China Trains, Metro & Taxis: Getting Around as a Tourist
Book China's high-speed trains with a foreign card, ride the metro with a QR code, order a DiDi, and get from the airport to your hotel without any stress.
High-speed trains
China has the world’s largest high-speed rail network — fast, punctual, and cheap.
- Book on the official 12306 app/site (passport login) or, more easily for foreigners, through Trip.com, which accepts international cards and shows English.
- Bring your passport — it is your ticket, and foreign passports can’t use the automated e-gates. Go straight to the staffed manual lane (人工通道).
- Arrive 30 min early; stations are large.
- Seat classes: Second class (standard, fine), First class, Business.
Foreign cards are often rejected on 12306. Use Trip.com or bind Alipay/WeChat Pay to avoid being stuck at checkout. See Mobile Payment →.
Metro / subway
- Every major city has a clean, cheap metro. Get a transit QR code in the local metro app or Alipay’s “Travel” section — no paper ticket needed. Set the payment app up first: Mobile Payment →.
- Security scans bags at every station entrance, so allow a couple of extra minutes at rush hour.
- Maps & line info are in Amap and Apple Maps.
DiDi
- DiDi is China’s ride-hailing app (like Uber). Enter pickup/drop-off, pay via Alipay/WeChat, no cash haggling.
- For taxis, use the meter; rides are metered by law. Show the driver the Chinese address.
Airport ↔ city
- Airports connect via metro, airport express trains, buses, or DiDi. The metro/express is cheapest; DiDi is most convenient with luggage.
- Save your hotel’s Chinese address to show the driver. See Maps & Navigation →.
Bikes & walking
- HelloBike / Meituan Bike / DiDi Bike are scan-to-ride dockless bikes — unlock via their mini-programs in Alipay/WeChat. Great for short hops.
Station name tip: Chinese station names can repeat (e.g., multiple “South” stations). Double-check North/South/East/West so you don’t board the wrong train.
Frequently asked questions
How do foreigners book high-speed train tickets in China?
Trip.com is easiest because it accepts foreign cards and works in English. The official 12306 app is cheaper but often rejects overseas cards.
Do I need my passport to board a train in China?
Yes. Your passport acts as the ticket, so it is scanned at the station gate and may be checked again on board. Foreign passports cannot use the automated e-gates — head for the staffed manual lane (人工通道).
How early should I arrive at a Chinese train station?
Allow 30 to 45 minutes. Stations are huge, security queues build up, and the gate closes a few minutes before departure.
Can I ride the metro in China without a ticket machine?
Yes. Generate a transit QR code in Alipay or the local metro app and scan it at the gate.
Is DiDi better than a taxi in China?
DiDi avoids language and fare problems because the route and price are set in the app. Street taxis are fine if the meter is running.
Last updated: 2026-08