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Transport in China: How Foreign Visitors Move Around

Quick answer

  • Use the official 12306 English site or Trip.com for high-speed rail booking.
  • Use Trip.com or airline sites for domestic flights inside China.
  • Metro systems in major cities are generally easy for foreigners, using Alipay QR, bank-card tap, or single tickets depending on the city.
  • DiDi is the easiest taxi alternative because it shows the fare in advance and supports English.
  • Keep your passport details handy for rail, flight, and hotel bookings inside China.

Transport Snapshot

🚄High-speed railAvailable
🚇Metro access in major citiesAvailable
🚕DiDi English appAvailable
🚖Street taxisPartial
✈️Domestic flightsAvailable

How to Book High-Speed Rail

  1. 1Create an account on the 12306 English website / app or book through Trip.com if you want simpler support.
  2. 2Enter your passport details exactly as shown on your document and complete identity verification early.
  3. 3Search by city pair, then compare G trains (fastest high-speed), D trains, and regular overnight options.
  4. 4Pay with an international card where supported, or use Alipay / WeChat Pay if already set up.
  5. 5At the station, use your passport as your travel document and arrive early for security and platform checks.

Source and verification

12306 and Trip.com foreign-passport rail booking

Last verified: 2026-03-11

Scope:Platform rule

Covers: Foreign-passport ticket booking and passport matching requirements

Metro in Major Cities

Payment and ticket options vary by city. Check the local metro system for the most current foreign-card, QR, or ticket-machine support.

CityCommon optionsNotes
BeijingForeign bank-card tap, Alipay transport QR, or single ticketLarge network, English signs at major stations, airport express available.
ShanghaiAlipay or city transport QR, bank-card tap on supported lines, or single ticketVery foreign-friendly. Metro, airport line, maglev, and ferry connections are strong.
Guangzhou / ShenzhenAlipay metro QR or single ticketReliable metro systems. Useful for airport access and cross-city business districts.
Chengdu / Xi'anQR code or ticket machineEasy for sightseeing. Keep station names in Chinese for backup.

Source and verification

Metro access in major cities

Sources

Last verified: 2026-03-11

Scope:Maintained practical guidance

Covers: Typical foreign-card, QR, and ticket-machine options by major city

City-level payment and gate access can change, so this is maintained guidance rather than a nationwide operator guarantee.

DiDi and Taxis

DiDi

The simplest option for most visitors. English interface, fare estimate, and pickup pin reduce miscommunication.

Street taxis

Still workable, but some drivers prefer cash or local mobile payment. Keep your destination in Chinese and use official taxi queues at airports and stations.

Airport Transfers

Airport express / metro

Usually the cheapest and most predictable option in tier-1 cities. Best when you travel light and your hotel is near a station.

Official taxi queue

Best for late arrivals, heavy luggage, or hotels far from rail transit. Avoid touts inside arrivals halls.

DiDi pickup

Often cheaper than airport taxis, but pickup points can be harder to find at very large airports. Follow app signs carefully.

Domestic Flights Inside China

  • •Use Trip.com or the airline's own site if you need a simpler foreign-passport booking flow inside China.
  • •Enter your passport details exactly as shown on your document and keep the same document for check-in.
  • •International cards usually work on Trip.com, but budget carrier payment options can vary by airline.

Source and verification

Domestic-flight booking with foreign passports

Sources

Last verified: 2026-03-11

Scope:Platform rule

Covers: Booking-channel suitability and passport-entry expectations

Practical Tips

  • •Save your hotel name and address in Chinese characters before landing.
  • •During major holidays, book intercity trains and flights as early as possible.
  • •Large stations require passport checks and security screening, so arrive earlier than you would in Europe or North America.
  • •Keep one backup payment method ready in case a kiosk or transit gate rejects your foreign card.

Related Guides

Payment guide →Internet guide →Flights guide →Hotels guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners book high-speed rail tickets in China?▾
Yes. Foreign travelers can book through China Railway's 12306 English website or app, or through Trip.com for a simpler interface and customer support. Your passport details must match exactly.
Is DiDi easier than taking a regular taxi?▾
Usually yes. DiDi shows the fare estimate, pickup point, and route in the app, which reduces language friction. Regular taxis still work, but payment and communication are less predictable.
Can I use metro systems without a local bank card?▾
Yes in many major cities. Foreign travelers can often buy single tickets, and some city systems also support Alipay transport QR or direct bank-card tap depending on local rules.
Should I fly or take high-speed rail inside China?▾
For city pairs connected by fast rail, high-speed trains are often easier because stations are closer to city centers and boarding is simpler. Flights make more sense for very long distances or western routes with weaker rail coverage.