China Sees 11.9 Billion Domestic Trips During Summer 2025, Driving Growth in Road and Air Travel

Unprecedented Travel Numbers Mark Summer Season

China experienced a remarkable surge in domestic travel during the summer period from July 1 to August 31, 2025, as reported by the Ministry of Transport. The nation saw a staggering total of 11.9 billion cross-regional trips, averaging around 192 million journeys each day, reflecting a 4.3 percent increase compared to the previous year. This impressive mobility speaks volumes about the country’s ongoing economic growth and expanding middle class’s appetite for travel.

Rising Popularity of Road Trips and Self-Driving Tours

Of the total summer travel volume, approximately 8.7 billion trips were road-based self-driving journeys, which makes up nearly 73 percent of all cross-regional travel. This trend highlights a significant shift as travellers increasingly opt for the freedom of private cars over public transportation modes. Interestingly, rural self-driving tours emerged as a fresh favorite, with tourists exploring scenic countryside and seeking serene summer getaways away from bustling cities.

Rail and Air Travel Break Records

The railway system in China reached new heights during this period with 940 million passenger trips—for the first time exceeding the 900 million mark in the summer season. On a weekly basis, railway travel surpassed 100 million trips, and the daily average of 15 million railway passengers even outperformed the traditionally busy Spring Festival travel period by 2.2 million trips per day.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Administration confirmed that flights handled over 147 million passenger trips during the same summer period, averaging a rise of 3.6 percent year-on-year. Notably, a record single-day peak was hit on August 15, with 2.56 million passenger trips recorded, marking aviation as a key player in handling peak travel demand.

Key Tourist Destinations and Growth Drivers

Hotspots such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an attracted the majority of inbound travellers within the country. A combination of summer retreats, family visits, student travel, and study tours enriched the overall momentum in the tourism sector, further fueling domestic consumption.

• Student and study tours: Scholarships and educational exchanges surged, contributing to steady flows.
• Family visits: Long weekends and holidays triggered a rise in trips reconnecting loved ones.
• Tourism sector consumption: Growing disposable income and increasing leisure time unlocked spending potential.

タクシー・送迎サービスへの影響

Such massive travel activity inevitably places growing demands on local transportation, including taxi and transfer services. The rise of self-driving tours means private car bookings with drivers are a sought-after option, especially for those unfamiliar with rural areas or wishing to avoid the hassle of driving themselves. Here, platforms like GetTransfer.com play a crucial role, offering travelers the ability to choose from a wide range of vehicles—from compact taxis to luxurious limousines—based on detailed information like make, model, driver rating, and fares.

Transparency in pricing and vehicle details helps travelers make informed decisions, enhancing convenience and satisfaction during busy travel seasons. Furthermore, airport transfers and intercity cabs experience heightened demand as tourists move between popular destinations and gateways, making reliable taxi services essential in handling the sprawling mobility.

Travel Modes at a Glance During China’s Summer 2025

How Transport Trends Influence Travel Choices

The preference for road-based travel, especially self-driven tours, reflects greater flexibility and freedom, often preferred by families and youth groups exploring scenic rural spots. However, at busy city airports and railway stations, taxis remain a backbone in last-mile transport. Travelers increasingly prefer pre-booking taxi and limo services for punctual, hassle-free pick-ups, which is made easier by apps providing up-front pricing and driver information.

Personal Experience Versus Review Insights

The impressive statistics reveal clear trends: domestic travel in China continues to grow robustly, led by self-driving and rail transport, with aviation catching up. Yet, no amount of glowing reviews or data can fully capture the uniqueness of individual journeys. Real experience is the ultimate test, and platforms like GetTransfer.com empower travelers by offering verified providers and a broad spectrum of affordable and customizable vehicle options, helping avoid wasted time or surprise expenses.

Thanks to such services, travelers can benefit from transparency, comfort, and affordability tailored to their exact travel needs, whether for airport transfers or long-distance intercity travel.

Book your Ride on GetTransfer.com

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Travel and Transfers

While this surge in domestic travel may not dramatically reshape the global tourism map, it shines light on China’s vibrant internal mobility and growing demand for reliable, quality transportation services. GetTransfer’s commitment to tracking such trends and offering tailored transfer options keeps travelers well-prepared to navigate evolving travel patterns with confidence and ease.

概要

China witnessed a significant increase in summer 2025 domestic travels, hitting 11.9 billion trips across multiple transport modes. Roads, dominated by self-driving tours, carried the majority, while railways broke records with near one billion passenger trips and aviation set new daily highs. These growing travel dynamics directly impact taxi, transfer, and limo services, pushing demand for reliable, upfront, and convenient means of city-to-city and airport transport. Solutions like GetTransfer.com provide seamless access to diverse vehicle options and trusted drivers, enhancing the traveler’s journey with transparent pricing and tailored services. Ultimately, as China’s travel scene expands, staying informed and booking the right transfer can make all the difference in ensuring smooth and enjoyable travel experiences.