Open Travel Guide
Transportation in Beijing

Getting Around Beijing 2026

From airport to backstreets: the full transport picture for Beijing, with current fares.

Beijing, the capital of China, is a sprawling metropolis where ancient imperial history meets state-of-the-art modernity. Home to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it offers an unparalleled window into 3,000 years of Chinese civilization.

Transportation details

Full breakdown of how to get around.

Beijing has one of the world's most comprehensive urban transit systems. The subway network covers 807km with 490 stations across 27 lines. Combined with buses, taxis, DiDi ride-hailing and the airport express, getting around is easy and affordable. Most visitors will rely primarily on the subway.

Transport tips

Travel smarter, not harder.

Tip

Buy multi-day or weekly transit passes if you'll use public transport more than twice a day.

Tip

Keep small change handy for buses and shorter trips where contactless may not work.

Tip

Avoid rush hour (typically 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) for a more comfortable journey.