Beijing is a vast city packed with historical landmarks, yet getting around is surprisingly easy thanks to its extensive public transportation network. With a comprehensive metro system, thousands of bus routes, walkable historical districts, and shared bikes, visitors can travel efficiently and affordably throughout the city.
Metro: fast, convenient, and foreign visitor-friendly
The Beijing Metro is the quickest way to reach major attractions, shopping districts, and transportation hubs. With 30 lines spanning more than 900 kilometers, it connects virtually every key destination across the city.
Tickets & payment
Ticket vending machines
• Chinese-English bilingual interface
• Easy route search and step-by-step ticket purchasing instructions
• Accept cash and Chinese mobile payments only (international bank cards are not supported at the machines)
More convenient options
• Tap-and-go with international bank cards (recommended)
Simply tap your contactless Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or American Express card at the fare gates. No ticket purchase, app download, or registration is required, and the system automatically calculates your fare.
• Station service counters
Purchase single-journey tickets or travel passes using international bank cards or cash.
• WeChat Pay & Alipay transport codes
Visitors can link eligible international bank cards and register with overseas phone numbers to scan in and out.
• BEIJING PASS
Available with your passport at airport counters and selected metro stations. The card can be used on both the metro and public buses.
Tip: For short visits, tapping your contactless international bank card is the easiest option, eliminating the need to purchase or top up a transport card.
Metro fares
Fares start at 3 yuan ($0.45) for journeys up to 6 kilometers and increase by distance, with a maximum fare of 9 yuan on regular metro lines. A 24-hour unlimited ride pass is available for 20 yuan (Airport Express excluded).
Public buses: Extensive coverage at low cost
Beijing's bus network reaches suburban areas, sections of the Great Wall, ancient villages, and destinations beyond the metro system.
What you should know
• Fare: 2 yuan for the first 10 km, plus 1 yuan for every additional 5 km.
• Using a transport card or mobile transport code offers a 50-percent discount.
• Most buses are cashless and driver-only. If paying with cash, prepare the exact amount as no change is provided.
Payment options
• Mobile transport codes (recommended)
Electronic bus passes are available through Alipay and WeChat Pay. Overseas phone numbers can be used for registration, and eligible international cards can be linked.
• Cash
Paper bills only; exact fare required.
• BEIJING PASS
Works on both buses and the metro, making it ideal for multi-day sightseeing.
• One-day bus pass
Unlimited rides on regular city buses, suitable for visitors planning multiple suburban stops in a single day.
Shared bikes: Perfect for exploring historical neighborhoods
Shared bikes are one of the best ways to explore Beijing's hutong, the Houhai area, Olympic Park, and other places where walking and cycling offer the richest experience. They are also ideal for covering the "last mile" between metro stations and attractions.
Major operators include Meituan Bike and Hello Bike.
How to use
• Register with an overseas mobile number.
• Scan the QR code on the bike to unlock.
• Return bikes only to designated parking areas. Parking is prohibited along major roads such as Chang'an Avenue, and improper parking may result in additional fees.
Safety regulations
• Riders must be at least 12 years old.
• Riders under 16 years old are not permitted to use electric bicycles.
Walking: Experience Beijing at its best
Many of Beijing's most famous attractions are located within walking distance of one another, especially in the historical Dongcheng and Xicheng districts.
Strolling through red-walled alleys, ancient hutong, and along the old city moat is one of the best ways to experience the capital's charm.
Popular walking routes connect attractions including:
• The Forbidden City
• Jingshan Park
• Shichahai
• Nanluoguxiang
• Qianmen and Dashilan
Taxis & ride-hailing: Door-to-door convenience
Licensed taxis and ride-hailing services such as DiDi are available throughout Beijing.
• Starting fare: 13 yuan (first 3 km)
• Additional fare: 2.3 yuan per km
• Congestion surcharges may apply during weekday rush hours (7 am-9 am and 5 pm-7 pm).
Ideal for
• Late-night travel
• Groups
• Travelers carrying large luggage
Travel tips
• Save the Chinese names and addresses of your hotel and destinations on your phone to help drivers locate them easily.
• Traffic can be extremely heavy during weekday rush hour, so plan accordingly.
Easy day trips from downtown Beijing (1–2 hours)
Several popular destinations can easily be visited on a day trip from central Beijing via tourist coaches or regional rail.
• Badaling or Mutianyu Great Wall (about 70 km, 1.5 hours): Direct tourist shuttle from Deshengmen or Dongzhimen.
• Wtown & Simatai Great Wall (about 120 km, 2 hours): Direct sightseeing coaches from downtown.
• Yanqi Lake (about 60 km, around 1 hour): Take the high-speed railway to Huairou North Station, then a short taxi ride.
• Shidu Scenic Area (about 90 km, 1.5 hours): Direct sightseeing bus from Tianqiao Bus Station.
