To get around in Beijing, you can use a combination of taxis, buses, and the metro, as well as ride-hailing apps and bike-sharing services, which provide convenient and affordable transportation options throughout the city.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Beijing is a major transportation hub, with two international airports, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), offering direct flights to many cities around the world. Beijing Capital International Airport is the main airport, located about 25 kilometers northeast of the city center, while Beijing Daxing International Airport is a newer airport, located about 45 kilometers south of the city center. Both airports are well-connected to the city center by expressways, buses, and taxis. If you're traveling overland, you can enter Beijing by bus or train from neighboring cities and provinces, including Tianjin, Shanghai, and Shijiazhuang.
For international travelers, Beijing is a major stopover point for many airlines, with direct flights to cities in Asia, Europe, and North America. You can fly into Beijing from major hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore, as well as from European cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. If you're traveling from within China, you can take a domestic flight, bus, or train to Beijing from most major cities. The city is also connected to neighboring countries by bus and train, including Mongolia, Russia, and North Korea.
Domestic Flights
China has an extensive domestic air network, with many airlines operating flights between Beijing and other major cities. Some of the main domestic airlines include China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China, which operate flights to destinations like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. You can book domestic flights online through the airlines' websites or through travel agencies, and prices vary depending on the route and time of year. A one-way ticket from Beijing to Shanghai, for example, can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the airline and class of service.
Trains & Rail
Beijing has an extensive rail network, with high-speed trains connecting the city to other major cities in China. The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway is one of the busiest and most popular routes, with multiple departures per day. You can book train tickets online through the China Railway Corporation website or at train stations, and prices vary depending on the class of service and route. A one-way ticket from Beijing to Shanghai on the high-speed train, for example, can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the class of service.
Buses & Coaches
Intercity bus services are also available in Beijing, with many companies operating buses to neighboring cities and provinces. Some of the main bus companies include Beijing Bus and China Bus, which operate buses to destinations like Tianjin, Shanghai, and Shijiazhuang. The quality of bus services varies, with some companies offering more comfortable and modern buses than others. Prices are generally lower than train or air travel, with a one-way ticket from Beijing to Tianjin, for example, costing around $10 to $20.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Subway | Beijing | $0.30-$1.50 | 24 lines, 330 stations |
| City Bus | Beijing | $0.20-$1.00 | 700 routes, including night buses |
| Taxi | everywhere | $1.50-$3.00/km | available at taxi stands or by hailing on the street |
| Ride-Hailing | Beijing | $3.00-$10.00 | available through Didi Chuxing, Meituan Dianping, and Tencents WeChat |
| Tuk-tuk/Rickshaw | limited | $5.00-$10.00 | available in some tourist areas, but not a common mode of transport |
Driving
- To drive in Beijing, you'll need a valid Chinese driver's license, which can be obtained through a driving school or by exchanging your foreign license.
- Road conditions in Beijing are generally good, with well-maintained highways and city streets.
- Fuel costs are relatively low, with gasoline prices around $0.60 per liter.
- Car rental companies like Hertz and Avis are available in Beijing, but be aware that driving in the city can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking.
- Hazards to watch out for include aggressive drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, as well as traffic congestion and construction delays.
- It's also a good idea to learn some basic Chinese characters and phrases to help you navigate the city and communicate with locals.
Transport Tips
- Be aware of traffic scams, where drivers may take you on a longer route to increase the fare, and always use a licensed taxi or ride-hailing service.
- Download the Didi Chuxing or Meituan Dianping app to book ride-hailing services, and be sure to check the estimated fare before you start your journey.
- Use a reliable GPS or mapping app like Google Maps or Baidu Maps to navigate the city, and be aware of any traffic restrictions or construction delays.
- Consider purchasing a Beijing Transportation Card, which can be used to pay for metro, bus, and taxi fares, as well as other public transportation services.
- Be mindful of peak hour traffic, which can be heavy and congested, and plan your journey accordingly.
- Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as "hello" (nǐ hǎo), "thank you" (xiè xiè), and "excuse me" (duì bù qǐ), to help you communicate with locals and get around the city.
- Consider hiring a private driver or guide for the day, especially if you're short on time or want to see multiple attractions in one day.