Getting Around China: High-Speed Trains, Metro, DiDi & Taxis

November 10, 2026

An essential transportation guide for first-time visitors to China.

Last reviewed: November 10, 2026

China has one of the world's most extensive transportation networks. From high-speed trains connecting major cities to modern metro systems and convenient ride-hailing services, getting around China can be surprisingly straightforward.

But if you're visiting for the first time, you may have questions.

Can foreigners buy Chinese train tickets? How do you use the subway without speaking Chinese? Is DiDi better than a taxi? And should you take the train or fly between cities?

This guide explains your main transportation options and how to choose the right one for your journey.

1. What's the Best Way to Travel Around China?

The best option depends on your destination, budget, luggage, and travel style.

Transport	Best for	What to know
High-speed train	Traveling between major cities	Comfortable, frequent on many routes, advance booking recommended
Metro	Exploring large cities	Affordable and often avoids road traffic
DiDi	Door-to-door city journeys	Convenient app-based ride-hailing
Taxi	Short journeys and airport transfers	Useful when you have your destination in Chinese
Domestic flight	Long-distance journeys	Compare total travel time, including airport transfers
Private transfer	Families, groups and customized trips	Prearranged transport with a clear itinerary
Public bus	Budget-conscious local travel	Routes and payment methods vary by city

Our recommendation: For many first-time visitors, a combination of high-speed trains, metro services, and occasional taxis or DiDi rides offers a practical balance of convenience and flexibility.

2. How to Use High-Speed Trains in China

China's high-speed rail network connects many major destinations, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Hangzhou, and numerous other cities.

High-speed trains are often a convenient alternative to domestic flights, particularly on routes where rail stations are easier to reach than airports.

How do foreigners buy train tickets?

International travelers can generally book train tickets using their valid passport information.

Common booking options include:

The official China Railway 12306 platform: https://www.12306.cn/
Railway station ticket counters.
Established travel booking services.

The availability of English-language features, payment options, and identity verification methods may vary.

Is your passport your train ticket?

Most mainland China railway journeys use electronic ticketing.

Your passport or other registered identity document is normally used for identity verification and boarding.

You should carry the same original identity document used to book your ticket. Do not assume that a booking confirmation screenshot alone will be sufficient.

How early should you arrive?

Allow enough time for station security, identity verification, locating the correct waiting area, and boarding.

Large railway stations can be extensive, and boarding gates generally close before departure. First-time visitors should allow extra time rather than arriving at the last minute.

3. What to Expect at a Chinese Train Station

Major Chinese railway stations can feel similar to airports.

You will generally encounter security screening, identity checks, waiting areas, departure boards, and designated boarding gates.

Before traveling:

Check the exact station name on your ticket.
Confirm the train number and departure time.
Bring your original passport.
Allow time for security checks.
Follow the departure board and boarding instructions.

Important: Cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have multiple major railway stations. Make sure you go to the correct one. For example, Beijing Railway Station and Beijing South Railway Station are not interchangeable.

4. How to Use the Subway in China

Metro systems are often one of the easiest ways to explore major Chinese cities.

Many systems have route maps, station announcements, and wayfinding in both Chinese and English, although availability varies.

Step-by-step: Taking the metro

Find the nearest metro station.
Check your destination and line.
Complete the required security screening.
Purchase a ticket or activate a supported mobile transport code.
Scan your ticket or code at the entry gate.
Follow the signs to the correct platform.
Scan out when required at your destination.

Can you pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay?

Many cities support mobile transport payments, but the setup process differs by city and transport operator.

You may need to activate a local transit service or transport QR code within your payment app. A standard merchant payment QR code is not necessarily the same as a metro transit code.

Some cities also support other ticketing methods, such as physical tickets or local transport cards.

For detailed mobile payment setup instructions, see our How to Pay in China as a Foreigner: Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cards & Cash guide.

Travel tip: Set up your transport payment method before reaching the ticket gates, especially during rush hour.

5. How to Use DiDi as a Foreigner

DiDi is one of China's major ride-hailing services.

It can be particularly useful when you want to travel directly from your hotel to a restaurant, attraction, or railway station.

How does DiDi work?

The basic process is similar to ride-hailing apps used in other countries:

Access DiDi through a supported app or integrated service.
Enter your pickup location.
Enter your destination.
Review the available ride options and estimated fare.
Confirm the booking.
Follow the pickup instructions.
Verify the vehicle and driver details before entering.

App availability, language options, account verification, and payment methods may vary.

Do you need to speak Chinese?

Not necessarily. An app-based booking can reduce the need to explain your destination verbally.

However, communication may still be necessary if your driver cannot locate you. Keep your hotel name and destination address in Chinese.

Where do you meet your DiDi driver?

At airports, railway stations, and major attractions, designated ride-hailing pickup zones may be separate from taxi ranks.

Follow the location instructions shown in the app and on local signs.

6. DiDi vs. Taxi: Which Is Better?

Both can be useful, depending on the situation.

Choose DiDi when:

You prefer to enter your destination in an app.
You want to review an estimated fare before booking.
You are comfortable using mobile payments.
You want a recorded booking and vehicle details.

Choose a taxi when:

An official taxi rank is immediately available.
You do not want to use a ride-hailing app.
Your internet connection is unavailable.
The taxi is more convenient for your location.

Always use official taxi services, confirm the appropriate fare method, and avoid unsolicited offers from unofficial drivers.

7. Getting from the Airport to the City

Many major airports in China offer several transport options.

Depending on your arrival airport, these may include:

Airport express trains.
Metro connections.
Official taxis.
Ride-hailing services.
Airport buses.
Prearranged private transfers.

The best option depends on the airport's location, your hotel's address, arrival time, and luggage. For example, an airport express may be convenient for a traveler staying near a connected metro line, while a private transfer may be easier for a family with multiple suitcases.

Travel tip: Check the airport's official transportation information before departure. Do not assume every airport has a metro connection or that trains operate late at night.

For a complete airport arrival checklist, see our Arriving in China: Airport Immigration, Customs & Your First Hour guide.

8. Are Public Buses Easy for Foreign Visitors?

Public buses are widely available in Chinese cities and can be very affordable.

However, they may be less intuitive for first-time visitors because route information, boarding procedures, and payment methods can differ by city.

If you're unfamiliar with the area, metro services or app-based ride-hailing may be easier to navigate. Buses can still be a useful option when traveling with someone familiar with the local network.

9. Can Foreign Tourists Rent a Car in China?

Driving in mainland China requires a driving qualification recognized under Chinese regulations.

A foreign driving license or International Driving Permit alone does not automatically authorize you to drive in mainland China.

Depending on eligibility and local procedures, some visitors may be able to obtain a temporary Chinese driving permit.

Before renting a vehicle, check the current official requirements and the rental company's policies. For most short-stay tourists, trains, public transport, and professional transfers are generally simpler choices.

10. High-Speed Train or Domestic Flight?

For intercity travel, the fastest option is not always the one with the shortest scheduled journey time.

Consider the entire trip:

Travel time to the airport or station.
Recommended arrival time before departure.
Security and boarding procedures.
Actual journey duration.
Travel time from the arrival terminal or station to your hotel.

High-speed rail can be especially convenient for medium-distance routes with strong rail connections. Flights may be more practical for longer distances or destinations without convenient rail services.

Our recommendation: Compare door-to-door journey time rather than looking only at train or flight duration.

11. How Much Does Transportation Cost in China?

Transportation costs vary significantly by city, distance, time, service class, and travel date.

Metro services are generally affordable, while high-speed rail prices depend on the route, train type, and seat class. DiDi and taxi fares can vary with distance, traffic, demand, and local pricing rules.

Private transfers typically cost more than public transportation but may offer convenience for groups, families, and complex itineraries.

When planning your budget, compare convenience and total journey cost, not just the price of a single ticket.

12. Common Transportation Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Going to the wrong railway station.
Always check the full station name.

Mistake 2: Forgetting your original passport.
Bring the identity document used for your railway booking.

Mistake 3: Arriving too late for a train.
Allow time for security, identification, and boarding.

Mistake 4: Assuming every city uses the same metro payment system.
Check local ticketing and QR-code requirements.

Mistake 5: Choosing the wrong airport pickup location.
Taxi and ride-hailing pickup areas may be different.

Mistake 6: Relying entirely on mobile internet.
Save important addresses and transport information offline.

Mistake 7: Underestimating distances.
China is a large country. Plan intercity travel around realistic journey times.

13. Transportation Checklist for Your First China Trip

Before departure

[ ] Identify the airports and railway stations on your itinerary.
[ ] Check your passport details on train reservations.
[ ] Prepare mobile internet and payment methods.
[ ] Save hotel addresses in Chinese.
[ ] Review airport-to-hotel transportation options.
[ ] Allow extra time for major station transfers.
[ ] Confirm late-night transportation arrangements.

During your trip

[ ] Check train numbers, station names, and boarding gates.
[ ] Carry your original passport for train travel.
[ ] Use the correct metro transport code or ticket.
[ ] Verify ride-hailing vehicle details.
[ ] Keep a backup payment option available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners use public transportation in China?

Yes. International visitors can generally use trains, metros, taxis, and other public transport services, subject to the applicable ticketing and identification requirements.

Can I buy Chinese high-speed train tickets with my passport?

Yes. Foreign travelers can generally book using valid passport information, although verification and booking procedures vary by channel.

Do I need to speak Chinese to use the metro?

Not necessarily. Many major metro systems provide English-language information, but saving your destination in Chinese is still helpful.

Is DiDi available to foreign tourists?

Foreign travelers can generally use supported DiDi services, subject to account registration, verification, app availability, and payment arrangements.

Is it better to take the train or fly between Chinese cities?

It depends on the route. Compare total door-to-door travel time, schedules, costs, and convenience.

Can I use an International Driving Permit in mainland China?

An International Driving Permit alone is not sufficient to drive legally in mainland China. Check the applicable Chinese driving permit requirements.

What is the easiest transportation option for a family visiting China?

It depends on the itinerary. High-speed trains can be convenient between cities, while prearranged transfers can make airport pickups and luggage-heavy journeys easier.

Explore China with Be Frank Tours

China's transportation network makes it possible to explore everything from vibrant modern cities to historic landmarks and extraordinary natural landscapes.

But choosing the right routes, stations, connections, and transport options can take time — especially when you're planning your first visit.

At Be Frank Tours, we help international travelers design personalized China journeys with practical logistics, cultural experiences, and carefully planned itineraries.

Whether you're traveling independently, with family, or as part of a group, we can help you create a journey that fits your interests and travel style.

Explore China Travel Experiences

Contact Be Frank Tours

Related China Travel Guides

Official Resources

Transportation services, booking procedures, and local rules may change. Check the relevant official operators and authorities before traveling.