect your ticket from the counter or machine using your passport — Chinese ID cards are not required. First and business class seats are wider and include a meal; second class is comfortable for trips under 4 hours. The official 12306 app is cheaper but entirely in Chinese and requires real-name verification that can be tricky for foreign passports.
Is the metro easy to use for non-Chinese speakers?
Yes in major cities. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Xi'an all have English signage at stations, on platforms, and inside trains. Tickets are bought via QR code at the gate using Alipay or WeChat Pay — no physical ticket needed. Most cities charge by distance (¥2–10). Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 and 17:30–19:00) when trains are packed. Download the metro map app for your city; many have English versions.
How do I hail a taxi or use ride-hailing apps?
Street taxis are everywhere and cheap, but most drivers do not speak English. Have your destination written in Chinese or show it on Amap. Didi is the dominant ride-hailing app (like Uber). The Didi app has an English mode — switch it in settings. You can pay automatically via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Didi Premier offers English-speaking drivers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou at a 30–50% premium. Avoid unlicensed black cabs at airports and train stations.
Sources: Trip.com — international train booking, Amap (Gaode Maps) — navigation app
Can foreigners use city buses?
Technically yes, but it is the least recommended option for first-time visitors. Bus routes are almost never in English, drivers do not speak English, and you need exact change or a transit card (not all accept QR codes). Buses are extremely cheap (¥1–3) and useful for short trips in smaller cities where metro does not exist. In major cities, stick to metro and taxis.
What navigation app should I use?
Amap (高德地图) is the Chinese equivalent of Google Maps and is far more accurate for local directions, transit routes, and real-time traffic. Google Maps works poorly in China due to incomplete mapping data and GPS offset issues. Download offline maps in Amap before you travel. Apple Maps is surprisingly usable in major cities but lacks transit directions. Baidu Maps is also good but has no English interface.
Sources: Amap (Gaode Maps) — navigation app
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to buy train tickets in advance?
- For popular routes (Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Xi'an) during holidays or weekends, book at least 3–5 days ahead. Off-peak weekday tickets can often be bought same-day at the station.
- Can I use my foreign credit card on the metro?
- Generally no. Most metro gates only accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, or local transit cards. Set up Alipay Tour Card before you travel.
- Are taxis safe at night?
- Yes in major cities. Use Didi rather than hailing from the street at night — the app records the trip and driver details. Share your trip with a friend using Didi's built-in share feature.
- How early should I arrive at the train station?
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure for HSR. Security screening is airport-style and queues can be long during peak hours. International passport holders sometimes need extra time at ticket collection.
- Can I bring luggage on the metro?
- Yes, but avoid rush hour with large suitcases. Some older stations have no elevators — look for signs with a wheelchair symbol to find lift access.
References
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