Beijing Transport Guide: How to Get Around the City Easily

Beijing is a large city, but getting around is easier once you understand its transport system. The subway connects most attractions, while buses, taxis, DiDi, shared bikes, and high-speed trains help you reach places outside the city center. This guide covers fares, payment methods, airport transfers, useful apps, and simple tips for Filipino travelers.

Beijing Transport: Quick Guide

PHP conversions are estimates based on CNY 1 being approximately ₱9.10. Exchange rates may change.

1. Beijing Subway

Sources: bjsubway.com

The Beijing Subway is usually the best way to travel around the city. It connects major tourist attractions, business districts, railway stations, shopping areas, and both Beijing airports.

Beijing has more than 500 subway stations across an extensive network. Trains are generally clean, fast, and reliable. Station signs and announcements normally include English, making the system manageable for international visitors.

Beijing Subway Fares

Subway fares are calculated according to distance.

Most journeys within central Beijing cost between CNY 3 and CNY 7.

How to Pay for the Beijing Subway

Travelers can normally pay using:

• A single-journey ticket
• A Yikatong transportation card
• The BEIJING PASS
• Mobile payment through supported apps
• A supported contactless bank card
• A subway QR code

Some Beijing subway gates accept contactless UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, JCB, and American Express cards. Acceptance may depend on the station and card issuer, so it is still useful to carry some Chinese yuan.

The BEIJING PASS is designed for international visitors and can be used for public transportation and selected services. You will normally need your passport when purchasing or registering certain transport cards.

Useful Subway Stations for Tourists

Beijing Subway Operating Hours

Most subway lines operate from approximately 5:00 AM until 11:00 PM. Exact first and last train times depend on the line, station, and direction of travel.

Check the final train time before staying out late. Missing the last subway may mean taking a taxi or booking a DiDi ride.

Beijing Subway Tips

• Keep your ticket until you leave the destination station.
• Allow passengers to exit before entering the train.
• Expect security checks at station entrances.
• Avoid weekday rush hours when possible.
• Keep your passport or a clear passport copy available.
• Save your destination in Chinese.
• Check the correct station exit before leaving.

2. Beijing Public Bus

Beijing has a large public bus network serving central districts, residential neighborhoods, suburban areas, and locations that are not directly beside subway stations.

Bus travel is affordable, but it may be more difficult for first-time visitors because some stops and announcements have limited English information.

Beijing Bus Fares

Most ordinary bus journeys cost approximately CNY 1 to CNY 5, or around ₱9 to ₱46. Longer suburban routes may cost more.

You may be able to pay using a transportation card, supported mobile payment system, or cash. When paying with cash, prepare small bills because change may not always be available.

When Should You Use a Bus?

Public buses are useful when:

• Your destination is far from a subway station.
• You are traveling a short distance.
• You want to visit a local neighborhood.
• You are connecting to a suburban attraction.
• You are comfortable following the route through a navigation app.

For most first-time visitors, combining the subway with short bus journeys is easier than depending entirely on buses.

3. Beijing Taxi

Official taxis are widely available in Beijing and can be convenient for families, groups, senior travelers, and passengers carrying luggage.

Most drivers do not speak English, so prepare the destination name and address in Chinese. Ask your hotel to write the address for you or show the driver the location through a map app.

Beijing Taxi Fares

Traffic, waiting time, tolls, and nighttime charges can increase the final price.

Beijing Taxi Tips

• Use the official taxi queue at airports and railway stations.
• Make sure the meter is turned on.
• Avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides inside terminals.
• Keep your hotel name and address in Chinese.
• Request a receipt before leaving.
• Check that you have all your belongings.
• Carry small amounts of cash as a backup.

4. DiDi App

DiDi is one of China’s main ride-hailing services. It works in a similar way to Grab and can be more convenient than finding a taxi on the street.

Travelers can select pickup and drop-off points in the app, see an estimated fare, and confirm the vehicle’s plate number before entering.

Why Use DiDi?

• The destination is entered through the app.
• You do not need to explain the address verbally.
• The estimated price appears before booking.
• Vehicle and driver details are displayed.
• Different vehicle categories may be available.
• It is useful when the subway has closed.

Tips for Using DiDi

• Set up the app before arriving in China.
• Link a supported payment method in advance.
• Use a local SIM card or China eSIM.
• Choose an easy-to-find pickup point.
• Compare the plate number before entering.
• Avoid booking from areas where cars cannot stop.
• Allow extra time during rain and rush hour.

5. Shared Bikes

Shared bicycles are common in central Beijing. They are useful for short journeys between subway stations, hutong neighborhoods, parks, and nearby attractions.

Rental prices commonly start from around CNY 1.50 for a short ride, although the exact price depends on the bicycle provider and riding time.

When to Use a Shared Bicycle

Shared bicycles are suitable for:

• Exploring hutong neighborhoods
• Traveling around Houhai
• Riding between nearby attractions
• Reaching a destination far from a subway exit
• Short journeys during pleasant weather

Bicycle Safety Tips

• Use designated bicycle lanes whenever possible.
• Follow traffic lights and road signs.
• Watch for electric scooters.
• Do not use your phone while riding.
• Avoid cycling during heavy rain or poor air quality.
• Park only in approved areas.
• Wear a helmet if one is available.

Some bike-sharing services require a Chinese mobile number, identity verification, or mobile payment. Check the registration requirements before depending on this option.

6. Walking Around Beijing

Tiananmen Square

Walking is one of the best ways to explore Beijing’s historical areas. However, city blocks and attractions are often larger than they appear on a map.

Good Areas for Walking

• Forbidden City surroundings
• Tiananmen Square
• Wangfujing
• Qianmen
• Dashilan
• Shichahai
• Houhai
• Nanluoguxiang
• Gulou
• Olympic Park

Walking Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Check the correct attraction entrance.
• Carry drinking water during summer.
• Use sunscreen and an umbrella.
• Save your hotel address in Chinese.
• Combine walking with the subway.
• Avoid planning too many distant attractions in one day.

Some attractions have separate entry and exit gates. Check where you will leave before planning your next transport route.

7. Beijing Airport Transport

Beijing Capital International Airport to the City

Beijing Capital International Airport is northeast of central Beijing.

Airport Express Train

The Capital Airport Express connects the airport with Sanyuanqiao, Dongzhimen, and Beixinqiao.

The Airport Express avoids road traffic, but you may need to transfer to another subway line to reach your hotel.

Taxi or DiDi

A taxi or DiDi ride is more convenient when you have large luggage, arrive late at night, or travel with several people. The final price depends on your destination, road tolls, and traffic conditions.

Private Airport Transfer

A private transfer is a comfortable choice for families and first-time visitors. The driver can meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation.

Beijing Daxing International Airport to the City

Beijing Daxing International Airport is south of central Beijing.

Daxing Airport Express

The Daxing Airport Express connects the airport with Caoqiao, where passengers can transfer to Beijing’s subway network.

After reaching Caoqiao, continue by subway, taxi, or DiDi.

Taxi, DiDi, or Private Transfer

A car journey from Daxing Airport may take around one hour or longer depending on your hotel and traffic. This option can be practical for groups because the fare can be shared.

Which Airport Transport Should You Choose?

8. Beijing Railway Stations

Beijing has several major railway stations. Always check the complete station name because they are located in different parts of the city.

Railway Travel Tips

• Railway Travel Tips
• Arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure.
• Bring the passport used to book your ticket.
• Check the full station name.
• Complete the security check early.
• Find your waiting area on the departure screen.
• Keep your passport available for ticket checks.
• Avoid booking a tight connection after an international flight.

9. How to Get to the Great Wall from Beijing

The Great Wall is outside central Beijing. Your best transportation option depends on the section you want to visit.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is a popular choice for international visitors. It is known for restored watchtowers, mountain scenery, cable cars, and a toboggan ride.

Transport options include:

• Organized day tour
• Private car or transfer
• Tourist bus
• Public bus with transfers

Public transportation is affordable, but it requires more planning. A tour or private vehicle is easier for families and first-time visitors.

Badaling Great Wall

Badaling is one of the easiest Great Wall sections to reach. Travelers may use a high-speed train from Beijing North or Qinghe Railway Station, depending on the schedule.

Badaling is convenient but can become crowded during weekends, public holidays, and peak travel seasons.

Jinshanling Great Wall

Jinshanling is farther from central Beijing and is better suited to travelers interested in hiking and quieter scenery.

A private transfer or organized tour is usually the easiest choice.

Great Wall Transport Comparison

Pro Tip: Leave Beijing early in the morning. Travel time may increase significantly during weekends and Chinese public holidays.

Best Beijing Transport for Different Travelers

Estimated Beijing Transport Budget

Airport transfers, Great Wall trips, and intercity trains are not included.

Tips Filipino Travelers Must Know for Beijing Transport

• Set up mobile data before your flight. You will need internet access for maps, translation, DiDi, and mobile payments. Arrange a China eSIM before leaving the Philippines.
• Download Amap for navigation. Amap provides subway routes, bus directions, walking routes, station exits, and estimated travel times. Read our Amap Guide before your trip.
• Prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay. Cashless payment is widely used in Beijing. Connect a supported international bank card before departure and learn more through our China Payment Methods Guide.
• Carry some Chinese yuan. Keep small cash as a backup in case your card or payment app does not work. Not every machine or transport service accepts foreign bank cards.
• Save your hotel address in Chinese. Most taxi drivers do not speak English. Keep a screenshot showing your hotel name, Chinese address, telephone number, and nearest subway station.
• Keep your passport with you. Your passport may be required when taking high-speed trains, purchasing certain transport cards, checking into hotels, or passing identity checks.
• Check the last subway before going out. Most subway services finish at around 11:00 PM, but the exact time depends on the line and station. Use a taxi or DiDi if you miss the final train.
• Allow time for security checks. Passengers may need to pass bags through security scanners at subway stations, railway stations, airports, and major attractions.
• Book train tickets using your passport details. Enter your full name and passport number correctly. Bring the same passport when boarding and arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure.

🎉 Travel Tip: Save screenshots of your hotel address, passport page, transport bookings, and important destinations. These can help when your mobile signal is weak or you need to show information to a driver.