Ultimate China Bus and Public Transportation Guide: Efficient Travel Tips for Visitors

Why is it important to know about China's public transportation when visiting China?

China has the most complicated public transportation network in the world, and it is important for foreign visitors to know how to use Chinese buses, subways, high-speed railways, and drips efficiently. Follow this China bus and other public transportation guide blog, and it will save you a lot of time during your travels, while also improving your sense of happiness. Come and get it!

If your city has a subway, it is highly recommended to take the high-speed rail, because the speed and convenience of the subway are much better than other modes.

Common public transport in China?

Types

Payment Methods

Operating Hours

China Bus

Cash, Transportation Card, Mobile Payment (Alipay/WeChat)

6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Some major cities (like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou) offer night buses running until 2:00 AM - 4:00 AM.

China High-Speed Rail

Buy tickets via the 12306 Website or the APP

6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Some routes may extend to 12:00 AM.

China Subway

Cash, Transportation Card, Mobile Payment (Alipay/WeChat)

6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Some cities (like Beijing and Shanghai) extend to 11:30 PM or 12:00 AM.

Didi Chuxing

(China's Uber)

Bind Alipay/WeChat payment or use cash

24 hours

Tips: It is highly recommended that you download Alipay or WeChat Pay and open an account with your passport. Almost all places support code payment, from star hotels to street stalls.

What are the best transport options in China?

I’m sure you have questions like: How do you take these modes of transportation? How do you check routes? How do you buy Chinese bus tickets? Don’t worry—keep reading, follow this China bus guide and I’ve got all the answers for you!

1. China Bus Guide

In China, there are two types of buses. One is long-distance coaches, which connect one city to another. The other is public buses, which primarily operate within cities or nearby suburban areas on fixed routes.

How to buy a bus ticket？

Public Buses：

Public buses in China support both cash and mobile payments, with Alipay and WeChat Pay covering most city bus systems. All cities accept transportation cards, but each city has its own card system. As a foreign visitor, purchasing a transportation card isn’t necessary and is generally not recommended, as it’s not the most cost-effective option for short-term visits.

Tips: Tap your card or make a payment when boarding. Press the stop button or inform the driver in advance when getting off. In some cities, you may need to tap your card again to confirm your trip before exiting.

Long-Distance Coaches：

Tickets for long-distance coaches usually need to be purchased in advance, either at the station or online. In China, buying a coach ticket requires identification, such as a passport. However, most stations now support online booking, and third-party platforms like Ctrip (携程) make it easy to purchase bus tickets in advance.

How to Check Bus Routes in China

Bus routes can be checked online or directly at bus stations.

Public Buses :

Public buses run frequently, with intervals ranging from a few minutes to over ten minutes between departures.

Download “Baidu Maps” or “Amap (Gaode Maps)”, enter your starting point and destination, and the app will recommend the best bus routes and the specific buses to take.

Tips: Enable the “real-time bus tracking” feature to check the estimated arrival time and avoid long waits at the stop.

At bus stops, you’ll find route maps and schedules on information boards. You can check these to see if there’s a suitable route to your destination

The blue bus stop sign is the bus route map

• Method 1: Online via Map Apps
• Method 2: Checking at the Bus Stop

Long-Distance Coaches:

Long-distance coaches have longer departure intervals, typically running once an hour or even less frequently.

Enter your departure and destination cities on platforms like official bus station websites, “Ctrip (携程)”, “Baidu Maps”, or “Amap (Gaode Maps)” to get route details and schedules. These are the most commonly used tools among locals.

Visit the ticket office at the station and ask the staff for route information. However, this method is less convenient than an online search, so it’s recommended to check online first to save time.

What is the luggage allowance for buses in China?

• Method 1: Online Search
• Method 2: In-Person at the Bus Station

Luggage Allowance on Buses in China

Public Buses：

There are no strict luggage restrictions on public buses—you can bring almost anything you would normally carry while traveling. However, since storage space is limited, it's best to bring only small or manageable items.

Long-Distance Coaches：

Long-distance coaches have dedicated luggage compartments, and the standard baggage allowance is usually up to 20kg. If your luggage exceeds the weight limit or is too bulky, you may need to pay an additional fee.

The table in the first part already shows other public transportation in China, and when you come to China, you should definitely experience their local high-speed railways and subway, because China has one of the most complicated transportation routes in the world.

2. China High-Speed Railway:  Best inter-provincial travel option

China's high-speed rail system is like a spider web, hooking up all the big economic hubs and must-see tourist spots across the country.

For example, in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Chongqing, and other cities, you can click this to query.

How to buy an HSR ticket in China？

12306 Official Website or App: Foreigners can use their passport number as ID proof to register for a 12306 account. Once registered, they can purchase tickets online. Payment methods include Alipay, WeChat Pay, credit cards, and more.

Train Station Ticket Counter: Go to the train station of your destination departure, bring your passport, and purchase tickets at the ticket counter. It’s recommended to arrive early, as there may be queues, and you’ll need extra time for security checks and boarding.

Luggage Allowance on Buses in China

China High-Speed Rail official said: The maximum weight of each piece is 50 kg, and the sum of the external dimensions of the length, width, and height does not exceed a maximum of 200 centimeters and a minimum of 60 centimeters.

Tips: Arrive at the high-speed train station half an hour earlier to wait for the train. Because high-speed train stations in China are very crowded, it takes time to enter the station for a security check and the train will stop checking the tickets 4-12 minutes before the train starts (different train stations have different requirements).

3. China Subway: The best option for getting around the city

China's subway system is rapidly developing in major cities. Each city's subway system has its own unique features, so it is recommended to know the subway lines of your destination city in advance.

How do you buy a subway ticket?

One-way ticket: Purchase from the vending machine at the station, choose your destination, and pay cash or scan the code. Usually 2-10 RMB.

Transportation card: For example, with Shanghai's “Transportation Card” or Beijing's “One Card”, you can swipe your card to enter the station and enjoy discounts after recharging.

Cell phone payment: Alipay and WeChat payment have covered the metro system in most cities; just scan the QR code to complete the payment, convenient and fast.

How to use the metro route map？

Baidu Map / Gaode Map: Just enter your starting point and destination, and the app will provide you with the best route.

Station Route Map: Each subway station has a detailed route map, including passing stations and transfer information.

Tips: The subway may be more crowded during peak hours, so it is recommended to travel on a staggered schedule.

4. Didi Chuxing

As China's largest mobility platform, Didi Chuxing is known as China's “Uber”, providing users with convenient and safe taxi services. We provide you with detailed information on how to use Didi Chuxing, payment methods, and the safety of the platform, which will help you master the skills of smart transportation easily.

• Method 1: Online Ticket Purchase
• Method 2: Offline Ticket Purchase
• Self-Service Ticket Machines: Follow the instructions on the machine to complete your purchase.
• The metro route map is an important tool for planning your trip. here are the tips on how to use it:

How do I download and register the DiDi APP？

The first step to use DDT is to download and register the APP The following are the detailed steps:

iOS users: Search “DiDi” in the App Store to download.

Android users: Search “DiDi” in Google Play or the App Store to download.

Enter the verification code to complete the registration.

3. Bind payment method:

Support international credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard) or Alipay, WeChat payment.

If there is no Chinese payment method, it is recommended to use an international credit card.

How do you use DiDi to call a car？

The process of hailing a car is simple and fast, here are the specific steps:

Tips：

You may need to wait for a long time during peak hours, so it is recommended to call a car in advance.

Comprehensive travel advice and tips

Transportation Mode

Advantages

China Bus

Extensive coverage: Routes reach all corners of the city.

Affordable fares: A cost-effective travel option.

High flexibility: Dense stops, easy to get on and off.

Eco-friendly: Reducing carbon emissions with shared rides.

High-speed Train

Fast speed: Can reach up to 300 km/h, drastically reducing travel time.

Comfortable and convenient: Spacious seats, full amenities, and meal services.

High punctuality: Stable operations with minimal weather impact.

High safety: Advanced technology with a low accident rate.

Subway

Efficient and on time: Not affected by surface traffic, fast operations with high punctuality.

High capacity: Large passenger capacity per trip, easing surface traffic congestion.

Eco-friendly: Powered by electricity, reducing pollution.

Comfy and secure: Spotless surroundings with top-notch safety features

Didi (Ride-hailing)

Convenient and fast: Hail a ride via the app, quick (and it) saves time. Personalized service: Offers various car types to suit different needs.

Transparent pricing: Fixed platform prices, no haggling.

Safe and reliable: Driver and vehicle information is verifiable, and the trip can be tracked.

China buses are affordable and cover a wide area, high-speed trains are fast and comfortable for long distances, subways are efficient and punctual for city commuting, and DiDi offers flexible and convenient personalized services. According to your own needs, choose your way of traveling in China!

• Download the app.
• Register account: Use an international cell phone number to register; some countries support login through a Facebook or Google account.
• Choose a car model: choose a fast car, a special car, a cab, etc., according to your needs.
• Input the destination: Input the destination in the APP, and the system will automatically recommend the best route.
• Confirm the boarding point: The app will recommend the boarding point according to the GPS location, or you can adjust it manually.
• Waiting for the order: The system will match the nearby driver and display the driver's information and estimated arrival time after the order is taken.
• Get on the bus: Confirm the vehicle information and get on the bus. You can check the route and cost in real-time during the trip.