Transport and Driving in China

Getting around in China is easy, thanks to the country's various transport options. In most cities, you can use buses, trains, subways, ferries, and taxis. There are high-speed trains, buses, and domestic flights for long-distance travel.

Walking and cycling are also popular for short trips. They are cheap and healthy, and many cities offer bike-sharing programmes as part of their public transport systems.

Driving in China can be tricky, with heavy traffic and some chaotic roads. It’s a good idea to explore your area using public transport before deciding to drive.

Public transport in China

Standards vary from city to city, but China's wider public transport network is fairly comprehensive. Its train and long-distance bus services allow people to travel large distances easily.

Trains

The national railway network in China is extensive and covers the entire country. China also has railway links with neighbouring countries, and the famous Trans-Siberian Railway reaches Beijing. The country's rail infrastructure is continuously improving and expanding, especially the high-speed trains. Most of China’s infrastructure is owned and administrated by the state-owned China Railway.

The different types of trains in China operate on different routes and at varying speeds. High-speed trains operate between major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. We recommend using the high-speed trains if possible, as they are more comfortable. 

Various travel classes are available on different train services. Long-distance trains generally offer sleeper compartments, allowing passengers to get some rest while travelling. Soft sleepers are the most comfortable, followed by hard sleepers, and then there are soft and hard seats.

Train tickets in China are only released 15 days in advance, so they can be bought online or at stations. That said, as tickets aren't transferrable, passengers must provide proof of ID when travelling by train in China.

Most railway staff don't speak English, so it may be best to enlist the help of a local acquaintance when buying tickets. You should also note that tickets sell out rapidly during national holidays and festivals like the Chinese New Year. At these times, it's often worth getting tickets through an agent to avoid long station queues.

Metro

China's largest cities are home to some of the best – and busiest – metro systems. Each city tends to have a unique rechargeable public transit card that is usable across various modes of transport, including the subway. Metro systems are clean and efficient, with short waiting times. Metro stations generally have maps, signs, and announcements in Standard Chinese and English, alleviating language barrier concerns.

Taking the metro in China can be a chaotic experience, especially during rush hour. To avoid getting lost or confused in a crowded station, it's best to plan the route in advance by looking at the colour-coded maps and remembering the destination's name.

Buses

Although service standards vary widely between relative luxury and incredible discomfort, buses are an inexpensive way to get around China. Large cities operate efficient Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems with priority bus lanes, as well as trolleybuses and bus services provided by multiple companies.

Air-conditioned buses with comfortable seating and onboard entertainment frequently travel from the major cities, but could cost more than an equivalent train ride. Rural buses, on the other hand, are likely to be a challenging experience. Personnel rarely speak English, signs are usually in Chinese, buses are poorly maintained and delays are common.

Useful links

• China Railway
• Beijing MTR Corporation Limited
• Shanghai Metro

Taxis in China

Taxis are easy to find in most major cities and are reasonably priced. That said, fares go up at night, and it can be hard to get a taxi during rush hours or in bad weather.

Taxi drivers in China typically don’t expect tips, as tipping can be seen as a form of corruption. Some may try to take longer routes with foreign passengers, but the extra cost is often minimal. To avoid problems, always choose metered taxis. Be cautious of unofficial taxis, especially at airports and tourist spots, as they frequently charge much more.

Most taxi drivers don't speak English, even in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. It’s a good idea to have your destination written down in Chinese. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps like DiDi, which make it easier to get a taxi and ensure you arrive at the right place.

Useful links

• DiDi

Driving in China

Driving in China can be chaotic, so defensive driving is essential. Lanes are frequently ignored, car horns are constantly used, and the concept of 'right of way' can feel non-existent. Traffic jams are common, and finding parking can be a challenge. On the plus side, in major tourist areas, some road signs are also written in English.

You can’t use an International Driving Permit in China. If you want to drive, you’ll need a Chinese driver’s licence. Some countries have agreements with China, allowing you to exchange your home licence for a Chinese one without extra tests. If your country doesn’t have such an agreement, you’ll need to pass both written and practical driving tests. You’ll also need to complete a health check, which includes testing your vision, hearing, and overall health.

Driving in China can be stressful, so you might want to think twice before getting behind the wheel. The safest option is to rent a car with a driver who knows the local roads and driving customs.

Cycling in China

Cycling is a cheap and convenient way of getting around Chinese cities. Thousands of bicycles take to the roads during rush hour, and many cities have dedicated cycle paths. Several cities offer bike-sharing programmes and e-bicycles or e-bikes that are easy to rent by scanning a bar code or number plate on the bicycle and paying a fee.

Given the erratic nature of Chinese traffic, cyclists must ride defensively, so it may be best for inexperienced cyclists to give it some time before attempting to take to the road.

Useful links

• DiDi Bike
• Hello Bike

Boat travel in China

China is said to have more navigable waterways than any other country in the world, including rivers, streams, lakes, and canals. While waterways are largely used by ships carrying cargo for major shipping and removals logistics, passenger transport by boat is a great way to travel in China. 

Cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou offer ferry services which conveniently and affordably connect different areas of the city. Boat cruises also make for a popular sightseeing activity for new arrivals and tourists.

Air travel in China

Given the country’s size, travellers in a hurry often prefer to take a domestic flight to get to their destination. As flight delays are common, it may be better for passengers travelling shorter distances to use ground-based transport. You should regularly check flight updates and details if you want to fly to China and between cities.

Several airlines, including Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines, operate between the major cities and tourist destinations.

Prices for flights within mainland China are set at domestic rates, but discounts are regularly available on the busiest routes. Buying online via a Chinese website or travel agency is generally cheaper than on international channels.

Perhaps unexpectedly, this also means that tickets bought in advance aren't cheaper. Instead, seats are usually cheaper for seats closer to the departure date. Planes are typically full during peak periods, so it's best to book well ahead of time.

Useful links

• Air China
• China Southern Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Shenzhen Airlines