# Getting Around China (2026): Metro, Trains, Taxis & Didi

> **Source URL:** https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/transport/china-transportation-2026
> **Last Verified:** 2026-10-01 | **Publisher:** China Neighbor (chinaneighbor.com) — Your trusted guide for life in China.
> **License:** © 2026 China Neighbor. Reproduction requires attribution with a link to the original.

> **Direct Answer (TL;DR):** China has world-class public transportation: metro is cheapest and fastest in cities (¥2–10), Didi works everywhere with an English interface, and high-speed trains connect major cities at 350 km/h. Payment runs through WeChat Pay or Alipay — download apps before arrival.

> **Quick Summary:** China has world-class public transportation. Metro is cheapest and fastest in cities. Didi (like Uber) works everywhere with English interface. High-speed trains connect major cities in hours. Payment: WeChat Pay or Alipay required for most services. Download apps before arrival.

---

## Overview of Transportation in China {#overview}

China's transportation infrastructure is among the world's best. Here's what's available:

### Urban Transportation

| Type | Best For | Cost Range | Payment |
|------|----------|-----------|---------|
| **Metro/Subway** | City travel, avoiding traffic | ¥2-10 ($0.30-1.50) | Transit card, WeChat/Alipay |
| **Didi (Ride-hailing)** | Door-to-door, heavy luggage | ¥15-100 ($2-15) | In-app (WeChat/Alipay/card) |
| **Taxi** | When Didi unavailable | ¥15-80 ($2-12) | Cash, WeChat/Alipay |
| **Bus** | Budget travel, local experience | ¥1-3 ($0.15-0.45) | Transit card, WeChat/Alipay |
| **Shared Bike** | Short distances, flexibility | ¥1-3/hour ($0.15-0.45) | In-app (deposit required) |

### Inter-City Transportation

| Type | Best For | Speed | Booking |
|------|----------|-------|---------|
| **High-Speed Train (动车/高铁)** | 100-1,500 km trips | 250-350 km/h | 12306.cn or Trip.com |
| **Regular Train** | Overnight journeys, budget | 80-160 km/h | 12306.cn or Trip.com |
| **Domestic Flight** | 1,500+ km trips | Fast | Ctrip, Trip.com |
| **Long-Distance Bus** | Budget, no train service | 80-100 km/h | Station or apps |

---

## Metro/Subway Systems {#metro}

### Major Cities with Metro

| City | Lines | Stations | Daily Ridership |
|------|-------|----------|----------------|
| Beijing | 27 | 459 | 10M+ |
| Shanghai | 20 | 508 | 11M+ |
| Guangzhou | 16 | 315 | 9M+ |
| Shenzhen | 16 | 343 | 6M+ |
| Chengdu | 13 | 373 | 4M+ |
| Hangzhou | 11 | 271 | 3M+ |
| Nanjing | 11 | 206 | 3M+ |
| Wuhan | 12 | 288 | 3M+ |

**Other cities:** Xi'an, Tianjin, Suzhou, Chongqing, Zhengzhou (40+ cities total)

### How to Use Metro

**Step 1: Download Metro App (Optional but Helpful)**

| City | Recommended App |
|------|----------------|
| Beijing | Beijing Subway |
| Shanghai | Metro Metropolis |
| Guangzhou | 广州地铁 (Guangzhou Metro) |
| All cities | Explore Metro (multilingual) |

**Features:** Route planning, real-time arrivals, station maps, exit information

**Step 2: Payment Options**

**Option A: Physical Transit Card (推荐 for 3+ day stays)**

| City | Card Name | Where to Buy | Deposit |
|------|-----------|--------------|---------|
| Beijing | 一卡通 (Yikatong) | Metro stations, convenience stores | ¥20 refundable |
| Shanghai | 交通卡 (Public Transportation Card) | Metro stations, convenience stores | ¥20 refundable |
| Guangzhou | 羊城通 (Yangchengtong) | Metro stations | ¥20 refundable |
| Shenzhen | 深圳通 (Shenzhentong) | Metro stations | ¥20 refundable |

**Advantages:**
- Faster than mobile payment
- Works on buses too
- Small discount (5-10% off)
- Can be refunded when leaving

**Option B: WeChat Pay / Alipay QR Code**

1. Open WeChat or Alipay
2. Find "Metro/Transport" feature
3. Generate QR code
4. Scan at turnstile
5. Auto-deduct fare

**Advantages:**
- No card needed
- No deposit
- Track spending

**Option C: Single-Journey Ticket (现金)**

- Buy from ticket machines
- Select destination
- Pay cash (machines accept ¥5, ¥10, ¥20 notes)
- Insert ticket at turnstile
- Keep until exit

**Step 3: Navigation Tips**

1. **Find right line:** Check metro map or app
2. **Check direction:** Read station names at both ends (e.g., "Line 1 towards [End Station]")
3. **Follow signs:** Bilingual (Chinese/English) in major cities
4. **Exit numbers:** Know which exit is closest to destination (check maps app)
5. **Peak hours:** Avoid 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM if possible

### Metro Etiquette

**Do:**
- Stand on right side of escalators (left for walking)
- Let passengers exit before boarding
- Give seats to elderly, pregnant women, children
- Keep belongings close

**Don't:**
- Eat or drink (fines apply)
- Play loud music
- Block doors
- Take up multiple seats

---

## Didi (Ride-Hailing) {#didi}

Didi is China's dominant ride-hailing app (similar to Uber). Essential for travelers.

### Setting Up Didi

**Step 1: Download App**

- **iOS:** App Store (search "Didi")
- **Android:** Google Play (download before China) or APK

**Step 2: Registration**

1. Open app
2. Select language (English available)
3. Enter phone number (Chinese or international)
4. Verify via SMS
5. Add payment method:
   - WeChat Pay (easiest)
   - Alipay
   - International credit card (Visa, Mastercard)

**Step 3: First Ride**

1. Enter destination (English addresses work in major cities)
2. Choose service type
3. Confirm pickup location
4. Request ride
5. Track driver in real-time
6. Auto-pay after arrival

### Service Types and Prices

| Service | Description | Price Range (10km) | Best For |
|---------|-------------|-------------------|----------|
| **Express (快车)** | Standard car, economy | ¥20-35 ($3-5) | Most trips |
| **Premier (专车)** | Better car, professional driver | ¥40-70 ($6-10) | Business, comfort |
| **Luxe (豪华车)** | Luxury vehicle | ¥80-150 ($12-22) | Special occasions |
| **Hitch (顺风车)** | Ride-sharing with locals | ¥10-20 ($1.50-3) | Budget (less reliable) |
| **Bike (单车)** | E-bikes for short trips | ¥5-15 ($0.70-2) | <5 km trips |

**Surge pricing:** 1.2x-2x during rush hour, rain, or high demand

### Didi Tips for Foreigners

**Communication:**
- App has built-in translation
- Driver can call (use translate app if needed)
- Screenshot destination in Chinese characters

**Address Input:**
- Use map to drop pin if address search fails
- Landmarks work well (e.g., "Starbucks on Nanjing Road")
- Hotels usually have Chinese address cards

**Safety:**
- Check license plate matches app
- Share trip details with friend (in-app feature)
- Rate driver after trip

**Saving Money:**
- Compare prices across service types
- Avoid rush hour if flexible
- Use coupons (often given to new users)

---

## Taxis {#taxis}

Traditional taxis still widely available, though Didi is more convenient.

### How to Hail a Taxi

**Method 1: Street Hailing**

- Look for lit "空车" (available) sign on roof
- Wave at approaching taxi
- Driver may refuse if destination is inconvenient (technically not allowed, but happens)

**Method 2: Taxi Stands**

- Found at airports, train stations, tourist spots
- Queue and wait your turn
- Usually more reliable than street hailing

### Taxi Fares

| City | Starting Fare (3 km) | Per KM After |
|------|---------------------|-------------|
| Beijing | ¥13 ($1.90) | ¥2.3 |
| Shanghai | ¥14 ($2.00) | ¥2.5 |
| Guangzhou | ¥12 ($1.70) | ¥2.6 |
| Shenzhen | ¥10 ($1.45) | ¥2.4 |
| Chengdu | ¥9 ($1.30) | ¥1.9 |

**Night surcharge:** +20% after 11 PM

**Tolls:** You pay highway tolls (added to fare)

### Taxi Tips

**Payment:**
- WeChat Pay / Alipay (show QR code)
- Cash (always carry small bills)
- Credit cards rarely accepted

**Communication:**
- Have destination written in Chinese
- Use translation app
- Show map location

**Avoid scams:**
- Insist on meter ("请打表" = qǐng dǎ biǎo)
- Official taxis have company name, license number
- Avoid "black cabs" at airport/station (unlicensed)
- Take receipt (has taxi ID for lost items/complaints)

---

## High-Speed Trains (高铁) {#high-speed-trains}

China's high-speed rail network is the world's largest and most advanced.

### Popular Routes and Times

| Route | Distance | Time | Frequency |
|-------|----------|------|-----------|
| Beijing - Shanghai | 1,318 km | 4.5-6 hours | 100+ trains/day |
| Shanghai - Hangzhou | 159 km | 1 hour | 200+ trains/day |
| Guangzhou - Shenzhen | 102 km | 30 mins | 300+ trains/day |
| Beijing - Xi'an | 1,088 km | 4.5-6 hours | 50+ trains/day |
| Shanghai - Suzhou | 84 km | 25-30 mins | 200+ trains/day |

**Train types:**
- **G trains (高铁):** Fastest (300-350 km/h)
- **D trains (动车):** Fast (200-250 km/h)
- **C trains (城际):** Intercity express

### Booking Train Tickets

**Option 1: Official Website (12306.cn)**

**Pros:** Best prices, most availability
**Cons:** Chinese interface, requires Chinese phone number for registration, payment difficult for foreigners

**Option 2: Third-Party Apps (Recommended)**

| App | Commission | English Support | Payment |
|-----|-----------|----------------|---------|
| **Trip.com** | ¥10-30 ($1.50-4.50) | Excellent | International cards |
| **Ctrip (携程)** | ¥10-30 | Good | International cards |
| **<a href="https://tp.media/r?campaign_id=137&marker=774004.transport&p=4110&trs=570551&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Klook</a>** | ¥15-40 | Excellent | International cards |

**Booking process:**
1. Select route and date
2. Choose train and class
3. Enter passenger info (passport name, number)
4. Pay online
5. Receive booking confirmation

**When to book:**
- High season (holidays): 30 days in advance
- Peak days (Friday, Sunday): 7-14 days ahead
- Regular days: 1-7 days is fine

### Ticket Classes and Prices

**Example: Shanghai to Beijing (1,318 km, ~5 hours)**

| Class | Price | Features |
|-------|-------|----------|
| **Second Class (二等座)** | ¥550 ($80) | Standard seats, 5 seats per row, most popular |
| **First Class (一等座)** | ¥930 ($135) | Wider seats, 4 per row, more space |
| **Business Class (商务座)** | ¥1,750 ($255) | Reclining seats, lounge access, meals |

**Budget option:** D trains are 20-30% cheaper than G trains, take 1-2 hours longer

### At the Train Station

**Arrival time:** 30-60 minutes before departure

**Process:**

1. **Security check:** All bags scanned, ID/passport checked
2. **Ticket collection:** Show booking code at machines or counter (if booked online)
3. **Find waiting area:** Check departure board, go to designated area
4. **Board train:** Gates open 10-15 minutes before departure
5. **Find seat:** Car number outside, seat number inside

**Station tips:**
- Stations are massive (size of airports)
- Follow signs for "High-Speed Rail" (高铁)
- English announcements in major stations
- Food courts and shops inside
- Free WiFi available

### On the Train

**Amenities:**
- Power outlets at every seat
- WiFi (usually available, sometimes slow)
- Dining car (snacks, instant noodles, meal boxes)
- Clean restrooms
- Luggage racks overhead and at car ends

**Food:**
- Bring your own (cheaper)
- Buy from cart service (¥15-40)
- Dining car (¥40-80)
- Pre-order meal when booking (some apps offer)

---

## Buses {#buses}

### City Buses

**Pros:** Very cheap (¥1-2), extensive coverage
**Cons:** Crowded, Chinese-only announcements, complex routes

**How to use:**

1. Install bus app (e.g., "Real-time Bus" / 实时公交)
2. Check route and stops
3. Board at front or rear door (varies by city)
4. Pay via transit card or mobile payment
5. Press button for stop (or automatic)

**Best for:** Daytime travel, when metro doesn't go where you need

### Long-Distance Buses

**When to use:** No train service, remote areas, budget travel

**Booking:**
- Station ticket counter
- Trip.com, Ctrip (limited routes)
- Bus station apps

**Comfort levels:**
- Regular seats
- Sleeper buses (卧铺) for overnight
- Luxury buses (more expensive, like flights)

**Tip:** High-speed trains are usually better value for time and comfort

---

## Shared Bikes and E-Scooters {#bikes}

### Major Providers

| Brand | Color | Deposit (可退) | Cost |
|-------|-------|-------------|------|
| Meituan | Yellow | ¥99 or credit score | ¥1.5/15 min |
| Hellobike | Blue | Credit score | ¥1.5/15 min |
| Didi Bike | Orange | In-app wallet | ¥1.5/15 min |

**Note:** "Credit score" refers to Alipay Sesame Credit (芝麻信用) score >650

### How to Use

1. Download app (Meituan, Hellobike, or use WeChat mini-program)
2. Register and pay deposit (or link Alipay credit)
3. Find nearby bike on map
4. Scan QR code on bike
5. Unlock and ride
6. Park in designated area (white parking boxes)
7. Lock bike in app
8. Auto-charge to WeChat/Alipay

### Rules and Tips

**Do:**
- Park in designated white boxes
- Lock properly after use
- Follow traffic rules (bike lanes)

**Don't:**
- Park randomly (fines apply)
- Ride on sidewalks (where prohibited)
- Take bike upstairs or inside buildings

**Safety:**
- Traffic can be chaotic
- Wear helmet if provided
- Be extremely cautious at intersections
- Avoid busy roads during rush hour

---

## Airports and Airport Transportation {#airports}

### Major International Airports

| Airport | Code | City | Transport to City |
|---------|------|------|------------------|
| Beijing Capital | PEK | Beijing | Airport Express (25 min, ¥25) |
| Beijing Daxing | PKX | Beijing | Daxing Express (20 min, ¥35) |
| Shanghai Pudong | PVG | Shanghai | Maglev (8 min, ¥50) + Metro |
| Shanghai Hongqiao | SHA | Shanghai | Metro Line 2 (direct, 40 min) |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | CAN | Guangzhou | Metro Line 3 (35 min, ¥7) |
| Shenzhen Bao'an | SZX | Shenzhen | Metro Line 11 (35 min, ¥8) |
| Chengdu Shuangliu | CTU | Chengdu | Metro Line 10 (25 min, ¥10) |

### Airport to City Options

**Metro (Best Value):**
- ¥7-35
- 25-60 minutes
- Avoid if lots of luggage
- Runs until ~11 PM

**Airport Express Train:**
- ¥25-50
- 20-30 minutes
- Luggage-friendly
- Limited stops

**Taxi:**
- ¥80-200 depending on distance
- 30-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Fixed-price counters at some airports
- Avoid touts, use official stands

**Didi:**
- Similar price to taxi
- Book before exiting arrivals hall
- Easier payment (no cash needed)
- Track driver location

**Private Transfer:**
- ¥150-400
- Pre-booked via hotel or <a href="https://tp.media/r?campaign_id=137&marker=774004.transport&p=4110&trs=570551&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Klook</a>/Trip.com
- Driver meets you with name sign
- Best for late arrivals or heavy luggage

---

## Lost and Found {#lost-and-found}

Lost something on a train or in the metro? China's transit systems log found items quickly, and most are recovered — if you report fast. Here's how, channel by channel.

### On Trains: The 12306 Lost Item Service

The official China Railway lost-and-found service lives inside the **Railway 12306 app** (also on 12306.cn):

1. Open the **Railway 12306** app (English interface available; foreigners register with a passport)
2. Go to **Me (我的)** → **Warm Service (温馨服务)** → **Lost Item Lookup (遗失物品查找)**
3. Submit a report: travel date, train number, carriage/seat, boarding and exit stations, plus a detailed item description (category, brand, color, contents)
4. Staff check the train and terminal station, then contact you by phone if a match is found
5. Track progress anytime in the same menu (进度查询)

**No app?** Ask the train crew before you get off, visit any station's service desk (服务台), or call the **12306 hotline** (English support available) (Last verified: 2026-10-01).

**Collecting your item:** Bring your **passport** — the one your ticket was booked with — to the designated station's lost and found. If you've already left the city, many stations can courier the item back for a fee (ask staff; some items like cash may be excluded). How long items are held varies by station, so claim promptly (Last verified: 2026-10-01).

### On the Metro: City-by-City Channels

Each city's metro runs its own lost-and-found system. Items usually end up at the station where they were found, or at the line's terminal station:

| City | Official Hotline | Online Channel |
|------|-----------------|----------------|
| **Beijing** | 96165 (MTR Beijing lines 4/14/16/17: 96123) | WeChat mini-program **北京地铁服务** → Lost & Found |
| **Shanghai** | 021-64370000 | **Metro Metropolis (Metro大都会)** app or Shanghai Metro website → 失物招领 |
| **Guangzhou** | 020-96891 | WeChat official account **广州地铁** → 96891微客服 → 失物招领 |
| **Shenzhen** | 0755-88960600 (staffed ~08:00-20:30) | Shenzhen Metro app or WeChat official account → 智慧服务 → 失物招领 |

**How it works:**
1. Report ASAP with the time, line, direction, carriage number (posted by the doors), and item description
2. Staff sweep the train at the terminal station and log any matches
3. Collect **in person with valid ID** — your passport works in all four cities (Last verified: 2026-10-01)

There's no single central lost-and-found office in most cities — call the hotline first to confirm where your item is being held before traveling to a station.

### What You Need to Claim an Item

- **Passport** — foreigners claim with the passport used for booking/travel; if the passport itself was the lost item, bring any other ID you have plus a photo/copy to speed up verification
- **Item details** — color, brand, contents; for taxis, keep the receipt (its taxi ID is how the driver is traced)
- **Someone claiming for you** — usually needs their own ID plus your authorization; rules vary, so call the relevant hotline ahead (Last verified: 2026-10-01)

---

## Money-Saving Tips {#money-saving}

### Transportation Budget

**Budget traveler (per day):**
- Metro: ¥10-20
- Occasional Didi: ¥20-30
- **Total: ¥30-50 ($4-7)**

**Moderate traveler (per day):**
- Metro: ¥10
- Didi 2-3 times: ¥50-80
- **Total: ¥60-90 ($8-13)**

**Comfort traveler (per day):**
- Didi most trips: ¥100-150
- Occasional premier: ¥50
- **Total: ¥150-200 ($22-30)**

### Saving Strategies

1. **Buy transit card** — 5-10% discount on metro/bus
2. **Walk short distances** — <1 km is walkable
3. **Use metro over Didi** when possible (10x cheaper)
4. **Book trains early** — Cheaper fares, more choices
5. **Travel off-peak** — Avoid surge pricing
6. **Stay near metro** — Hotels near stations save transport costs
7. **Use day passes** — Some cities offer 1-day unlimited metro (¥18-25)
8. **Shared rides** — Didi Hitch for budget option

---

## Essential Apps {#essential-apps}

| App | Purpose | Must-Have? |
|-----|---------|-----------|
| **Didi (滴滴出行)** | Ride-hailing | Yes |
| **WeChat (微信)** | Payment, everything | Yes |
| **Alipay (支付宝)** | Payment, transit | Yes |
| **Trip.com** | Train/flight booking | Yes |
| **Baidu Maps (百度地图)** | Navigation (better than Google) | Yes |
| **Metro apps** | City-specific metro | Helpful |
| **12306** | Official train booking | Optional (use Trip.com instead) |
| **Meituan (美团)** | Bike sharing, food delivery | Helpful |
| **Explore Metro** | Multi-city metro maps | Helpful |

**Download before arrival:** Google Play is blocked in China

---

## Related Guides {#related-guides}

**Within this transport series:**
- [China Metro Guide for Foreigners](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/transport/china-metro-guide-for-foreigners-2026) — City-by-city metro navigation
- [China Train Tickets Guide](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/transport/china-train-tickets-guide-2026) — Booking high-speed rail step by step
- [Didi for Foreigners Guide](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/transport/didi-for-foreigners-guide-2026) — Ride-hailing setup and tips

**Essentials that make transport work:**
- [How to Pay in China](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/essentials/how-to-pay-in-china-2026) — Set up WeChat Pay for transportation
- [VPN for China](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/essentials/vpn-for-china-2026) — Access Google Maps and foreign apps
- [eSIM for China](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/essentials/esim-for-china-2026) — Stay connected on the go
- [Common Scams in China](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/essentials/common-scams-in-china-guide) — Taxi meter games, note-swap tricks, and fake ticket offices

---

## Quick Reference Card

**Most useful transportation:**
1. Metro (cities)
2. Didi (taxis)
3. High-speed trains (inter-city)

**Payment setup:**
- WeChat Pay + Alipay

**Apps to download:**
- Didi, Trip.com, Baidu Maps, Metro app

**Typical costs:**
- Metro ride: ¥2-10
- Didi (10 km): ¥20-35
- Train (Beijing-Shanghai): ¥550

---

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---

**Need help navigating China?** [Contact us](https://chinaneighbor.com/contact) — We can assist with transportation planning.

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I use Google Maps in China?**

**No** — Google is blocked. Use Baidu Maps (best, Chinese), Apple Maps (works okay), or Gaode Maps (高德地图).

**Q: Do I need cash for transportation?**

Mostly no: metro takes transit cards or mobile payment, Didi is paid in-app, trains book online, and taxis accept WeChat/Alipay. Cash is still useful for small taxis that don't accept mobile, emergencies, and rural areas.

**Q: How do I navigate if I don't read Chinese?**

Tools: a translation app (screenshot signs), bilingual metro maps (in app or station), a dropped pin in a maps app to show the driver, and hotel business cards with the address in Chinese.

**Q: Is transportation safe for foreigners?**

Yes, very safe: low crime rate, trains and metros have security, and Didi/taxis are regulated. Scams exist but are rare with mobile apps. Stay alert for pickpockets in crowded metros, overcharging by unlicensed taxis, and traffic when biking.

**Q: Can I travel between cities without Chinese?**

Yes: book trains on English apps (Trip.com), train stations have English signs, download an offline translator, and hotels can help with bookings.

**Q: What's the best taxi app in China for foreigners?**

**Didi (滴滴出行)** — it's China's equivalent of Uber and has an English interface, in-app translation, and international card payment. Note that **the Uber app does not work in China** (Uber sold its China operations to Didi in 2016), so Didi (or local rival Caocao) is what you'll actually use. See our [Didi guide for foreigners](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/transport/didi-for-foreigners-guide-2026) for setup steps.

**Q: How do tourists pay for the metro in China?**

Easiest options: generate a transit QR code inside **WeChat Pay or Alipay** (no deposit needed), or buy a single-journey ticket with cash (¥5/¥10/¥20 notes) at station machines. For stays of 3+ days, a refundable ¥20 transit card is fastest. Details in our [China metro guide](https://chinaneighbor.com/guide/transport/china-metro-guide-for-foreigners-2026).