Up to DEC. 2023, there were 27lines ( inlcuding 2 modern tram lines) operating in Beijing’s rail transit network, with a total mileage of 836 kilometers, 490 stations. Among them, Line 1 and Line 2 are the oldest routes, and they are also the main routes in Beijing’s urban areas.

Operating hours

5:00 AM to 23:00 PM 

Each line has slightly different operating hours, so please refer to the on-site announcement.

Ticket fare

Metered fares are used for the rail transit in Beijing Municipality (excluding the Capital Airport Express and Daxing Airport Express). The pricing is as follows: 3 RMB for trips of 0–6 kilometers; 4 RMB or trips of 6–12 kilometers; 5 RMB or trips of 12–22 kilometers; and 6 RMB or trips of 22–32 kilometers. For traveling distances exceeding 32 kilometers, 1 RMB will be added for every 20 kilometers. There is no ceiling for the fare. Passengers are allowed to stay in the non-free areas for no more than 4 hours in each trip.

Rail transit periodical commuter tickets in Beijing Municipality are electronic tickets. The price of a one-day pass is 20 RMB, a two-day pass is 30 RMB, a three-day pass is 40 RMB, a five-day pass is 70 RMB and a seven-day pass is 90 RMB. Each periodical commuter ticket can be used by only one person for unlimited times within a designated period. The holder can travel with no limitations on the staying time or traveling distance. 

How to take the subway in Beijing?

Beijing Subway is the most convenient form of public transit in the capital, with stations near almost every major tourist attraction, entertainment district, and transportation hub. Here are the 4 most convient ways for you to purchase tickets for a subway ride.

- Get the multifunction smart card Beijing Pass (specially design for foreign tourist like yourself) at the international arrival terminals of Beijing Airports.

- Use the convenient and cashless Metro QR code via Alipay.

- Purchase a ticket at a ticket vending machine, which can be found in all subway stations

- Get a ticket  at a manned counter in any subway station.

1. How to get and use Beijing Pass?

Pick up this smart card for foreign tourists at the airport. It provides access to public transport, entry to select attractions, and can be used for payment at some convenience stores. 

2. How to Use Metro QR code inside Alipay

As we mentioned, Alipay is one of the most important apps in China besides WeChat, but in order for it to fully fucntion, you need to set it up by linking it with one of your active bank cards (both Chinese and international bank cards work for this). Click this link for instructions if you havent set yours up yet. (link ot step-by-step guide in mobile payment).

You can find the steps for setting up a Metro QR code for Beijing on Alipay below. Can't read Chinese? You can switch your Alipay to one of 15 available in-app languages!

1) Open the Alipay App and press "Transport"

2) Choose "Metro" on the middle top, then press "Get now"

3) Check to agree to the terms and conditions and press "Agree and Obtain the card". In case there's any confusion, this page has clear instructions and FAQs below.

4) Put in your Alipay payment password (that you created when you first linked alipay with your bank card, click here to read more)

5) You've now got your Metro QR code ready to swipe and ride! Use as indicated in illustration on 3.

3. How to Purchase a Ticket at a Kiosk (Ticket Vending Machine)

When you walk into a subway station, you'll be able to spot several kiosks where tickets can be purchased. Find a button that says “English” and switch the language. When the subway map pops up, select your destination line and station. Then, a pop-up window will allow you to choose the number of tickets. Once you choose, you can pay using either WeChat, Alipay, credit card, or cash. Different subway stations and lines might allow different credit cards, with some only allowing VISA and Mastercard, and others Union Pay (Quick Pass included).

4. How to Get a Ticket at a Manned Ticket Counter

Most subway stations have manned ticketing counters where a Beijing Subway employee can help you buy tickets. You simply need to state your destination and pay using the methods mentioned above. Get your translation apps ready because the English ability of station staff may be limited.

Subway guide to popular tourist attractions

Line 1: Xidan Commercial Street, Tiananmen Square, Palace Museum, Wangfujing Commercial Street, Military Museum (transfer to Line 9 at this station to get to Beijing West Railway Station)

Line 2: Beijing North Railway Station Gulou Station, Lama Temple, Sanlitun, Qianmen Dashilan

Line 4: Summer Palace, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Zhongguancun Business District, National Library of China, Zoo, Beijing South Railway Station

Line 5: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple

Line 6: Nanluoguxiang

Line8: Water Cube Bird's Nest (National Stadium), Olympic Green Space, China Science and Technology Museum and China National Culture Park

Line 15: Olympic Park

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