How to get from the airport/station to downtown?

Below are transportation guides for major airports, high-speed rail stations, and train stations in China, covering various methods such as subway, airport shuttle buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, along with cost references and practical tips.

1. Transportation options from the airport to downtown

1. Subway (Highly recommended)
2. Advantages: Low cost, predictable time, wide coverage.
3. Steps:
   • Follow airport signs to find the subway entrance.
   • Use automatic ticket vending machines (supporting both Chinese and English interfaces) or directly use Alipay/WeChat Pay QR codes for travel (requires prior bank card binding).
4. Cost: Usually 5-15 RMB, varying by city and distance.

5. Examples of Major Cities:

   • Beijing Capital International Airport: Subway Capital Airport Line (25 RMB, 30 minutes to Dongzhimen).
   • Shanghai Pudong International Airport: Subway Line 2 or Maglev (Maglev single trip 50 RMB, 8 minutes to Longyang Road).
   • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: Subway Line 3 (about 6 RMB, 45 minutes to downtown).

6. Airport Shuttle Bus (Airport Bus)

7. Advantages: Direct routes to popular downtown areas, suitable for carrying large luggage.
8. Steps:
   • Purchase tickets at the "airport bus" ticket counter in the arrival hall (cash/mobile payment supported).
   • Follow signs to the boarding area; buses typically run every 15-30 minutes.
9. Cost: 15-40 RMB.

10. Examples of Major Cities:

    • Chengdu Shuangliu Airport: Airport Bus Line 1 (10 RMB, 40 minutes to Tianfu Square).
    • Xi'an Xianyang Airport: Airport Bus Zhonglou Line (25 RMB, 1 hour to downtown).

11. Taxi/Ride-hailing Services

12. Advantages: Available 24 hours, ideal for group travel or nighttime arrivals.
13. Steps:
    • Taxi: Take a taxi from designated queue areas at the airport, metered fare (starting price around 10-15 RMB).
    • Ride-hailing: Use Didi Chuxing (download Didi App, bind Alipay/WeChat Pay).
14. Cost Reference:
    • Beijing Capital Airport to Tiananmen: about 100-120 RMB (including highway tolls).
    • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to The Bund: about 60-80 RMB.

15. Notes:

    • Confirm that the driver uses the meter, avoid negotiated pricing.
    • Save trip screenshots (including license plate number) for future reference.

16. High-Speed Rail Connection (Some Airports)

17. Applicable Airports: Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Beijing Daxing Airport, etc., which are connected to high-speed rail hubs.
18. Example:
    • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport → Hongqiao Railway Station: Walk 10 minutes or take Metro Line 2 (1 stop).
    • Beijing Daxing Airport → Beijing West Station: Take Jingxiong Intercity High-Speed Rail (20 minutes, 30 RMB).

2. Transportation options from Train Stations/High-Speed Rail Stations to Downtown

1. Subway
2. Major high-speed rail stations in China (such as Beijing West Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Station, Guangzhou South Station) are seamlessly connected to subways.

3. Example:

   • Shanghai Hongqiao Station: Subway Lines 2/10/17 directly reach People's Square, Nanjing Road East, etc.
   • Shenzhen North Station: Subway Lines 4/5 cover the entire city.

4. Bus/Taxi

5. Bus stops are usually located at the exit square of high-speed rail stations, where you can use Alipay "travel code".
6. Taxis must board at designated areas; some cities (like Hangzhou) offer dedicated ride-hailing pick-up points.

3. Notes

1. Language Communication: Prepare the Chinese name or address screenshot of your destination in advance.
2. Payment Methods:
3. Subway/Bus: Recommend binding Alipay or WeChat Pay "travel code".
4. Taxi: Cash is supported, but mobile payment is more convenient.
5. Safety Tips:
6. Avoid unlicensed vehicles ("black cars").
7. For nighttime arrivals, it’s recommended to choose subways or ride-hailing services.

4. Practical Suggestions

1. Plan Ahead: Use Gaode Map (Amap) or Baidu Map to check real-time routes.
2. Download Apps: Didi Chuxing (ride-hailing), MetroMan (subway line inquiry).
3. Emergency Preparation: Save China emergency numbers: Police 110, Emergency Medical Services 120.