Quick Facts
- Opened
- 1 October 1969
- Operator
- BJMTR / Beijing MTR Corporation
- Stations
- 459
- Lines
- 27
- Daily riders
- ~10.0 million
- Network
- 836 km (world's longest)
- Airports
- PEK via Airport Express / PKX via Daxing Express
- Payment
- Yikatong card, Alipay, WeChat Pay, bank card
The Beijing Subway is one of the world's most extensive and rapidly expanding metro systems. Opened on 1 October 1969, it now operates 459 stations across 27 lines and over 800 km of track — making it the world's largest metro network by total length and among the longest by station count.
The subway is operated by Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp. (BJMTR / 北京地铁运营有限公司) and Beijing MTR Corporation. It integrates with BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), regular buses, and the Daxing International Airport Express under the Beijing Transportation smart card system.
Beijing's subway expansion has been extraordinary — from 54 stations in 2000 to over 450 stations today. Lines continue to be added with major extensions every year. The system serves the entire city including the Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Olympic Park, and both Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX).
The fare system is distance-based with a flat ₦3 base for the first 6 km, then incremental additions. The Yikatong card (一卡通) is the standard payment — a rechargeable contactless IC card that also works on all Beijing buses. Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at ticket machines and some turnstiles. Foreign visitors can also use the Beijing Subway App or purchase paper tickets at any station.
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is served by the Airport Express (Line 14 branch) from Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao, taking 20 minutes to Terminal 3. Daxing Airport (PKX) is served by the Daxing Airport Express from Caoqiao station, 35 minutes to the airport.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Yikatong card (一卡通) · Alipay · WeChat Pay · UnionPay contactless · Paper ticket (ticket machines).
💡 The Yikatong card (¥20 deposit + loaded credit) gives the same distance-based fare as paper tickets but is faster at gates. Alipay and WeChat Pay now work at most turnstiles — convenient for visitors with a Chinese payment app.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge — flat distance-based fares at all times — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Beijing Subway Lines
Key Stations on the Beijing Subway
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Yikatong card (一卡通), Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay contactless, Paper ticket (ticket machines).
💡 The Yikatong card (¥20 deposit + loaded credit) gives the same distance-based fare as paper tickets but is faster at gates. Alipay and WeChat Pay now work at most turnstiles — convenient for visitors with a Chinese payment app.
| Journey | Off-Peak (CNY) | Peak (CNY) |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare (0–6 km) | ¥3 | ¥3 |
| 6–12 km | ¥4 | ¥4 |
| 12–22 km | ¥5 | ¥5 |
| 22–32 km | ¥6 | ¥6 |
| Airport Express flat fare | ¥35 | ¥35 |
| Daxing Airport Express | ¥35 | ¥35 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Yikatong card?
The Yikatong (一卡通, "one card") is Beijing's rechargeable IC transit card. ¥20 deposit (refundable) + load credit. Works on subway, all Beijing buses, and some other city transport. Buy at any subway station service centre. Top up at machines, service centres, or the Yikatong app.
Can tourists use Alipay or WeChat Pay on the subway?
Yes — most Beijing subway turnstiles accept QR code payment via Alipay and WeChat Pay. You scan the code on the reader. International Alipay (linked to a foreign card) works at many but not all gates. WeChat Pay requires a Chinese bank account. A Yikatong card is the most reliable option.
How do I get from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to the city?
Take the Airport Express from Terminal 3 or T2 to Dongzhimen (Line 2) or Sanyuanqiao (Line 10) — about 20 minutes, flat fare ¥35. From Dongzhimen you can connect to all central lines. The Airport Express runs every 10 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00.
How do I get from Daxing Airport (PKX) to the city?
Take the Daxing Airport Express from the airport to Caoqiao (Line 10) — 35 minutes, flat ¥35. From Caoqiao you can reach most parts of Beijing via Line 10. The express runs every 10 minutes.
Is the Beijing Subway safe for foreigners?
Yes — the Beijing Subway is safe, well-patrolled, and has security checks with bag scanners at every station entrance. Signs are in Chinese and English (pinyin). Google Maps and Baidu Maps both work for subway navigation, though you may need a VPN for Google.
Which subway line goes to the Forbidden City?
Line 1 stops at Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West — both a short walk from the main gate of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). Line 2 stops at Qianmen, south of Tiananmen Square.
What time does the Beijing Subway close?
Most lines run from approximately 05:00–23:00, with some variation by line and direction. Last trains vary by station. Check the BJMTR website or subway app for last train times on specific lines.
Does the Beijing Subway have English signage?
Yes — all station names are displayed in Chinese characters and English (pinyin) on in-station signs, platform signs, and maps. Announcements on trains are in Mandarin and English.
Source: Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp. (BJMTR) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.