Getting Around China: Trains, Metro, Buses and Ride Apps

Getting around China

China has the world's largest high-speed rail network and ultra-modern city metros, so most travellers rarely need a car. The trick is sorting out tickets, payments and apps before you arrive.

High-speed trains

The high-speed network (trains prefixed G, D or C) connects almost every major city. Beijing to Shanghai takes about 4.5 hours for roughly 550 CNY in second class. Book through the official 12306 app or Trip.com, then collect or scan your ticket using your passport at the gate.

• G trains are fastest (up to 350 km/h); D and C are slightly slower and cheaper.
• Arrive 30-45 minutes early; security and ID checks take time.
• Choose business, first or second class; second is comfortable and good value.

City metros

Every large city (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an) has a clean, cheap metro with English signage. Fares run 2-9 CNY by distance.

• Pay by scanning a QR code in Alipay or WeChat, or buy a single-journey token.
• Trains run roughly 6am to 11pm; rush hours are packed.

Buses and intercity coaches

City buses cost 1-2 CNY and take mobile-pay QR codes. For towns without rail, long-distance coaches leave from bus stations, though high-speed trains have replaced most routes.

Ride-hailing and taxis

DiDi is China's Uber and works in English inside Alipay or the standalone app. It's reliable and cheaper than flagging a taxi. Regular taxis are metered but drivers rarely speak English, so show your destination in Chinese characters.

Car rental

Foreign licences are not valid in mainland China, so self-drive needs a temporary Chinese permit, which is hard to arrange short-term. Most visitors skip renting and instead hire a car with a driver through a hotel or app.

Practical tips

• Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay; cash is rarely accepted.
• Download Amap or Baidu Maps for transit directions; Google Maps does not work well.
• Keep your passport handy for every train and many metro checkpoints.

Stay connected in China

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation, DiDi and train bookings the moment you land, with no roaming charges or scrambling for a local SIM.