Transportation & Driving in China

Transportation and Driving in China: A Guide for International Travelers in Sichuan and Chongqing

Traveling around Sichuan and Chongqing is easier than many first-time visitors expect. High-speed trains connect major cities, airports offer metro and taxi links, and local transport apps make urban travel convenient. At the same time, driving in China has specific legal requirements that international travelers should understand before renting a car or planning a road trip.

This transportation and driving in China guide explains how to travel around Sichuan and Chongqing by train, airport transfer, metro, taxi, ride-hailing app and private car. It also answers one of the most common questions from foreign visitors: Can foreigners drive in China?

How to Travel Around Sichuan and Chongqing

Sichuan and Chongqing are well connected by air, high-speed rail, metro, taxi, private transfer and long-distance road routes.

For most international travelers, the easiest way to explore the region is to combine:

• High-speed trains for city-to-city travel
• Private transfers for airport pickup, hotel transfers and scenic routes
• Metro systems for urban travel in Chengdu and Chongqing
• Taxis or ride-hailing apps for flexible local transport
• Private car with driver for mountain areas or multi-day itineraries
• Self-driving only if you meet China’s legal driving requirements

For first-time visitors, Chengdu and Chongqing are especially convenient to combine because they are connected by high-speed rail. Travelers can start in Chengdu for pandas, teahouses and Sichuan culture, then continue to Chongqing for hotpot, river views and mountain-city scenery.

High-Speed Train Guide for International Travelers

China’s high-speed rail system is one of the most useful ways for international travelers to move between cities. For Sichuan and Chongqing trips, it is often faster, smoother and more comfortable than flying between nearby destinations.

The Chengdu to Chongqing high-speed train is one of the most popular routes for visitors to Southwest China. It connects two major travel hubs and makes it easy to build a short itinerary covering both cities.

International travelers should keep these points in mind:

• Book tickets in advance, especially during holidays
• Use your passport name exactly as shown on your passport
• Carry the same passport used for booking
• Arrive early for security checks and boarding
• Keep your train number, station name and departure time clear
• Check whether your train departs from Chengdu East, Chengdu South, Chongqing North, Chongqing West or another station

Foreign travelers commonly use their passport to book and board trains. Travel booking platforms also note that the passport is linked to the e-ticket and can be used at station gates or with staff assistance.

For visitors who are not familiar with Chinese train stations, private assistance or a local guide can make the process easier, especially when transferring between airport, hotel and railway station.

Chengdu and Chongqing Airport Transfer Guide

International travelers may arrive through Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.

Chengdu Airport Transfers

Chengdu has two major airports:

- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Depending on your arrival airport and hotel location, you may use metro, airport express train, taxi, airport shuttle or private transfer. Recent transportation guides note that Chengdu Tianfu Airport connects to central transport hubs such as Chengdu East Railway Station by airport express rail or metro routes.

Private airport pickup is recommended for first-time visitors, families, senior travelers or guests arriving late at night.

Chongqing Airport Transfers

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is the main airport for Chongqing. Travelers can reach downtown areas such as Jiefangbei, Hongya Cave or Nanbin Road by metro, taxi, ride-hailing app or private transfer.

Because Chongqing is a mountain city with bridges, tunnels, steep roads and multi-level streets, navigation can be confusing for first-time visitors. A pre-arranged transfer can save time and reduce stress, especially if your hotel is in a busy or hard-to-access area.

Taxi, Ride-Hailing Apps and Metro Guide

For city travel in Chengdu and Chongqing, metro systems are often the easiest and most reliable option.

Metro

Both Chengdu and Chongqing have extensive metro networks. They are useful for reaching airports, railway stations, shopping districts, city attractions and residential areas.

Metro travel is a good choice because it is:

• Affordable
• Clear once you know the station names
• Less affected by traffic
• Useful for airport and railway station transfers
• Convenient for major attractions

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in both cities. However, English-speaking drivers are not guaranteed, so it is best to prepare your destination in Chinese.

Useful tips:

• Save your hotel address in Chinese
• Use a map app to show the destination
• Ask your hotel to help write down addresses
• Keep cash or mobile payment options ready
• Avoid unlicensed cars outside airports and stations

Ride-Hailing Apps

Ride-hailing apps can be very convenient in China, especially for travelers who have mobile payment set up. However, foreign visitors may find app registration, payment setup and Chinese-language addresses challenging.

For travelers who prefer a smoother experience, a private car with driver is often easier than managing taxis and ride-hailing apps every day.

Can Foreigners Drive in China?

Yes, foreigners can drive in China, but they cannot simply use a foreign driver’s license or an International Driving Permit on its own.

Foreign travelers generally need either:

A Chinese temporary driving permit, usually for short-term visitors

A full Chinese driver’s license, usually for long-term residents or people who need to drive regularly

China is not a contracting party to the UN road traffic conventions related to International Driving Permits and does not issue International Driving Permits. Travel advice from foreign governments also commonly states that foreign driver’s licenses and International Driving Permits are not valid for driving in mainland China by themselves.

So the practical answer is:

Foreigners can legally drive in China only after obtaining the appropriate Chinese-issued driving permit or Chinese driver’s license.

What Are the Rules for Obtaining a Chinese Driver’s License?

The rules depend on whether you are a short-term visitor or a long-term resident.

For Short-Term Visitors

Most tourists and short-stay travelers who want to drive in China apply for a temporary driving permit, also known as a provisional driving permit.

Official local guidance describes a provisional driving permit as a short-term motor vehicle driving permit that allows foreigners who come to China for a short stay to drive within China. It is issued by the traffic police department of the public security organ.

This option is more suitable for tourists, business travelers or visitors who want to rent a car for a short period.

For Long-Term Residents

Foreigners who live in China for work, study or long-term residence may apply for a full Chinese driver’s license. As the reference article by Fabio Nodari explains, this usually involves converting a foreign driver’s license, completing a medical examination and passing a written theory test.

The exact process may vary by city, nationality, license type and local vehicle management office requirements.

China Temporary Driving Permit Guide

A China temporary driving permit is usually the most relevant option for foreign tourists who want to drive during a short visit.

According to official Beijing guidance, temporary inbound drivers operating vehicles leased in China should apply for a provisional driving permit through the traffic management department of the public security organ in the city where the rental unit is located. Shanghai’s official guidance similarly describes the temporary driving permit as a short-term permit for foreigners visiting China who need to drive in the Chinese mainland.

Typical documents may include:

• Passport or other entry-exit identity document
• Valid foreign driver’s license
• Chinese translation of the foreign driver’s license, if required
• Valid visa or proof of legal stay
• Passport-style photos
• Application form
• Health or physical condition check, depending on local rules
• Car rental information, if applying for a rental vehicle

Shanghai’s official guidance states that applicants need entry and exit identity documents, such as a passport, and a foreign driving license; if the foreign license is not in Chinese, it needs to be translated into Chinese.

Some local guides also note that the temporary permit should be carried while driving and used together with the foreign driving license and its Chinese translation.

Because requirements can vary by city and may change, travelers should confirm details with the local vehicle administration office, rental company or travel provider before planning a self-drive trip.

Self-Driving Travel in Sichuan: Rules and Tips

Self-driving in Sichuan can be rewarding, especially for travelers interested in mountains, Tibetan areas, scenic roads and photography routes. However, it is not recommended for every visitor.

Sichuan has many different road conditions. City roads around Chengdu are very different from mountain roads in western Sichuan. Some routes involve high altitude, sharp turns, tunnels, weather changes, landslides, roadworks or long distances between services.

Before planning a self-driving trip in Sichuan, international travelers should consider:

• Whether they have the correct Chinese permit or license
• Whether the rental company accepts foreign travelers
• Whether the route is suitable for independent driving
• Weather and seasonal road conditions
• Altitude and health risks in western Sichuan
• Availability of fuel, accommodation and emergency services
• Chinese road signs, navigation apps and local traffic behavior
• Insurance coverage and vehicle condition

For many international travelers, the safer and easier option is a private car with a local driver, especially for destinations such as Mount Siguniang, Kangding, Tagong, Daocheng Yading or other western Sichuan routes.

A local driver can help with mountain roads, parking, route changes, local communication and unexpected road conditions.

Best Transportation Options for First-Time Visitors

For first-time international travelers, the best transportation plan usually looks like this:

For Chengdu

Use metro, taxi, private transfer and guided day tours. For nearby attractions such as the Chengdu Panda Base, Dujiangyan or Leshan, a private car or guided transfer is convenient.

For Chongqing

Use metro, taxi, river cruise and private transfer. Because Chongqing’s roads and city levels can be confusing, local guidance is especially useful.

For Chengdu to Chongqing

Use high-speed train. It is efficient, comfortable and ideal for combining both cities in one itinerary.

For Western Sichuan

Use a private car with driver or guided tour. Self-driving is possible only if you meet legal driving requirements and are comfortable with mountain road conditions.

Plan Your Sichuan and Chongqing Trip with Local Transport Support

Transportation can shape the entire travel experience in China. The right plan can save time, reduce stress and make it easier to enjoy the journey.

Our local travel team can help international travelers arrange:

• Chengdu and Chongqing airport pickup
• High-speed train planning
• Private transfers
• Local guides
• Car with driver services
• Sichuan road trip itineraries
• Chongqing city transport planning
• Travel support for first-time visitors to China

Whether you want a relaxed Chengdu and Chongqing city trip, a food and culture tour, or a scenic journey into western Sichuan, we can help design a smooth and practical transportation plan.