China · Travel Background
Getting Around in China
Trains, flights, buses and city transport for travelers in China.
Getting Around China: A Guide for US Travelers
China has one of the best transport networks in the world. High-speed trains connect most major cities, big cities have modern metro systems, and ride-hailing apps make short trips easy. This guide explains how US travelers can get around China, and what to set up before you go.
Before You Go: Apps and Payments
Most transport in China is booked and paid for on your phone. Set these up at home, a few weeks before your trip:
- Alipay and WeChat Pay: Link a US Visa or Mastercard after verifying your identity. You’ll use them for metro rides, taxis, DiDi, bike shares and train tickets. Set up both in case one card link fails.
- A travel eSIM: Google, WhatsApp and many Western apps are blocked in China. A roaming eSIM from your carrier or a provider like Airalo usually gives you access and mobile data.
- Maps: Apple Maps works in China on iPhone. On Android, download Amap or Baidu Maps before you fly. Google Maps is unreliable there.
- Translation: Download a translation app with offline Chinese, and save your hotel’s address in Chinese characters.
High-Speed Trains
China’s high-speed rail network is the largest in the world. Trains are fast, punctual and comfortable, and for trips under about five hours they’re often quicker than flying once you count airport time.
| Route | Typical journey time |
|---|---|
| Beijing – Shanghai | About 4.5–6 hours |
| Beijing – Xi’an | About 4.5–6 hours |
| Shanghai – Hangzhou | About 1 hour |
| Shanghai – Suzhou | About 30 minutes |
| Guangzhou – Shenzhen | About 30–45 minutes |
| Hong Kong (West Kowloon) – Guangzhou | About 1 hour |
- Booking: Use the official China Railway 12306 app, which has an English version, or a booking site like Trip.com. Popular trains sell out around holidays, so book early.
- Your passport is your ticket. Tickets are linked to your passport number, so the name and number must match exactly. Bring your passport to the station. If the automatic gates don’t read it, use the staffed gate.
- Arrive early. Allow 30–45 minutes for security and passport checks at big stations. Boarding usually closes a few minutes before departure.
- Classes: Second class is comfortable for most trips. First class and business class have more space.
Domestic Flights
Flying makes sense for long distances, such as Beijing to Chengdu, Guilin or Kunming. Major airlines include Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Hainan Airlines. Book through the airline’s English website or a booking site, and bring your passport to check in. Delays are common in bad weather and during peak travel periods.
Metro and City Transport
- Metro: More than 50 Chinese cities have metro systems. Signs and announcements in big cities are in English. Buy single tickets at station machines or scan the transit QR code in Alipay. Expect a bag check at most stations.
- Buses: Cheap and frequent, but routes and stops are usually in Chinese only. Most accept transit QR codes.
- Bike sharing: Shared bikes (such as Meituan and HelloBike) are everywhere and unlock with Alipay or WeChat.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
- DiDi: China’s main ride-hailing app has an English version and works with foreign payment methods. You can also use it inside Alipay or WeChat.
- Taxis: Use metered taxis from official taxi lines. Most drivers don’t speak English, so show your destination in Chinese.
- Avoid unofficial drivers who approach you at airports and train stations. Black taxis often overcharge.
Can Americans Drive in China?
Generally, no. China doesn’t recognize US driver’s licenses or the International Driving Permit. To drive, you need a Chinese temporary driving permit or a Chinese license. Most visitors use trains, DiDi or a hired car with a driver instead.
Travel Tips
- Avoid peak holidays if you can: Chinese New Year (January or February), the May Day holiday (early May) and National Day week (early October). Trains and flights sell out, and prices rise.
- Carry your passport at all times. You need it for trains, flights, hotels and many attractions.
- Keep some cash (about ¥500–1,000) as a backup in case your apps don’t work.
- Emergencies: Police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119.
Get Your China Visa With Visa Express
Most US citizens need a visa to travel around China. The exception is the 240-hour visa-free transit, which covers trips through China to a third country or region. Visa Express prepares and submits China visa applications for US citizens in all 50 states, with processing in as little as 6–8 business days. See our China visa requirements, fees and processing times.