How to get around in Beijing: 2026 Guide

As the iconic capital of China, Beijing can be overwhelming at first due to its sheer size and the endless number of neighbourhoods to explore and things to do. However, its transport network is one of the most efficient in Asia!

With an ultra-modern metro, the direct Airport Express from the airport, DiDi for door-to-door service, and even shared bikes for shorter trips, the Chinese capital is a breeze to explore—as long as you pick the right way to get around.

To help you make the most of your trip, Trip.com has put together a complete guide on how to get around Beijing!

Get Around in Beijing by Metro

The metro is, without a doubt, the best way to get around Beijing. Why? It’s modern, air-conditioned, clearly signposted in English on all the main lines, and covers all the capital's major tourist sights.

It's also the most budget-friendly option, with tickets costing between 3 and 7 CNY (around £0.35 to £0.90) depending on the distance!

How does it work?

Trains run from approximately 5:00 am to 11:30 pm, with departures every 2 to 5 minutes during peak hours. There is a luggage security check at the entrance to every station (usually allow for a few minutes' wait).

You can pay by QR code (WeChat/Alipay), using a rechargeable Yikatong card, or simply by using your international bank card at the ticket counters.

The must-see metro lines for exploring Beijing

• Line 1: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Wangfujing.
• Line 2: Central Station, West Station (train connections).
• Line 4: South Railway Station, Summer Palace.
• Line 5: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple.
• Line 8: Olympic Park, Winter Sports Village.

Get Around in Beijing by Airport Express

If you're arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), the Airport Express is undoubtedly the best way to get around.

This dedicated line connects terminals T2 and T3 to the city centre in just 25 to 40 minutes for only 25 CNY (less than £3.50). No traffic jams and no stress with your luggage!

Routes and schedules

Trains run directly to T3 → T2 → Sanyuanqiao → Dongzhimen, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes between 6:00 and 23:00.

From Dongzhimen, you can hop onto lines 2 or 13 to reach any part of the city centre in just a few minutes.

For Daxing Airport (PKX): hop on Line 19, which will whisk you to Caoqiao in just 20 minutes for 35 CNY, then simply transfer to Line 10 to reach the city centre.

📌 The Trip.com tip: If you're connecting from PEK airport to a train at the South Railway Station, the Airport Express → Line 4 combo is unbeatable (less than £4 and zero traffic jams guaranteed!)

Get Around in Beijing by Taxi or Ride-Hailing

When the metro just won't cut it (think bulky suitcases, late nights out, or an out-of-the-way address), a taxi or DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) is the perfect solution.

The DiDi app is available in English, making it super handy for international travellers.

2026 guide prices

• Flag fall: 13 CNY for the first 3 km, or approximately £1.63.
• Price per kilometre: 2.30 CNY/km thereafter.
• City centre → City centre: 25 to 50 CNY, approximately £2.75 to £5.50.
• South Railway Station → Historic Centre: 55 to 70 CNY, approximately £6.89 to £8.77.
• PEK Airport → City Centre: 100 to 150 CNY (~£11 to £20).
• PKX Airport → City Centre: 120 to 180 CNY, or approximately £13 to £20.

Handy tips

• Always show your destination address in Chinese characters (copy it from your hotel app). Always decline any taxi offers when leaving the airport and head straight for the official taxi rank instead.
• With DiDi, your route is tracked by GPS and payment is automatic via WeChat/Alipay (no haggling required).
• For groups of 4 to 6 people, the DiDi MPV is a great option: it offers the same comfort as a minivan, with long-distance trips costing between 200 and 300 CNY, or approximately £25.08 to £37.62.

Get Around in Beijing by Bus

Beijing boasts over 1,000 bus routes, but they’re most useful for reaching areas the metro doesn't quite cover, such as those charming hutongs, local markets, and residential neighbourhoods. Fares are a flat 1-2 CNY, payable with your Yikatong card.

Do bear in mind, however, that stops are rarely displayed in English (use Baidu Maps to track your journey in real-time).

Finally, avoid buses during rush hour: Beijing traffic can turn a 15-minute journey into an hour-long nightmare. The metro is always the better option for getting around quickly!

Get Around in Beijing by Shared Bikes or Scooters

Beijing is a relatively flat city with plenty of cycle paths in the city centre. Mobike, HelloBike, and Lime all offer thousands of electric bikes and scooters, starting from just £0.16 for 30 minutes. Simply scan the QR code, unlock, and off you go!

When should you use them?

Perfect for both:

• Strolls through the hutongs of Nanluoguxiang;
• A journey between two metro stations.;
• Take a stroll around Houhai Lake;
• Head to a restaurant or gallery just a few streets away.

💡 Trip.com tip: always park your bike in the designated areas (marked by white dots on the ground), otherwise a fine of £0.53 per minute will be automatically charged via the app.

Best Way to Get Around in Beijing

How to Get to the Must-Sees in Beijing

Beijing is packed with must-see sights, and most are super easy to reach by metro. To help you plan your days, here’s a handy summary of the top things to do in Beijing and the most convenient way to get to each one.

Tips for Getting Around in Beijing

• 🧳 Measure your luggage before you set off. On the Beijing metro, bulky luggage (total H+W+D >160 cm) can be tricky during rush hour. It's best to use DiDi or airport shuttles if you're travelling with large suitcases.
• 📱 Book early on Trip.com. For trains departing from Beijing stations, select a seat with a dedicated luggage compartment when booking on Trip.com. These seats are limited and sell out quickly on popular routes like Beijing–Shanghai.
• 🚀 Send your luggage via express delivery. In Beijing, Services like Cainiao or SF Express let you send your suitcases from hotel to hotel for just £5–£10, allowing you to travel light on the metro. It’s standard practice for locals, so why not follow their lead!
• 🎿 Travelling with sports equipment? Whether it's skis, surfboards, or touring bikes, always book a dedicated luggage space on trains, even if you think you're exempt. A ski bag often exceeds 160 cm and will end up in the aisle if you haven't planned ahead.

Discover Beijing