Beijing has an extensive public transportation network, which includes subway, bus, taxi and pedicabs. Subway trains run at regular three to five minute intervals. By 2008, there will be additional lines to supplement Beijing's transportation system and more lines will also open in 2009. There are more than 60,000 taxis in the city. Public buses are the cheapest means of transportation and cover the entire city. They are a difficult option for new arrivals, as all signs and most announcements are in Chinese, but for the longer-term resident or the adventurous tourist, mastering the bus system is worth the effort. Although Beijing is one of the largest metropolises in China, there are still numerous bicycles on the street, as it is a major form of transportation used by residents to commute to work. Visitors coming to the city also get to experience pedicabs, which are convenient for traveling short distances.

One of Beijing's biggest urban concerns is its widespread traffic congestion. Traffic in the city center is often gridlocked during rush hours (7:00AM-9:30AM; 11:30AM-2:00PM and 5:30PM-7:00PM), so visitors are advised to avoid rush hours, or build plenty of flexibility into their travel times.

In order to improve public transportation during the 2008 Olympic Games, the government is making efforts to construct more roads and subway lines. By 2008, all of Beijing's counties and districts will be connected to the downtown area by either expressway or first-grade highway. By 2008, it is estimated that it will take approximately one hour to to travel from the centers of suburban counties or districts to the downtown area. Additional public tranportation vehicles will also be added to existing fleets.

Subway is the fastest way to get around Beijing. The flat fare is RMB 2 anywhere on the system, payable either with a stored-value card (Yīkātōng) or a one-use ticket. For years, the network consisted of two underground lines (1 and 2) plus two above-ground light rail lines (line 13 and the east-bound Batong line.) In late 2007, line 5 opened up to much fanfare and a fare cut to a flat RMB 2. More lines will open ahead of the Olympics, but here are the routes that were running in early 2008:

Line 1-an underground line that runs east-west along Chang An Avenue, from Sihui in the east through Wangfujing, Tian An Men, Xidan and the Military Museum all the way out to Pinguoyuan.

Line 2 (aka-"loop" line) - an underground line that follow the 2nd ring road. Runs from Jishuitan in the north via Yonghegong Lama Temple south to Jianguomen then west via Beijing Station.

Line 5 - an underground line opened in October 2007 that runs north-south and intersects Line 13, Line 2, and Line 1.

Batong Line - this is an above-ground light rail extension of Line 1 to the east, with transfer stations at Sihui and Sihui Dong. This line will take you to Tongzhou and beyond.
Line 13 - an above-ground light rail that follows a broad northerly loop from Xizhimen to Dongzhimen

It does get incredibly crowded on weekdays during rush hour, so if you value your personal space, you should take this into consideration.

Six new subway lines are underway including Line 4 (from Beigongmen to Majiabao, 23.9 km), the north section of the Subway 10th Line (from Huoqiying to Dabeiyao, 23.9 km), the Olympic Line (from Olympic Park to Panda Roundabout, 4 km), Yizhuang Line (from Songjiazhuang to Yizhuang, 26 km), Airport Special Railway Line (from Dongzhimen to Capital International Airport, 22 km), and the middle section of the Subway 9th Line (from Baishiqiao to Beijing West Railway Station, 5.8 km). Renovations to the subway system include installing a new ticketing system and adding new subway cars, all of which is currently being done in preparation for the 2008 Olympics.

Subway entrances are easily identified since they have a blue sign with a stylized letter ''B'' wrapped around a letter ''D.'' Operational hours are from 5:00AM to 11:00PM for Line 1, Line 2 and Batong Line. Line 13 is operational from 6:00AM to 9:00PM.

Metro (in operation) Map:



Beijing Subway Co., Ltd.
Add: 2 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Beijing
Tel: 010-68340565 　

Beijing is one of the largest metropolises with a comprehensive bus system. There are more than 20,000 public buses, including normal buses, double deck buses (beginning with 'te', te in Chinese means 'special') and trolley buses. Beijing's bus system is cheap, convenient and covers the entire city. In general, bus drivers and ticket sellers do not speak English. 

Buses run from 5:00am to 11:00pm daily. The starting fare of public buses is RMB1 for both non air-conditioned buses and air-conditioned buses. Buses that travel in the suburban areas cost RMB2. The public bus system has implemented an IC card system that allows passengers to travel at a discounted rate. Usually, a bus that costs RMB1 will cost RMB0.40 after discount.

IC cards can be purchased with a RMB20 reimbursable deposit, and any additional amount is counted as a prepaid fare. IC cards can also be used for the subway system, but there are no discount fares. Cards can be bought at any subway station and at some kiosks.

One of the biggest problems that bus passengers encounter is theft. All personal belongings should be carefully protected, especially when boarding or exiting the bus.

Note: normally buses with three doors only permit boarding from the middle door and exiting from the front and the rear doors.

Beijing Public Transport Holdings, Ltd.
Add: 29 Lianhuachi Xili, Fengtai District, Beijing
Tel: 010-63960088
Public bus service number: 010-96166

There are over 67,000 taxis running in every corner of the city. Some drivers speak a little English, while most do not. The city authorities claim to have a plan to improve drivers' English for the 2008 Olympics, but its impact will be slight at best. Make sure you have the address written in Chinese, and don't rely on a name like Hilton or Hyatt to get you to your hotel: the Chinese names for these establishments are quite different from their famous global labels, which very few drivers will recognize. If there is a phone contact at your destination, note that as well: a mobile phone is the most useful navigation tool in Beijing!

Beijing cab drivers are honest, and incidents of drivers deliberately taking advantage of foreigners are very rare. Tipping in China is not customary and drivers will expect to be paid only what is on the meter, plus any road tolls. The taxi fleet has been upgraded over the past two years, and nearly all vehicles are now reasonably spacious and comfortable. Sit in the front if you want to buckle up: bizzarely, there is no requirement for rear seatbelts, and most cab companies rip them out.

Starting fare is RMB 10, and beyond 3 km the rate is RMB 2 per km. There are surcharges for long-distance and late night trips. Five minutes of waiting time equals 1 km of driving time. Keep the printed receipt at the end of the trip: it includes all vehicle details, which is invaluable if you have left an item in the taxi.

Avoid taxi touts at the airport, at bus stations etc. They are trying to steer you to unofficial taxis (known as ''black cars'' in Chinese). These have no meters, and while some Beijingers cheerfully use them, foreigners should steer clear.

Taxi calling number: 010-68373399, 96103
Taxi complaint number: 010- 68351150, 68351570, 68344238

Beijing Yinjian Industry Co., Ltd.
Add: 98 Hongtai Zhuang, Fengtai District, Beijing
Tel: 010-67227560

Crescent United Bus Co., Ltd.
Add: Mafangsi Village, Wangsiguan, Gaobeidian, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: 010-67366666

Tourist bus inquiry number: 010-87299990

Special Tourist Trains
Special trains head to major sites on the outskirts of Beijing, one of the most popular being Badaling. Usually, these trains depart from different areas. One-way tickets or roundtrip tickets can be purchased at any of the ticketing offices or travel services conveniently located in major streets. Tickets can also be purchased at the railway station, and may also include admission to the site. Weekend tickets should be purchased ahead of time because it is a popular time to travel.
The ticket booking hot line: 0101-65636733.

Pedicab
Pedicabs are probably the most popular form of transportation around major tourist areas or areas where streets and alleys are too narrow for cars. Most pedicabs can be found around the hutongs (historic alleys) near major tourist spots. Pedicab rates vary, and generally tend to be higher than taxi rates. Bargaining is a must before hiring a pedicab. They are usually used for short distances and recommended for touring certain areas. Long distance travel is not recommended.