Capital city, China
Getting around Beijing
How to get around Beijing
The subway is cheap, extensive and the best way to move; add DiDi for late nights and Beijing's long distances. Walk the hutongs, and book high-speed trains for day trips.
Ways to get around Beijing
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Subway | 3–9 CNY by distance | Pay with Alipay or the Beijing metro app QR; airport lines cost more |
| DiDi | About 18–35 CNY for 5 km | Works in English via Alipay; cheaper than street taxis |
| Bus | 2 CNY | Dense network, Chinese-only signs; use Amap for routes |
| Shared bikes | About 1.5–3 CNY | Meituan and Hello bikes via Alipay; good for hutongs |
Ride-hailing apps in Beijing
A 5 km ride costs about ¥18–35 ($2.7–5.2).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Dominant; English interface, pay by foreign card via Alipay |
- Use the DiDi app or the Alipay mini-program; official taxis are metered and fine. Avoid touts at stations and the airport.
Arriving in Beijing
Beijing Capital (PEK)
Airport Express to Dongzhimen 25 CNY, about 25 min; taxi or DiDi 100–150 CNY, 40–70 min.
Beijing Daxing (PKX)
Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao 35 CNY, about 20 min, then subway; taxi or DiDi 150–250 CNY, 50–80 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Beijing?
No. Use DiDi instead.
What's the best way to get around Beijing?
The subway is cheap, extensive and the best way to move; add DiDi for late nights and Beijing's long distances. Walk the hutongs, and book high-speed trains for day trips.
How do I get from the airport to Beijing?
Airport Express to Dongzhimen 25 CNY, about 25 min; taxi or DiDi 100–150 CNY, 40–70 min.
Is Beijing walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Beijing
Going to Beijing solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Beijing meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.