Traveling the World

• Buses: While the bus system in Wuhan is not efficient, there are many buses that run quite often. Air conditioned buses cost 2rmb, while ones without cost 1rmb. There are signs at each bus station showing what routes are available and the times they come. Around 5pm the taxis begin to change shifts so taxis are unavailable, leaving the buses full to the brim with people.
• Taxis: The taxis in Wuhan currently start at 3rmb ($0.50) with a 5mao ($0.05) tax, but will be increased to 7rmb ($1.10) + 1rmb ($0.15) gas tax in order to help taxi drivers, as well as fund the subway’s construction. Most drivers are competent and friendly, but there will always be those who try to scam foreigners, even those of us who live here and speak Chinese!
• Subways: In September 2004, Wuhan became the sixth Chinese city with a subway system. The first line is an elevated rail which runs from Huangpu to Zongguan in the downtown area of the Hankou District. There are currently 3 more lines under construction, with the finished product being 12 lines by 2015.
• Trains: Wuhan is a hub for trains linking the East to the West. There is a train station in the Wuchang district and another in the Hankou district. Many agencies throughout Wuhan sell tickets for the trains. Trains run about 250rmb ($35) per person for a soft sleeper. The journey from here to Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are all about 12 hours.
• Planes: Wuhan has an international airport in the Hankou District, about 12 miles (20km) outside of town. Flights from Wuhan to most cities are only an hour or two long. These flights are usually around 500rmb ($70).

What is your favorite mode of transportation?