The public bus system in Beijing has so many lines you can probably get to every nook and cranny of the city and suburbs. But something to remember is that land transportation here is extremely crowded, and that traffic is a common occurrence. If you are in a hurry, public bus transport may not be the best choice. On the other hand, cab drivers don't speak much English.

If you, yourself, don't speak English it's best if you look up important information before you head out (for instance: name of the starting stop, name of the terminal stop, appropriate lines, transfers, etc.). Buses in Beijing usually have three doors, but the middle door is for getting on the bus, while the front door is for alighting the bus.

The usual price for a bus ticket is 1 RMB. If the bus line number is under or equal to 6, the price will be 1 RMB; however, if the line number is over 6 it will most likely start at 1 RMB. According to the length of your travel, you may have to pay 0.5 or 1 RMB more.

Air-conditioned buses are usually more expensive than those without air-conditioning. Bus lines that begin with the number 9 usually are buses that head to the suburb areas and cost 2 RMB. Afterwards, you may have to pay more depending on the length of your journey. If you use the public transportation card, IC “ka”(card) or Yikatong, you get a discount on bus fares, not to mention it is a lot more convenient than looking for spare change.

As determined by the Beijing Municipal Government, all IC card users enjoy a 60% discount. Students can apply for a student IC Card for an even better 80% discount. You can get an IC Card at all subway stations and at some of the Beijing transit hubs. You will have to pay a 20 RMB deposit, which will be returned to you upon handing in your card.

Beijing also has other types of specialty tickets that can make your trip more convenient and help you reach your destination quicker. 3-Day cards are available for 10 RMB. For 3 days you can travel the city 18 times. For week long stays get the 7-Day card for 20 RMB that will allow you to ride public transport 42 times. 15-Day cards are also available for 40 RMB and can be used 90 times. These cards cannot be used for subway travel and you must pay a 20 RMB refundable deposit.

Bus Sight Seeing Lines 1 and 2 are great for those spending their holiday in Beijing. The first stop is Qianmen and the final stop is Huizhongli on both lines. Stops along the way include: Dazhalan, Qianmen Jianlou, Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City (Gugong), Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, Shenshahai, the Bell Tower (Zhonglou), Minzu Dadao, China Nationalities Park (Zhonghua Minzuyuan), the Olympic Center, and the Olympic Forest Park. These lines cost 3 RMB per person, but will be reduced if you use the IC Card. From April 15 to October 15 the times are as follows: 8:00-18:00; while from October 16 to April 14 the opening hours are 9:00-16:00.

The Olympic Line is 1 RMB per person, less so if you use the IC Card. The Beijing Tourism line only takes tourists along one line and back, and does not include a tour guide or tickets for tourist destinations.

You must buy your own tickets once you arrive at your stop and if you continue to keep on the line to see more you have to be back at the bus by the time your driver tells you, otherwise you are on your own. Bus tickets range from 40 to 80 RMB and can be more expensive for air conditioned cars.

Beijing Bus Transport Group

Add: 29 Lianhuachi Xili, Fengtai District, Beijing

Switchboard Tel: 010 6396 0088

Information hotline: 010 96166

Management Email: bptc@bjbus.com

Beijing Municipal Administration and Communications IC Card Co. Ltd.: Switchboard: 010 8808 7755, Guest Services: 010 8808 7733

Beijing Public Transport Group First Passenger Branch: 010 6401 3805

Beijing Public Transport Group Two-tier Passenger Branch: 010 6886 4870 or 010 6887 9184

Beijing Bus Stock Shares Co. Ltd.: 010 6842 9295

Beijing Bafangda Passenger Car Co. Ltd.: 010 6336 0388

Beijing City Jinghua Passenger Car Co. Ltd.: 010 6868 0966 or 010 6868 0966

Public Transport Lisuli Service Line: 96166