Need help navigating the Beijing subway? Here’s a guide on everything you need to know including subway lines to take to popular attractions.
Heading to Beijing and wondering how to get around this massive city? The Beijing subway is your best bet. Affordable, efficient, and extensive, the Beijing subway is the most budget-friendly transportation option for travellers on a budget.
Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the Beijing subway like a pro — from peak hours to avoid and subway ticket prices to useful mobile apps to download.
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Beijing subway map
Image Credits: Beijing Subway
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Main Beijing subway lines & key stops
The subway map above might seem a little overwhelming at first, but no worries, we’ve broken it down according to subway lines you should take if you’re looking to visit the following popular attractions in Beijing:
| Subway Lines | Key Stops |
| Subway Line 1 | 📍 Tian’anmen Square 📍 Beijing CBD, Wangfujing |
| Subway Line 2 | 📍 Drum and Bell Towers 📍 Lama Temple 📍 Yonghegong Station |
| Subway Line 4 | 📍 Summer Palace 📍 Yuanmingyuan Park 📍 Beijing Zoo 📍 National Library 📍 Beijing South Railway Station |
| Subway Line 5 | 📍 Temple of Heaven East Gate 📍Beixinqiao (Guijie Street) 📍 Lama Temple |
| Subway Line 6 | 📍 Beihai North (Shichahai) 📍 Nanluoguxiang 📍 Tongzhou District (Beiguan) |
| Subway Line 8 | 📍 Olympic Park 📍 National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) 📍 National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) |
| Subway Line 9 | 📍 National Library 📍 China Military Museum 📍 Beijing West Railway Station |
| Subway Line 10 | 📍 Bagou (near Summer Palace) 📍 Beitucheng (connecting to Line 8 for Olympic Park) 📍 Liangmaqiao, Guomao (CBD) 📍 Panjiayuan (Antique Market) 📍 Shilihe (Home Decoration Market) |
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Beijing subway suburban lines
- Line 13: Forms an arc in the north of the city
- Line 14: Serves southern and eastern districts
- Line 15: Connects to Shunyi District
Other suburban lines cater to longer journeys and specific areas.
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Why choose the Beijing subway?
It’s budget-friendly — Fares start at just 3 RMB (~S$0.55) for short distances
It’s fast and reliable — No traffic jams, plus trains run frequently from 5 AM to 11 PM
It has an extensive network — With 27 lines and nearly 500 stations, the subway covers all major tourist attractions, business hubs, and residential areas
‼️ Heads up:
Avoid the rush hour crowds — Avoid travelling between 7 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM if you value personal space 👀
Accessibility issues — Unfortunately, the Beijing subway is not wheelchair-friendly, and has many stairs that can be difficult for some travellers
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Beijing Subway Operating Hours
The Beijing subway operates daily from 5 AM to 11 PM. However, the exact timings vary for each line. Do double-check station schedules or mobile apps for updates and specific timings.
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NEW: Use your YouTrip card to tap in and out on the Beijing subway
From 13 September 2024, overseas-issued credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa cards can be used to pay for your Beijing subway trips. Tip: Use your YouTrip Mastercard to get the best CNY rates with zero FX fees!
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Other alternatives: Beijing subway ticket types
1️⃣ Single Journey Tickets: Starts at 3 RMB (~S$0.55). Cost increases with distance.
2️⃣ Beijing YiKaTong Card (One-Card Pass): A tap-and-go transit pass for frequent riders. It can be used to take the bus, taxis, the subway, and express lines on the Beijing subway. The Beijing YiKaTong card can also be used for payments at:
- Parking lots, gas stations
- Supermarkets, convenience stores, fast food restaurants
- Vending machines & more
Best for: Those who intend to travel within Beijing only.
3️⃣ Hutong Card: The Hutong card can be used to take public transportation in 300+ cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Hebei.
Best for: Those travelling to multiple cities within China
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👉 How to purchase a physical YiKaTong or Hutong card
Here are some service centres where you can apply for, top up, and return a YiKaTong or Hutong card:
Image Credits: Travel China Guide
You can purchase a physical card by paying a deposit of 20 RMB (~S$3.69) at subway stations, bus stops, and at several supermarkets and post offices. Do remember to bring along your passports for this.
To top up, head to a service centre or self-service machine at subway stations. Note that your card balance should not exceed 1,000 RMB (~S$184.38).
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👉 How to purchase a YiKaTong or Hutong e-card online
Download the “北京一卡通”(Beijing Yikatong) app and apply for a card without any deposit or service fee. You can choose to top up online with Apple Pay, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
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How to get to the airport
The Beijing Capital International Airport is located in the northeast of the city, while the Beijing Daxing Airport is located in the south. Both airports are well-connected to the city center and can be accessed through the airport express line of the subway system.
👉 Getting to Beijing Capital International Airport
Take the Airport Express Line. Connects Dongzhimen Station and Sanyuanqiao Station to Terminals 2 and 3 of the airport.
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes from Dongzhimen Station
- Cost: ~25 RMB (S$4.61) per trip
- Bonus: The Airport Express Line has ample luggage space for travellers
👉 Getting to Beijing Daxing Airport
Take the Daxing Airport Express Line. This new line connects Caqiao Station (on Line 10) to the Daxing Airport Terminal.
- Duration: ~20 minutes from Caoqiao Station
- Cost: 35 RMB (~S$6.46) per trip
- Bonus: The Daxing Airport Express Line connects to Line 10 or Line 4 for direct access to Caoqiao Station for a mmore seamless transfer
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Beijing subway tips for first-time riders
1️⃣ Download useful apps like Explore Beijing (Google Play or App Store) or MetroMan Beijing (Google Play or App Store) for easy navigation
2️⃣ Get familiar with line colours and numbers — each subway line has a unique colour and number for easy identification.
3️⃣ Use contactless payments with your YouTrip card for quicker entry and exit with the best CNY rates!
4️⃣ Taxi and ride-hailing apps to download: Didi and Uber
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Get the best CNY rates in Beijing!
Whether you’re visiting landmarks like the Forbidden City or heading to the airport, the Beijing subway is your best ally for seamless travel around the city. Don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card along for the best CNY rates! Need help adding your YouTrip card to Alipay or WeChat? Check out these links to get started.
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