Beijing
Capital Airport (PEK) connects by Airport Express to Dongzhimen, then metro/taxi. Daxing (PKX) is south of the city; the Daxing Airport Express links to Caoqiao, and taxis take 45–60 minutes to central Beijing. Use the official taxi queue, not touts.
Shanghai
Pudong (PVG) has the maglev to Longyang Road (then metro) and metro line 2; taxis take 45–60 minutes. Hongqiao (SHA) is closer and connects to metro lines 2/10 and the high-speed rail station. For early flights, stay near the airport or leave extra time.
Guangzhou
Baiyun (CAN) connects by metro line 3 and airport express buses; taxis take 30–50 minutes to Zhujiang New Town. The metro is cheap and reliable with luggage outside rush hour. Use the official taxi rank.
Reality check
The official taxi queue is usually faster than arguing with touts, even if it looks longer.
Local tip: Show the driver the hotel address in Chinese, not English.
Step by step
- Check which airport/terminal you land at.
- Follow signs to metro/airport express/taxi.
- Buy a metro ticket or use Alipay/WeChat QR.
- Use the official taxi queue; refuse touts.
- Show the driver the hotel address in Chinese.
- Keep the receipt and note the route.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Airport express/metro | US$3–10 |
| Taxi | US$15–40 |
| Maglev (Shanghai) | US$7–10 |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Hotel address in Chinese
- Payment app/cash
- Map
Common mistakes
- Following touts to “cheap” cars
- Wrong terminal
- Rush hour with luggage
- No Chinese address
If things go wrong
- If a driver refuses the meter, get out and use the official queue or DiDi.
- If you are overcharged, note the plate and complain to the airport taxi desk.
FAQ
Is the metro easy with luggage?
Outside rush hour, yes, but transfers can involve stairs. A taxi may be worth it after a long flight.
Can I pay the taxi by card?
Many accept mobile payment; some prefer cash. Carry small notes.
Getting around: the field guide
China’s transport is fast and punctual, but the stations are huge. The main skill is leaving enough time and knowing exactly which station, terminal or exit you need.
Book the right mode
For city pairs under 4–5 hours, high-speed rail usually beats flying door-to-door. For long distances or routes without direct rail, fly. Overnight trains save a hotel night but are slower; book a sleeper, not a hard seat.
Stations and airports
Check the station name in Chinese, not just the city. Shanghai has several stations; Beijing’s airports are far apart. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for rail and 2 hours for domestic flights. Keep your passport with you; it is your ticket on many rail routes.
Local trips
Use the metro for predictable journeys and DiDi for door-to-door trips with luggage or at night. Avoid unlicensed touts. At big stations, follow the numbered exits; the wrong exit can add a 15-minute walk. For bikes, use designated lanes and park legally.
Quick checks
- Station/terminal name in Chinese
- Ticket or e-ticket saved offline
- Arrival buffer built in
- Metro exit number noted
- Official taxi/DiDi only
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Hotel address in Chinese
- Payment app/cash
- Map
- Check which airport/terminal you land at.
- Follow signs to metro/airport express/taxi.
- Buy a metro ticket or use Alipay/WeChat QR.
- Use the official taxi queue; refuse touts.
- Show the driver the hotel address in Chinese.
- Keep the receipt and note the route.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.