Getting Around Putian. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation in Detail

Putian City lacks a metro or tram. Its extensive city bus network is the main public transport, covering most urban and surrounding areas at an affordable cost.

hubs include Putian Railway Station, Putian Coach Station, and major commercial areas like Wanda Plaza. Bus stops are marked, and routes displayed (mostly in Chinese).

Bus System Overview

Fares: Typically CNY 1-3 per trip. Exact cash, local transit card, or mobile payment.
Operating Hours: Generally 6:00 AM to 9:30-10:00 PM. Frequency varies by route.
Payment: WeChat Pay or Alipay by scanning QR code upon boarding.
Navigation: Use Baidu Maps or Amap on your smartphone for routes and real-time locations.

Accessibility Notes

Public buses in Putian typically possess limited accessibility qualities for travelers with mobility challenges. Ramps or designated seating may not be common, though newer buses might offer better accessibility.

Transit Cards

Rechargeable local transit cards are available at service points for easy fare payment. This can simplify your bus journeys compared to cash.

Pro Tip

Download local navigation apps like Baidu Maps or Amap. Have small denominations of CNY or mobile payment set up for smooth bus travel.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis for Convenience

Licensed taxis (green or yellow, with meter) are easy to hail or find at stands.
Fares: Starting CNY 7-10 for first few km, then CNY 1.8-2.5 per km.
Payment options include cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.

Didi Chuxing

Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the dominant ride-sharing platform, similar to Uber.
Book various car types via the app; payment integrates with WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Didi is useful for language barriers, as destinations are input immediately into the app.

Taxi & Didi Safety / Locations

Taxi Safety

Ensure the driver uses the meter and keep belongings secure.

Didi Safety

Drivers are registered, app tracks routes, provides driver/vehicle info.

Taxi Stands

Available at Putian Rail Depot and coach stations.

Airport Transfers

Pre-booking Didi or private transfer from FOC/JJN can be more convenient.

Rental & Active Travel Options

Hiring a car is generally not feasible for international tourists due to license requirements. However, Putian offers other ways to explore actively.

Car Rental Restrictions

Valid Chinese driving license needed for legal driving.
International Driving Permits are not recognized.
Driving laws are complex, road conditions and traffic can be challenging.
Parking can be hard and expensive in urban areas.

Bike Sharing & Walking

Bike-sharing apps (Hellobike, Meituan Bike) operate. Requires Chinese phone number & mobile payment.
Some hotels or guesthouses may offer bicycle rentals.
Pedestrian-friendly areas in city center, parks, and especially Meizhou Island.
Bicycle lanes exist, but often shared paths with pedestrians and mixed traffic.

Safety for Active Exploration

Wearing a helmet is advisable for cycling.
Be aware of motor vehicles and electric scooters; they can disregard traffic rules.
Avoid heavy traffic roads and highways for walkers and cyclists.

Stick to designated areas for walkers only, parks, and less congested streets.
No widely advertised organized walking tours for international tourists; self-guided is common.
Use local maps for effective self-guided exploration.

Specialized Transport & Accessibility

Tour Buses

Limited organized tour buses for international visitors. Local operators cater mainly to Chinese-speaking groups.

Waterways

Ferry services to Meizhou Island are . Small boat hire for scenic rides in some parks or lakes are available.

Cable Cars

No prominently featured cable cars or funiculars as part of general public transport. Some scenic areas might have them for mountain ascent.

Meizhou Island Transport

Meizhou Island, a significant Mazu pilgrimage site, has unique internal transport options for visitors to explore its spiritual and natural beauty.

Getting Around Meizhou

Walking: The Mazu Temple complex and coastal areas are very walkable.
Local Buses: Public buses operate on the island, connecting main attractions.
Electric Carts: Many zones have electric golf carts for easy sightseeing, especially near temple.
Bicycle Rentals: Available for a leisurely exploration of the island's quieter parts.

Ferry Access to Meizhou

From Wenjia Wharf: Regular passenger ferries to Meizhou Island.
Journey Duration: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Tickets: Purchase at the wharf. Prices are generally affordable.
Schedule: Check local ferry schedules upon arrival for timings.

Sustainable Island Travel

Walk & Cycle

Embrace active travel on Meizhou Island. Walking and cycling offer a closer look at its best beauty.

Eco-friendly exploration.

Support Local

Utilize island transportation (buses, electric carts) run by local businesses.

Benefits the community.

Respect Nature

Dispose of waste properly and stay on marked paths to preserve the island's environment.

Preserve for future visitors.

Island Amenities

Food & Refreshments

Local restaurants and snack stalls around the Mazu Temple area.
Fresh seafood is a specialty.
Small shops for refreshments and quick bites.

Restrooms & Facilities

Public restrooms are available at major attractions and ferry terminals.
Information centers near the ferry and Mazu Temple.
Basic healthcare services might be available on the island.

Meizhou Island Travel Warnings

Weather: Hurricane season (July-September) can disrupt ferry services and island activities.
Crowds: Expect significant crowds during Mazu festivals plus national holidays.
Swimming Safety: Observe local warnings for swimming in coastal areas; currents can be strong.
Mobile Payment: Essential on the island; cash acceptance is limited.

Language Barrier: English might be less common than not on the islands; prepare a translation app.
Sun Protection: Crucial during sunny days; bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Insect Repellent: Recommended, especially in evening or near vegetation.
Comfortable Footwear: Essential for walking and exploring the temple complex.

Inter-City Connections to Putian

Putian's connection to China's high-speed rail network provides swift and comfortable travel from major cities. Bus services offer alternatives for more localized routes.

High-Speed Rail

Putian Railway Station: A major stop on the high-speed rail network.
Connections: Direct links to Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou (Fujian), and major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen.
Booking: Convenient online via 12306.cn, Trip.com, or at train stations. Book in advance for peak times.
Travel Time: Fuzhou (~30-45 min), Xiamen (~30-45 min), Shanghai (~5-6 hours).

Long-Distance Buses

Bus Stations: Putian Coach Station and Putian New Coach Station.
Routes: Connect to cities throughout Fujian province and neighboring provinces.
Cost: Generally a more economical option for shorter regional journeys.
Speed: Slower than high-speed trains but serve destinations not reached by rail.

Airports for Putian Access

Fuzhou Changle FOC

Located north of Putian, approximately 1.5-2 hours drive.

Direct airport transfer service buses.
Taxi/ride-sharing available.
Shuttle to Fuzhou South, then HSR.

Quanzhou Jinjiang JJN

Located south of Putian, approximately 1.5-2 hours drive.

Airport shuttle to Quanzhou city.
Connect to bus or HSR to Putian.
Taxi/ride-sharing available.

International Flights

No direct intercontinental flights to FOC/JJN.

Connect through major Chinese cities.
Or other Asian hubs.
Check Skyscanner for options.

Departure & Border Notes

Departure Timing

Air: 2-3 hours before international, 1.5-2 hours before domestic.
Train: 30-45 minutes before departure.
Bus: 15-30 minutes before departure.

Fees & Facilities

No separate exit fees; air tickets typically include taxes.
Airports/stations offer waiting areas, restrooms, food/beverage, retail, Wi-Fi.
Border crossing information not applicable (Putian is mainland China).

Efficient Transportation for Your Journey

Putian's various transportation methods offer distinct advantages.

Choosing Your Mode

Public Buses: Economical for intra-city travel.
Taxis/Ride-sharing: Convenient and faster for direct routes, especially with language barriers.
High-Speed Rail: Essential for connecting to other cities in Fujian and outside the area.
Ferries: Crucial for reaching Meizhou Island.

Planning Your Routes

Utilize local navigation apps (Baidu Maps, Amap) for real-time information.
Ensure your mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are ready for seamless transactions.
Check operating hours for all transport options, especially during public holidays.
Stay informed about potential disruptions, especially weather-related during typhoon season.

Accessibility Focus

Plan your movements carefully if you have mobility challenges, confirming access with locations and transportation providers beforehand.

Language Barriers

English is not widespread.

Enjoy the Journey

With these tips, your travel within Putian is set to be smooth, allowing you to focus on the exploration and cultural immersion.

Getting to Putian from Airports

From Fuzhou Changle FOC

Direct courtesy bus buses to Putian city center.
Taxis or ride-sharing services on offer.
Shuttle to Fuzhou South Railway Station, then high-speed train.

From Quanzhou Jinjiang JJN

Airport shuttle bus to Quanzhou city center.
Connect to a bus or high-speed train to Putian.
Taxis and ride-sharing services also available.

Final Navigation Tip

Each transportation method has distinct advantages. Choose the most suitable mode based on your destination within the city and your personal preference for speed, cost, and comfort.

Be ready for the dominance of mobile payments for almost all transactions.

Where to Stay in Putian

Next Up: Where to Stay in Putian. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Continue to Where to Stay in Putian