Beijing Subway: The most efficient transportation. The city government lists 27 operating lines. Stations are modern and signs are bilingual. Frequent trains every 2-5 minutes during peak hours. Fares are affordable (low distance-based fares). Purchase IC cards (一卡通) at stations for convenient travel. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). English signage at major stations aids navigation.
Buses: Extensive network of over 1,000 routes covering entire city. Cheap (1-2 RMB base fare) but slower than subway. Useful for sightseeing routes. Apps like Beijing Bus help navigate complex system. Obtain IC card for convenient payment.
Taxis: Metered taxis with with a starting fare shown on the meter. Red taxis are official; avoid unmarked vehicles. Didi app (similar to Uber) offers safer booking. Negotiate fares for long-distance trips or hire hourly rates.
Bicycle Sharing: Bikeshare programs (Mobike and Ofo are outdated examples; check current operators and availability locally.) offer convenient short-distance travel. Beijing has extensive bike lanes in many areas. Popular for hutong exploration and eco-friendly sightseeing.
Private Hire: Book private drivers through apps or tour companies for comfortable, flexible day trips (price varies; agree it first).
Airport Transfer: Both Capital and Daxing serve international and domestic flights; check your ticket for the airport.Beijing Daxing has its own airport express, which runs to Caoqiao; use the current fare and timetable for your destination. Airport buses (low fare), subway lines, and taxis provide connections to downtown (30-45 minutes).
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to city center: