Beijing Subway: rich cultural heritage and modern developments, Beijing is a city that offers visitors a unique experience. With a population of over 21 million people, getting around can be difficult. Luckily, Beijing’s subway system offers a reliable and efficient way to get around the city. This article explores various aspects of Beijing’s subway system, including buying tickets, navigating routes and stations, understanding fares and prices, and tips for getting the most out of your subway trip. Whether you’re visiting Beijing for the first time or live in Beijing, this guide will give you the information you need to make your subway journey smooth and enjoyable.
Timing: Understanding the operating hours and peak travel times of the Beijing Subway Metro can help you plan your trip and avoid crowds. Here are some important things to know:
Ticket price
Ticket price for starts from 3 Yuan for first 6 km, then charged according to the distance, Book tickets on official website. Check more information.
Downtown Subway Prices: The prices of Beijing subway tickets are based on distance traveled, starting from 3 yuan for the first 6 kilometers (4 miles) except the Airport Express. After 6 km, the price increases by 1 yuan for each further 6 km until the trip distance reaches 30 km (20 miles). So, a 40-km (25-mile) trip would also cost 7 yuan.
Ticket Fare of Beijing Subway: It is CNY 3 for the first 6 km (3.7 mi), CNY 4 for 6 to 12 km( 3.7 to 7.5 mi), CNY 5 for 12 to 22 km (7.5 to 13.7 mi), CNY 6 for 22 to 32 km (13.7 to 20 mi), extra CNY 2 for every additional 20 km (12.4 mi) if distance over 32 km (20 mi). A Transportation Smart C
Ticket portal
Book tickets on official website. Check more information.
Beijing Subway Metro Ticket System
Subway Tickets Available
When it comes to purchasing tickets for the Beijing Subway Metro, there are a few options available. The most common ticket is the single-use ticket, which is ideal for one-off journeys. There are also reloadable fare cards, which can be topped up with credit and used for multiple journeys. These cards can be purchased at any subway station.
For tourists, there is the Beijing Transport Smart Card, which offers a 20% discount on fares for up to 60 rides. This card can be purchased from the airport or any subway station.
How to Purchase Your Beijing Subway Metro Ticket
Tickets and fare cards can be purchased at any subway station. The stations have ticket machines that offer instructions in both Chinese and English. The machines accept cash or card payments, making it easy to purchase your ticket or fare card.
When using the ticket machine, simply select your desired fare, insert your payment, and collect your ticket or fare card. It’s important to note that the machines only accept Chinese banknotes or coins, so make sure you have some on hand.
Navigating Beijing Subway Metro Routes and Stations
Using Subway Maps to Plan Your Route
Navigating the Beijing Subway Metro can seem overwhelming at first, given the size of the system. However, there are plenty of resources available to help you plan your journey. Subway maps can be found at any subway station, and there are also plenty of websites and apps available that provide up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
When planning your journey, it’s important to consider the time of day and the distance you’ll be traveling. Rush hour can be extremely busy, with long lines and crowded trains, so it’s best to avoid this time if possible.
The Layout and Design of Beijing Subway Metro Stations
Beijing Subway Metro stations are designed with ease of use in mind. They have clear signage in both Chinese and English, as well as helpful staff on hand to answer any questions.
Each station has multiple entrances and exits, so it’s important to make sure you’re using the correct one for your desired destination. Stations also have plenty of amenities, with shops, restaurants, and ATMs available for commuters.
Beijing Subway Metro Fare Chart and Journey Cost
Calculating Your Fare Based on Distance Traveled
The Beijing Subway Metro fare is based on the distance traveled, with fares starting at 3 RMB for journeys up to 6 kilometers. The fare increases by 1 RMB for every additional 6 kilometers.
To calculate your fare, simply check the fare chart at the station and find the fare based on your starting station and destination station.
Potential Discounts and Special Offers on Beijing Subway Metro Fares
As mentioned earlier, tourists can enjoy a discount on fares by purchasing the Beijing Transport Smart Card. Additionally, there are often special offers and discounts available during holidays and special events, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for these promotions.
Major Subway Lines in Beijing
The Beijing Subway Metro System has 25 lines, with Line 1 being the oldest and busiest. The other major subway lines in Beijing are Line 2, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 8, and Line 10. Each line has its unique characteristics, serving different areas of the city and offering various extension options.
Line 1: the oldest and busiest line
Line 1 was the first subway line to be built in Beijing, and it runs from Pingguoyuan in western Beijing to Sihuidong in the east. It has 23 stations, including some of the most popular tourist attractions such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.
Line 2: the longest line
Line 2 is the longest line in the Beijing Subway Metro System, running from Xizhimen in the north to Beijing Railway Station in the south. It has 18 stations and intersects with several other subway lines, making it easy to transfer to other parts of the city.
Line 4: the loop line
Line 4 is a loop line that connects with several other subway lines in the city. It runs through various important areas of Beijing, including the Olympic Green, the Summer Palace, and the National Library.
Line 5: the east-west line
Line 5 is an east-west line that connects Tiantongyuan North in the north to Songjiazhuang in the south. It has 23 stations and intersects with Line 1, Line 2, and Line 6.
Line 6: the north-south line
Line 6 is a north-south line that connects Haidian Wuluju in the north to Caofang in the south. It has 28 stations and intersects with several other subway lines, making it easy to transfer to other parts of the city.
Line 8: the Olympic line
Line 8, also known as the Olympic line, runs from Zhuxinzhuang in the north to the National Stadium in the south. It passes through several popular tourist attractions such as the Olympic Green, the National Aquatics Center, and the National Convention Center.
Line 10: the airport line
Line 10 is the airport line that connects Beijing Capital International Airport to various parts of the city. It has 45 stations and intersects with several other subway lines.
Beijing Subway Lines in Operation
Lines Through the Downtown Center and Tourist Attractions
Line 1: (East-West Line): Sihuidong – Pingguoyuan; operation Time: 5:05-23:30; main Stops: Military Museum, Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Wangfujing; transfers lines：2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 14
Line 2: (Circle Line): Xizhimen – Jishuitan: operation Time: 5:05-22:30; main Stops: Drum Tower, Lama Temple, Beijing Train Station; transfers lines：1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13
Line 4: Anheqiao North – Gongyixiqiao: operation Time: 5:00-22:38; main Stops: Yuanmingyuan Park, National Library, Xizhimen Streets, Xidan Streets; transfers lines：1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14
Line 5: Songjiazhuang –Tiantongyuan North; operation Time: 5:00-23:11; main Stops: Yonghegong(Lama Temple), Temple of Heaven, Dongshi, Chongwenmen Streets; transfers lines：1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 15
Line 6: Jinanqiao –Lucheng; operation Time: 5:08-22:49; main Stops: Nanluogouxiang streets, Yangzhuang, Pinganli, Chaoyangmen; transfers lines：2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 14
Line 7: Beijing West Station –Jiaohuacheng; Operation Time: 5:10-23:15; Main Stops: Beijing West Railway Station, Caishikou, Jiulongshan, Dajiaoting ; Transfers lines：4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 14
Line 8: Zhuxingzhuang –National Art Museum; Operation Time: 5:10-23:00; Main Stops: National Olympic Park, Guloudajie ; Transfers lines：2, 6, 10, 13, 15
Beijing Subway Lines Through the Downtown
Line 9: Guogongzhuang–National Library; Operation Time: 5:20-23:49; Main Stops: National Library, Liuliqiao, Fengtai Nanlu ; Transfers lines：1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 14
Line 10: Suzhoujie –Huoqiying; Operation Time: 4:56-22:58; Main Stops: Suzhoujie, Haidian, Huangzhuang, Zhichunli, Songjiazhuang ; Transfers lines：1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14
Line 13: Xizhimen –Dongzhimen; Operation Time: 5:35-22:42; Main Stops: Xizhimen, Wudaokou, Dongzhimen ; Transfers lines：2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 15
Line 14 West: Zhangguozhuang –Xiju; Operation Time: 5:30-22:23; Main Stops: Zhangguozhuang, Garden Expo Park, Dawayao, Beijing South Railway Station ; Transfers lines：9, 10
Line 14 East: Beijing South Train Station–Shangezhuang; Operation Time: 5:30-22:20; Main Stops: Chaoyang Streets, Fengtai Lu, Beijing South Railway Station ; Transfers lines：1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15
Line 15: Fengbo –Qinghuadongluxikou; Operation Time: 5:30-0:11; Main Stops: New CIEC, Wangjing, Haidian ; Transfers lines: 5, 8, 13, 14
Line 16: Xiyuan –Beianhe; Operation Time: 5:25-22:55; Main Stops: Bei’anhe, Malianwa, Xiaojiahe, XiyuanNew CIEC, Wangjing, Haidian ; Transfers lines：4, 9
Line S1: Jianqiao – Shichang; Operation Time: 6:12-21:00; Main Stops: Sidaoqiao, Qiaohuying, Liyuanzhuang ; Transfers lines: 6
Changping Line: Changping XishanKou –Xierqi; Operation Time: 5:45-22:44; Main Stops: Changping, Haidian, Xierqi ; Transfers lines：8, 13
Fangshan Line: Suzhuang – Guogongzhuan; Operation Time: 5:45-23:31; Main Stops: Fengtai, Fangshan, Guogongzhuan ; Transfers lines：9, 10
Yanfang Line: Yandongcun – Yanshan; Operation Time: 5:05-23:04; Main Stops: Yancun East, Dashihe East, Xingcheng ; Transfers lines: Fangshan Line
Batong Line: Sihui – Tuqiao; Operation Time: 5:50-23:22; Main Stops: Sihui, Baliqiao, Guoyuan, Jiukeshu, Tuqiao ; Transfers lines: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9
Yizhuang Line: Songjiazhuang – Ciqu; Operation Time: 5:54-23:22; Main Stops: Fengtai, Tongzhou, Ciqu ; Transfers lines: 5, 10
Yizhuang T1: Qu Zhuang – Dinghai Yuan; Operation Time: 6:10-23:00; Main Stops: Daxing, Tongzhou; Transfers lines: Yizhuang Line
Xijiao Line: Xiangshan – Bagou; Operation Time: 5:30-23:00; Main Stops: Haidian, Xiangshan, Summer Palace ; Transfers lines: 10
Beijing Subway Metro Pass and Fare Card
If you’re planning on taking multiple trips on the Beijing Subway Metro, you might want to consider getting a Beijing Subway Metro Pass or Fare Card. Both of these options can save you time and money, and they’re convenient for frequent travelers.
Details and Benefits of the Beijing Subway Metro Pass
The Beijing Subway Metro Pass is a prepaid card that can be used on all Beijing Subway Metro lines. You can purchase a pass with a certain amount of money loaded onto it, and the fare for each trip will be deducted from the card balance. The pass can be recharged at any ticket vending machine or customer service center within the subway system.
The benefits of the pass include the ability to bypass long lines at ticket machines, and the convenience of not having to purchase a new ticket for each trip. Additionally, the more you use the pass, the more discounts you can receive on your fares.
The Beijing Subway Metro Fare Card: Features and Functionality
The Beijing Subway Metro Fare Card is similar to the pass, but it has some additional features. In addition to being able to load money onto the card and deduct fares from the balance, the card can also be used on other forms of public transportation in Beijing, such as buses and taxis.
The card can be recharged at ticket vending machines or through the subway’s mobile app, and it’s a great way to save time and hassle if you’re traveling around the city frequently.
Peak Travel Times and Tips for Avoiding Crowds
The morning and evening rush hours on the Beijing Subway Metro can be very crowded, especially on weekdays. If you can, try to avoid traveling during these times. Additionally, some of the more popular tourist destinations, such as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, can also be more crowded during peak hours. Planning your trip accordingly can help you avoid overcrowding and make your journey more comfortable.
Navigating the Subway Metro System
Buying Tickets and Recharge Cards
Tickets for the Beijing Subway Metro System can be purchased at ticket vending machines located at every station. You can also purchase rechargeable IC cards, such as the Yikatong card, which can be used to pay for both subway and bus fares.
Using Self-Service Machines
Self-service machines are available at every station for purchasing tickets and recharging IC cards. The machines accept cash and some also accept credit cards.
Boarding and Exiting Subways
When boarding the subway, wait for the train to come to a complete stop before entering the carriage. When exiting the subway, follow the signs and look for the appropriate exit.
Transferring between Lines and Stations
Transferring between subway lines and stations is easy and convenient, with clear signs and directions provided throughout the network. Be sure to check the station maps and plan your route ahead of time to avoid confusion.
Future Developments and Expansion Plans
Beijing Subway Metro is one of the fastest-growing subway networks in the world. With the increasing demand for public transport, the Beijing government has ambitious plans for expanding the subway system. Let’s take a closer look at some of these plans.
Other Public Transportation Options
While the Beijing Subway Metro is a convenient and efficient way to get around the city, there are other public transportation options that you might want to consider.
Overview of Other Public Transportation Options in Beijing
Buses, taxis, and bike rentals are all popular transportation options in Beijing. Buses can be a great way to get around if you’re traveling to a destination that isn’t close to a subway station. Taxis can also be convenient, but make sure to only use licensed taxis to avoid scams.
Bike rentals are a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the city. There are several bike rental companies located throughout Beijing, and many of them offer guided tours of the city.
How to Choose the Best Mode of Transportation for Your Needs
When deciding which mode of transportation to use in Beijing, it’s important to consider factors like distance, time, cost, and convenience. Depending on your travel needs and preferences, a combination of different transportation options might be the most efficient and enjoyable way to explore the city.
Helpful Tips for Riding the Beijing Subway Metro
If you’re new to riding the Beijing Subway Metro, here are some helpful tips to make your journey go smoothly:
Advice for First-Time Riders of the Beijing Subway Metro
If you’re not familiar with the subway system, it can be helpful to study the subway map and plan your route ahead of time. Pay attention to the announcements on the train and follow the signs to make sure you’re getting off at the right station.
Ways to Stay Safe and Comfortable While Riding the Subway
When riding the subway, make sure to keep your valuables close and be aware of your surroundings. The subway can be crowded at times, so try to be patient and courteous to other passengers. Additionally, remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of walking or standing.We hope this guide has provided valuable insight into the Beijing Subway Metro system, helping you navigate the city with ease. From understanding the different types of tickets available to exploring the various transportation options in the city, the Beijing Subway Metro is a convenient way to travel in Beijing. Remember to plan your journey in advance, stay safe, and enjoy your travels through this amazing city.
FAQ
1. How much does it cost to ride the Beijing Subway Metro System?
The fares for the Beijing Subway Metro System are distance-based and start at 3 RMB for a single journey of 0-6 km. The maximum fare is 10 RMB for a single journey of more than 32 km. The fare for a one-day pass is 25 RMB, and a three-day pass is 70 RMB. Special discounts are available for senior citizens, students, and disabled individuals.
2. What are the operating hours of the Beijing Subway Metro System?
The operating hours of the Beijing Subway Metro System are from 5:00 am to midnight. However, the operating hours for some lines may vary slightly, and it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information.
3. How do I transfer between subway lines and stations?
Transferring between subway lines and stations is easy and convenient in the Beijing Subway Metro System. Simply follow the signs for the transfer station, and you will find yourself on the platform for the connecting line. You can use the same ticket or travel card to transfer between lines, and the fare will be calculated based on the total distance of your journey.
4. Is the Beijing Subway Metro System accessible for disabled individuals?
Yes, the Beijing Subway Metro System is designed to be accessible for disabled individuals. All subway stations are equipped with ramps, elevators, and tactile guide paths to facilitate easy navigation for visually impaired individuals. Wheelchair users can also travel comfortably on the subway trains with designated wheelchair spaces and priority seating.
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