Beijing, the capital city of China, has highly developed transportation system both for arriving at and departing from the city, and traveling within the city. There are two airport (Beijing Capital International Airport and Nanyuan Airport), four railway stations and dozens of long-distance bus stations in Beijing. For traveling within Beijing, subways, city buses, taxis, rental bicycles and tourist buses are all available. However, due to the high population, traffic congestion is commonly seen, which means, you might need to prepare more time if you are catching a flight or a train.
1.Air Transport
Beijing Capital International Airport is the largest airport in China, the busiest in Asia, and second busiest in the world in terms of passenger throughput. It is located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of central Beijing.
Transport from the Capital Airport to the City
a）The Airport Express
Operating Times for Terminal 2 and Terminal 3
T2: 06:35–23:00
T3: 06:20–22:50
Dongzhimen: 06:00–22:00
Frequency
Every 10 minutes during the periods from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 16:00–18:40 and every 12 minutes during other periods.
b）Hotel Shuttle
The best and easiest way is to go by hotel shuttle. Most major hotels will have this service. When making a hotel reservation, be sure to ask for airport shuttle service from the airport.
c) Airport Taxi
The legitimate taxis form a long queue outside the Arrival Hall, but taxis move quickly so you won't wait long. At the head of the line a dispatcher will give you your taxi's number, which is useful in case of complaints. The charge will be at least 100CNY, but pay according to the meter, which includes an expressway toll of 15CNY. After 23:00, you will pay more.
d)Airport Shuttle Bus
The airport shuttle runs every 30 minutes from early 5:30 to 20:00, and cover different routes, including Beijing Railway Station. It costs 16 yuan (about $2).
Although not in Central China, Beijing is probably the best-served city in China with train links. See our searchable timetable for details of over 200 services to and from Beijing. China is however a very large country, and train travel is much slower than by air.
For example:
Beijing–Xi'an takes about 10 hours.
Beijing–Shanghai takes about 14 hours.
Beijing–Harbin takes about 20 hours.
Beijing–Guangzhou takes about 30 hours.
Intercity Luxury Express Coaches: Coach transport to cities near Beijing is very convenient. There are four major long-distance bus stations: Dongzhimen (northeast; Dongzhimenwai Xiejie), Muxiyuan (south; Haihutun, Fengtai District), Beijiao (north; Deshengmenwai) and Majun or Guangqumen (east; Guangqumenwai).
4.Subway
During the build up to the 2008 Olympics, Beijing's Subway has been extensively developed from 2 lines to 10 lines.
Beijing Subway Map .
5.City Buses/Trams
City public buses run from 5:30 till 23:00 daily. Taking buses in Beijing is cheap, but less comfortable than a taxi or the subway. The flat rate for a tram or ordinary public bus is 1 yuan. Buses equipped with air-conditioning or of a special line are charged according to the distance. Few foreigners like getting around by bus, because it is always crowded, especially during rush hours (6:30-9:00 and 17:00-19:00). On some buses recorded announcements give the stop's name in English. Having your destination in Chinese characters will help. When squeezing onto a crowded bus take care of your wallet, etc.
6.Taxis
Though Beijing does suffer from congestion, its taxi drivers will find the fastest way to your destination. Bring the name of your destination in Chinese characters if your spoken Chinese is not good. See Beijing Taxis.
Pedi-cab is a good choice for sightseeing, especially for visiting the narrow Hutongs. You will find pedi-cabs on the street. You should agree on a price with the driver before starting the journey. Legally registered pedi-cabs can be identified by a certificate attached to the cab and the driver has a card hanging around his neck.
