Beijing Transportation Guide

Beijing has a convenient and extensive public transportation system, including subway lines, city buses, airport express services, taxis, ride-hailing services, and railway connections. For international visitors, the subway is usually the most convenient way to travel between hotels, conference venues, airports, railway stations, and major scenic spots.

This guide provides general information for international participants on how to travel around Beijing, how to obtain a transportation card, and how to use Amap / Gaode Maps to search for public transport routes.

Public Transportation in Beijing

Beijing’s public transportation network is well developed. Subway services are fast and reliable, while buses are useful for shorter local trips or destinations not directly served by subway lines. Most subway stations have bilingual Chinese-English signs, making them relatively easy for international visitors to use.

• Subway: Suitable for travelling across the city, especially during busy hours.
• Bus: Useful for local trips and areas not directly covered by subway lines.
• Taxi / Ride-hailing: Convenient for direct travel, especially with luggage or late at night.
• Airport Express: Useful for travelling between the city and Beijing airports.

Transportation Card for International Visitors

International visitors may use a Beijing transportation card for subway and bus services. One convenient option is the BEIJING PASS, which is designed to make public transport easier for overseas visitors. The card can be used on supported public transportation services in Beijing.

Visitors may usually purchase a transportation card at staffed service counters in selected subway stations, airport transport service points, or other designated locations. A valid passport or other accepted identity document may be required.

How to Obtain a Transportation Card

1. Find a staffed service counter.
   Go to a rail transit station service window, airport service point, or other designated counter.
2. Prepare your passport.
   Foreign visitors are advised to prepare a valid passport or other accepted identity document.
3. Ask for a transportation card.
   You may tell the staff that you would like to buy a Beijing transportation card or BEIJING PASS.
4. Pay the card fee and add balance.
   Pay the required card fee and top up the card with a suitable amount according to your travel needs.
5. Use the card for subway or bus travel.
   For subway travel, tap the card when entering and exiting the station. For buses, follow the payment rules shown on the bus or at the bus stop.

Other Payment Options

In addition to a physical transportation card, some visitors may use supported mobile payment methods or eligible overseas bank cards in certain public transport scenarios. Availability may vary depending on station facilities, card issuer, payment network, and the latest local policies.

• A physical transportation card is recommended for first-time visitors who want a simple and stable option.
• If using mobile payment, visitors should make sure that Alipay or WeChat Pay is properly set up before travel.
• If using an overseas bank card, please check whether the subway gate supports your card type before entering.
• It is useful to keep an alternative payment method in case of payment failure.

How to Use Amap / Gaode Maps for Public Transport

Amap, also known as Gaode Maps or 高德地图, is one of the most commonly used navigation apps in China. It can help visitors search for destinations, compare travel routes, and find subway or bus connections.

1. Download Amap / Gaode Maps.
   Install the app before travelling or after arriving in China. The app name may appear as “Amap” or “高德地图”.
2. Search for your destination.
   Enter the destination name in English, pinyin, or Chinese. For better accuracy, it is recommended to copy the Chinese address from the hotel, event website, or official venue information.
3. Tap the route button.
   After selecting the destination, tap the route or navigation button to see available travel options.
4. Select public transport.
   Choose the bus/subway option. Amap will show suggested routes, estimated travel time, transfer stations, walking distance, and arrival time.
5. Check the route details carefully.
   Pay attention to the subway line number, station name, transfer station, exit number, bus stop, and walking direction.
6. Save the route in advance.
   Mobile signal may be weak underground. It is helpful to take a screenshot of the route before entering the subway.

Useful Search Examples

Purpose	Suggested Search Method
Conference Venue	Search the official venue name or paste the Chinese address.
Hotel	Search the hotel name in English or copy the Chinese name from your booking confirmation.
Airport	Search “Beijing Capital International Airport / 北京首都国际机场” or “Beijing Daxing International Airport / 北京大兴国际机场”.
Railway Station	Search “Beijing South Railway Station / 北京南站”, “Beijing West Railway Station / 北京西站”, or other station names.

Practical Travel Tips

• Prepare your destination name and address in Chinese before departure.
• Leave extra time during rush hours, rainy days, or when travelling to airports and railway stations.
• Check the final subway train time if returning late at night.
• When taking a taxi, show the Chinese address to the driver.
• For conference participants, it is recommended to check the route from the hotel to the venue one day in advance.

Official Information

For the latest information on Beijing transportation cards, public transport services, fares, and payment methods, visitors are advised to refer to official Beijing service channels or consult staff at subway stations and transport service counters.