Beijing Transport

Beijing has a somewhat aging subway system that covers most areas of interest in the city at a reasonable cost. The subway is certainly one up from taking one of the city’s buses, which are cheaper than the underground and cover a wider network, but are generally very crowded and uncomfortable. Taxis run everywhere with standard meter charges, while tourist services are also on offer  However, avoiding scams can be a pain.

Metro

The subway, known as the Underground Dragon, is a great way to get around Beijing, with its four lines and English-language signs. The subway is definitely faster and easier than taking the bus, although signs of age are evident. The four lines include: Line 1, which runs from Pingguoyuan (west Beijing) to Sihui (east Beijing); Line 2, which runs under the interior 2nd Ring road in a loop; Line 13, semi-looping from Dongzhimen to Xizhimen, via Huilongguan; and the Batong Line, which runs from Sihui to Tuqiao in eastern Beijing. Services are cheap, with a standard single charge.

By bus

Travelling by bus in Beijing can be a nightmare experience, as there are scores of routes and buses are generally very crowded; keep valuables hidden. Minibuses are available for trips outside the city and cover longer distances. Fares are very reasonable.

Taxis

Taxis are the easiest choice for getting around Beijing if you can make yourself understood, and although more expensive than any other form of transport, they are not unreasonable. Taxis are metered and charge a standard starting fee and a per-kilometre fee after the first three kilometres. Most taxis are red, but yellow/blue ones are also in circulation. Black limousines are also available and are usually found outside the major hotels. Taxis and limousines can be pre-booked by telephone.

Tourist services

Tourist services in Beijing include charter buses and taxis, but unfortunately, scams are widespread and usually involve tourists being fleeced due to inferior service or in fact, no service at all. Staying away from suspect agencies and chartering a registered taxi for the day is a far better option than using a charter bus if there are a few of you. Many people tend to hire taxis when visiting the Great Wall.

From the airport

Taxis offer the most convenient way to transfer from Capital International Airport to the city centre and hotels, although you will pay on average five times more than you would for the airport shuttle bus. It is best to get your hotel to forward their Chinese name to you so that you can pass it onto the taxi driver. First-timers will undoubtedly mix up the Chinese name through misuse of tones. Taxis are metered and there is an extra charge for using the Airport Expressway.

Alternatively, the airport shuttle bus is a good service which operates three routes to different areas of Beijing and it departs every 30 minutes.