Since the Spring Festival travel season began on February 2, people planning to return home for the holiday have started their journeys early. Data from DiDi Global Inc. predicts that ride-hailing demand for trips such as returning home or traveling to other cities before the Spring Festival has increased by 45% compared to the period before the travel rush. Additionally, demand for rides to major transportation hubs like airports and train stations has risen by 40%.
To make it more convenient for passengers to book rides at airports and train stations, DiDi has optimized online guidance and offline signage under the guidance of relevant authorities and hub management. The company has set up dedicated passenger waiting areas and DiDi pick-up zones to enhance the travel experience at these hubs, improving transfer efficiency during the busy travel period and ensuring that users can rely on familiar DiDi services even in unfamiliar cities.
After arriving at their destination, passengers can open the DiDi app, which will automatically locate the nearest pick-up point at the airport or train station. After placing an order, users can follow in-app visual walking directions or offline signage to find their ride. Some airports and train stations also offer video navigation for easier route guidance. Furthermore, DiDi has introduced a feature at over ten hubs, including Hangzhou East Railway Station and Nanchang West Railway Station, that provides precise parking spot numbers within the app, allowing passengers to navigate directly to their driver’s vehicle.
If the driver has not yet arrived at the pick-up point, passengers can wait in DiDi’s dedicated resting areas, which are equipped with seating and, in some locations, charging stations and Wi-Fi. These facilities are available at multiple airports and train stations across the country, including Beijing Capital International Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, and Hangzhou East Railway Station. DiDi plans to expand the number of such resting areas in the future to make waiting more comfortable for users.
While waiting, passengers can check whether their driver has arrived and view their parking location via screens in the waiting areas. Some hubs have introduced innovative "passenger-to-vehicle" models, such as the DiDi station at the Zhuhai Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, where users can verify their ride using LED screen displays. At 14 stations, including Hangzhou East Railway Station and Nanchang West Railway Station, passengers can directly view vehicle arrival information in the DiDi app. DiDi is also working with stations like Guangzhou Baiyun Station, Jinan Station, and Wuxi Station to further streamline the passenger experience through data integration.
During the Spring Festival travel period, DiDi has deployed ride-hailing guides at over 100 popular airports and train stations nationwide to assist users with directions, booking procedures, and locating pick-up points. These guides will be available during peak travel periods before and after the holiday, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for those returning home or heading back to work.
For travel to and from airports and train stations, users can use the "Reserve a Ride" or "Airport Pick-up" services available in the DiDi app. When booking airport pick-up, passengers can enter their flight number, allowing the driver to adjust arrival time based on actual flight schedules. For family trips, DiDi offers charter services with professionally vetted drivers and multiple package options. Currently, charter services are available in 55 cities across China, covering 226 popular routes. DiDi Car Rental has also upgraded its Spring Festival services, introducing guarantees such as triple compensation for no-show vehicles and third-party damage assessment, along with limited-time discounts and reward activities. Users can check specific details in the DiDi app.
To date, with guidance and support from local authorities, DiDi has upgraded service measures at 313 airports and train stations across 165 cities in China. The company will continue to expand its service capabilities at transportation hubs, collaborating with partners to provide users with a higher-quality travel experience.
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