Beijing Transport Guide
From the world's largest metro system to Didi ride-hailing, master getting around Beijing like a local.
Transport Options in Beijing
Beijing Metro
$0.50-1.50 per ride
The fastest way to get around Beijing with 27+ lines covering the entire city. All signs are in English.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Didi (Chinese Uber)
$3-15 per trip
China's ride-hailing app works just like Uber. English interface available.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Taxi
$3-20 per trip
Traditional taxis are everywhere but drivers rarely speak English.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Airport Express
$4-6
Dedicated train connecting both airports to the city center.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Bus
$0.30-2
Extensive network going everywhere but can be confusing for foreigners.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Bike
$0.15-0.30 per ride
Shared bikes are perfect for short trips and exploring hutongs.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
How to Use Didi (Chinese Uber)
Didi is essential for getting around Beijing - here's how to use it
Download the App
Get Didi from the App Store. Look for the blue icon with a white car.
Set Up Your Profile
Register with your phone number. Foreign numbers now accepted with verification.
Enter Destination
Type in English - the app will suggest matching locations. You can also use pinyin.
Choose Ride Type
Select Express (cheaper) or Premier (nicer car). Prices shown upfront.
Track Your Ride
See the driver approaching in real-time. The app auto-translates messages.
⚠️ Important Didi Tip for Foreigners
Didi now accepts foreign credit cards! However, you still need a Chinese phone number for verification. Get a Chinese SIM at the airport or use your hotel's phone number with the driver's permission.
Airport Transfers
Beijing Capital (PEK) → City Center
To Dongzhimen station
Traffic dependent
Various routes
Beijing Daxing (PKX) → City Center
To Caoqiao station
Further from center
Slower but cheaper
Beijing Metro Tips
🚇 Essential Tips
- ✓Buy a Yikatong transit card ($1-2 deposit) at any station - reload and tap to enter
- ✓Keep your passport handy - security checks at major stations
- ✓Morning rush: 7:30-9:30am, Evening: 5:30-7:30pm - avoid if possible
- ✓Last train usually runs around 11pm - check your line before heading out
- ✓Transfers can be long - some stations require walking 10+ minutes between lines
- ✓Blue signs = exit, Red signs = transfers
- ✓No eating or drinking on metro - you'll get fined
🗣️ Useful Transport Phrases
Where is the metro?
地铁站在哪?
I want to go to...
我想去...
How much is the fare?
多少钱?
Please take me to this address
请带我去这个地址
Stop here, please
请在这里停
Can you use the meter?
请打表
💡 Show these Chinese phrases to drivers or passersby for help
Getting Around Beijing is Easy
Beijing's transport system is one of the most efficient in the world. Master the metro and Didi, and you can go anywhere in the city with ease.
Metro
Fast & cheap
Didi
Convenient
Airport
Express train
Bike
For fun