Getting around China: metro, taxis and private cars

Take the metro

Check the station name, line, direction and final exit before starting. A station can have exits on different sides of a large road, and lifts may be at a particular exit.

Buy a single-journey ticket at a station machine or service desk, or activate the city’s transport code in a supported app. In Alipay, open Transport and choose the correct city. Follow the city service’s identity and payment setup.

• Use the transport code, not the ordinary shopping payment code.
• Keep the same ticket, code or bank card for entry and exit.
• If a gate rejects the ticket or a trip does not close, ask the station service desk before buying again.
• Check the last train for your station and direction before a late return.

Use a taxi or book a car

At an airport or railway station, follow signs to the taxi queue or the ride-hailing pickup area. They can be in different locations. Show the driver the hotel’s Chinese address and entrance.

Didi is available through its app and through supported services in Alipay or WeChat. Enter your pickup and destination, choose the service and read the price or estimate. A foreign phone number can be used for Didi registration; keep it reachable for verification.

• Check the number plate and vehicle details before boarding.
• Use the app’s message or call option if you cannot find the driver.
• For a street taxi, check how you will pay before setting off and keep the receipt.
• If you change the destination or add a stop, agree it through the booking service or with the driver.

Arrange a transfer or a day by car

A private transfer is useful when you have luggage, children, a late arrival or accommodation away from a convenient station. Send the flight or train number, date, hotel address, group size and luggage details.

For an outing, list the places you want to visit and the pickup and finish points. Include the journeys between stops and time for meals. Tell us separately if you need English–Chinese interpretation or local accompaniment.

Travel between cities

Use the airport code and complete railway-station name on your ticket. Beijing South, Beijing West and Beijing North are different stations; the same principle applies in other cities.

Allow time from your hotel to the departure point and from the arrival point to the next hotel. The train or flight duration is only one part of the journey.

Common questions