Getting around China: what to use and when
China’s transportation network is enormous and efficient, but for foreigners it comes with two layers of friction: booking and payment. This guide covers all four main ways to get around — flights, high-speed trains, metro, and ride-hailing — with real advice on what works with a foreign passport and an international credit card, not just theory.
The short version: for most routes under 1,000 km, take the high-speed train. For longer routes or cross-country trips, fly. Inside cities, metro plus official taxis or pre-booked transfers covers most needs. And always have your hotel address in Chinese characters before you leave the airport.
High-speed trains: the default choice for most routes
China’s high-speed rail network connects almost every major city. Trains run at 250–350 km/h, are clean, punctual, and depart from stations that are usually closer to city centers than airports. Beijing to Shanghai takes about 4.5 hours by train versus a 2-hour flight — but when you add airport transfers and security, the train is often faster door to door.
Booking: foreign travelers can use the official 12306 English website with a valid foreign passport, or compare an English-language third-party platform when extra booking support is useful. Follow the identity status shown in the current 12306 account rather than relying on a fixed verification-time promise. Third-party fees, confirmation documents, changes and refunds vary by platform. Read the current 12306 guide before booking.
At the station: for a first visit to a large station, arriving 45-60 minutes early is a sensible planning margin. Bring the same original passport used for booking. Some automatic gates can process supported passports; if yours is not read, use the staffed manual lane and show the booking details. Follow the exact train number, departure station and check-in gate shown on the station board.
Domestic flights: when flying makes sense
Fly when the distance is long, the train ride would take most of the day, or your route crosses regions where rail is not practical. Beijing to Kunming (3 hours by air vs 10+ hours by train) is a clear case for flying. Shanghai to Chengdu (3 hours by air vs 12+ hours by train) is another.
Booking: use
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Kiwi.com for comparison and booking with international cards. Trip.com is the other major English-friendly platform. Always check the airport — Shanghai has Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA), Beijing has Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX). Booking the wrong airport can add two hours to your transfer. Read the full flights booking guide.Passport name matching: use exactly the name as printed on your passport. If the platform splits given name and surname, follow the labels carefully. A small mismatch can cause problems at check-in and corrections depend on the airline and ticket type.
Baggage warning: not every domestic China ticket includes checked baggage. Some discount tickets are carry-on only. Check baggage allowance before paying, not at the airport counter.
Metro and public transit inside cities
Chinese city metro systems are modern, cheap, and extensive. A single ride costs RMB 2–10 (about $0.30–1.50). Stations have English signs and announcements in major cities. You can pay with Alipay’s transport QR code, a physical metro card (buy at any station), or cash at ticket machines.
Navigation: use Amap (Gaode Maps) for metro routes and walking directions. Google Maps works with an eSIM but Amap is more accurate for transit inside China — it shows real-time bus arrivals, metro exit recommendations, and route alternatives that Google misses.
Buses: possible but harder for non-Chinese speakers. Routes are usually labeled in Chinese only. Pay with Alipay transport code or exact change. For most tourists, metro plus official taxis or pre-booked transfers is easier than figuring out bus routes.
Taxis and airport transfers for foreigners
For city travel, use metro when possible and official taxi queues or pre-booked airport transfers when public transport is inconvenient. Keep your hotel address in Chinese characters, confirm the license plate before getting in, and keep a cash backup for short rides.
Quick decision table: which transport for which route
| Route type | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 km, city to city | High-speed train | Faster door to door, no baggage claim, city-center stations |
| 500–1,000 km | High-speed train or flight | Compare total door-to-door time including airport transfers |
| Over 1,000 km or cross-country | Flight | Train takes too long, flying saves a full travel day |
| Inside one city | Metro + official taxi or pre-booked transfer | Cheap, reliable, English interfaces available |
| Late night arrival | official taxi or pre-booked transfer | Metro may be closed, taxi queues can be long |
| Budget overnight travel | Ordinary sleeper train | Saves a hotel night, cheaper than high-speed rail |
Payment for transportation: what works with a foreign card
International credit cards work on Kiwi.com, Klook, and Trip.com for booking flights and trains. For local transport: Alipay works for metro QR codes and local transport payments once you link a foreign card. Set up Alipay before your trip. WeChat Pay works similarly — set up WeChat Pay as a backup.
RMB cash is a useful backup, although some machines or service points may direct travelers to a staffed counter. Carry RMB 300–500 in cash as backup even if you plan to use Alipay for everything.
Internet for navigation: you need data from the moment you land
All of this — Amap, translation apps, checking train times, paying with Alipay — requires internet. Buy a China travel eSIM before departure and activate it when you land. Without data at the airport, you cannot check a booking, show your hotel address, or navigate to the metro. Airalo is the easiest to set up, Saily is cheapest for the same network.
Book China Transport
Kiwi.com
Compare international flights
- Compare flights into China
- Useful for multi-city routing
- Good for checking price options
Transport terms travelers mix together
China transportation searches often mix high-speed trains, domestic flights, metro systems, taxis, and airport transfers. Use trains for Beijing-Shanghai-Xi’an-style routes, flights for very long distances, and metro systems inside major cities. Do not plan a tight airport-to-train transfer until you know the exact station and terminal.
For city travel, use this broader transport guide together with the dedicated China subway guide for foreigners.
City subway planning guides
- Shanghai Subway Map guide
- Chengdu Subway Map guide
- Hangzhou Subway Map guide
- Suzhou Subway Map guide
- China subway guide for foreign travelers
Map the intercity part of the trip with our China high-speed rail routes guide.