Transportation

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Beijing is mainly served by two airports: 北京首都国际机场 (Beijing Capital International Airport, PEK) and 北京大兴国际机场 (Beijing Daxing International Airport, PKX).

北京首都国际机场 (PEK)
The text does not specify the exact distance to the city center, but it is described as "close to the city with many flights," making it the preferred airport for most travelers. The airport has three terminals: T1/T2/T3, with T3 Terminal being the largest.

• Transportation from the airport to the city:
  • Airport Express: Runs from Dongzhimen Station (东直门站) directly to T2/T3, taking about 25 minutes with a fare of approximately ¥25 RMB (~$3.50 USD). Ideal for travelers who want to avoid traffic and have a predictable schedule.
  • Airport Shuttle Bus: Located on the 1st floor, buses serve multiple routes across the city, with night lines operating until early morning. Prices are slightly higher than the subway but still economical, suitable for those carrying large luggage.
  • Taxi & Ride-hailing: Taxi pick-up is on B1 level, and ride-hailing pick-up is on the 2nd floor. Off-peak travel time between the city and airport is about 30–40 minutes, costing around ¥100–150 RMB (~$14–21 USD). During peak hours, travel may take longer and cost more.
• Terminal transfers: A free shuttle bus runs between T2 and T3 terminals; just follow the signs.

北京大兴国际机场 (PKX)
Daxing Airport is new and large, known as the "Airport of the Future."

• Transportation from the airport to the city:
  • Metro Line 19: The text mentions "Line 19 direct, Caoqiao → Daxing Airport," running from Caoqiao Station (草桥站) directly to the airport, suitable for travelers with light luggage.
  • Airport Express to Daxing: Also departing from Caoqiao Station, business class passengers can check in luggage early at Caoqiao, making it convenient for families or those with heavy luggage. Operating hours are approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. No specific fare is given, but it is generally higher than regular metro lines.
  • Self-driving: The airport has P1/P2 parking lots equipped with charging stations for new energy vehicles. Booking two days in advance can provide free parking and other discounts.
• Overnight stays inside the airport:
  • The viewing and relaxation area opposite B21 Gate has many lounge chairs and power outlets, open 24 hours, suitable for free overnight stays.
  • Other rest areas include near B20, B30, A11, A103 gates, and sofa areas behind some coffee shops.
• Additional tips:
  • Domestic departures: Check-in on the 3rd floor → security on the 2nd floor; International departures: Check-in on the 4th floor → immigration on the 3rd floor. It is recommended to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
  • Security restrictions prohibit carrying liquids over 100ml; power banks must be carried on and have clear capacity labels.

The text also mentions that both airports have airport shuttle buses and metro connections to the city. The Capital Airport Line operates approximately from 6:36 AM to 11:10 PM, and the Daxing Airport Line from about 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

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Beijing has multiple railway stations, though not all are listed individually in the text. It mentions "7 commonly used stations," which at least include:

• 北京北站 (Beijing North Railway Station): You can take a high-speed train (高铁) to 八达岭长城 (Badaling Great Wall). First, take the metro to 西直门站 (Xizhimen Station)—which is where Beijing North Railway Station is located—then transfer to the high-speed train. The high-speed train service is limited with fixed departure times, making it suitable for travelers who plan in advance.

Is it a high-speed train station? The text explicitly mentions taking a high-speed train from 北京北站 (Beijing North Railway Station) to Badaling, indicating this station serves high-speed trains (高铁/动车). Other high-speed rail hubs like 北京南站 (Beijing South Railway Station) and 北京西站 (Beijing West Railway Station) are not named in the text but are included among the "7 commonly used stations." Specific routes are not detailed.

Ticket Purchase Methods (for Foreign Tourists):

• 12306 Official Platform (12306 App/Website): The text mentions that you can check high-speed train schedules to Badaling on 12306. Foreign tourists can generally register an account using their passport and purchase tickets through the English interface (though it requires some patience navigating the process).
• Third-Party Platforms: The text mentions platforms like 同程旅行 (Tongcheng Travel), which allow booking "accommodation + train tickets" together, but does not specify English language support. Common English-friendly platforms such as Trip.com are not mentioned in the text, so no further details are provided.
• Station Ticket Counters: While not directly stated, passport-based ticket purchase and changes can usually be handled at ticket windows in major stations. It is recommended to allow extra time for queues and to bring your original passport.

Popular Railway Route Example:

• 北京北站 (Beijing North Railway Station) → 八达岭长城 (Badaling Great Wall) (High-Speed Train): The journey is relatively short, generally about 30–40 minutes, though the text does not specify exact times. This option suits travelers who prefer not to take the bus, but note that train departures are infrequent and on a fixed schedule.

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Subway/Metro

Beijing’s subway network is extremely developed and is the top choice for tourists. The text frequently mentions:

• "Most scenic spots currently have nearby subway access, super convenient," including popular attractions like 天安门广场 (Tian'anmen Square), 故宫 (The Palace Museum), 环球影城 (Beijing Universal Studios), 雍和宫 (Yonghe Temple), and more.
• It is recommended to stay near subway interchange stations such as 东四站 (Dongsi), 西四站 (Xisi), 平安里站 (Ping'anli), and 东单站 (Dongdan) for easy transfers between multiple lines.

Typical Lines and Stations:

• Line 8 (地铁8号线): Known as the north-south “underground central axis,” it runs from 朱辛庄站 (Zhuxinzhuang) in the north to 瀛海站 (Yinghai) in the south, covering about 51.6 km with 35 stations.
  • The newly opened 大红门站 (Dahongmen) connects with Line 10 (地铁10号线) via two transfer corridors inside the station, with a walking time of about 2–3.5 minutes.
• 南锣鼓巷站 (Nanluoguxiang Station): Ideal for visiting the hutong areas of 南锣鼓巷 (Nanluoguxiang), 北锣鼓巷 (Beiluoguxiang), and 什刹海 (Shichahai). The text mentions you can start a city walk right from Exit E of Nanluoguxiang Station.
• The text also references the release of the “Beijing Subway Map 2026 Edition” and “Beijing Urban Rail Transit Network Map 2026 Edition,” indicating ongoing line expansions. It is recommended to check the latest maps regularly.

Fares and Payment:

• Subway fares: The text provides a reference—“3 yuan for trips within 6 km (excluding the airport line),” with incremental charges for longer distances.
• Payment methods:
  • 北京一卡通 (Beijing Yikatong): Physical card or mobile e-card can be used to tap in and out at gates.
  • Beijing Yikatong App and 亿通行 App (Yitongxing): Allow you to activate a subway QR code for scanning in and out.
  • Alipay (支付Bao): Select Beijing under “Travel” to activate the subway QR code; note that bus and subway codes are different and require switching.
  • Mobile NFC Transit Cards: Such as the Municipal Transit Yikatong in Apple Wallet or built-in NFC transit cards on Android, supporting tap-in with screen off and even shortly after shutdown.

Tips for First-Time Subway Riders:

• You must scan a code or tap a card both when entering and exiting stations.
• It’s recommended to download Gaode Map (Amap) in advance, which supports real-time subway info, transfer plans, and “get off reminders” to reduce the risk of missing your stop.
• Pay attention to subway exit numbers (e.g., Exit A/B/C/D); Gaode Map indicates which exit is closest to your destination.

Bus

Buses in Beijing cover a wide area and are suitable for reaching places not served by the subway or for short transfers:

• Fares: Generally range from 2 to 12 yuan, charged in segments.
• Payment methods:
  • Physical or NFC Beijing Yikatong cards;
  • Bus QR codes via Beijing Yikatong App or Yitongxing App;
  • Bus QR codes via Alipay (note these differ from subway codes);
  • Cash coins are accepted on some lines, but no change is given on certain routes.
• Usage rules:
  • You must scan or tap both when boarding and alighting; if you fail to scan when getting off, the system will charge the maximum fare for the entire route.

Great Wall Dedicated Bus Example:

• Bus 877 (877路公交): Direct service from downtown to 八达岭长城 (Badaling Great Wall):
  • Boarding point: Exit C of Beitucheng Station (北土城站) on the subway, where you’ll see a queue and green buses;
  • Fare: 6 yuan with Alipay/Yitongxing QR code, 12 yuan cash; children under 1.2 meters ride free;
  • Duration: About 1 hour without traffic jams, non-stop on the highway;
  • Operation: Departs when full, usually crowded but almost everyone gets a seat;
  • Return: Last return trip around 16:30, exact times posted on site.

Other Urban Transport

The text does not mention Beijing city ferries or regular ferry services, nor specific tram line names, only stating that the “rail transit network map includes trams and suburban railways.” For trips to suburban areas, pay attention to suburban railway lines, though specific station names and fares are not provided in the text.

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Taxi (出租车):

• Starting fare: ¥14 RMB for the first 3 kilometers;
• Night surcharge: about 20% extra from 23:00 to 5:00;
• Fare examples:
  • Round trip between downtown and Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都国际机场): approximately ¥100–150;
  • City commute example in the text: one-way about 10 km, 30 minutes, daytime fare without traffic about ¥33–40, carpooling about ¥20–25.
• Usage tips:
  • Beijing taxis generally use metered fares, so check if the driver turns on the meter when you get in;
  • During peak hours (morning and evening commute times), it may be difficult to get a taxi and traffic can be congested, so using the subway is recommended.

Ride-hailing (网约车):

• Common platforms:
  • Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行);
  • Built-in ride-hailing function in Gaode/Amap (高德地图), which can call cars from multiple platforms simultaneously;
• Prices: generally similar to or slightly higher than taxis, with surcharges during holidays and peak times;
• Usage tips:
  • Foreign tourists can try using the international version of Didi Chuxing that supports international phone numbers and payment methods, or bind domestic payment methods through Gaode/Amap;
  • Airports and train stations usually have designated ride-hailing pick-up zones—just follow the signs.

Ride-hailing tips for suburban attractions:

• To Badaling Great Wall (八达岭长城): According to the text, when using Didi/Gaode for a ride, many drivers do not accept one-way trips and only offer round-trip charter services, priced around ¥380–450, with slight increases during holidays. If you only need a one-way trip, it is recommended to take Bus 877 or the high-speed train instead.

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No relevant information available at the moment.

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Must-Have Apps

• 高德地图 (Gaode Map / Amap):
  • Provides real-time subway and bus information and navigation, with stop reminders;
  • Can directly call taxi services;
  • Very friendly for tourists unfamiliar with the city.
• 北京一卡通 App (Beijing Yikatong):
  • Allows activation of electronic transportation cards, supports bus and subway QR code rides;
  • Provides monthly cumulative discount information.
• 亿通行 App (Yitongxing):
  • Official Beijing travel app, can purchase bus tickets, activate ride codes, supports QR code rides on buses like Route 877.
• 滴滴出行 (Didi Chuxing), 高德地图 (Gaode Map):
  • Used for taxis and ride-hailing, transparent pricing, allows price comparison.

Payment and Transportation Cards

• 市政交通一卡通 (City Transportation Card) / 北京一卡通 (Beijing Yikatong):
  • Can be used as a physical card or mobile NFC card;
  • Basic bus discounts: regular card 50% off bus fare, student card 25% off;
  • Monthly cumulative discounts:
    • After spending ¥100 in a month, subsequent rides are 20% off;
    • After spending ¥150 in a month, subsequent rides are 50% off;
    • Discount cap is ¥400, but most tourists rarely reach this.
• Mobile NFC Card:
  • Apple: Add City Transportation Card in the Wallet app;
  • Android: Enable NFC in system settings and activate the transportation card;
  • Advantages: can tap with screen off, can exit stations shortly after shutdown, supports multiple cities nationwide.
• Mobile Payment:
  • The text frequently mentions using Alipay QR code scanning for rides;
  • Cash is still accepted in some cases (e.g., Route 877 bus ticket costs ¥12 cash), but increasingly rare—it's recommended to prepare a mobile payment method usable in China.

Useful Chinese Phrases

• “地铁站在哪儿？” — To ask where the nearest subway station is.
• “请帮我到这里。” (with a map or address) — To tell a taxi driver your destination.
• “去八达岭长城坐877路公交在哪里排队？” — To ask staff near Beitucheng Station (北土城站) where to queue for Route 877 bus to Badaling Great Wall.
• “机场快轨怎么走？” — To ask how to get to the airport express line in the city.
• “刷码/刷卡乘车可以吗？” — To confirm if QR code or card payment is accepted.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Great Wall Transportation Pitfall:
  • When going to 八达岭长城 (Badaling Great Wall), some drivers only offer expensive round-trip private car services and refuse one-way rides; if on a budget, prioritize Route 877 bus or high-speed train, which are transparent in price and closest to the scenic area.
• Airport and Station Distances & Terminals:
  • Capital Airport (首都机场) terminals T2 and T3 are quite far apart; be sure to confirm your terminal and arrival exit (T2 has only one arrival exit, T3 has A/B/C exits);
  • Confirm in advance whether your flight is at Capital Airport or Daxing Airport to avoid going to the wrong airport.
• QR Code Scanning Rules:
  • You must scan QR codes or tap cards when entering and exiting subway stations; on buses, scan/tap when boarding and alighting, or you will be charged the maximum fare.
• Rush Hour Congestion:
  • Beijing’s roads are heavily congested during morning and evening rush hours; taxi and ride-hailing times are unpredictable; it’s recommended to use the subway during peak hours.
• Security Checks and Prohibited Items:
  • Security checks at subways, attractions (like Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City), and airports are strict; liquids, lighters, and other items may be restricted or prohibited—organize your luggage in advance to avoid delays.

By reasonably using the subway, buses, and airport express, combined with the “Beijing Yikatong” card and mobile payments, foreign visitors can travel in Beijing efficiently, economically, and relatively easily.