China Train & Metro Guide for Foreigners: High-Speed Rail & Metro 2026

Last updated: 2026-06-08

High-Speed Trains: Best Way Between Cities

China's high-speed trains (G, D, C classes) reach 350 km/h. Shanghai to Beijing (1,318 km) takes just 4.5 hours — comparable to flying when factoring in airport time.

1 Buy Tickets

Use Trip.com (easiest for foreigners):

Open Trip.com app → Trains → Enter cities and date
Select train: G = fastest, D = fast, K = slow "normal" train
Choose seat: 2nd Class (cheapest, ¥550 SH-BJ), 1st Class (wider, ¥900), Business (lie-flat, ¥1,750)
Pay with international card
Collect paper ticket at ANY station — passport + booking number

⚠️ Important: Tickets sell 15 days ahead and SELL OUT on popular routes. Book early. You need the paper ticket (or e-ticket linked to passport) — booking confirmations alone are NOT enough.

2 At the Station

Arrive 60-90 minutes early. Stations are enormous.
Security check: Like airports — bags X-ray, metal detector.
Find your gate: Giant boards show train, gate, status in Chinese AND English.
Ticket check: Passport at the gate. Opens 15 min before, closes 5 min before departure.

3 On the Train

Overhead racks for backpacks; suitcases at carriage ends.
Power outlets at every seat (Chinese sockets — bring adapter).
Hot water dispenser at carriage ends (for instant noodles/tea).
Dining car or snack cart — bring your own food for longer trips.
Clean toilets (Western-style on newer G-trains).
WiFi on most G-trains (connect with passport), but patchy.

City Metro: Easiest Way Around

China's metros are modern, clean, and English-friendly. Shanghai has 20 lines; Beijing has 27.

Payment (easiest → hardest)

Alipay Transport Code: Alipay → Transport → select city → scan QR at gate. 30+ cities. Best for foreigners.
Single-Journey Ticket: Buy at machines with cash/Alipay. Select destination, pay, get token.
Day Pass: 24h/72h passes at service counters. Good for heavy use.
Transport Card: ¥20 deposit physical card. Mostly unnecessary — Alipay is simpler.

DiDi: Chinese Uber

English interface, accepts international cards linked to Alipay.

Pickup: App shows designated pickup point. Wait there.
Communication: In-app messaging with auto-translate. Have destination in Chinese.
Cost: Airport → city center: ¥150-200. City rides: ¥20-50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport to buy and board trains?

Yes! At the station, take your passport and Trip.com booking number to the "Manual/Passport" ticket window. At the gate, use the manual lane (not the ID scanner).

Is English signage available?

Major stations (Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou South) have English throughout. Smaller stations have limited English. Station names are always in pinyin on tickets and boards.

How much luggage can I bring?

Officially 20kg. In practice: as much as you can carry. Large suitcases go at carriage ends. No checked baggage — pack light!

Sources & Last Verified

China Railway (12306) — Official train schedules, ticket booking, and station information Verified: June 8, 2026

Trip.com — English-language train booking for foreign travelers Verified: June 8, 2026

Information may change. Always check official sources for the latest policies. This is not legal advice — border officers and airlines have final authority on entry decisions.