Get around China with private transfers. Book cars and minivans for airport and station runs without the stress of public transport and language barriers.
Private transfers and chauffeured cars bridge the language gap between airports, stations and hotels. They save you from working out metro systems or negotiating with taxi drivers in Mandarin, which is useful in a metropolis like Shanghai or in the Yunnan highlands.
The Transfer Network in China
Transfers are most useful for airport and station runs, because airports can be far from the city. Shanghai Pudong Airport is about 30 km from downtown Shanghai, and Hongqiao is about 13 km from the city center.[1]Beijing Daxing Airport, which opened on 25 September 2019, is about 30 minutes by expressway from the south 5th Ring Road,[2] and Beijing Capital Airport also has online car-hailing, airport buses and airport express lines as alternatives.[3]
Most companies work on a pre-booked basis, so a driver usually waits for you at the arrival hall.
Classes and Comfort Levels
Providers usually offer several vehicle tiers, so you can choose the balance of space and cost.
Economy and Standard: Sedans for up to two passengers with standard luggage.
Business Class: Premium sedans with more legroom and a plusher interior.
MPVs and Minivans: Larger vehicles for small groups and families with more luggage.
Luxury and VIP: High-end cars or coaches in major cities.
Booking and Tickets
Ride-hailing apps work for on-the-spot rides, but for pre-planned journeys booking through a travel platform gives you a fixed price and a confirmed pickup. You can compare vehicle types and book your China transfers on GoAsia.cc.
Advance booking is particularly important during major Chinese holidays, such as the Spring Festival or Golden Week, when demand for drivers is high. Once a booking is confirmed, you typically receive an e-voucher or a digital confirmation. Save the driver's contact details or the company's customer service number before you travel.
What to Expect on Board
At an airport or station your driver will usually wait in the arrival hall with a sign showing your name. The driver normally helps with loading and unloading your luggage. Traffic in large Chinese cities can be heavy, and a local driver knows the usual bottlenecks.
Tips for Transfer Travel in China
Have your destination in Chinese: Even with a booking confirmation, your hotel name and address in Chinese characters on your phone or on paper help you double-check with the driver.
Save contact details: Keep the driver's or company's contact details ready in case the pickup point is crowded.
Account for Traffic: In cities like Beijing or Shanghai, rush hour can add a lot of travel time. Always allow extra time when you book a transfer to catch a flight or a high-speed train.
Seatbelts: Chinese traffic law requires the driver and passengers to use seat belts.[4] Buckle up as soon as you get in.
Tipping is not required: A simple "Xie Xie" (thank you) is the best way to show your appreciation for good service.
Check the Plate: Verify that the license plate matches the one in your booking confirmation to make sure you get into the correct vehicle.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
