Hey, I’m Mike and I’ve traveled all over China. And I’ve used a few different transport apps over the years!
So what’s the best China transport app?
I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but for English speakers there’s no one transport app that covers everything (though WeChat and Alipay come close).
Instead, there are numerous apps that do a good job of getting you from A to B.
And here they are!
1. Trip

Inside of one Xian’s main train stations. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
I consistently use Trip to book high-speed trains in China, as well as my hotels, flights, and airport transfers.
The app is in English, it’s the best for China, and the help you get is quick and amazing from my experience.
Train tickets are released only two weeks in advance, and during Chinese holiday times I recommend booking as early as possible.
Lately, I’ve been booking first-class tickets as there’s not a massive difference in price compared to the second-class tickets, and as I get older I enjoy these little luxuries.
You get a wider seat and lots of leg room (which helps tall people like me), and on longer routes you might get a little refreshment pack.
With Trip, you can also book the slower trains which are cheaper but not as modern. The routes are different too.
Get high-speed train tickets on Trip here.
2. China Railway 12306

Chinese trains are all numbered so you can work out which gate to go to. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
This is what the locals use to book high-speed train tickets as well as the slower trains.
The app has an English language option, so you can use it too.
However, a word of advice – this app has been super-buggy for me, so I no longer use it. Other people on Reddit have had similar experiences with ID and payment issues, and there’s no English help.
If you have the time and patience, feel free to check out 12306 as you can avoid the small booking fee that Trip charges.
But when you compare 12306 and Trip, I guarantee you won’t mind paying a small booking fee for the supreme English interface and tourist experience with Trip.
You’ll find exactly the same train routes on both 12306 and Trip too.
Get the 12306 app on Google Play or their website.
3. MetroMan China

The Nanjing Metro is one of the oldest. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
While we’re still on the topic of trains, this is the must-have transport app in China for the subway.
Over 50 Chinese cities now have a subway system, and some networks (like in Shanghai) are so extensive they probably make the one in your country look embarrassingly small.
I use the MetroMan app to work out what station I need to transfer at, more so than finding out actual train times – trains run every few minutes in China!
The app’s in English and designed for foreigners like you and me. And there are 10 other language options too.
I also love how you can use MetroMan offline if you’re worried about data usage, or you don’t have any data. Just plan ahead and download what you need in your hotel via Wi-Fi.
Alternatively, get a China eSIM before you fly over!
I love, love, love MetroMan.
Get the MetroMan China app on Google Play or in the App Store.
4. WeChat

You can access transport mini programs from within WeChat and Alipay. Image by Tada Images on Shutterstock.
Every big city in China has its own specific transportation apps, so ask your tour guide or a local which one is best.
Fortunately, you can access most of these within WeChat as ‘Mini Programs’.
A Mini Program is basically an app within an app. It’s a quirk of major Chinese apps, which doesn’t really exist in Australia (where I’m from).
Based on your location, WeChat can detect which city transit system is relevant to you.
You can scan your WeChat QR code and jump aboard the metro trains and buses, and the fare is deducted from your WeChat account.
You’ll obviously need to set up WeChat with your foreign bank or credit card well beforehand, ideally before you leave your country in case it doesn’t accept your card.
Get the WeChat app here.
5. Alipay

An empty bus – a rare sight in China! Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
As per WeChat above, you can do exactly the same in Alipay.
Go to their AppCenter and in the Convenience section you’ll find all the transportation options. They call them ‘mini apps’.
The last time I lived and worked in China, my city was tiny and didn’t have its own mini app, let alone a local train network. All I needed to do was scan the Alipay QR code when I jumped on the bus!
If I had to choose between using Alipay or WeChat for China transport, I’d choose Alipay every time.
I find it easier to use and there are fewer issues with ID and bank card setup. It just seems to be more geared towards foreign users.
Get the Alipay app here.
6. DiDi

I love how DiDi is basically the default taxi now in China and they have their own ‘stations’. Image by Zhu Difeng on Shutterstock.
There’s no Uber or Lyft in China. But there’s DiDi!
You can either use the standalone rideshare app, or be lazy like me and access DiDi from within WeChat or Alipay.
The thing I love about DiDi is that you don’t need to know any Mandarin to use it. On your end, everything will be in English, so you can make bookings easily.
I’ve found that drivers often call though, to let you know they’re on the way or to find out precisely where you’re standing.
In China, DiDi drivers don’t speak English, so if they call you just let your phone ring out, and send them one of the automated messages (e.g. “I can’t talk right now”) which will appear in Mandarin on their end.
Using DiDi is waaaay better than using standard taxis in China, which can be really dodgy, speaking from my experience.
(If you’re interested, all my top China travel tips are right here, including sketchy taxis.)
Other options include Amap Taxi and HelloRide, which also offers bike rentals. You can find both within Alipay as mini apps.
Get DiDi Rider on Google Play or in the App Store.
China transport apps in Mandarin

The Chinese use Chinese apps, of course. Image by Tada Images on Shutterstock.
The most comprehensive China transport apps are undoubtedly the ones in Mandarin, which the locals use.
I’m assuming you can’t speak Mandarin, but if you can then check out Baidu Maps (百度地图) and Amap (高德地图).
Even though I can speak some Mandarin, I still use English apps in China as I find them less overwhelming, but I complement them with the Chinese apps where needed.
My guide on the best China map app may also help you.
Don’t forget your VPN!

Tuk-tuks aren’t for public rent in China but you’ll see them all over. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
In case you don’t know, the Chinese internet is more like an ‘intranet’. All the major foreign websites and apps are blocked.
You need to get your virtual private network (VPN) app downloaded before you arrive, otherwise you’ll be totally stuck!
Please read my review of the best China VPNs. Sadly, many don’t work in China anymore.
Here’s the one I recommend most because it works in China:
I should also point out that although your VPN will give you access to Google and Google Maps in China, please don’t rely on Google for any kind of route planning as it doesn’t exist or it’s inaccurate.
You’ll need to use some of the apps above instead.
I hope my article on transportation apps in China has helped you. Any questions or comments? Just scroll down and leave a comment.
See my other helpful China app guides
I try to keep them as up-to-date as possible:
- Apps for China travel
- Apps for longer stays in China
- Apps to order food in China
- Apps the Chinese use
- Apps that are banned in China
I hope you have an app-solutely great time in China! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)
Main image credit: Supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
FAQ about China transport apps
Is there one China public transport app I can use?
No, the closest thing is using WeChat or Alipay and accessing transport apps from within those.
How do I book high-speed train tickets in China?
The government app is called 12306 but it can be buggy and there’s limited English help, which is why I recommend Trip for foreign tourists.
How do I pay for public transport in China?
The easiest way is setting up your international bank or credit card on Alipay or WeChat Pay (or both) before you arrive, and scanning the QR code when you board the train or bus.
Can I use cash to pay for public transport in China?
Yes, though on buses you’ll need the exact amount to drop into the clear box by the driver’s seat. They don’t give change.