FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY
Taxis are most tourists' first choice when arriving in Beijing. Follow English signs for the taxi queue. Service is available 24/7, with fares to the city ranging from CNY 60 to 200. Most drivers don't speak English, so print your destination's address in Chinese before arrival.
The Beijing Metro subway system is another option. Both airports have subway stations. Purchase a Metro card at station entrances via machines (WeChat Pay, Alipay) or manned counters (international cards, CNY cash). You can also use Beijing Pass, or simply use the "Tap to ride" service with your Visa/Mastercard.
Shuttle buses run from all terminals. Fares range from CNY 20 to 55. Buy tickets at terminals from vending machines (WeChat Pay, Alipay) or booths (international cards). Staff likely won't speak English, so have your destination's Chinese address ready.
Ride-hailing: Didi, Beijing's most popular platform, has an English interface. Download the app and use an active phone number for ID verification. Airports have designated pickup areas.
To learn how to use each of tansportaion tools to get round in Beijing, check the Step-By-Step Guides we prepared for you!
I. Taxis & Ride-Hailing
How to call a taxi or use ride-hailing in Beijing?
What is DiDi?
DiDi is the one stop key to ride hailing in Beijing. You no longer need to stand on the side of the road and wave your hand for a taxi – in fact, this is so obsolete now in Beijing that it would be extremely difficult to find a ride this way. Instead, you can it with the tip of your finger within minutes. DiDi is a safe, affordable, and convenient 24/7 transportation application with an English interface that allows passengers to hail various types of rides through independent contractors as drivers. All drivers must be trained and certified, and in case of any emergency, the DiDi Safeguard system will make a direct call to the closest police center. Learn how to install, set up, and experience your first DiDi trip – order to payment – all in this step-by-step guide with easy-to-follow pictures.
What Do I Need to Install DiDi?
An active Cell Phone Number (Chinese and foreign numbers both work, pick one you would use in Beijing to register)
Payment Method: Bank Account / WeChat Pay / Alipay Pay
*DiDi is not a cash-friendly transportation system.
How Do I Install and Use DiDi?
Step 1: Download the "DiDi: Ride Hailing in China" App on the Android or iOS App Store
Step 2: Follow Sign-In Instructions
Click "Chinese mainland" as your region
Allow DiDi to use your location while using the app (necessary for GPS)
Sign-in with your phone number
Step 3: Order Your First Trip
Click "Enter Destination" to enter a full-screen map.
Type in your desired drop-off location (area/venue names are enough – no need for exact address details). Both English and Chinese inputs are acceptable.
Select your preferred type of vehicle then click "Confirm Request".
On this screen, you will see the type of vehicles DiDi provides ordered by upfront fare cost. Under each vehicle type, you will see that there are either no nearby cars available, approximate wait time until pick up, or your position in a digital queue if you were to choose that vehicle type.
DiDi will search for your selected vehicle types that are within proximity and ultimately provide you with the type that is located closest to you – so the more vehicle types you select, the more likely you will find an available car near you quickly.
DiDi is now searching for your nearest trip.
If you feel it is taking too long, you have the option of selecting additional vehicle types you originally excluded for a faster response. A description of the response time and upfront fare of each vehicle type can be seen.
If for any reason you need to cancel your trip, click "Cancel Trip." No payment will be made.
If you did not select additional vehicle types, the upfront fare of the final vehicle type used will be paid automatically once the nearest trip is confirmed (no action need). If you did add additional vehicle types, click "Confirm" to pay the new upfront fare.
Step 4: Take Your First Ride
View a live display of how many kilometers and minutes your ride is away from your pick-up location on a map.
Once your ride arrives at your pick-up location, spot your vehicle using its license plate number displayed on this screen.
Once you enter the vehicle, show your driver the verification code displayed on this screen, which is the last four digits of your phone number to verify this is indeed your trip.
On this screen, you can perform a few other actions as necessary:
Call the driver by clicking "Call" to share any immediate information – especially useful if your registered pick-up location is slightly different from where you actually are and would like to be picked up (i.e. on the opposite side of the street). Please be aware, most drivers only speak Chinese.
Not a Chinese speaker? Don’t worry! Click "Message" to send frequently used messages with just one click that are automatically translated between Chinese and English. You can also add a new "Quick Message" that will be saved and listed on this screen next time.
Click "Cancel" before five minutes pass since your trip request was confirmed to cancel your trip for free – the exact time of this is displayed on the bottom left of the screen. If you cancel your trip after the displayed time, a cancellation fee will apply (varies depending on how long the driver must wait).
Step 5: Pay for Your First Trip
During the trip, you can check the live map on the DiDi app anytime to view the estimated time until arrival at the drop-off location and green, yellow, and red colors on your route for traffic indication.
Once you arrive at your location, you can exit the DiDi without paying on site. This is extremely efficient when you are busy or running late to where you must be! The next time you open the DiDi app to order your next trip, you will need to go through the DiDi checkout process to pay for your previous trip.
On this screen, you will see the final trip cost – for more details, you can click "Fare Breakdown". Click "Pay" to meet the final cost not yet covered by the upfront cost.
Select the payment method you would like to use from the list on the screen. Click "Pay ¥XXCNY".
Go through the payment and password process of your chosen payment method until you reach a "Payment Successful" page. The example below shows the WeChat Pay payment process.
II. Shared Bikes
How to use shared bikes in Beijing?
Beijing's flat roads make it a perfect city for cycling. If the weather's too sunny to waste time in the underground Metro or a Didi car, why not bike? Lining most roads are shared bikes that can be parked near anywhere you need to go, as most city travel plans are within biking distance.
Shared bikes are available in three colors: blue, yellow, and turquoise. Each belongs to one of three different companies and each has its own merits. Different color bikes are operated through different apps. However the most foreign-language friendly one is Alipay, a catch-all payment app, that has a built-in translator. Below are step-by-step instructions with pictures on how to use a shared bike through Alipay.
- Open Alipay and Select "Transport".
- Select "Bike" and press Scan to unlock.
- Scan the QR code on the bike.
- Press "Confirm unlocking".
- Upon reaching the destination, park your bike in designated areas circled by white marks on the road side, then press "I want to return the car (bike)".
Note:
- For yellow and turquoise bikes, the scanning screen pops up twice because they are external suppliers for Alipay.
- Everywhere when it says "car" it means "bike", it's a poor machine translation.
- Yellow bikes do not need to "confirm unlocking", it unlocks automatically after you scan the QR code.
Unlock a Blue Bike through Alipay
Unlock a Yellow Bike through Alipay
Unlock a Turquoise Bike through Alipay
III. Subway
How to take the subway in Beijing?
Beijing Subway is the most convenient form of public transit in the capital, with stations near almost every major tourist attraction, entertainment district, and transportation hub. Here are the 4 most convenient ways for you to purchase tickets for a subway ride.
- Get the multifunction smart card Beijing Pass (specially designed for foreign tourists like yourself) at the international arrival terminals of Beijing Airports.
- Use the convenient and cashless Metro QR code via Alipay.
- Purchase a ticket at a ticket vending machine, which can be found in all subway stations
- Get a ticket at a manned counter in any subway station.
1. How to get and use Beijing Pass?
Pick up this smart card for foreign tourists at the airport. It provides access to public transport and entry into selected attractions, and can be used for payment at some convenience stores. Click here to check out the BEIJING PASS User Manual.
2. How to Use Metro QR Code inside Alipay
As we mentioned, Alipay is one of the most important apps in China besides WeChat, but in order for it to fully function, you need to set it up by linking it with one of your active bank cards (both Chinese and international bank cards work for this).
You can find the steps for setting up a Metro QR code for Beijing on Alipay below. Can't read Chinese? You can switch your Alipay to one of 15 available in-app languages!
1) Open the Alipay App and press "Transport"
2) Choose "Metro" on the middle top, then press "Get now"
3) Check to agree to the terms and conditions and press "Agree and Obtain the card". In case there's any confusion, this page has clear instructions and FAQs below.
4) Put in your Alipay payment password (that you created when you first linked Alipay with your bank card, click here to read more)
5) You've now got your Metro QR code ready to swipe and ride!
3. How to Purchase a Ticket at a Kiosk (Ticket Vending Machine)
When you walk into a subway station, you'll be able to spot several kiosks where tickets can be purchased. Find a button that says “English” and switch the language. When the subway map pops up, select your destination line and station. Then, a pop-up window will allow you to choose the number of tickets. Once you choose, you can pay using either WeChat, Alipay, credit card, or cash. Different subway stations and lines might allow different credit cards, with some only allowing VISA and Mastercard, and others Union Pay (Quick Pass included).
4. How to Get a Ticket at a Manned Ticket Counter
Most subway stations have manned ticketing counters where a Beijing Subway employee can help you buy tickets. You simply need to state your destination and pay using the methods mentioned above. Get your translation apps ready because the English ability of station staff may be limited.
5. Q&As about Subway
(1) At which stations can l use the "Tap to Ride" service?
The "Tap to Ride" service is available at all 27 subway lines (including two airport lines, Xijiao Line and Yizhuang T1 Line) as well as Suburban Railway Line S2.
(2) Which bank cards can be used for the 'Tap to Ride' service?
Supported: UnionPay QuickPass cards issued in China and overseas; overseas-issued Mastercard and Visa cards
To be supported: Single-branded new China Mastercard cards issued in China; and overseas-issued JCB cards
Not supported: Single-branded and foreign-currency denominated cards issued in China, including Mastercard, Visa, JCB and American Express cards; dual-branded and dual-currency cards; as well as single-branded American Express cards denominated in CNY and issued in China
(3) Can l "Tap to Ride" with my mobile devices?
Yes. Mobile devices such as smartphones and smart watches that are linked with UnionPay cards issued in China and overseas and overseas-issued Mastercard and Visa cards can be used.
IV. Bus
How to take the bus in Beijing?
Beijing boasts a well-established public bus network, with over 1,500 regular bus routes serving urban and suburban areas and covering nearly every neighborhood you could visit during your stay. The Beijing public bus system operates from 5:00 to 23:00, with 36 overnight routes catering to late-night travelers, ensuring convenient access to popular destinations at all hours. You'll be able to view information about specific bus lines at every bus stop, including the bus stop names in Chinese and Pinyin romanization, frequency and the fare. Following are 3 ways to take a bus ride in Beijing.
- Get the multifunction smart card BEIJING PASS (specially designed for foreign tourists like yourself) at the international arrival terminals of Beijing Airports.
- Use the convenient and cashless Bus QR code via Alipay.
- Use Cash, but make sure you have the exact amount of small notes or coins.
How to get and use BEIJING PASS?
Pick up this smart card for foreign tourists at the airport. It provides access to public transport and entry into selected attractions, and can be used for payment at some convenience stores. Click here to check out the BEIJING PASS User Manual.
2. How to Use Bus QR code inside Alipay
As we mentioned, Alipay is one of the most important apps in China besides WeChat, but in order for it to fully function, you need to set it up by linking it with one of your active bank cards (both Chinese and international bank cards work for this).
You can find the steps for setting up a Bus QR code for Beijing on Alipay below. Can't read Chinese? You can switch your Alipay to one of 15 available in-app languages!
1) Open the Alipay App and press "Transport"
2) Choose "Bus" on the left top, then press "Get now"
3) Check to agree to the terms and conditions and press "Agree and Obtain the card". In case there's any confusion, this page has clear instructions and FAQs below.
4) If you haven't put in your password, it will pop like it does when getting your subway QR set up. Just put in your Alipay payment password (that you created when you first linked alipay with your bank card, click here to read more)
5) You've now got your Bus QR code ready to swipe and ride!
3. Use Cash to take bus
Yes, you can still use cash to take a bus, but keep in mind the bus drivers do not have change for you, so make sure you have small notes like CNY 1 or CNY 5, as most of bus fares are between CNY 1 to CNY 5.