Beijing Transportation: Airplanes, Trains, Metro & More

Beijing is China's capital city and one of the country's most important cultural and political hubs, with incredible attractions, world-class accommodations, and impressive historical relics like the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Plus, you can get there from virtually anywhere on the planet, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, Australia, and multiple spots in mainland Europe. Read on to discover how you can visit Beijing and why it's the perfect jumping-off point for exploring more of China.

View of Beijing Railway Station at night

Beijing Airports

Beijing Daxing International Airport

Beijing has two airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. These airports offer international and domestic flights and are perfect for flying into China and visiting different cities. Visitors from many countries can fly directly to Beijing, such as the U.S.A., the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport is the closest option to downtown, at just 30 minutes, or 32 kilometers (20 miles) away. It has three main terminals that serve international and domestic flights and hosts flights from hundreds of different countries.

Beijing Daxing International Airport

Beijing Daxing International Airport is 46 kilometers (29 miles) from Beijing, and it takes an hour or more to get to the city center. It has one massive terminal that serves both international and domestic flights. Airport shuttle bus prices range from 20 to 55 RMB, depending on where you want to go, and we can also arrange private airport transfers for both Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Beijing Train Stations

Another great way to get in and out of Beijing is by train. Beijing has eight railway stations, offering regular and high-speed trains. Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing Railway Station, and Beijing West Railway Station are the most convenient options because they are close to major attractions. Ticket prices vary depending on your destination, and you can get them through the 12306 app, the China Railway website, or by visiting the stations in person with your passport.

You can even get to the Badaling Great Wall by taking a train from Beijing North Railway Station.

Public Transportation Options in Beijing

City view of Beijing

You'll find an immense public transportation network available in Beijing, with buses, subways, and shared bicycles able to take you everywhere you want to go. You can pay with Alipay or cash. There are also plenty of taxis and rideshare options through the Didi app.

Buses

Buses are one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to see the city, with rides costing between 2 and 5 RMB per fare. Alipay or cash is accepted. This vast network connects Beijing's suburbs with its downtown core and services major attractions. We've included a few highlights below.

• Bus 120: Temple of Heaven
• Bus 877: Badaling Great Wall
• Bus 5: Temple of Heaven

Subway

Beijing has 27 subway lines and hundreds of stations. You'll pay anywhere from 3 to 10 RMB depending on your destination. It's a quick, stress-free way to get around the city and can even be faster than taking buses or taxis, depending on the time of day and traffic.

• Line 1: Forbidden City
• Line 5: Yonghe Temple
• Line 4: Summer Palace

Bicycle

Zipping around the city on one of Beijing's shared bicycles is an excellent way to see all the highlights and get some good exercise in too. There are plenty of bike operators, and they generally cost 3 to 4 RMB for an hour. Plus, some bikes come with child seats, making them an excellent option for families with children.

We suggest you take a ride around Tiananmen Square and Jingshan Park, ending in Nanluoguxiang. Along the way, you'll pass through bustling streets and historic sites and finally enjoy local snacks at small eateries near Nanluoguxiang.

How to Travel to Other Cities in China from Beijing

A street near Jingshan Park in Beijing

Beijing is an excellent and convenient place to travel to other cities and popular destinations in China. You'll find lots of domestic flights and high-speed train options. We've put together a table of some of the top spots you can visit from Beijing, and if you're looking for something different, we're happy to create a personalized itinerary as well.

Destination	Highlights	Airplane	Train
Shanghai	The Bund, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Town, etc.	2 to 2.5 hours	4.5 to 6.5 hours
Xi'an	Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Tower, the Ancient City Wall, etc.	3 hours	4.5 hours
Chengdu	The Giant Panda Research Base, Sanxingdui Museum, etc.	3 hours	8 hours
Hong Kong	Victoria Harbour, Wong Tai Sin Temple, etc.	3.5 hours	9 hours
Zhangjiajie	Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Grand Canyon, etc.	2.5 hours	10 hours

Explore Beijing, the Beating Heart of China

Beijing is one of China's most exciting cities, and it's easy to get to from anywhere in the world. Also, with ample public transportation options, you'll have no problem getting around to anywhere you want to go. We can help you explore Beijing and beyond.

Visit our contact page or send us an email at trip@odynovotours.com today.