Getting Around the City: Metro, Bus, Taxi & DiDi
How to ride the metro, catch a bus, and hail a taxi or DiDi in Chinese cities — including how to pay with a foreign card and how to spot the classic taxi scams.
The short version
The metro is the fastest and cheapest way around any major Chinese city, and in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou you can now just tap your contactless Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or JCB at the turnstile — no app, no setup. For everywhere else, the Alipay transit QR code works in every city. For door-to-door trips, use DiDi (China's Uber) booked through the DiDi app or inside Alipay, and never accept a ride from anyone who approaches you at an airport or train station.
How to pay on the metro
Tap your bank card (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou)
- Beijing: all stations on all lines accept contactless UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express directly at the gates — tap in, tap out, fare charged automatically.
- Shanghai: contactless foreign cards work network-wide since June 2025.
- Slightly pricier per trip than QR codes, but zero setup. Use the same physical card or phone wallet to tap in and out.
Transit QR code (works in every city)
- Open Alipay, search "Transport" (乘车码), pick your city, and a QR code appears. Scan it at the gate.
- WeChat has the same feature. Set it up once; after that it is the fastest option.
- Have the code on screen before you reach the gates — rush-hour crowds do not wait.
Single-ride ticket
- Ticket machines sell single-trip tokens or cards. Most have an English option and accept cash or Alipay.
- Useful as a fallback if your phone dies or your card will not tap.
Riding the metro: what catches people out
Know before you ride
- Security check at every station: all bags go through an X-ray, like a mini airport. Budget an extra 2–5 minutes, more at rush hour.
- Exits are lettered (A, B, C, D...) and can be hundreds of meters apart. Check the exit map before you go up — the wrong exit can mean a 10-minute walk around the block.
- Rush hour is roughly 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM. People push hard when doors open; this is normal, not rude.
- No eating or drinking on trains — you can be fined.
- Last trains run around 10–11 PM in most cities. Check the time if you are out late.
Buses: cheap but harder
Buses cost ¥1–3 flat in most cities and reach places the metro does not, but they are the most challenging option if you do not read Chinese. Do not guess routes — enter your destination in Amap (English interface) or Apple Maps, pick the bus option, and follow the real-time tracking so you know when to get off.
- Board through the front door, exit through the back.
- Pay with the same Alipay/WeChat transit QR code, a local transit card, or exact cash (no change given).
- Announcements are mostly in Chinese — watch your position on the map instead.
- Press the button or call out "xià chē" (下车, getting off) before your stop.
Using DiDi (China's Uber)
- Get the right app
Download "DiDi - Greater China" (滴滴出行) before your trip — it has a full English interface and registers with your international phone number. Alternatively, use the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay, which many travelers find more reliable for payments. Amap (高德地图) can also hail rides and aggregates several services.
- Set up payment
Linking a Visa/Mastercard directly to DiDi works but is prone to bank declines. The most reliable setup: link your foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, then pay DiDi through that.
- Set destination in Chinese if possible
Pin the location on the map or paste the Chinese address. Keep a screenshot of your destination in Chinese — most drivers speak no English.
- Expect a phone call
After booking, the driver often calls to confirm your pickup spot — in Chinese. Just answer; they are locating you. The in-app chat has automatic translation, so messaging is usually easier than talking.
- Verify the plate
Match the license plate shown in the app before getting in. Note the plate number; problems can be reported in-app or to the city hotline 12345.
Street taxis: the rules
Protect yourself
- Insist on the meter: say "qǐng dǎ biǎo" (请打表). If the driver refuses or offers a flat rate, get out and find another cab.
- Show your destination written in Chinese — a screenshot of the hotel's business card works.
- Check the DiDi estimated fare before a taxi ride so you know what the trip should cost.
- At airports and stations, use only the official taxi queue. Ignore everyone who approaches you inside the terminal.
What things cost
| Mode | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | ¥3–10 per trip | Distance-based |
| City bus | ¥1–3 per trip | Flat rate in most cities |
| Taxi | ¥10–16 start, then ¥2.3–4/km | Varies by city |
| DiDi Express | Similar to taxi | Often cheaper with promos |
| Airport express train | ¥25–50 | e.g. Beijing Capital Express ¥25, Shanghai Maglev ¥50 |
Arriving at the airport
Getting into the city
- Metro or airport express is the cheapest option (30–60 min to the center) and runs at most major airports.
- Airport buses (¥20–30) cover different districts — useful if your hotel is near a stop.
- Landing after 11 PM? The metro will be closed in most cities; book a DiDi or check the airport's late-night bus before you fly.
- Check DiDi's fare estimate before taking a taxi so you can spot overcharging.
Common questions
Apps & maps
Can I use Google Maps?
No — it is blocked and its China data is unreliable anyway. Use Amap (高德地图, has English) or Apple Maps, which uses Amap data and works well in China.
Is Uber available?
No. Uber sold its China business to DiDi in 2016. DiDi is the equivalent and works fine for foreigners.
Practical
Do I need a physical transit card?
Usually not. Bank-card tap (Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou) or the Alipay transit QR covers almost everything. Physical cards (Yikatong in Beijing, Jiaotong Card in Shanghai) are only worth it for long stays.
How do I tell the driver where to go?
Show the address in Chinese characters. Useful phrase: "wǒ yào qù zhèlǐ" (我要去这里, I want to go here) while showing your phone.