Beijing Transportation

Beijing is a major transportation hub with daily connections by air and rail to thousands of destinations in China and beyond. Transportation options within the city are likewise plentiful. Buying tickets to other places destination in China during national holidays can be difficult, be sure to plan ahead.

AIRPORT
The Beijing Capital International Airport is China’s busiest airport, with over 600 domestic air routes and flights to many international destinations. After a highly successful facelift completed in 1999, the airport is modern and efficient. To prepare for the surge of visitors expected for the 2008 Olympics, a third terminal and two new runways have been built.

All departing passengers must pay an airport tax before they check-in. The tax is collected at booths in the main departure hall. Passengers must keep their tax vouchers with them since these are collected after the security check. At present the tax on domestic flights is RMB 190.

Getting to/from the airport:
The Beijing Capital International Airport is about 28km from the city center and depending on traffic, it takes anywhere from 35 to 50 minutes to drive from the airport to downtown via the airport expressway.

A taxi ride from the airport to the city center should cost more than RMB 100, including RMB 10 added to the meter for the expressway toll. To avoid being overcharged, don't accept a ride from a tout whose taxi could be unlicensed. The queue for licensed taxis at the airport is clearly marked.

Many upscale hotels can arrange for private cars or limousines to pick up and drop off guests. This service should cost RMB 120 to 300. Hotels also commonly operate airport shuttle buses. Be sure to reserve your private car or seat on a shuttle bus prior to your arrival or departure.

Airport shuttle buses leave the airport every 30 minutes between 8am and 10pm for several destinations in the city, like the National Art Gallery (near Wangfujing) and Zhongguancun (Beijing’s Silicon Valley in the northwest Haidian District). While these buses are cheap (about RMB 20 per trip), they’re difficult to use if you don’t speak Chinese. Moreover, you may have to take a taxi to get from the bus stop to your final destination.

BICYCLE
Biking is a great way to get around, it's faster than walking and lets you see a lot more sights. There are many places in Beijing where you can rent a bike. Some hotels offer them for free to their guests; others charge up to RMB 20 per hour. You can always get a good deal by renting from a bicycle shop. Bike shops usually ask that you leave a refundable deposit, between RMB 200 and 500, when renting a bike. Inspect the bike and check the brakes before setting off on your adventure. A lock will normally be provided. In the unlikely event of mechanical trouble or a flat tire, there are curbside bike repairmen all over Beijing.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Avoid buses, they’re crowded and unless you speak and read Chinese, impossible to navigate. The city’s subway and light rail cars are easier for foreigners to use since notices are translated into English and stations signs are written in Pinyin.

At present, there are nine subway lines: Line 1 runs east to west along Changan Jie, Line 2 is a loop line that goes under the second ring road.

Subway ticket costs RMB 2, and you can transfer between subways with only one ticket.

TAXI
Taxies in Beijing are readily available. Most taxies are red, though some companies have fleets in a variety of colors. Licensed taxies have signs on their roofs and a laminated card on the dashboard with the drivers photograph, service number and name. When cabs are for hire, a red illuminated medallion will be visible in the front window. Don’t accept a ride in a car that lacks any of these identifying signs.

Note that taxi fares rise slightly after 11pm and the passenger is charged for time spent in traffic. The vast majority of drivers are honest and friendly. Furthermore, most of them can speak simple English, but it’s still advisable to get addresses written for you in Chinese. Some hotels print useful cards that list the names and addresses of popular destinations, and the hotel, in English and Chinese.

TRAIN
Beijing is the heart of China's extensive rail network, the capital has four main stations, Beijing Station, Beijing West Station, Beijing North Station and Beijing South Station, which serve major destinations. Among them one of the biggest is the Beijing West Station. Since the stations are at opposite ends of the city, be sure to confirm the departure point of your train lest you end up at the wrong station. Beijing South Station serves nearby localities and tourist destinations.

Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Rail started operating on August 1st, 2008.  The train runs with a top speed of 350 km/h, which means the distance between the two cities is only around 30 minutes.

Train tickets can be purchased no earlier than four days in advance at the foreigner’s railway ticket office. Tickets on local trains or commuter trains to nearby Tianjin can be bought at the station before departure. The most convenient way to grab some tickets is through a travel agent or you hotel concierge.