Getting Around Beijing
Getting Around Beijing
All City Transport Options: What Locals Use and What’s Best for Tourists
General Overview
Getting around in Beijing can be an adventure. The transport system here is incredibly efficient but does take some practice to navigate at first. One thing that surprised me about Beijing transport is just how vast and well-coordinated it is. The subway might be the star of the show, but you’ve also got buses, taxis, and even bike-sharing options. Trust me, once you figure it out, it’ll become second nature.The subway runs from about 5 AM until 11 PM, which can be a bit limiting if you’re planning late nights out. Fares start at just 3 RMB (roughly $0.47) for a single trip, and there are various options like the Beijing Transport Card that make it easy to hop on and off without fumbling for change. Many visitors think they should just stick to walking or taxis, but using public transport is often faster—especially during peak hours.
Oh, before I forget, one common mistake tourists make is underestimating the rush hour here. If you’re trying to get around between 7:30-9 AM or 5-7 PM, just brace yourself. The trains can get packed. I once found myself wedged between two very enthusiastic Beijing commuters—it was a bit of a humbling experience!
Now, about those local hacks: try to download the local transport app, Didi. It’s hugely helpful for finding the best routes, and you can even use it for hailing a taxi when the subway feels a bit too crowded. Plus, during certain seasons like the fall, public transport can get super crowded due to tourism and holidays, but the good thing is, some buses may offer a slightly reduced rate during the off-peak months.
A personal frustration? I once hopped on Line 4, thinking it would be a quick ride across town. I didn't realize just how many stops it had—I felt like I was on there forever! But it was also a pleasant surprise when I arrived at Dongdan Station and discovered a great little dumpling place nearby that I still go back to.
If you want to save some money, consider the suburban train lines for longer trips, as they often have cheaper fares than taxi or rideshare options. Pro tip: in the middle of summer, you might find that it’s just cooler to take the subway than to walk outside in the heat.
In short, give yourself some time to adjust, and don’t shy away from the local transport options. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the city and can be as entertaining as it is practical.
Types of Transport
popular with tourists
Taxis in Beijing are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via popular apps like DiDi, making them a convenient option for getting around the city. Fares start at 14 CNY for the first 3 kilometers and increase incrementally, so short trips within the city center typically cost between 25-50 CNY, depending on traffic and distance. It's advisable to have your destination written down in Chinese, as many drivers may not speak English; you can also use maps on your smartphone showing the destination. When traveling during peak hours, it's best to plan ahead since traffic can be heavy, potentially extending your travel time significantly. For safety, always make sure the driver's ID and vehicle registration are displayed clearly, and if you're using a ride-hailing app, confirm the vehicle’s license plate number before getting in.
popular with tourists
The metro in Beijing is extensive, covering 23 lines and over 400 kilometers, making it one of the most efficient ways to navigate the city, especially for visiting popular tourist areas such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. You can pay for your ride with a Beijing Metro card, which you can easily obtain at ticket vending machines or ticket counters, or you can use the mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay; a single journey costs between 3 to 9 RMB depending on the distance traveled. For tourists, a key tip is to download the Beijing Metro app, which provides English-language route guidance, timetables, and maps, helping you navigate your journey seamlessly. To save time, avoid peak hours from 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM when the trains are the most crowded, and always stand behind the yellow safety line on the platform. Lastly, keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
popular with tourists
Cycling in Beijing is a popular and efficient way to explore the city, with numerous bike-sharing services like Mobike and Ofo available, which can be found throughout key areas such as Dongcheng and Chaoyang. To rent a bike, simply download the app, register, and link a payment method like Alipay or WeChat Pay, with typical usage costs around 1 to 2 RMB per half hour. A great route for tourists is the scenic ride along the Beijing Central Axis, which runs from Yonghe Temple to the Temple of Heaven, allowing you to experience both historical and cultural sights. Always wear a helmet and be aware that traffic can be chaotic; it's essential to stay in bike lanes where available and watch for pedestrians. For a more leisurely experience, try cycling during off-peak hours, typically early mornings or late afternoons, when the streets are less congested.
popular with tourists
The bus system in Beijing is extensive and covers major tourist attractions like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven, making it a convenient and economical way to explore the city. A typical bus fare is around 2 RMB (approximately 30 cents USD), and you can pay using a transport card (Yikatong) or cash, but it's best to use a card to avoid fumbling for change. For tourists, it’s essential to download a translation app or carry a transit map, as bus stops often only have Chinese characters, and the staff may not speak English. To save time, try to avoid rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) when buses can be extremely crowded. Always watch your belongings, especially in busy situations, and make sure to have the name of your destination written in Chinese to show the driver if needed.
Walking in Beijing is a fantastic way to explore the city's rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant street life, especially in areas like the Forbidden City, Wangfujing, and the historic hutongs. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as many streets have uneven surfaces, and some tourist sites require a fair bit of walking to fully appreciate. It's a good idea to carry a portable charger for your phone, since GPS and translation apps can be invaluable for navigating the city and communicating with locals.
To save time, plan your walking routes in advance by using apps like Baidu Maps or Google Maps, and consider visiting popular attractions during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds. Lastly, be mindful of traffic, as Beijing’s roads can be busy; always use pedestrian crossings, and watch for cyclists who may not always adhere to bike lanes.
To save time, plan your walking routes in advance by using apps like Baidu Maps or Google Maps, and consider visiting popular attractions during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds. Lastly, be mindful of traffic, as Beijing’s roads can be busy; always use pedestrian crossings, and watch for cyclists who may not always adhere to bike lanes.
The train system in Beijing is extensive and efficient, covering areas including the city center, major tourist attractions like the Great Wall, and the airport, with both the Beijing Subway and high-speed trains available. Tickets for the subway start at just 3 RMB (about 0.45 USD) for short rides, and you can pay using a Beijing Transportation Smart Card (Yikatong) for seamless travel—just tap and go to enter and exit stations. For tourists, it's best to plan your route in advance using apps like Baidu Maps or the official subway app to avoid confusion during peak hours, which can get quite crowded. Remember to keep your belongings secure and be cautious during rush hour, as the trains can be very packed; typically, the best times to travel are mid-morning or late afternoon.
The ferry system in Beijing primarily operates on the city's rivers, including routes along the Yongding River and the Tonghui River, providing scenic views and a unique experience of urban life. Ticket prices typically range from ¥10 to ¥20 (approximately $1.50 to $3) depending on the route, and payment can be made with cash or via the Beijing Transportation Smart Card. A great tip for tourists is to travel during non-peak hours to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere and avoid overcrowding. Additionally, when taking a ferry, be sure to check the schedule in advance, as services may vary, and always keep an eye on weather conditions, especially during rainy seasons, for safety.
Here you can learn about all types of transport in Beijing. What transport is available, how to reach tourist attractions and which mode of transport is optimal.